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Brigade Commander Colonel Frank Sherman is a native of Ware, Massachusetts, and was commissioned through ROTC as a Distinguished Military Student from The Citadel. COL Sherman first served with 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Bad Hersfeld, Germany as Platoon Leader and Troop Executive Officer. Upon completion of the Armor Officer Advance Course, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 73rd Armored Regiment as the S-1 and commanded Company C from 1988-1990, participating in Operation Just Cause. Following command, he was assigned to the Combat Maneuver Training Center, Hohenfels, Germany and served as an Armor Company Observer/Controller and Lead Writer. Upon graduation from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1995, he returned to Ft. Bragg as the Operations Officer for the 1st Battlefield Coordination Detachment, XVIII Airborne Corps and later as the S-3, of 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 73rd Armored Regiment. He then served two years on the C/J-3 staff, U.S. Forces Korea as the Theatre Operations Officer and then moved to SHAPE, Belgium to work on the J-5 staff as the Balkans Desk Officer. Prior to his assignment at Fort Riley, he served as the Professor of Military Science at New Mexico State University. In July 2002, he took command of 1-13 AR and led the battalion through countless gunnery and gauntlet rotations, NTC rotation 03-04, and a one-year tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During Iraqi Freedom, he led the battalion as they conducted combat operations in Northwest Baghdad, Iraq. He changed command in June 2004 and was then assigned as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G3 for the 24th Infantry Division, where he oversaw the training and preparation of four separate Brigade Combat Teams in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following attendance at the Naval War College, COL Sherman moved to Fort Carson in July 2006 and was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G3 Division West. COL Sherman’s military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, the Armor Officer Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island. COL Sherman holds two degrees, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Boston University and a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 oak leaf cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 oak leaf clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with 2 oak leaf clusters), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (with 3 oak leaf clusters), the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (with Arrowhead), and the Overseas Service Ribbon (with numeral “4”). COL Sherman also wears the Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge with one gold star, the Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
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From the Command Sergeant Major This is the BDE standard for the IBA and Ballistic Helmet/ACH. This setup is the required minimum for the IBA. TSBn CDR/SGM are allowed to add items to the IBA as mission requires. Soldiers are allowed to wear the Ammo pouch in lieu of a radio pouch as needed. The BDE S4 has the first aid kits and they will be issued at a future date. The helmet band tie downs are ran up and through the second camouflage hole on the helmet cover. (Counting from the front of the helmet) Until ACU items are issued, the camelback may be of any color authorized by AR 670-1. (OD, BDU, DCU, ACU) The items added to IBA may be OD, BDU, DCU, ACU. Soldiers are NOT required to go buy ACU pattern equipment.
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Potty Protection Plan—LSBN
$10.00 HAS IT DELIVERED TO A PERSONS OFFICE $5.00 HAS IT REMOVED FROM YOUR OFFICE $5.00 WILL LET YOU KNOW WHO HAD IT DELIVERED $25.00 INSURES THAT IT WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO YOUR OFFICE FOR POTTY POOPERS IT WILL BE PICKED UP FREE OF CHARGE POC SSG Earls 524-5774 MSG (P) Johnson 332-7819
A special thanks to Col Francis Sherman and his wife Anna for participating in the LSBN Family Readiness Group fundraiser and area beautification plan! (Photos by - Staff Sgt. Lisa Litchfield)
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MSG Brown Retirement Master Sgt. Charles E. Brown, 5th Armored Brigade, celebrated the culmination of his military career during a retirement ceremony at Manhart Parade Field, Fort Carson, Colorado on Wednesday, July 25th. During his 24 year career Brown has served in 15 units, five states and on four continents. His numerous awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, two Bronze Star Medals and his newest award, the Legion of Merit. The ceremony Wednesday included a speech by BG Anne F. Macdonald, Deputy Commanding General, Division West, First Army and Fort Carson. In honoring the retirees, she applauded their service. “All of them have led by example and left an indelible legacy, dedicating their lives to the defense of the United States of America,” Macdonald said. “They have served in peace and in war, through many good times and, I am sure they will tell you, some “extremely challenging” times as well. But no matter what the conditions or circumstances, these Soldiers always served with an eye toward their Families, their troops and their country,” she added. Now that his service in the military has come to a close, Brown has a new set of plans that he and his family are looking forward to. Although his service has come to an end, his sacrifices will live on in the lives of the Soldiers he has mentored and those he has led and been led by. Macdonald summed it up as she thanked the retirees for their selfless service. “You have answered our Nation’s call, whenever and wherever we needed you. I am truly grateful and our country is grateful for your duty,” she concluded.
