Bulgebuster - Summer 2011 by 75th Training Command (Army Reserve) - Official

The Bulge Buster Summer 2011

Division Commander Maj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Belanger Public Affairs Officer Maj. Mark Williford (Deployed) Senior Public Affairs NCO Master Sgt. Dave Tompson Editor Staff Sgt. Danial Lisarelli Staff Sgt. Les Taranto Spc. Omari Simpson Spc. Chelsey Goebel Layout & Design Spc. Brent Uebel The Bulge Buster is published twice a year in the interest of all personnel of the 75th Mission Command Training Division (MCTD). It is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 25-30. It is written, edited and published by the Public Affairs Office, 75th MCTD ATTN: AFKR-TTX-PAO, 14555 Scholl St., Houston, TX 77034, phone 832-380-7072/7071, fax 832-380-7036. Editorial views and the opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the Department of Defense,Dept. of the Army or the HQ 75th DIV (MCTD). Use of the pronoun “he” and its forms are used by The Buglebuster to include both masculine and feminine gender. Contributions of material are welcomed. Email comments and story ideas to TSD075bulgebuster@usar.army.mil. The editor reserves the right to edit submitted copy for clarity and propriety. With the exception of copyrighted or syndicated materials and photographs (other than U.S. Army), all materials may be printed without permission if applicable credit is given the author or contributor. The publication may be viewed at www.armyreserves.army.mil/75th.

TheBulge

Buster DEPARTMENTS

Division Map Commanding General’s Column Command Sergeant Major’s Column Division History

2 4-5 6 7-9

Joint Reserve Center and 75th Division Commanders

10-11

Command Group - Former and Current

12-13

Coordinating Staff/ HHC/ Special Staff

14-23

Mission Command Training Brigades

24-33

Best Warrior Compitition/ AFRICOM Mission

34-35

75th Division at NASA

36-37

Excellence in Safety

Organizational Chart

Commanding General’s

t has been a distinct honor and privilege to command the 75th Division these past three years. My wife, Cirella and I have enjoyed working with the professionals you are in what is one of the top performing two-star commands in the Army Reserve. I would like to thank Lieutenant General Jack C. Stultz, Commanding General, United States Army Reserve Command (USARC) for his trust and confidence in me to command the 75th Division. he Division has accomplished so much in the past three years that I could not list them all in this short article but would like to highlight a few. You all certainly contributed to the success of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn in a huge manner by conducting your training mission everyday in an outstanding and professional manner. The Division trained over 430 deploying battalion, expeditionary sustainment commands, and brigade or equivalents over the past 36 months in a superior manner. Laudatory comments were received by Active, Reserve, Na-

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tional Guard and senior mentor general officers on your superb performance at all First Army mobilization training centers. ver 130 of you mobilized and deployed from the CONUS Replacement Center (CRC) out of Fort Benning, Georgia to work on the staff of the Multi-National Security Transition Command (MNSTC-I) later renamed US Forces-Iraq (Advise and Train) in Baghdad(Victory Base, International Zone, Joint Base Shield), Camp Taji and other locations. You performed superbly over there. Over 150 of you were mobilized as either cross-leveled soldiers or augmentees to serve in both Iraq and Afghanistan, same story, outstanding performance. During two USARC battle focus readiness reviews in 2009 and 2010 presided by the USARC Deputy Commanding Generals, by Major Generals Alan Bell and Ron Sholar, your readiness metrics were well above that MG Eldon P. Regua of you peer two-star commands. Congratulations. n the safety area, the Division had the worst safety program in the

raining is everything and everything is training.”

75th MCTD Commander Maj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua

USARC as I received a hand-written note in October 2008 from MG Bell expressing his displeasure on a USARC safety inspection. You rose to the task as the 75th was awarded the Level I Safety Award from LTG Stultz this past May as the top major subordinate command safety program in the entire USARC in Training Year 2010. The Division was also awarded a safety streamer another superb performance in 2009. Thank you for all your hard work. ith respect to the number of qualified battle staff noncommissioned officers, the division went from 65 to over 300. Fantastic numbers, but more importantly, these BSNCOs are training NCOs of deploying units on battle staff operations. In 2010, you introduced Virtual Battle Space (VBS)-2 training which is

