Thunder Times A Bi-Monthly Chronicle of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team Volume 1
THIS ISSUE From the Top Current News
Pg. 1
Pg. 1
Frontline Frames
Pg. 2
Play It Safe
Pg. 2
Chappy’s Chat
Pg. 3
From Thunder 6
Pg. 3
Meet Your Team
Pg. 4
Commo Check
Pg. 4
155th ABCT FAMILY READINESS 24 HOUR HOTLINE 601-313-0155
Issue 5
April 15, 2018
FROM THE TOP Greetings from the Dragon Battalion! Our training experience so far in the desert of West Texas and New Mexico has proven to be quite a challenge both operationally and logistically. HowLt. Col. Rodney Bowman ever, as with any 2-114 FA challenge we face, Commander our Soldiers adapt and overcome like the professionals they are. The training we’re conducting here at Fort Bliss truly is an exercise in austere conditions. Without a doubt, our Soldiers and leaders are pushed physically and mentally, arraying operations over vast areas and complex terrain. Not only are we operating in a challenging physical environment but leaders at all levels are learning how to manage multiple complex operations. For us, the keys to success so far have been delegating responsibility to the lowest possible level, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in junior leaders, and allow-
ing those leaders the flexibility to manage operations within a set of guidelines. Our major training opportunities and challenges can be categorized under Sustainment of Field Artillery operations and Training of Field Artillery tasks. As most know, wars are not fought in a garrison environment. The reality of supporting the warfighter in this type of environment can seem overwhelming but our sustainers are rising to the challenge every day. So far, our sustainment leaders and Soldiers have processed pay, conducted logistical movements, and even replaced entire engines and transmissions all in an austere desert environment. As we are learning, sustaining our troops in this type of environment better prepares us to face the multitude of logistical challenges we may encounter overseas. And finally, to our families back home, my Command Sergeant Major and I appreciate you allowing us to train your Soldiers. It is truly a blessing for me to be able to take such a talented, well-rounded group of men and women to support our mission. Without a doubt our Soldiers are our number-one asset and we strive daily to make sure they are ready and able to take on any challenge we may face.
Dragon 6
CURRENT NEWS “Readiness is The National Guard’s highest priority; readiness to fight America’s wars, and readiness to secure the homeland.” - Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau U.S. Army Pfc. Denzel Mallett, an infantryman assigned to Company C, 2d Battalion, 198th Armored Regiment, provides perimeter security during the unit’s situational training exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 2, 2018. Situational Training Exercises are intended to better prepare squads and platoons for various portions of operations and augment a squad or platoon’s ability to execute battle drills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo Sgt. Brittany Johnson)
1
FRONTLINE FRAMES
Soldiers with 106 SPT prepare for a convoy live fire exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas (Photo by Capt. Esther Mae Utsey)
Spc. Nicholas Ware and Sgt. Clayton Kitchens with F/2-114 FA work on a M2A3 Bradley transmission. (Photo by 1st Lt. Damon Snow)
1st Lt. Nathan Smith with C/106 SPT teaches a patient decontamination class (Photo by Sgt. Haley Sterling)
Soldiers with A/1-155 IN conducts dismounted situational training exercises at a range near Dona Ana. (Photo by Spc. Jovi Prevot)
S A F E T Y
WATCH YOUR SPEED The offense of speeding defined is, “the operation of a motor vehicle at a speed that is greater than the speed specified by the law.” Speeding is more than just a legal concern, speeding is also a safety concern.
Consequences of Speeding: • HIGHER SPEEDS REQUIRE MORE STOPPING DISTANCE • HIGHER SPEEDS MEAN THE CRASH WILL BE MORE VIOLENT • SPEEDING REDUCES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A VEHICLE’S SAFETY DEVICES
2
CHAPPY’S CHAT For the past few months I have been studying the book of Mark. The literary style is an acquired taste and it leaves out some of the more well-known or popular stories. Biblical scholars believe it to be the earliest written of the four Gospels and the priCapt. Lavonia Winford mary source of information Chaplain, 106 SPT for the writers of Luke and Matthew. The presumed author, John Mark testifies of his understanding of Jesus’ life, ministry, and crucifixion through his own personal lens. As the 106th Support Battalion Chaplain, I believe that every Soldier and person I encounter on a daily basis is entitled to be looked upon as a Child of God and nothing less.
We don’t all have the same biological parents, live in the same region, nor have access to the same resources or education. But like the book of Mark we are all a collection of stories. As a Chaplain, I am privileged to hear stories of love and loss, stories of crisis and tragedy, and stories of laughter and forgiveness each time I lace up my boots. Also, like the book of Mark, we each are an acquired taste. There will be some people who don’t care to hear your story and others who actively listen with compassion and care. For the former type of people I suggest that you adhere to the second of the two greatest commandments stated in the twelfth chapter of Mark, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I am humbled and honored to serve with such a great group of Soldiers.
