Commanders Corner Greetings Warhawgs! I hope all is well with you and your families. As we approach the next wave of Joint Warrior training it is important for us to remember the core principles that our battalion will strive upon. First, I will begin with a summary of my Command Philosophy. 1. Mission Accomplishment. We must anticipate, remain vigilant, and
be prepared for any and all missions we receive, large or small. 2. NCOs are the backbone and soul of the Battalion and Army at large.
Without great NCOs, no mission will be accomplished and our training concepts will be useless. 3. Leaders (Officers & NCOs) must be competent, confident, and pos-
sess solid Army Values to be effective leaders. 4. Caring. Soldiers who know their leaders sincerely care about them and their families will always
give their best effort towards accomplishing the mission. Ensure that we take care of each other through exercising genuine concern and vigilant safety fundamentals. Also, be active in supporting our Family Readiness Group as well as our battalion’s community outreach efforts. 5. Maintaining. Take pride in maintaining your personal equipment, area of operations (BN AO), and your tactical and technical skills. Above all, ensure your medical readiness is green-you must be ready to support the team. Second, I would like to remind the great Soldiers of the Warhawg battalion on the significance of team building. The core principles mentioned above work together to accomplish successful team building. As a result, our strong team will be empowered to successfully carry out and accomplish difficult missions. Finally, I would like to comment on decision making. Always maintain situational awareness and make decisions based on facts and analysis. We have a challenging yet fulfilling mission ahead of us and our day-to-day actions will speak volumes to our level of preparedness and our professionalism. I intend and expect Task Force Warhawg to continue our legacy of being respected and admired by others and dedicated to training and preparing Joint Warriors to support the Global War on Terrorism. Thanks for the superb integration into the Warhawg family. I am extremely humbled, blessed, and proud to serve as your commander.
WH6 ―WARHAWG PRIDE‖
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Family Readiness Group The battalion is in the process of establishing its FRG. We will conduct our FRG Steering Committee meeting on 29 OCT 08 with the Company Commanders and their NCOICs. The first quarter (OCT-DEC 08) of FY 09 is designed for the FRG to complete training/re-fresher training for selected leaders, develop a long-range plan in preparation for the arrival of family members starting in January ’09, design/develop the Battalion FRG website, build family rosters, and conduct initial fundraising events with Soldiers currently assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas. We are looking forward to integrating all of our Soldiers and family members into our FRG!
To find out more about the family readiness groups please go to http://www.armyfrg.org and register. From there you will be able to access the 5th Armored Brigade Virtual Family Readiness Group website.
** Editors note.. This page is for the FRG if anyone would like to submit articles or photos please send me an email at alyn-michael.macleod@usar.army.mil or tfwarhawgpao@yahoo.com
5th Armored Brigade Family Day WHO: All 5th BDE personnel and family members WHAT: Opportunity for family members to visit sites where Soldiers work WHERE: Link Up at Renegade 251400OCT08, Bldg 1001 at Fort Bliss 1430 - Bus enroute to McGregor Base Camp 1515-1545: Tour REDLEG, SP 1545 to REDBALL 1600-1630: Tour at REDBALL, SP 1630 to COYOTE 1645-1800: Tour at COYOTE; BBQ at Westbrook, SP at 1800 to OUTLAW 1815: Arrive at OUTLAW Detainee OPS 1830-1845: Load Busses at OUTLAW, SP 1845 to Fort Bliss WHEN: 1400-1830 Saturday, October 25, 2008 POC: CPT Douglas, Shelia @ 569-9106; SGT Bluestone, Thomas @ 569-9059 NOTE: All 5th AR BDE Soldiers NLT 1000 on 21 OCT 08, report number of families attending to HHC CDR or 1SG.
