GLADIATOR PATCH CEREMONY
May 2011
P O C
F O R
Gladiators stand before and present arms during the playing of the National Anthem. 5 Companies await to receive their combat patch for in support of OPERATION NEW DAWN.
Inside this issue: GLADIATOR 6/9
2
CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
3
SPARTANS IN ACTION
4
OUTRIDERS IN ACTION
6
BLACK KNIGHTS IN ACTION
7
GHOSTRIDERS IN ACTION
9
T H E
G L A D I A T O R
A R E N A
I S
C P T
M A R I A
I G E
A T
M A R I A . I G E @ U S . A R M Y . M I L
THE GLADIATOR’S CORNER BY GLADIATOR 6 AND 9 The Gladiators are fully engaged at the vacation resorts of Contingency Operating Base (COB) Adder, COB Basra, Camp Cropper and Contingency Operating Station (COS) Garry Owen, stretching from Baghdad to the southernmost outpost in Iraq. With the exception of nighttime, the temperature hasn’t been below 100 degrees in quite some time – perfect weather to get a tan. Life is good, but it’s not that good. The Gladiator Troopers have not slowed their pace since arrival. In fact, we are working harder than ever to fill in gaps now that Soldiers are heading back home on leave. The fruits of our labor are definitely paying off. The Gladiators were part of a team recognized as having the most secure base in all of Iraq. Good news for family members worried about our safety! Also, the HHC and C Co maintenance teams were recognized for setting THE standard for motorpool safety operations. No one on the entire COB was even close. We have promoted one Soldier to SFC, four to SSG, and 13 to SGT and June 1 st will bring another 10 NCO promotions. This is directly attributed to our hard working 1SGs and NCOs who stay on top of Soldier eligibility, ensure Soldiers are prepared for their boards, enrolled and completing courses online and staying out of trouble. All this is accomplished while splendidly performing their combat mission. It is a true joy to watch them in action. Although technology allows us to stay in touch with loved ones and friends, we miss everyone back there on a daily basis. The roles that each of you are performing back there are demanding, we know and appreciate that every day. Our Family Readiness Groups are doing a phenomenal job taking care of families. And more importantly, families are taking care of families. I cannot thank you all enough for what you do. You make us proud! - GLADIATOR 6
Let me start by saying I am very proud of the NCOs, Soldiers, and Officers of this battalion. Our Soldiers, NCOs, Officers, and their families are vital to this battalion and without them we cannot succeed and accomplish our mission. We completed our first NCO Induction Ceremony on 20 May; we inducted 18 Noncommissioned Officers into the NCO Corps. Our guest speaker was the brigade CSM Ronnie Kelley, who gave a very powerful speech to our new inductees. Our NCOs and Soldiers are taking care of the mission, but they continue to work on their personal goals. Two of our Gladiators will compete at the Brigade Soldier and NCO of the Quarter Board on 2 June. These Soldiers competed at the battalion level and the competition was tough! Bravo Company had two Soldiers selected as the Brigade Warrior of the Week, which is attributed to the outstanding leadership of Bravo Company. We had several Soldiers receive coins for excellence from General Austin, LTG Helmick, MG Spurgin, and MG Allyn for their outstanding performance. Once again I am very proud of the Soldiers of this battalion. Thank you to the families for taking great care of our Soldiers. To my NCOs, continue to take care of your Soldiers and they will take care of you and the mission. - GLADIATOR 9
THE CHAPLAIN'S CORNER CPT (CH) James Souza A while back I challenged my son Derrick to a game of monopoly. As one who enjoys stirring up the pot, I started talking some serious smack. That Derrick was only 8 years old was inconsequential. Monopoly is competition at its highest level and I was going for the throat. “Derrick, I’m 38 years old and undefeated in the game of monopoly.” I stuck my finger in his chest and bloated, “and I’m not about to lose to you!” With steel in his veins, Derrick looked at me and spoke words that I will never, ever forget: “Dad, the bible says that knights don’t boast when they are putting on their armor. They boast when they are taking it off.” Silence I’d been verbally smoked by my 8 year old son. And though I won the game, Derrick walked away from the table with a well earned cocky grin. 1. I didn’t even know that verse was in the bible. 2. He was right. Talk is cheap. Show me what you can do on the battlefield, on the basketball court, on the monopoly board. I was reminded of Derrick’s wisdom a few weeks ago at an Officer Professional Development. LTC Vantress was sharing his core competencies for the battalion and described his vision for a Gladiator Soldier as ”a humble, quiet professional”. No need to trash talk. No need to brag about what we’re gonna do. Compete and complete. Let our deeds do the talking. Let our actions dictate our reputation. I love it. So far, so good. The job is getting done by Gladiator Soldiers scattered across COB Adder and throughout southern Iraq. There might not be a lot of talking now, but someday that armor is coming off.