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Motorcycle Mentorship Ride Motorcycle Mentorship raises awareness By: Staff Sgt. Alyn-Michael Macleod, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West
FORT CARSON - 5th Armored Brigade motorcycle enthusiasts roared in unison as 15 of the brigade’s riders came together at Elkhorn Lodge to increase safety awareness and conduct a 210-mile ride in a motorcycle mentorship day. This event was to increase safety awareness and kicks off the brigade’s new motorcycle mentorship program. “The brigade has not had any motorcycle related accident in a year” said Staff Sgt. Kenneth S. Allen II, Brigade Safety NCO and Motorcycle Mentorship Program Coordinator. “The purpose of the Mentorship Program is to establish a voluntary motorcycle riding organization where less experienced riders and seasoned riders can create a supportive environment of responsible motorcycle riding and enjoyment. This environment will create positive conduct and behavior,” added Allen. Before the trip began, Allen conducted classes on motorcycle safety and the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE). The classes included movies showing the consequences of not following proper procedures. Mr. Ronald K. Jost, United States Navy (Retired), from the Colorado Patriot Guard Riders, was the guest speaker for this motorcycle mentorship day. “Freedom isn’t free, but membership into the Patriot Guard is,” said Jost. He explained to the group that a common misconception about the Patriot Guard Riders is that only people who own motorcycles can sign up for membership. Jost said that a lot of their members ride in what he referred to as cages [cars] and still support the riders. “Membership is open to everyone,” he stated. After the safety classes, Allen handed out the 20 point motorcycle inspection checklist to the riders so they could conduct their own inspections. After the inspections and a convoy safety brief, the riders were ready to ride. The ride started at Elkhorn Lodge, and continued through north to US- 24 through Woodland Park, to Deckers, Colo. Once in Deckers the riders stopped for lunch and camaraderie. After lunch, the riders continued their adventure, arriving back at Fort Carson 210-miles later with no injuries or accidents. For Command Sgt. Major Joseph E. Stout, 5th Armored Brigade Command Sgt. Major, this was his first ride with anyone in the brigade. “I think this [Motorcycle Mentorship Program] is a good thing. Everybody gets together … and is taught a lot of good lessons,” he said. “I think everyone no matter what their level of experience took something from this today.” Allen said. “I was really looking forward to talking to people that have done a lot more riding than me so I could get tips and learn to do stuff the right way,” said Sgt. Henny Saud, one of the brigade’s newest riders. “Making sure I kept the right distance without getting too close to the guy in front of me,” was one of the biggest challenges according to Saud. Allen is planning on increasing the motorcycle mentorship program by having monthly meetings and a monthly ride, a concept that 5th Armored Brigade Soldiers embrace whole heartedly. “I really thought this was awesome,” said Saud. The “Dagger” Newsletter, 5th Armored Brigade PAO
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Motorcycle Mentorship Ride
“The purpose of the Mentorship Program is to establish a voluntary motorcycle riding organization where less experienced riders and seasoned riders can create a supportive environment of responsible motorcycle riding and enjoyment. This environment will create positive conduct and behavior,” added Allen.