CH Lavonia Winford
Letter to the 155th ABCT Families from Thunder 6 By now, many of you have gone through the emotionally significant event of saying goodbye to your loved one as he or she left home to serve his or her country. I want you to know how grateful I am to each and everyone of you for the sacrifices you make every day, for our Brigade, our State, our Nation, and your Soldier. We could not be the lethal and relevant fighting force that we are without your abundant support from the home front. I imagine the next important date on many of your calendars is your Soldier’s pass before we deploy. The pass policy has been approved and released to the battalions. Allow me to emphasize the main purpose of the end-of-mobilization pass; to allow Soldiers to rest, reconstitute, and ready themselves for the long journey ahead. Command Sgt. Maj. Beasley and I know all too well that family is of the utmost importance. In light of this, we all must also understand that the mission comes first. Families who travel to Fort Bliss do so at their own risk. Battalion command teams will endeavor to protect forecasted pass dates, but they cannot offer guarantees or be held accountable for any shifts in dates as far as family visits are concerned. A common question that is often asked – why can’t we go home for pass? While I understand that it is more feasible to go to families than to bring them to west Texas, there are several reasons why Soldiers
cannot return to their home of record for pass: (1) the 155th is made up of more than 4,000 Soldiers, and the logistics involved with moving an element that large back and forth to Mississippi and Kansas would constitute a greater risk to our mission than we can afford. (2) The El Paso airport would struggle to meet the demands of that large an influx in such a short period of time, and I do not want Soldiers spending half of their pass driving to and from home. (3) The preparation for the major move overseas will be a significant challenge and allowing units to leave with the possibility of delays is too great a risk. Command Sgt. Maj. Beasley and I want every Soldier to have an enjoyable, relaxing pass – when the time comes – but we cannot afford to lose focus of the reason why we are here and what we are about to do. The 155th ABCT will be prepared for any mission that may be required of this experienced and combat ready Brigade. I want to thank you again for all you do for our Soldiers. We are able to focus on our mission because we know our families will become our strong support system during this challenging time. Family is key. That same support is strong throughout Mississippi and Kansas because of the sacrifices you make on a daily basis. I am forever grateful. Dixie Thunder! Robert D. Ferguson COL, AR, MSARNG 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team Commanding
3
MEET YOUR TEAM My name is Maj. Jason Prather and I am the local Inspector General (IG) with the 155th ABCT. IGs provide support to Soldiers, civilians, their commands, Family members, and the U.S. Army. Maj. Jason Prather The mission of the IG is to IG, 155 ABCT inquire into, and periodically report upon, the discipline, efficiency, economy, morale, training, and readiness of the Army. The intent is to assist commanders to improve the readiness and warfighting capability through directed oversight and training and to assist anyone in finding information or solutions for their issues. IGs serve as the extended eyes, ears, voice, and conscience of their commanders. They assist commanders by exercising the four primary IG functions: teaching & training, assistance, inspections, and investigations.
Check us out online!
@155ABCT
PARTING SHOT
While it is a Soldier’s right to contact the IG, Soldiers should use their chain of command. In many cases, leaders could have addressed the issues brought to the IGs attention if they were aware of the situation. However, if Soldiers do not wish to contact their chain of command, the IG is available to assist. Inspectors General strive to be fair and impartial fact finders who understand the importance of confidentiality. Soldiers should contact the IG whenever they are unsure or unclear of regulation, policy, or standard. If any Soldiers, NCOs, Officers or family members have questions concerning the IG they are welcome to contact their local IG. I can be reached by email or phone: Email - jason.h.prather.mil@mail.mil Phone - 601-209-7172 MAJ Jason Prather
Check out our Homepage IMPORTANT NUMBERS DEERS Enrollment - 1-800-538-9552 Military One Source - 1-800-342-9647 155th FRG Hotline - 1-601-313-0155 (Available 24/7)
COMMO CHECK! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
MAIL CALL!
The last recommended day to send mail is May 8. Packages mailed after this date may not be received by your Soldier at Ft. Bliss. Mail will not be delivered after May 18 and will be forwarded to Kuwait.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP! APP STORE & GOOGLE PLAY
Spc. Colton Moore with D/150 EN controls an RQ-7B Shadow during a training exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo by Sgt. Brittany Johnson)
PUBLISHED BY THE 155TH ABCT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE PAO - 2nd Lt. Terry Hill II PAO NCOIC - Staff Sgt. Michael Williams PA SPECIALIST - Sgt. Brittany Johnson PA SPECIALIST - Spc. Jovi Prevot
4