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEWLY PROMOTED CPTs The Lieutenant years of an officer’s career help shape and develop them for the future. It is during this time that their senior leaders are a bit more understanding when a lieutenant makes a mistake. Upon promotion to Captain, there is a significant change that occurs. The expectation is that the officer is ready to accept increased responsibility with regard to the challenges of command or serve as a primary battalion, or in some instances, primary brigade staff officer. Congratulations to the following GLADIATORS for promotion/selection to Captain: CPT ADAM KRAMER CPT KYLE KRUG 1LT CHRISTOPHER PRANGE 1LT WILLIAM DURBIN 1LT SHELBY JOHNSON 1LT MATTHEW HEID
SPARTANS IN ACTION Another month of our deployment down and the Spartans continue to impress the Gladiator Command Team with their hard work. Those days of cool weather are nearing the end and we have finally reached the 100 degree mark. Still the temperatures keep rising and due to the location of Contingency Operating Base (COB) Adder, the only days where we don’t find the sun beating down on us is when one of the weekly sandstorms rolls in without warning. Despite the varying conditions, each Soldier is staying vigilant in accomplishing the mission. Our Support Platoon is all over the map and consists of medics, cooks, truck drivers and mechanics. Our Soldiers in maintenance are top-notch. They have instituted a program of 24-hour operations, ensuring that there is always someone in the motor pool to fix vehicles that go down on mission. In doing so, they have managed to not only increase the battalion’s equipment readiness level, but maintain it to near perfection on a daily basis. Their ability to look at a problem and map out a course of action has left the chain of command in awe. Their enforcement and adherence to safety standards resulted in the highest safety ratings from the COB Adder Mayor Cell. In addition, the inspection led to their recognition as the standard bearer for the entire installation when it comes to safety policies and practices. The Medics are proving themselves on a daily basis in a variety of roles. While it can be said that they must have it easy working in the aid station all day, the truth could not be any more the opposite. Our medics, on a daily basis, see patients from each of the four companies of the battalion as well as the battalion’s attached units. In addition to this, they are supporting Gladiator Soldiers throughout the brigade’s area of operation by providing combat medic support to platoons not located on COB Adder as well conducting missions with 422 MP Company outside of the wire. What can I possibly say about our cooks besides the fact that I have never met a group of individuals who are so motivated to do their job. Taken at face value, one might consider their job easy when you see them in the Dining Facility doing headcount at the door but everyone often forgets that they work shifts that cover four meals a day long before and after the serving time. In a world where contracts are about making as much money with little work in order to maximize profits, our cooks are the ones we trust to ensure that the food safety standards and regulations are strictly adhere throughout the dining facility and that every piece of food that reaches our plates is okay to eat. When they’re not supervising the contracted cooks, they’re doing inventories in order to ensure the resupply orders of food are accurate and we do not run out. The dining facility always has the freshest fruit and the cooks ensure outlying bases in our Area of Operations receive their resupplies. It’s a thankless job that we too often take for granted. Our transportation section, which is now known as the Anti Terrorism Force Protection section, may not be outside the wire, but nonetheless are vital to our security. Their job is to find and implement ways to constantly improve the security of the COB.. Their days are spent fueling generators, spot checking guard towers, conducting maintenance on security systems, and completing many additional tasks. They also have the unfortunate pleasure of being the section who has their office right next to that of the First Sergeant and I, so when a last minute mission comes down, we too often task them. Yet, they take everything in stride and relish in the fact that they have