Column individual, squad and platoon simulations to our client units at Fort Hood, Fort Hunter Liggett and Fort McCoy in an outstanding manner. The young soldiers love this training. I challenge you to continue this type training given the reduction of resources in the coming years. he Division soldiers also participated in a number of overseas missions to include theater security cooperation missions in Africa Command, the newest of the combatant commands. Keep up the great work here and I am sure the other COCOMS will be calling on the 75th Division for training missions and exercises. The Division excelled in the conduct of the Army Reserve Warrior Exercises and Combat Support Training exercises, respectively. You applied your mission command expertise to train battalion and brigade staffs on their commander’s training objectives (CTO’s). The Division because of all your great operational work will officially be renamed the 75th Training Division (Mission Command) on 1 October 2011. Why “Mission Command”. Easy, the term “Mis-

sion Command” entails so much more than just Battle Command to include command and control, the element of “Design” and other new concepts which have been derived as a result of being at war for almost 10 years. I ask you to study it, practice it and embrace it. Soon, the 75th will emulate all that “Mission Command” entails. n the area of Family Readiness Groups (FRG), you continue to build the number of FRG volunteers at each unit for which I and my wife, Cirella thank you. We need to take care of our Soldiers’ Families and not for-

dy; Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Paul Belanger, the Division senior enlisted leader will retire next month in August. Thanks CSM for all your support. To the current brigade commanders, Brigadier Generals Mark McQueen, Karlynn O’Shaughnessy, John Hanley, Eddie Chesnut and Megan Tatu, thank you and Godspeed as you continue to lead 75th Division Soldiers. want to congratulate and pass on my best wishes to the command team of Brigadier General (Promotable) Jimmie Jay and Rosemary Wells. I am confident that they will build on the successes of the 75th Division to even greater heights of readiness and performance.

conclusion, Cirella and I ask that God bless you and get about meeting their needs months your Families and may God bless the after redeployment. United States of America. gain, it has been a pleasure to work with such great warriorcitizens of the 75th, my battle bud-

Make Ready!

Command Sergeant Major’s Column

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last few years and I am hopeful that I rders have been in a small way contributed to that sucreceived assigning cess. me to a new duty. I There are not many jobs in America tomust depart immediately. I have never day that can compare to the emotions appreciated any other military assign- of leading Soldiers in harm’s way. I ment so much as I appreciate the ophave been blessed over the years to portunity that I have had to serve with have a great family support. Throughout my career they you. I have never so oday, the have supported me thoroughly enjoyed division has any other service. I over 300 fully-trained in every way possible. The debt I owe feel that with you I Battle Staff NCOs them is beyond payhave rendered to my who daily provide ment. Without them, Country the most im- our Nation’s deployI would not be where portant and the most ing units with the effective service of necessary training in I am today. my career…” hen I asTactical Operations sumed the he above is from Center operations to Maj. Gen. Ray fight, win and survive position of division Command Sergeant E. Porter’s farewell on the battlefield.” address to the SolMajor, the 75th had diers of the 75th Division dated June, about 65 trained Battle Staff NCOs, 4 1945. I could not have said it any many of whom were not in a Battle better. I retire from the Army effec- Staff position. For a division whose tive August 10, 2011 after almost 40 primary responsibility and mandate years of service. In that time, I have was to provide Battle Staff training, seen active duty in the Marine Corps, this was unacceptable. Today, the dia member of the Marine Reserve, and vision has over 300 fully-trained BatNevada National Guard, finally end- tle Staff NCOs who daily provide our ing in the Army Reserve. I have been Nation’s deploying units with the necstationed from Camp Lejeune, N.C. essary training in Tactical Operations to Camp Parks, Calif. I have been to Center operations to fight, win and Southeast Asia and Southwest Asia. I survive on the battlefield. I am jushave trained in the jungles of Panama tifiably proud of all of you who have and the desert of New Mexico. I have made that accomplishment a reality. had the privilege of serving with some In addition, there have been over 240 of the greatest citizens this country has enlisted promotions, 18 of those were produced. Ending one’s career as the to the highest enlisted rank of sergeant Command Sergeant Major of the Ar- major. my’s only Mission Command Training nd so, not only in ending my Division is probably, no is the singular tenure with the 75th Division most memorable achievement in my but in ending my career with the Army career. I am very proud of the success “I leave you knowing that neither as a that we as a division have had over the division nor as individuals, neither in

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75th MCTD CSM CSM Paul Belanger

war nor in peace will you ever accept failure or be content with mediocre performance of your tasks. I shall follow with pride and pleasure your future achievements in this war and the active leadership which I confidently expect you to assume in civil life when you have returned to your homes. I shall always be glad to hear from any of you and I do hope that none of you will ever fail to visit me when you are in a position to do so. Happy memories of our months together will brighten the remaining days of my life.” (Excerpt from Maj. Gen. Porter’s farewell address, 1945) God Bless you and our great Nation and all the men and women who wear a uniform today and the families that support them. “MAKE READY” Paul Belanger Command Sergeant Major 75th Mission Command Training Division