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“WarHawg” roots out new commander Staff Sgt. Alyn-Michael Macleod, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry, ―Warhawg‖, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West
FORT BLISS, TEXAS – With the passing of the unit colors, Lt. Col Christopher McElveen assumed command of 1st Battalion, 360th Regiment ―Warhawg‖, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, from the interim battalion commander Maj. Mathew C. Beckstead here at McGregor Range on Sept. 5. Col. Francis V. Sherman, Jr., commander of 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West praised Beckstead’s accomplishment as the interim commander and welcomed McElveen to the 5th Armored family. ―He [Beckstead] did it with passion and vigor,‖ Sherman said. ―He took on a very difficult unit mobilization assistor mission …. made the personal contact with the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Warhawg trained them and got them documented.‖ ―Since 9/11 the Warhawgs’ have assisted the 5th Armored Brigade in training over 65,000 Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors for their missions in support of the Global War on Terror,‖ explained Sherman. Sherman went on to explain the Joint Force security force missions, the Air Force units, the Navy teams and the Army MIT teams the WarHawgs were involved with at Fort Riley and in Fort Carson. He addressed their deployment on key counter IED Defeat missions finished by saying, ―they have supported other First Army taskings and have all done this with professionalism and pride.‖ Beckstead thanked Col. Sherman saying, ―I would like to thank Col. Sherman for the opportunity he gave me. It is not every Major that gets to command a Battalion and so I truly appreciate that opportunity.‖ Also included in Beckstead’s appreciation was Warhawg Command Sgt. Maj. Henry McClellan. ―I would be remiss to not thank my right arm, Sgt. Maj. Hank McCellan,‖ said Beckstead. ―He was always there for me to bounce ideas off of and I can tell you that he works everyday for the benefit and well being of his Soldiers and he has been a tremendous example for me and an inspiration.‖ praised Beckstead. Beckstead concluded his speech by highlighting the extensive mission experience and high op tempo of his Soldiers. ―We hit the ground running and never stopped,‖ he said. Beckstead spoke of the over 319 days of deployment the Warhawgs’ had logged this past year alone and marveled at the fact that they were still going strong. ―There is one statistic that stands and shows what kind of men are in this battalion. There are 54 men and those 54 men have 117 combat tours between them,‖ Beckstead explained. ―The depth of experience is unmatched in any other unit that I have ever been in,‖ he enthused.
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In keeping with Army tradition, once Beckstead said farewell to his comrades and peers, it was time for the incoming commander to make his remarks. ―Col Sherman, I sincerely appreciate you affording me the opportunity to lead Soldiers,‖ said McElveen. ―I will remain committed to serving our nation with holistic dedication, to provide quality leadership, and to ensure we train and prepare units to accomplish their assigned mission in support of Global War on Terror.‖ McElveen concluded his speech by lauding his new unit. ―To the Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers ….. Your performance today is simply outstanding. I am extremely humbled, blessed and honored to be joining the ranks of a unit with such a rich history of serving our nation, which is continuing to grow richer through your continuous execution of training and preparing formations for the current warfighting efforts.‖ A distinguished military graduate of Benedict College Reserve Officers Training Corps, McElveen earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration while attending there. He then went on to receive his Master of Business Administration from Webster University. His military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Junior Maintenance Officer Course, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Air Defense Artillery Airspace Coordination Digital Course, and the U.S Army Airborne and Pathfinder Schools. McElveen’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Navy medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Korean Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.
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NCOs Battle for Top Honors Staff Sgt. Lisa M. Litchfield, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West
CAMP McGREGOR, N.M. – Competition is defined as the process of trying to win or do better than others, and six noncommissioned officers from the battalions of the 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West went head to head in the Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter competition here September 25th and 26th. Different from the boards of the past when Soldiers simply recited book knowledge in front of a panel of senior noncommissioned officers, these new "Best Warrior" competitions include tests of basic Soldier skills, weapons qualification, a physical training test, land navigation lanes, written evaluations and the formal board. For 5th AR Bde, the two days of competition included the PT test, written test, weapons qualification and formal board. The Noncommissioned Officer of the Year board will contain all elements of competition to ready Soldiers for the challenge of the next level of competitiveness. Master Sgt. Larry Townsend, 1st Battalion, 362nd Regiment, is one of the board members who strongly believes in the training provided by the competition. "I think it’s beneficial because Soldiers will know more about themselves," Townsend explained. "It gets them into the books, understanding regulations so as NCOs and Soldiers they know how to enforce these standards based on Army doctrine." The President of the board, Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Stout, command sergeant major of 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West runs his boards as a way to professionally develop his Soldiers and NCOs. "I think it’s very good professional development," said Stout. "It gives NCOs and Soldiers a chance to shine in front of their peers and to show their wares." Stout went on to explain the necessity to ―hit the books‖ so that Soldiers and their leaders can make sure they are "on top of their game." Staff Sgt. Dwayne Simmons, 1st Battalion 360th Regiment's NCO of the Quarter was honored to be representing his unit at the brigade board. "It’s good morale, it’s good competiveness," he said. "It shows a lot of morale to the unit and it helps you in the long run...it helps me 'sharpen my edge' on my military knowledge, and it adds a good competitiveness." Simmons also mentioned that he was appreciative of the perks offered to the winner, to include the excellent rating on his annual noncommissioned officer report. Not only is there the promise of professional growth and development, but the winner of the quarterly board also receives an Army Achievement Medal, a gift certificate from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, as well as other prizes donated by local area merchants. According to Stout, NCO's that compete at the boards are setting the example for their Soldiers and peers to follow. "It shows some of your professionalism," Stout explained. "You’re setting the example for other people so when somebody says, 'well, I don’t want to do it so I’m not going to put an effort forward,' what happens when they tell their Soldiers to do something that that Soldier doesn’t want to do? Should they expect anything else...probably not so it shows a lot to your professionalism." The professionalism and stamina of all competitors were tested and competitors agreed that the competition had been physically and mentally draining. However, as is the case in all competition, at the end of the day there is one winner left standing, and at the end of this competition, after the PT test scores, qualification scores, board scores and written test scores had been tabulated, the new NonCommissioned Officer of the Quarter for 5th Armored Brigade was Staff Sgt. Lance N. Ordal, of the 2nd Battalion, 361st Regiment 'Coyotes'.