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Motorcycle Mentorship Ride
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3/361st Change of Command The Mountain Warrior Battalion Welcomes New Commander By: Capt. Patrick Fry, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West
LAKEWOOD, Colo. - The 3rd Battalion, 361st Regiment, “Mountain Warriors”, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, based at the Denver Federal Center, changed command in a ceremony on July 21. Lt. Col. Michael G. Foss received the 3rd Battalion, 361st Regiment colors from Lt. Col. Nathan G. Smith who is continuing his civilian occupation and Army Reserve career. Col. Francis V. Sherman, Jr., commanding the 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, presided over the ceremony. “Soon after taking command in 2005, Lt. Col. Nathan Smith was faced with 30 percent of the unit staying on mobilization to support continued operations with the brigade and a post-mobilization attrition rate of 30 percent,” said Sherman. “He actively engaged this challenge with recruiting efforts to bring the battalion to full strength and mission readiness.” “Over the past 2 years the Mountain Warriors have done what they do best – they trained Soldiers to go to war,” Sherman said. Under Lt. Col. Smith’s command, the Mountain Warriors were reLt. Col. Nathan G. Smith (left), Colonel Francis V. Sherman, Jr., commander of the 5th Armored Brigade sponsible for training transition (middle) hands the 3rd Battalion, 361st Regiment, “Mountain Warriors” colors to the incoming commander Lt. Col. Michael Foss (right) at the change of command ceremony held at the Denver Federal Center, Denver teams deploying to Iraq, has sent Colorado. (Photo by - Capt. Patrick J. Fry) some of their soldiers to Iraq, and are preparing the battalion for another mobilization to Fort Bliss, Texas, to train additional units to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. The battalion consists of Reserve, active duty and mobilized Reserve soldiers. “The Mountain Warriors executed training of Soldiers going to Iraq and Afghanistan and have done it with professionalism and pride,” said Sherman. “As I look back on my command, it has been one of the greatest experiences in my life and I wish that I could start at the beginning again. This has been the highlight of my time in the Army,” Smith said. “I appreciate being given the opportunity to command a battalion, with such fine soldiers as we have in the Mountain Warrior battalion.” “In the US Army today we have a non-commissioned officer corps that is the best in the entire world. The sergeant is the backbone of the army and this is especially true in this battalion,” said Smith. “Without the dedication, hard The “Dagger” Newsletter, 5th Armored Brigade PAO
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3/361st Change of Command work and honest effort of these NCO’s and Soldiers I would not be standing before you today. They are responsible for all the achievements of this battalion, past, present and future. The NCO’s are the ones who do the tough jobs, training soldiers one on one, in all types of difficult environments.” Foss comes to command from Peterson AFB, where he served as a Reserve soldier on active duty as a Tactical Operations Officer and Intelligence Officer from 2003 to 2007. He has previously been an officer with the Mountain Warriors and the Executive Officer of the 244th Engineer Battalion, 96th Regional Readiness Command. “[Lt. Col.] Michael [Foss], we all look forward to working with you and trust that you will carry on the great work and reputation of the 3/361st Mountain Warrior Battalion,” said Sherman. “Saddle up, it’s going to be a wild ride.” Foss addressed his new formation saying, “I believe we have a great responsibility in preparing soldiers to go to war.” “We must set the right example by being technically and tactically proficient, have proper military appearance and bearing and be physically, mentally and spiritually fit,” he said. Foss has held many assignments including commanding the 994th Engineer Company from 1994 to 1996, and the 409th Engineer Company from 1996 to 1998. He began his military career in 1981 as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army Reserve with his first assignment as a Combat Engineer in the 367th Engineer Battalion in Fargo, North Dakota.
Lt. Col. Nathan G. Smith (left) commander of the 3rd Battalion, 361st Regiment “Mountain Warriors” hands the battalion colors to Colonel Francis V. Sherman, Jr., commander of the 5th Armored Brigade during the change of command ceremony held at the Denver Federal Center, Denver Colorado. (Photo by - Capt. Patrick J. Fry)
Foss holds a Bachelors of Arts in Economics-Business from Bethany College in Lindsborg Kansas. His military education includes Officer Candidate School, where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate, Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, NBC Defense Course, Ranger Course, Airborne, Combat Engineer OSUT, Combined Armed Staff School, Command and General Staff College, Remote Sensing and Geospatial Information Systems, and the Space Fundamentals Course. During his 26 years of distinguished service. Foss has earned two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, three Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, the Ranger Tab and Parachutist Badge.
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3/361st Superior Unit Award “Mountain Warriors” considered superior By: Capt. Patrick Fry, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – 3rd Battalion, 361st Regiment, “Mountain Warriors”, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, stationed at the Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colo. added the Superior Unit Award streamer to its flag on July 21. The ceremony was presided over by Colonel Francis V. Sherman, Jr., commander of the 5th Armored Brigade, Fort Carson, Colo. The Mountain Warriors execute pre-mobilization Training and Readiness Oversight, and post mobilization operations in accordance with the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) Model in order to provide trained and ready conventional Reserve Component Forces to Regional Combatant Commanders for the full spectrum of operations. “This battalion is representative of the total team concept in every respect. We have assigned enlisted Soldiers, NCO’s [noncommissioned officers] and officers. We are a multi-component training support battalion. We have Soldiers in our formation that are active duty regular army, Soldiers that attend monthly weekend drill assemblies and also soldiers that are mobilized and are serving full time,” Smith said. Today’s addition of the Army Superior Unit Award streamer to the 3rd Battalion, 361st Regiment colors recognizes the accomplishments of the Mountain Warrior Soldiers during a set time frame, 27 January 2003 to 25 January 2005. The Superior Unit Award is awarded during peacetime for outstanding meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission carried out under extraordinary circumstances. The unit must display such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart from and above other units with similar missions. “Many of our reserve Soldiers have served a full two years or more. They were away from their civilian occupations for the duration and were away from their families for extended periods of time, some served overseas many served here in the US. They trained thousands of Soldiers for deployment and their efforts resulted in the Department of the Army awarding our battalion the Army Superior Unit Award, which was awarded today,” said Smith. Mountain Warriors have trained, certified and validated thousands of Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Their ongoing mission is to train active duty, reserve, and National Guard Soldiers, sailors and airmen for the rigors of deployment to the Middle East and other theaters of operations.