Division Histor y T

he history of the 75th Division extends back to the combat days of World War II as the 75th Infantry Division. April 1943: The unit activated as the 75th Infantry Division at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri with an authorized strength of 15,514. April 1944: The 4th Army Commander recognizes the division with a better than satisfactory rating for their performance in the Louisiana Field Maneuvers. November 1944: 75th Infantry Division deploys via ship to England. rdennes Campaign December 1944: The unit moved from England to France and found itself a part of the Ardennes Campaign, or the “Battle of the Bulge” as it is more commonly known. January 1945: Units of the 75th Division, attached to 3rd Armor Division, make contact with the enemy near Ocquier, Belgium. On the 15th of that month, the division had its bloodiest day of combat. During the entire month, there were 465 killed and 1707 wounded in action. he Colmar Campaign February 1945: The division was assigned to the 7th Army and boarded trains for Alsace, France. The division secured the North and East flank of the city, and was part of the effort to finally push the Germans out of France.

he Battle of the Ruhr February 1945: The division deployed to Holland as part of the VIII Corps of the Second British Army. The division was in 3 countries and assigned to 4 Army Groups in a short 10 week period. March 1945: The battle of the Ruhr would last from 31 March until 15 April. ost-VE Day May 8, 1945: The 75th Infantry Division assumed security and military government duties in Westphalia, Germany. For its participation in WWII, unit members received 4 Distinguished Service Crosses, 193 Silver Stars, 7 Legion of Merits, 30 Soldier’s Medals, and 1,321 Bronze Star Medals. The Division suffered numerous casualties, including 817 Soldiers killed in action, 3,314 wounded in action, and 111 who died from their wounds.

Left: Just before the Battle of the Ruhr, 31 March - 15 April 1945, the 75th Division attacked the last strip of land held by the Nazis on the west banks of the Ruhr and Maas Rivers. Here CPT Bogardus briefs soldiers of C Company, 291st REGT, 75th Division, just before leaving the command post in Beegden, Holland for a patrol.

ost-WWII History November 1950: The 75th Infantry Division re-activated as an Army Reserve Division at Houston, Texas. February 1952: The 75th Division was allotted to the Organized Reserve Corps. 1955: The Department of the Army (DA) deactivated the Division except for a Headquarters (HQ) and Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC). This became the origin of the 75th Maneuver Area Command (MAC). February 1957: DA designated the unit the 75th MAC, one of two prototype units. The original mission of the MAC was to train commanders and staffs of Battalion thru Corps level units. The 75th MAC continues to grow and accepts new training responsibilities like furnishing umpires and controllers for command post and field training exercises. The 4th Army gave the 75th MAC the responsibility to perform Army Training Tests and Command Post Exercises at platoon level.

1967: The 75th MAC administers “Blue Flag Alpha” to the 36th Infantry Brigade, Texas National Guard. 1969: The 75th MAC performed exercises across the country from Fort Lee, Va. to Fort Irwin, Calif. involving more than 9,000 Soldiers. 1973: DA initiates the “Total Force Concept” in which the 75th MAC is a key player. The MAC trains newly-developed Military Training Commands. 1977: The 75th MAC began con-

ducting computer-based exercises. Computer-assisted map exercises were one of the first simulations conducted. 1980: The 75th MAC moved fully into the computer age using microcomputers and modern communications equipment. 1983: Ground breaking for the new Sergeant Major (SGM) Macario Garcia Reserve Center in Houston on Old

Spanish Trail. 1989: The 75th MAC received Army-wide recognition with the development of a Battle Projection Center. The unit wins an Army Communities of Excellence Award. 1990 and 1991: The 75th MAC trained units for deployment to Operations Desert Shield/Storm. The unit receives numerous awards for excellence, including the Superior Unit Award, the AUSA/ROA Walter T. Kerwin Award, and the ROA Outstanding Large Unit Award. October 1993: The 75th MAC restructures is designated the 75th Division (Exercise) with 5 subordinate Brigades. The emphasis of the 75th Division (EX) remained training. The Division provided simulations exercises, and command and staff training for all Reserve Component battalion and higher headquarters in its area of operation. The division also assumed the responsibility for LANES training exercises for Combat Service Support and selected Combat and Combat Support units. 1995: The Division wins its second Army Communities of Excellence