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NCO of the Quarter Competition SSG Dwayne Simmons Congrats! “You have set yourself ahead by setting an example for yourself and setting a example for your Soldiers by participating in this competition.�
Photos by: Staff Sgt. Lisa Litchfield
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Warhawgs in Action
Warhawg Weapons Qualifications
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Warhawgs in Action
STX Lanes HAWG WASH, 1/360th Infantry Bn.
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The Combined Federal Campaign is upon us. The campaign begins September 24, 2008 and will run through October 31. The theme for this year is "Change for a Better Future‖. Fort Bliss' goal is $400,000. This is truly people making a difference in our soldiers and families lives. Each Brigade has a representative that will be able to answer any questions and get you started in the contribution process. If you have any questions please CFC Coordinator Janice Gamel 568-7088. View videos and the current amount collected at http://blissmwr.com/cfc/.
WARHAWG CFC Rep is SSG Alyn Macleod
Effective October 2 through December 30, Army Community Service (ACS; Bldg 2494) will extend their hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays to 0700-1900. After 1630, on those days, services will be limited to computer/internet access, copy/fax use and information/referral. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays business hours will remain 0730-1630 (with AER closing at 1600). For more information please call ACS at 568-1132.
HOURS EXTENDED HAWG WASH, 1/360th Infantry Bn.
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IMPORTANT NEWS FOR SOLDIERS The Army possesses several programs for our Soldiers and family members who may need financial assistance. If you are struggling financially, you are not alone. You can get help. Recently the economic news across the country has not been good. Consumer prices are rising. Real estate prices are falling. Foreclosures are up. Often this impacts renters too, who are forced to relocate when their landlords are forced into foreclosure. Military members face many of these same challenges. A new law allows the government to pay for some local moves when military members or their dependents are forced to move because their landlord is facing foreclosure. There are also a number of laws specifically designed to help military members when they face economic or legal difficulties. Legal proceedings can be delayed. Military members generally cannot be evicted unless a court orders it. Mortgages can be renegotiated. Grants or low cost loans may be available. If you are having problems making ends meet or are being forced to move from your rented home, you can get free, confidential help from a number of sources: Your Installation Family Readiness/Support Center can provide financial counselors. Your military legal assistance office can provide a licensed attorney. This web site will identify the military legal assistance office closest to you: http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php Military OneSource can provide financial counselors --24/7-- by calling, toll-free, 1-800-342-9647.www.MilitaryOneSource.com
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Hunting on McGregor Use of Fort Bliss for hunting or other recreation requires a Fort Bliss Training Complex Access (FBTC) Permit and FBTC Vehicle Registration. The FBTC Access Pass and Vehicle Registration are available at the Vehicle Registration Office, building 505 on the main cantonment of Fort Bliss, 915-568-1890 (0700 to 1600 hrs, M-F), at building 9438 A on McGregor Range Base Camp, (915) 569-9211/9432 (24 hrs/7 days a week), and at the Las Cruces District Office of the Bureau of Land Management, 505-525-4300 (0800 to 1600 hrs., M-F). Proof of hunter's education is required prior to obtaining a hunting access pass. Over-the-counter small and nongame state hunting licenses (NM and/or TX depending on which state you are hunting in) are required for hunting on Fort Bliss. The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club sells New Mexico hunting and fishing licenses to military personnel and DOD civilians. U.S. Active duty personnel permanently assigned to Fort Bliss may purchase a New Mexico Fort Bliss Special License that allows them to hunt on Fort Bliss property in New Mexico for resident fees. Active duty US Military members permanently assigned to Fort Bliss, but living in Texas can hunt on Fort Bliss at New Mexico resident fees. US military members permanently assigned to Fort Bliss, but living in Texas should apply as nonresidents. After submitting proof of permanent assignment to Fort Bliss to NMDGF, applicable resident fees will be applied. Applying for hunts off of Fort Bliss will be at non-resident fees for Fort Bliss soldiers residing in Texas, unless New Mexico is their home of record. Active duty US military members residing in New