become the guys who are woken at all hours and are called upon to fix the wildest of things. The ‘Chemfantry’ platoon has set the bar high at their Entry Control Point (ECP). While their knowledge of the Arabic language leaves something to be desired, they have become proficient enough in their duties that the level of professionalism and respect they portray to local and third country nationals has resulted in the highest of praises. Since taking over, CPT Kramer and his Soldiers have begun implementing strict adherence to all policies that has slowly changed the way all ECPs on COB Adder operate. In doing so, they have not only ensured our safety from external threats, but ensured that the local national contractors on the COB who work for us, are the kind of people we should be employing. While it seems like Groundhog Day for us here on COB Adder at times, it mainly feels more that way for our MPs working up in Baghdad. Day in and day out, they are responsible for the custody and security of detainees who will soon be transferred to the Iraqi corrections system. Despite the pressures and scrutiny they face on a daily basis, the MP Platoon conducts themselves with such a high degree of professionalism that they have been singled out with accolades by multiple officers ranging from LTC Vantress, the Battalion Commander, all the way up to General Officers who oversee their mission. While we are proud of the work they do in representing the Gladiator and Spartan names, we are looking forward to their return to us in the near future. As with any unit as diverse as ours, there is always room to question if the Soldiers of HHC are working hard or if they are enjoying a low operational tempo. Please have no doubt that your loved ones are some of the hardest working individuals I have seen during this deployment. We in the command team appreciate all that they do on a daily basis to ensure that we can accomplish the wide range of missions given to us. We also appreciate all that you are doing to support us here in Iraq and support each other back at Fort Hood. -SPARTAN 6 and SPARTAN 9
SPARTANS IN ACTION (cont)
This is a picture of one of the many sand storms about to overtake COB Adder. This cloud of sand completely fills the air and with the addition of wind, has lasted up to four days!
OUTRIDERS NEWSLETTER OUTRIDER 6
OUTRIDER 9
I am extremely proud of what our Soldiers have accomplished within the past month. Alpha Company ‘Outriders’ have continued to display the quite professionalism and work ethic necessary to provide the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division with the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance required to accomplish our mission. Whether it’s understanding the intricacies of minute neurolinguistics used by Human Intelligence personnel, or the impact that surface winds have on Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (TUAS) operations Alpha Company Soldiers continually prove their technical expertise and occupational proficiency. Each Outrider Soldier is a contributor and critical member of a team that is unlike any other within the Brigade. While many sections deployed under strength, help has arrived and the Company has received six new Soldiers within the past month. SFC Armer, SGT Bangle, SPC Lee, PFC Cox, PFC Peterson, and PV2 Gallardo have all immediately contributed to the unit’s operations.
Outriders continue to show their technical, tactical, and physical abilities by competing for the Battalion Soldier and NCO of the month or Quarter boards. Our Soldiers have made us very proud by distinguishing themselves as NCO of the Quarter for two quarters in a row; SGT Madden winning 2nd Quarter and SGT Collins winning 3rd. Not to leave anyone out, SPC Acuikewicz was the runner up for the Soldier of the 3 rd Quarter. As the time moves on here in Iraq, Soldiers of Alpha Company also continue to make the necessary steps for career advancements. Every month, Soldiers are preparing themselves to appear before the Battalion Command Sergeant Major and a Panel of Gladiator First Sergeants to prove that they are ready for increased responsibility and promotion. For the month of June, there will be seven Outriders that will be given this opportunity. As the year passes there will be many more Outriders that will be promoted and the formation that we deployed with, will look different when we return.