award. October 1999: The 75th Division (EX) was re-designated as the 75th Division (Training Support), integrating Active Component and Reserve Component Soldiers into one unit. The 75th Division (TS) became an integrated organization with an authorized strength of: 799 Active Component (AC) Soldiers, 2,265 Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers, 35 National Guard (NG) Soldiers and 80 civilians. Operational command and control headquarters of the division was with the Fifth United States Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The mission of the Division changed to align with the Training Support XXI plan. This established a more formal relationship between the division and its client units. 1999: The division structure had HHC, 75th Division and 1st Brigade located in Houston, Texas. The 2nd Brigade was headquartered at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the 3rd Brigade at Fort Riley, Kan., and the 4th Brigade at Fort Sill, Okla. 2000: 1st Brigade executed Battle Command Staff Training (BCST) for 39 brigade and battalion-level headquarters. 2000: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Brigades provided training support and mobilization assistance for a client base com-

posed of 298 Priority and 643 Traditional units throughout the US Army Reserve and Army National Guard. January 27, 2003: The 75th DIV (TS) was mobilized for the first time since World War II in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terror (GWOT). The division sent Soldiers to Afghanistan and Iraq on training missions, representing the most significant deploy-

ment of 75th Division Soldiers since World War II. ver the next several years, the 75th DIV (TS) mobilized and trained thousands of Soldiers for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, including the 39th, 256th, and 56th Brigade Combat Teams. In 2006, under the operation control of

the First Army, the division undertook its most complex mission ever when it provided post-mobilization training and assistance for the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) at Fort Hood, Texas. The 36th CAB, comprised of over 2700 Soldiers from 44 states, deployed to Iraq in the late summer, 2006. resent/Future The 75th Division (TS) officially became the 75th Battle Command Training Division (BCTD) in November 2007 and now has coastto-coast training oversight as the headquarters element for the new Battle Command Training Brigades (BCTB) based in Alabama, California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas. From October 2006 thru August 2007, re-flagging ceremonies were held in four of these states as the 1/78th, the 1/85th, the 1/87th, and the 1/91st respectively became the 2/75th, 3/75th, 4/75th and the 5/75th. In summer 2008, HHC and 1st BCTB will make the move to the new Joint Reserve Center located at Ellington Field just south of Houston. he 75th Division remains a dynamic, integrated AC/RC organization dedicated to providing highfidelity, realistic training/assessment/ mobilization to our client units located throughout the United States and its territories.

75th Division Ellington Field

75th Division Commanders

s part of the Army Reserve transforamtion process, the 75th Battle Command Training Division (BCTD) transistions to the 75th Mission Command Training Division (MCTD). On July 16, 2011, Brig. Gen. Jimmie Jaye Wells takes command of the 75th Division to oversee the change. Since its activation in April 1943, the 75th was led by all of the commanding generals pictured here.

MG Willard S. Paul Apr 1943 - Aug 1943

MG Fay B. Prickett Aug 1943 - Jan 1945

MG Jack Whitfield Feb 1957 - Jan 1960

MG Robert E. Crosser May 1979 - Aug 1981

MG George P. Munson Jan 1960 - May 1965

MG Harry A. Conrad Aug 1981 - Aug 1984

MG Darrel W. McDaniel Jan 1997 - Dec 2000

MG Ray E. Porter Jan 1945 - Jun 1945

MG Felix A. Davis May 1965 - May 1975

MG Guilford G. Wilson Oct 1984 - Apr 1989

MG Perry V. Dalby Dec 2000 - May 2004

MG Arthur A. White Jun 1945 - Oct 1945

MG Kenneth A. Kuyendall May 1975 - May 1979

MG Dionel E. Aviles Apr 1989 - Apr 1993

MG Steven P. Best May 2004 - Aug 2008

BG Charles R. Doran Oct 1945 - Nov 1945

MG Claude J. Roberts Apr 1993 - Nov 1996

MG Eldon P. Regua Aug 2008 - July 2011

Former Command Group

Maj. Glennie Burks Secretary of General Staff

Mrs. Rita Price Command Executive Officer

Brig. Gen. Edward Arntson Deputy Commanding General

Maj. Gen. Steven Best Commanding General

Col Peter Foreman Chief of Staff

Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Boyce Ms. Janice Cummings Executive Secretary

Current Command Group

Maj. Tyson Voekel Secretary of General Staff

Mr. Christopher Govekar Command Executive Officer

Brig. Gen. John H. H. Turner III Deputy Commanding General

Maj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua Commanding General

Lt. Col. Christopher Govekar Chief of Staff

Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Belanger Ms. Janice Cummings Executive Secretary