Lt. Col. Nathan G. Smith (left) commander of the 3rd Battalion, 361st Regiment, “Mountain Warriors” and Colonel Francis V. Sherman, Jr., commander of the 5th Armored Brigade (right) holds the Army Superior Unit Award which was presented to the “Mountain Warriors” for outstanding meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission carried out under extraordinary circumstances. (Photo by – Capt. Patrick Fry)
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1/362 “Renegades” supports ASE 1-362 ADA (TSBn) Supports America’s Shield Exercise By - SSG (P) Demetric Jackson, BN S1 NCOIC
A Joint Homeland Defense exercise entitled America’s Shield Exercise (ASE) was recently conducted by Army, Army National Guard, Air Force, Air Force National Guard and a vast number of Government Civilians and Contractors at Tyndall and Eglin AFB, Florida from 30 July through 13 August 2007. The annual exercise, lead by the 263rd AAMDC (SCARNG), is the culminating event, which concludes the pre-mobilization training phase for Air Defense Artillery units preparing for deployment in support of OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE. The 1st Battalion (TS) (ADA), 362 Regiment’s Observer, Controller, Trainer (OC/T) teams lead the training for the 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery (FLARNG) crews during the two-week exercise. Through meticulous coaching, teaching and training on numerous drills, TTPs, and SOPs which simulated the real world mission at the National Capitol Region, America’s Shield Exercise served as a highly successful Annual Training event, as it focused the unit’s training directly towards assuming the NCR mission. Team Alpha led by Senior Observer Controller Trainer (OC/T), MSG Leroy Walker, spearheaded all 14S general knowledge testing and Avenger crew drills. MSG Walker stated, “What these Soldiers will do in the National Capitol Region isn’t duplicated anywhere else in the world; it is truly a prototypical system of systems.” SFC Paul Brewer and SFC Casey Reed, two of 1st Battalion (TS) (ADA), 362d Regiment’s OC/Ts, trained and validated 14 three-member crews, unlike the traditional two-man crew a traditional Avenger team requires. The complexity of the NCR-IADS requires highly trained and experienced noncommissioned officers and Soldiers to ensure success. John Printy (1-265 ADA) emplaces an RCU (Remote Control Team Bravo worked along side hand-selected OC/T Augmentees SGT Unit) for the Avenger weapon system, while being observed by nd rd from the 2 Battalion, 263 Air Defense Artillery (SCARNG). SFC Paul Brewer {1-362 (TS) (ADA)} during Table VII training Bravo team coached, taught and trained all 14J tables and tasks. SFC Kelvin Wells and SFC Raymond Reyes, 1st Battalion (TS) (ADA), 362d Regiment’s OC/Ts, drilled FLARNG’s 14J personnel on the intricacies and possible challenges involved with providing early warning in a sprawling metropolis, the complex and unique early warning environment necessary for Homeland Defense ties together both civilian and military sources of air track data.
Team Charlie, under the supervisor of Senior OC/T, MSG Don Murchison, oversaw all night engagements and ensured crews safely executed to standard all battle drills required to prosecute a target of interest just as well at night as they could during day time training. Team Delta performed split roles during the execution of America’s Shield Exercise, 1-362 (TS) (ADA) OC/Ts, MSG Townsend and SFC Lunger conducted observation and re-training of MANPAD prosecutions and Avenger crews drills. While SFC Huante and SFC Tuiteleleapaga successfully taught OC/T Level 1, training eight OC/T Augmentees from the SCARNG. These Soldiers rendered their expertise in the Joint Air Defense Operation Center (JADOC), assisting specific station crews to become proficient in their duties. Each of the selected aumentees has served on the NCR mission, previously.