Soon your Solider will be preparing for war using advanced techniques like the one seen below for physical fitness training. Although we can’t confirm, we’re pretty sure Rambo was doing this exercise just prior to picking up twin M60s and laying waste to an entire mountain community.
- OUTRIDER 9
Soldier morale remains high and despite being separated from those that we love, each Soldier remains focused on accomplishing his or her task and returning home. Many ‘Outriders’ have had the opportunity to recharge themselves during mid-tour leave and have returned ready to resume operations. During off hours, Soldiers have continued to seek self improvement by taking online education classes and conducting rigorous physical training. Programs such as P90X, Insanity, and Crossfit remain popular choices and provide the necessary muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance to increase Soldier fitness. Of note the Company will soon begin new physical training requirements outlined in Training Circular (TC) 3-22.20 Army Physical Readiness Training published August 2010. The updated TC focuses on preparing Soldiers for the physical rigors associated with full spectrum operations and incorporates lessons learned from past and -battles OUTRIDER 6 present, time-tested theories, and principles of emerging trends in physical culture.
BLACK KNIGHTS IN ACTION Bravo Company ‘Black Knights’ continue to operate, maintain, and defend the GREYWOLF communication network. With a portion of the company located at COB Basrah and the majority at COB Adder, we are able to maintain a cohesive organization. On a daily basis, they continue to work as a team and maintain professionalism. From working 12 hour shifts to assisting each other in obtaining network certifications, I am extremely proud of the Black Knights for all they do. Even while being away from loved ones, the Company’s morale is high and Soldiers continue to stay motivated. During down time they keep busy by going to the gym, utilizing the many oppurtunities that the Resiliency Center has to offer, and by taking college courses. Bravo Company even has Soldiers who are teaching classes during their spare time. SGT Alexander teaches Spin Class three times a week at the House of Pain Gym and SGT Allen teaches a Self Defense Class at the Resiliency Center. While we continue daily operations, there have been a few changes within the last month. The Black Knights promoted Staff Sergeant Kenneth Denmark to the rank of Sergeant First Class on May 2, 2011. SFC Denmark is the only 25E, which is an Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager, in Network Operations Platoon here on COB Adder. The Black Knights are also losing a great leader, CPT Kyle Krug. CPT Krug will be heading to 3-8 CAV to be their Battalion Signal Officer. He has been B Co’s 1 st Platoon Leader since July 2010 after coming from 1-12 CAV. However, as one great leader leaves, a new one emerges. 2LT Bee Vengthisane comes to us from 3BCT Signal shop. He was the Network Operations Officer in Charge at COB Basrah. 2LT Vengthisane will assume duties as the 1 st Platoon Leader and has been working with CPT Krug to learn all about the 1 st Platoon ‘Penguins’. We wish CPT Krug the best of luck in his new position and I welcome 2LT Vengthisane to the Black Knight family. -BLACK KNIGHT 6 AND BLACK KNIGHT 9
CPT Krug looking very disappointed in leaving B Co Black Knights
Newly promoted SFC Denmark with CSM Wallace
2LT Vengthisane is super excited to be a 1st Platoon Penguin