G1-Personnel

1 provided outstanding Human Resources services within the division while leading initiatives to enhance higher headquarters procedures. During Maj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua’s tenure, three G1s, one G1 Sergeant Major, and two Human Resources Officers served the division. As the second largest staff section within division headquarters, G1 had administrative oversight of Family Programs, the Surgeon, and Chaplain. plit operations highlighted the most significant initiative within G1. G1 personnel from each branch provided support during the brigade Battle Training Assemblies which occurred during a different weekend from the division BTA. In keeping with Regua’s intent to observe brigades during their training and report back to division, G1 took the extra step to provide proactive service when the bri-

gades’ drilling Reservists performed gade S1, Division G1, and US Army their duties. The results were constant Reserve Command’s G1 participated two-way conversations to accomplish in a 2-1/2 day G1 Workshop in Housnumerous personnel actions and pro- ton highlighted by a behind-the-scenes vide technical advice when the bri- VIP tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center with an gades most need1 had the privilege astronaut guide. ed them. s the fullThe workshop to submit both of ditime mancovered critical vision headquarters two power reduced human resources from 17 to 7 pertasks with best company grade officers sonnel without practices and drop of workload, for the General Douglas lessons learned G1 earnestly emamong the parMacArthur Leadership ployed Knowlticipants. The edge Manage- Award. workshop comment tools such plimented bias Share Point, common use of the monthly conference calls. In order to division shared drive, and AKO Forms provide better support and understandto efficiently interact with the brigades ing of brigades operations, G1 Soldiers and remote G1 Troop Program Unit pursued Observer Controller/Trainer Soldiers. certification to proactively participate pecial activities within G1 in- in mission command exercises. clude Family Programs, Yel1 had the privilege to submit low Ribbon, Alcohol and Drug both of division headquarters Control, and Casualty Operations. two company grade officers for the Family Programs aggressively General Douglas MacArthur Leaderconducted Family Readiness ship Award. One nominee garnered Group training, regional youth US Army Reserve honors in addition leadership conferences, and inter- to receiving the Reserve Officer Asactive youth activities. The new sociation Warrant Officer of the Year Alcohol and Drug Program direc- Award. tor conducted on-site specialized high visibility USARC issue was training for each brigade, group senior grade over strength of over and detachment unit within the di- 200 colonels, lieutenant colonels, servision. Sensitive casualty notifica- geants major, and master sergeants. tion and assistance occurred on av- Numerous and lengthy discussions erage once a week, always with an down to group level along ensured extremely short suspense to care 75th Mission Command Training Difor fallen Soldiers’ families. vision complied with the directive. n accordance with Regua’s guid- Close coordination with USARC G1 ance, G1 drilled down two lev- entitled the division to overgrade esels to the groups to provide first- sential OC/T positions in order to conhand essential information. Over tinue mission manning. 70 Soldiers from Group S1, Bri-

G2-Physical Security

uring Maj. Gen. Eldon P. priate security clearance. Under Regua’s tenure as the 75th Regua’s tenure, this percentage inMission Command Training creased to 96% of all division perDivision (MCTD) Commanding Gen- sonnel meeting security clearance eral, the following accomplishments requirements. Regua also ensured and initiatives were achieved in the that the entire division was staffed G2 Section: with trained Security Managers hysical Security with access to the Joint Personnel Ensured that physical security Adjudication System to manage measures were in place to safeguard the Personnel Security Program. division personnel, prevent unauthor- The first division-wide Personnel ized access to equipment and facilities Security Standard Operating Proagainst sabotage, damage, and theft. cedure (SOP) was also developed Regua ensured that the Army Intelli- during his tenure. gence standards were strictly enforced nformation Security across the division. His efforts resultUnderstanding the need to aced in the division passing 34 US Army cess and use classified information Reserve Command (USARC) Physical to enhance the training of client Security Inspections with an adequate units, Regua emphasized the need rating. Currently, the Division is lead- to use real-world classified inforing USARC with 100% of inspections mation to develop the scenarios rated as adequate. Regua’s success for division exercises. Although was due to him ensuring that 68 ap- there is a learning curve for most pointed physical security officers were in dealing with classified informaproperly trained by hosttion, Regua’s guidance ing two USARC Physiensured that classified urrently, the cal Security workshops. information was safeSome of those trained Division is guarded at all times. The were from other Maimplementation of the leading USARC jor Service Commands first division Informawhich demonstrated with 100% of in- tion Security SOP and Regua’s dedication not Classified Exercise SOP, only to the Physical Se- spections rated which was drafted in curity Program in the 2009 and taught at the as adequate. division but also to other Senior Leaders Exercise units as well. Design Course, ensured that the standards of AR 380-5 were ersonnel Security Security clearances play an intri- met. cate part in the readiness of Soldiers nti-Terrorism and Force Profor mobilization and the ability to train tection staffs and conduct exercises utilizing Regua’s mission to protect 75th MCTD classified information. When Regua personnel, their families, and facilities took command, security clearance were outlined in the first division Antistatistics for the division were 80% of Terrorism (AT) Plan and Program conrequired personnel having the appro- structed in 2009. The AT Plan is cur-