Mexico apply as residents and must submit proof of permanent assignment to Fort Bliss or other New Mexico installations as required for certain draw hunts. Most big game hunts in NM (including deer, oryx, pronghorn, and javelin on Fort Bliss-NM side) are through a state hunt draw system. Application deadlines for Oryx are normally in early February and the others are due in early April. Please visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (www.wildlife.state.nm.us) for more information about the hunt draw system in NM. There will be some limited special military-only draws for Barbary sheep (draw in Nov) on the NM side and oryx (draw in Feb) and deer (draw in Nov) on the Texas side of Fort Bliss. We will set up a raffle box at the Rod and Gun Club a month prior to each draw.
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DoD policy encourages Soldiers (including Soldiers on active duty, Reserve Soldiers not on active duty, National Guard Soldiers in a non-Federal status, and retired Soldiers) to carry out the obligations of citizenship, including participation in political activities.
Soldiers on active duty are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities. Violations of DoD policy regulating political activities by Soldiers may result in punitive action (Article 92, UCMJ – Failure to obey order or regulation).
Soldiers not on active duty should avoid inferences that their political activities imply, or appear to imply, official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement by DoD or the Army.
“Active duty” is defined as the full-time duty in the active military service of the United States without regard to duration or purpose. This includes: a. Active duty for training; b. Annual training;
c. Attendance, while in the active military service, at a school designated as a Service school by law or by the Secretary concerned; and d. Full-time National Guard duty.
A “civil office” is defined as a non-military office exercising the powers or authority of civil government, to include elective and appointed office in the U.S. Government, a U.S. territory or possession, State, county, municipality, or official subdivision thereof. This term does not include a non-elective position as a regular or reserve member of civilian law enforcement, fire, or rescue squad.
“Partisan political activity” is defined as any activity supporting or relating to candidates representing, or issues specifically identified with, national or State political parties (and associated or ancillary organizations or clubs).
PERMITTED POLITICAL ACTIVITIES:
A Soldier MAY register, vote, and express personal opinions on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Army.
A Soldier MAY encourage other Soldiers to exercise their right to vote, but not how to vote.
A Soldier MAY attend partisan and nonpartisan political fundraising activities, meetings, rallies, debates, conventions, or activities as a spectator, but not: (a) in uniform, (b) during duty hours, (c) when violence is likely to result, (d) when their activities constitute a breach of law and order, or (e) when an inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement by the Army or DoD can reasonably be drawn.
A Soldier MAY join a partisan or nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform.
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A Soldier MAY serve as an election official, if (a) such service is not as a representative of a partisan political party, (b) does not interfere with military duties, (c) is not performed in uniform, and (d) has the prior approval of SECARMY.
A Soldier MAY sign a petition for legislative action or to place a candidate's name on the ballot, but only in a Soldier’s personal capacity and if it does not obligate the Soldier to engage in partisan political activity.
A Soldier MAY write a letter to the newspaper expressing a Soldier’s personal views on public issues or political candidates, but not if part of an organized letter-writing campaign or partisan cause).
If the letter identifies the Soldier as being on active duty or identifies the Soldier as belonging to the Armed Forces, the letter must state that the views expressed are those of the individual only and not those of DoD or the Army.
A Soldier MAY place political stickers on a Soldier’s personal vehicle, but not large signs, banners or posters.
A Soldier MAY make monetary contributions to a political organization, party or committee favoring a particular candidate or slate of candidates, but not directly to a candidate.
A Soldier MAY participate fully in the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
An enlisted Soldier on active duty MAY seek, hold, and exercise the functions of a nonpartisan civil office as a notary public or member of a school board, neighborhood planning commission, or similar local agency, provided that the office is held in a non-military capacity and there is no interference with performance of their military duties.