Hello Ghostrider Families! Needless to say, the Ghostriders continue to prowl the road in search of Improvised Explosive Devices, keeping our fellow Soldiers safer on the routes they travel daily. Charlie Company Soldiers located at Contingency Operating Base (COB) Adder, COB Basrah, and Contingency Operating Station (COS) Garry Owen have together cleared over 35,000 kilometers of roads in the GREYWOLF Area of Operations. We have continued to work with and train the Iraqi Army as well as interact with the thankful Iraqi people on a weekly basis. The mechanics continue to keep our vehicles in better shape than ever and headquarters is running things like clockwork. As most already know, the Ghostriders are primarily focused on for route clearance and what that actually means. So, what goes on when the Soldiers of Charlie Company are not operating the Buffalo, Husky, or RG-31? Family and friends back home rest assured, we’ve been busy. From promotions, PT, Soldier of the Quarter Boards and getting to know our brother Tankers better, we do it all. There have been several promotions since the Company deployed from Fort Hood. At COB Basrah, Karl Akama was promoted to Sergeant First Class after thirteen years of service to the Army and our great nation. These Soldiers have shown the professionalism and potential to serve in greater positions of responsibility and have disappointed no one. Despite their patrol schedules, Charlie Company Soldiers have still found time to conduct physical training and improve upon their personal fitness. Platoons regularly participate in Cross Fit workouts and planned runs around the COBs. At Adder, offered every Wednesday is a five kilometer run that always has a large participation from within the Company. COB Basrah also hosts a weekly ten kilometer run that Soldiers from second platoon regularly participate in. COB Adder recently held a half marathon that many of the Ghostrider and Gladiator family took part in. PT was a significant portion of the last Soldier of the Quarter competition. Soldiers executed an Army Physical Fitness Test, 5 kilometer foot march with rucksack, combatives tournament, disassembly/assembly of the M9 pistol, M4 rifle, and M240B machine gun, and attendance at a board chaired by Command Sergeant Major Wallace. The board tested Soldiers on their mental endurance while physically exhausted from demanding prior events. PFC Piperis proved to be a worthy opponent as he won the Soldier of the Quarter for 3rd Quarter board FY11 through his hard work and perseverance. There is a new addition to the Ghostrider family: Tankers. 1 st Platoon, Delta Company, 1-12 CAV joins us with the route clearance mission. 3rd Platoon at COS Garry Owen is also working with a tank platoon from Charlie Company, 3-8 CAV and 2nd Platoon at COB Basrah is working with a tank platoon from 1-12 CAV. They have momentarily left their tanks and 120 mm main guns for our route clearance vehicles. A squad from 1st Platoon, Charlie Company is working with the tankers, sharing their knowledge of route clearance in addition to the fresh new ideas brought by the tankers. They offer a different approach to our mission and how we operate as engineers and are a welcome asset to the Company. While we are excited about doing our jobs as engineers here in Iraq, we miss all our loved ones back in the states. Your care packages and letters are always appreciated and the support you all provide is more than any Soldier could ask. You are who we fight for and we do it proudly! -GHOSTRIDER 6 AND GHOSTRIDER 9
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING GHOSTRIDERS: Promoted to PV2
Promoted to SPC
PV2 CARNEY, ETHAN W.
SPC BOWMAN, DUSTIN B.
Promoted to SSG SSG ROBLEASALAGO, ANGEL M.
PV2 EVANS, TAYLOR D. PV2 HARRIS, DARIN D. PV2 HUNTER, CASSIDY L. PV2 JONES, JOSHUA M.
Promoted to SGT
Promoted to SFC
PV2 LEE, SEAN T.
SGT FARRELL, REGINALD M.
SFC AKAMA, KARL K.
PV2 LEVENS, BRENTON J.
SGT HUNTER, DONALD A.
PV2 SHOWENS, JUSTIN D.
AGCM- MARCH PFC ALBERT, BRANDON C. CPL BAILEY, SEPHEN A. SPC DANIEL, CHRISTOPHER A. CPL FIOL, ROBERTICO F. AGCM- APRIL SPC HAMMACK, NICHOLAS A. SPC DEVUYST, CORNELIUS J. SGT HUNTER, DONALD A. SPC REYNOLDS, JOHN D. SPC JOHNSON, DOXTON A. SPC DAVIS, ERIK E. SPC POINTER, CHRISTOPHER S. SPC YEATS, CHAD A. SPC STULTZ, ISAIAH T. SPC SMITH, MICHAEL A. SGT JONES, BRYAN J. SSG CASSON, JUSTIN B. SFC AKAMA, KARL K. SGT WADE, JEREMY R. SPC STRANGLER, MICHAEL V. SSG RIZO, DAVID B. SGT WHITE, RICHARD A.