rently undergoing a second revision as threats to our nation continue to evolve. The key areas of this program have been continuous education, ensuring all personnel complete AT Level I training annually, and directing the units to have trained AT Level II officers managing the AT Programs within the division and brigades. The division has hosted two Anti-Terrorism Officer Basic Courses during Regua’s tenure, ensuring the training of 83 appointed AT Level II officers in the division as well other commands. Dealing with the emerging terrorist threat required Regua to also implement a command policy regarding AT requirements in May 2011 to ensure that commands establish more detailed plans to secure and defend personnel, their families, and critical infrastructure from acts of terrorism.

G3-Operations

Lasting Legacy: During the past three years, the 75th Mission Command Training Division (MCTD), under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua, has borne the lion’s share of battle staff readiness training for deploying US Army Reserve units in preparation for the various levels of the Army Force Generation model. Feedback from trained units has been overwhelmingly positive. Lessons learned have indicated that the 75th MCTD has had a direct and pivotal impact on the nation’s war effort, which clearly makes the 75th MCTD the premier reserve training division in the US Army Reserve and reinforcing the motto, “Make Ready.” ince Regua’s arrival in 2008, the division has accomplished a number of critical milestones and has experienced an increase in overall readiness. The division has trained 431 deploying headquarters with over 106,502 Soldiers assigned. It has also developed an ongoing relationship

with Combatant Command (COCOM) to support over 45 missions in Cuba, Kosovo, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Belize and multiple countries within the African Continent. he division fielded the Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capability-Entity Resolution Federation to 1st, 2nd and 5th Brigades, One Semi-Automated Forces 5.1 to 3rd and 4th Brigades, Battle Command Sustainment Support System, and Maneuver Control System. The 1st Brigade Battle Command Training Center (BCTC) was completed in 2010. The division G3 worked to publish the Mission Command Training Strategy (MCTS) and Implementation Plan. This document will replace the Army Digital Training Strategy. DAMO-TRS was briefed on the 75th MCTD Mission Essential Requirements in an effort to align our reserve component training requirements with the Active Army and National Guard for fiscal year 2012 and beyond. Within those requirements are justifications to transform our Battle Projection Centers at each brigade into Mission Command Training Centers (MCTC) along with the technology and personnel additions at each of those sites. he G3 developed the Senior Leaders Exercise Planning-Developers Course and Senior Leaders Orientation Course, providing internal training to key leaders of the division. A dedicated Simulation Operations Officer course was also developed for the division with critical coordination from the US Army G8 office. ince that approval, the division has executed two successful classes which helped to fill information operations positions in the brigades. As

a separate initiative, coordination with the Fort McCoy Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy was initiated, which now provides a dedicated Battle Staff NCO Course that is conducted by 75th MCTD Soldiers which allows for increased strength in assigned Battle Staff NCOs division-wide. he division also assumed COR duties that provide contract oversight and acquisition of a followon contract worth approximately $60 Million. In conjunction with the division G6 office, USARC and the National Simulation Center, the division is working to develop a Distributed Simulation Plan to digitally connect all of the BCTCs with training centers and home stations throughout continental United States. ince Regua took command of 75th MCTD, the division has completed two separate successful Battle Focused Readiness Reviews, which resulted in accolades from the USARC staff. With Regua’s added emphasis on Individual Weapons Qualification, Battle Staff NCO training and Observer Controller Trainer (OC/T) training, the division experienced a noted increase in readiness. Individual Weapons Qualification has increased from 36% qualified in 2009 to 68% qualified in 2011. The division now has 77% of Soldiers in the grade of staff sergeant thru master sergeant Battle Staff trained, as compared to only a small number of Battle Staff-trained NCOs when Regua first took command. With an aggressive Observer Controller/Trainer (OC/T) training program within the brigades, the division has increased the number of trained OC/Ts from 68% in 2009 to 96% in 2011.

G4-Logistics

he G4 expresses its many thanks and warmest wishes to Maj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua and his family as they move on to a new assignment. During the course of Regua’s command, the G4 took great pride in providing the best logistical support possible. In complying with the commanding general’s guidance, the G4 successfully planned and executed the division headquarters’ relocation from the Sgt. Maj Macario Garcia Reserve Center on Old Spanish Trail to the new Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in November, 2008 in Houston, Texas. This was a great accomplishment, paving the way for the next 3 outstanding years. n March 2009, with the full support of Regua, the G4 conducted a logistics workshop with representation from each of the brigades and Headquarters and Headquarters Company. The workshop topics included transportation, property accountability, food operations and supply management. The workshop provided the division’s logisticians with the infor-

mation and skills needed to succeed. Regua ensured the division met the US Army Reserve Command’s annual food service training requirement by hosting a very successful annual Food Service Workshop. This training prepared the division’s food service personnel for excellence as evidenced by USARC naming the division’s food service program as one of the best in the Army Reserve. The G4 supported Regua’s emphasis on property accountability by traveling to each of the brigades and conducting a 100% inventory. nder the leadership and guidance of Regua, the division successfully inventoried and moved the 75th Memorial and its archival materials to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base. Moving the Memorial to Ellington JRB was especially prominent going from a 480 square foot room to an 1100 square foot room. The