A warrant or commissioned officer on active duty MAY seek, hold and exercise the functions of a nonpartisan civil office on an independent school board that is located exclusively on a military reservation, provided that the office is held in a non-military capacity and there is no interference with the performance of their military duties.
PROHIBITED POLITICAL ACTIVITIES:
A Soldier MAY NOT use a Soldier’s official authority or influence for interfering with an election, soliciting votes for a particular candidate or issue, or requiring or soliciting political contributions from others.
A Soldier MAY NOT, as a general rule, be a candidate for, or hold, civil office. This prohibition does not apply to retired, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers called to active duty under orders of 270 days or less. For more information on being a candidate for, or holding, a civil office, the Soldier should consult the applicable KCI (“Restrictions on Military Personnel Being Political Candidates”) and the Fort Bliss Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.
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A Soldier MAY NOT participate in partisan political management, campaigns, rallies, fundraising activities, speeches, debates, or conventions (except as a spectator in a Soldier’s personal capacity and when not in uniform).
A Soldier MAY NOT allow, or cause to be published, partisan political articles that solicit votes for or against a partisan political party or candidate, speak before partisan political gatherings, or participate in partisan political radio or television shows.
A Soldier MAY NOT make a campaign contribution to any other member of the Armed Forces on active duty or a Federal civilian employee.
A Soldier MAY NOT receive or solicit a campaign contribution on his own behalf from any other member of the Armed Forces on active duty or a Federal civilian employee.
A Soldier MAY NOT serve as an officer or in any other official capacity, or be listed as a sponsor, of a partisan political club.
A Soldier MAY NOT distribute partisan political literature or conduct a political opinion survey on behalf of a partisan political group.
A Soldier MAY NOT display a partisan political sign, banner, or poster at the Soldier’s residence on a military installation, including a residence that is part of a privatized housing development.
A Soldier MAY NOT participate in an organized effort to provide voter transportation to the polls if organized by, or associated with, a partisan political party or candidate.
A Soldier MAY NOT perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee during a campaign, on an election day, or after an election day during the process of closing out the capaign.
A Soldier MAY NOT solicit, or otherwise engage in fundraising activities, for any political cause or candidate in Federal offices or facilities, including military installations.
A Soldier MAY NOT sell tickets for, or otherwise promote, political dinners and similar political fundraising events.
A Soldier MAY NOT march or ride in a partisan political parade.
A Soldier MAY NOT use disparaging words against the President, Vice President, Congress, the Secretaries of the military departments, Defense, or Transportation, and the Governors or legislatures of any state or territory where the Soldier is on duty (Article 88, UCMJ – Contempt toward officials).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you have questions on whether you may participate in a particular political activity, contact the Fort Bliss Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.
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The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress — and enduring style of USO delivery — is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military. The USO currently operates more than 130 centers worldwide, including ten mobile canteens located in the continental United States and overseas. Overseas centers are located in Germany, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Qatar, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Guam, and Kuwait. Service members and their families visit USO centers more than 5.3 million times each year. The USO is the way the American public supports the troops.
EL PASO USO www.uso.org Building # 2408 Chaffee Road Fort Bliss, Texas, 79916 Phone: (915) 569-5644 Fax: (915) 568-2920 Center E-mail Address: usoelpaso@uso.org Yolanda, Castillo E-mail: ycastillo@uso.org Phone: (915) 569-5644 Melissa Ghikas, Program Manager E-mail: mghikas@uso.org Phone: (915) 569-5644 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday: 12 p.m. 6 p.m
Because of the current network capabilities at Camp McGregor. Soldiers will not be able to view Flickr on their government computers. This issue is being addressed and hopefully will be fixed soon.
Task Force Warhawg now has a flickr account for the Soldiers and family members of this great battalion!
http://www.flickr.com/people/tfwarhawgpao/ HAWG WASH, 1/360th Infantry Bn.
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Fort Carson Soldiers and Families
Need to know a number at Fort Bliss but don’t have a telephone directory Just go to http://www.lavenpublishing.com/ directory.html You can print off sections in Adobe for your reference or your leader book.
Commander LTC Christopher McElveen Sergeant Major SGM Henry McClellan Warhawg PAO/Multimedia Specialist SSG Alyn Macleod
Please send all submissions and PAO support requests to: alynmichael.macleod@us.army.mil
The HAWG WASH 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 1/360th Infantry
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