SFC Casey Reed {1-362 (TS) ADA)} stresses the importance of accurate battle drill execution to a set time standard to 1-265 ADA Soldiers
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1/362 “Renegades” The quality of training that the 1-265 ADA Soldiers received clearly increased the unit’s overall capabilities, evident by the crew drill improvements and teamwork displayed during the second week of the exercise. The first week was a combination of individual skills, training, and classes. During the second week, simulations and live aircraft provided realistic scenarios to evaluate the timeliness and accuracy of targets of interest prosecutions. The training concluded with a Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Eglin AFB on August 14, with 33 Stinger MANPAD and Avenger System engagements. The first ever America’s Shield Exercise was a great success. The Soldier’s of 1-265 ADA are now prepared to mobilize, conduct Table V /VIII gunnery and execute a NCR-IADS mission rehearsal exercise in preparation to assume the NCR-IADS mission, the 1-362 RENEGADES, remain always ready – Training America’s Forces…
SFC Michael O’Neil {1-362 (TS) (ADA)} reviews Stinger target engagement procedures with 1-265 ADA Soldiers
SFC Eddie Lockridge {1-362 (TS) (ADA)} observes MANPAD dismount crew drills performed by 1-265 ADA Soldiers
SFC Lockridge observes hang-fire, misfire, and dud crew drills with 1-265 ADA Soldiers.
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1/362 “Renegades” Scouts lend a hand to Operation Santa Claus By Heater Wilburn—Fort Bliss Monitor
Elves may be associated with Santa Claus and the North Pole, but Saturday, Fort Bliss’ Operation Santa Claus found a few elves of its own. Members of Boy Scout Troop 37 worked through Saturday morning and into the afternoon, sorting toys Operation Santa Claus receives through various donations. The Scouts started with large crates and boxes full of different types of toys. Their job was to sort the toys into differ-ent categories, including stuffed ani-mals, girls’ toys and boys’ toys; count the toys and label boxes by category; and seal and stack the finished boxes. “We have our whole troop here today,” said Troop 37 Scoutmaster Jesus Beltran. “We’re getting the service hours the Scouts need, and we’re giving them a chance to help other children.” “I feel like this is a great thing to do,” said Troop 37 member Paul Nathan, 16. “We’re at Fort Bliss, and we’re helping out Operation Santa Claus. We’re help-ing other kids. How many people can say they get to do this?” “Hopefully, this can become an ongoing project,” Beltran said. “We’d like to be able to come in throughout the year and help out, fix bicycles and participate in the toy disbursement.” Beltran said letting the Boy Scouts fix bikes would be a win-win situation, as the Scouts would be able to use the experience to help attain the Cycling Merit Badge. “We had hoped to do some work on the bikes today, but there just isn’t going to be time,” he said. Providing service to the community is one of the guiding principles of Scouting, Beltran said. “Our Scouts have also been helping out at the schools lately,” he said. “They helped unload and unbox new textbooks and delivered them to the teachers classrooms.” The troop, sponsored by 1st Battalion (TS) (ADA), 362nd Regiment, has par-ticipated in several on-post activities, including taking on the rappelling tower and greeting a “Freedom Flight” return-ing from Iraq. “We think it’s important to have the Scouts interact with not just the El Paso community, but also the Fort Bliss com-munity,” Beltran said. The parents of Troop 37’s Scouts help make the community interaction possi-ble, Beltran said. “We get great support from our par-ents,” he said. “Our parental support is probably our biggest strength. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do any of this.” While the Boy Scouts provide com-munity service, Operation Santa Claus relies on the community for its success. Operation Santa Claus, located in Bldg. 1123, Baldwin Road, collects and repairs toys and bicycles throughout the year for donation to needy children dur-ing the Christmas holidays. Now approaching its 50th anniversary, Operation Santa Claus provides the toys to the El Paso Boys and Girls Club about a week before Christmas. To make a toy donation, bring toys to the Operation Santa Claus building or call 568-1010 for toy pick-up or more information. The “Dagger” Newsletter, 5th Armored Brigade PAO
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1/361st in Oklahoma “ Redhawk” flies to new mission in Oklahoma By Staff Sgt. Lisa Litchfield , 5th Armored Brigade Public Affairs Office
FORT CHAFFEE, Ark. – Crisscrossing the United States to conduct training missions is nothing new to the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 361st Regiment “Redhawk”, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, based at Fort Carson, Colo. What is new to these Soldiers is the role that they are now fulfilling as Unit Mobilization Assistors with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard. Redhawk Soldiers normally function in the role of an Observer-Controller/Trainer and are often found on the ranges conducting the very training that they are now tracking for the 45th IBCT. It is a different mission, but one that is equally as important. “Our mission is to assist the 45th IBCT in their preparations for deployment to Iraq,” said Redhawk Command Sgt. Maj. Louis D. Turnage. “We are assisting them in ensuring that they identify any shortage of equipment, necessities for movement, we are identifying shortcomings of personnel and assisting them to pass this information up to First Army,” he added. Turnage acknowledges that having the primary mission of an OC/T gives Redhawk Soldiers the skills to perform two roles in this new environment. “We can evaluate the Soldiers to ensure that they’re trained, plus we can observe to ensure that they are getting quality training and the standards are being properly met,” he explained.