75th Division has a rich history dating back to World War II. Regua has always emphasized the importance of “telling our story.” Regua kept the division’s history alive by having the current division staff meet with our WWII veterans. He led by example, personally attending annual reunions and special events; like when the French Ambassador awarded the French Legio of Honor to a WWII veteran of the 75th Division. In 2009, Regua sponsored a special visit for the 75th Division WWII veterans and their families to the new Division Headquarters and 75th Memorial. he G4 bids a fond ABOVE: French Legio of Honor. farewell to Maj. LEFT: WWII veteran Art Habighorst receives the French Legio Gen. Eldon P. Regua. of Honor from Col. Brice Houdet, It has been a pleasure Military Attache from the French serving under his comEmbassy. Art Habighorst was a mand!

member of the 730th FA, of the 75th DIvision. (photo form the 75th Division museum)

G6-Information Management

G Regua’s assumption of command launched a new era for the G6 Section. During his tenure, the G6 applied forward thinking technology within net-centric operations that were instrumental to the 75th Division’s move to the next generation of readiness. MG Regua challenged the G6 to incorporate cost effective technology and equipment into the division’s infrastructure through the fielding and standardization of Unified Battle Command Systems (UBCS), which enhanced the Division’s capability to perform its mission and incorporated the latest state of the art technology. The G6 administered the acquisition of life-cycle replacement of IT equipment and effectively managed the distribution and maintenance of division assets in excess of eight million dollars. n November 2008, the 75th Division HHC relocated from the Macario Garcia Army Reserve Center to the Armed Forces Reserve Joint Reserve Center located on Ellington Field. The G6 ensured that 100% of the required communications and information technology infrastructure

were in place and operational. The G6 Section has provided voice, data, and network connectivity for more than 600 civilian and military members assigned to the Armed Forces Joint Reserve Center-Ellington Field. he Network Branch expanded the capability of the 75th Division SharePoint Collaboration Site for the continued propagation of information across the 75th Division. This included training, content management, restructured site permissions, and the development of document workflows. Additionally, the staff established a Vista Operating System Migration strategy in 2010 and monitored the successful upgrade of 1,874 computer. The Network Branch developed a virtual local area network solution for the 1st Bn, 23rd Marine Corp unit via the Army Reserve Network (ARNet) to access Marine Corps network resources prior to the installation of the Navy/ Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) in the Armed Forces Joint Reserve Center during 2009. he IA/INFOSEC Branch implemented the Distributive Defense Information Assurance and Accreditation Process (DIACAP) to support the long term information assurance and accreditation for the Distributive Simulations Network (DSN) and equipment. In 2010, the Branch implemented the Information Assurance (IA) Workforce Improvement Program for System Administrators across the 75th Division. Information Assurance Technical personnel obtained more than 35 CompTIA Certified Information Systems Security

Professionals (CISSP) and Security+ Certified professionals across the division. The branch instituted a 75th Division IA SharePoint site that served as a central repository and collaboration site. Implemented policies for computing environment security and monitored the IA training compliance. The branch also executed re-accreditation procedures to maintain Secure Internet Protocol Network (SIRPNET) connectivity at the Macario Garcia Army Reserve Center, and obtained a three year Approval to Connect to SIPR for the access of classified information. During 2009, the section procured and fielded Controlled Cryptographic Equipment that consisted of 47 TACLANES/175D-MICRO and 6 Simple Key Loader (SKL) Data Transfer Devices in support of classified training exercises. he COMMO Branch assistance in the relocation to the Armed Forces Reserve Center at Ellington Field ensured activation of approximately 2,200 voice, data and network connections for the facility. The Branch acquired network enhanced video teleconferencing equipment (VTC) with encryption capabilities to provide cost effective Internet Protocol (IP) based connectivity for classified video and voice communications. The branch facilitated the upgrade of approximately 400 wireless network devices for the division. Expanded the PBX switch capability to perform multiple teleconferences and support more than 90 participants simultaneously. Since November 2008, the Commo Branch had coordinated and provided support for more than 1,150 VTCs and teleconferences.