A Unit Mobilization Assistor from 1st Battalion, 361st Regiment “Redhawk”, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, based at Fort Carson, Colorado offers some advice to a 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldier on the weapon qualification range. (Photo by 1st Battalion, 361st Regiment “Redhawk”)
Having another unit available for quality control and reporting purposes is valuable to the 45th IBCT points out Staff Sgt. David Parish, Redhawk UMA and Counter-Insurgency instructor. “It helps facilitate the 45th’s ability to train on the tasks that they’re here to train on,” Parish explained. “They focus on their individual weapons and on their individual and collective tasks, not on tracking their training numbers. That gives us the ability to track their training numbers, spend all the hours compiling those reports, formulate those reports and send them up to higher so they (the 45th) can just focus on training,” he said. As the 45th IBCT wraps up their training at Fort Chaffee and Camp Gruber, Okla., in August, it is not the end of the relationship between the UMAs and the units that they have been working with. In September, Redhawk Soldiers will liaison with 45th IBCT Soldiers back at their home stations where they will continue to observe training standards and evaluate classes. During this time period however, they will also lend their expertise to assisting with and identifying issues associated with the packing and shipping of equipment to
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1/361st in Oklahoma Iraq so that it arrives in a timely manner. After completing pre-mobilization training, the Soldiers of the 45th will make the transition to their mobilization station. As they arrive at Fort Bliss, they will again find familiar faces awaiting them as the Redhawk UMAs will join 5th Armored Brigade as the lead training brigade on the ground at McGregor Range, El Paso, Texas. Following Soldiers throughout their pre-mobilization training is something new to the Redhawk UMAs, but a role that Turnage finds helpful for the deploying Soldiers. “You become family...The commanders go up to their UMAs and they start asking them the hard questions on ‘how do we get better?’ or ‘what do I need to expect when I get over in country?’” Turnage explained. “They want our help now and that’s what makes it good. That’s what will make it good when you go to the deployment site is that they have that familiar face. If they are unfamiliar or not sure what they should be doing, they know they have someone they can go talk to and get the straight up answer to help them out,” he concluded. Advising, mentoring, training, evaluating. It’s what Redhawk was trained for; it’s what Redhawk does best.
Unit Mobilization Assistors from 1st Battalion, 361st Regiment “Redhawk”, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, answers questions from a weapon qualification range officer in charge during the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team weapon qualifications.
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Organizational Day Photos
5th Armored Brigade Soldiers participate in Organizational Day at Turkey Creek Ranch in Colorado Springs, Colorado on August 17, 2007.
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Organizational Day Photos
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Coming Next Issue: Prepare to go South for the Winter Commander Col. Francis V. Sherman, Jr. Command Sergeant Major CSM Joseph E. Stout
Please send all submissions and PAO support requests please email:
Public Affairs Officer CPT Patrick Fry
alyn-michael.macleod@usar.army.mil
Photojournalist SSG Lisa M. Litchfield Multimedia SSG Alyn-Michael MacLeod
The DAGGER DETAILS is an authorized unofficial Army newspaper published monthly under provisions of AR 360-1 . Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. Contributions from readers are solicited, but publication depends on judgment of the editor. No payment will be made for contributions. Submissions made by the 10th of the month will be added to the next issue. Any questions or comments email alyn-michael.macleod@usar.army.mil Published by the Dagger Public Affairs Office
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