G8-Resource Management

he tenure of Maj. Gen Eldon P. Regua as Commander of the 75th Mission Command Training Division has been a dynamic time for the Resource Management section. Regua learned his way around during the month of September just in time to start the new fiscal year without a federal budget and with a new Regional Support Command as our Funding Authorization Document holder aka our “bankers.” His first year was marked by inconsistent funding and relationship building. Because of the inconsistent funding, Regua challenged us to focus on identifying requirements and determining their costs so that requirements could drive resources. For mission funding requirements, the G8 staff worked closely with the G3 staff on the development of the Mission Requirement Report as a comprehensive tool to forecast manpower and funding requirements in order to justify funding support from United States Army Reserve Command and First United States Army. The Comptroller contributed the funding section to the Memorandum of Agreement for support of the 75th MCTD establishing the roles and responsibilities for funding post-mob missions. For mission support funding, the G8 staff re-established the Program Budget Advisory Committee that had not been operating in the Division in five years. The committee was charged with validating funding requirements and distribution of the

mission support funds. Although once again operating without a federal budget under a continuing resolution, the start of the new fiscal year in October of 2010 was the first year the Division had an annual budget for mission and mission support that was based on requirements and the tools in place to execute that budget efficiently. head of other commands within USARC, Regua supported the transition from manual travel vouchers to full use of the Defense Travel System. Although mandated for ci-

vilians and AGR Soldiers, the G8 aggressively trained travelers, reviewers and approvers so that Troop Program Unit Soldiers receive the prompt payment benefits of using DTS. n keeping with Regua’s guidance for mission and deployment participation, members of the RM team participated in training the last 3 rotations of units identified with the Joint Area Support Group mission in Iraq. In fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the G8 team had Soldiers deployed in support of the US Forces-Iraq mission.

oldier recognition from their professional community is important. In 2009, Mr. Jerome Jackson, the Resource Management Officer was recognized for his completion of the American Society of Military Comptrollers Certified Defense Financial Manager program. In fiscal year 2009, 1st Lt. Yosiah Hodge, Budget Officer, and Sgt. 1st Class Chrysanthia Davis, Finance and Accounting NCO, received USARC Outstanding Resource Management awards. Davis was the USARC participant at the Army level and received the Assistant Secretary of the Army Financial Manger & Comptroller award for fiscal year 2009. In fiscal year 2010, the 75th MCT Division RM Team was selected as the USARC outstanding RM Team and the new Budget Officer, Capt. Hakeem Holmes, received the USARC Budget Officer award. Holmes competed at the Army level and was selected as the ASA(FM&C) outstanding Budget Officer award recipient for fiscal year 2010. egua leaves command with a transition team in place for the most significant fielding ever of a new management and financial system. Success of a business system like the General Fund Enterprise Business System, is determined in large part by the support of leadership. Regua has been actively involved in the preparation for the transition and set up his successor for success with the transition scheduled for October 1, 2011.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company From MAJ Chris Buzards’ Foxhole: uring MG Regua’s tenure he allowed me the opportunity to serve as HHC Commander for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 75th Division. His support during my command was always present. He allowed me the latitude to make decisions and mistakes. As HHC Commander one of my re-

sponsibilities is physical fitness for the unit. During my first Annual Physical Fitness Testing (APFT) for the unit, General Regua led by example by earning a score of 300 on the APFT and received his award in formation with all the Soldiers who earned 270 plus that day. He truly leads by example in every aspect of the meaning. MG Regua has also supported my

command by attending all Holiday events and key ceremonies to include; Welcome Home Warrior, multiple retirements, awards and promotions. He also supported my efforts in attending the first Annual Training in 10 years in which we qualified 70% of the unit. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve under Major General Regua’s command. Make Ready Sir!!!!!

oldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th Mission Command Training Division, participated in annual training at Ellington Joint Reserve Base June 6-10, 2011. Training was conducted mostly at EJRB but included a one day trip to Camp Bullis, Texas to qualify with M-9 pistols and M-16 rifles. Numerous Soldiers were recognized for their assistance in the planning and execution of the AT event at EJRB, and the training was concluded with a hamburger and hot dog barbeque lunch on the final day. LEFT: British Army Major Paul Gotobed receives electronic navagation training during Annual Training at Ellington JRB on June 8, 2011. (photo by Sgt. Les Taranto, Public Affairs Office, 75th MCT Division) BELOW LEFT: HHC Soldiers qualifying with the M16 Rifle at Camp Bullis, Texas on June 9, 2011. (Photo by Spc. Chelsey Goebel, 75th MCT Division Public Affairs Office) BELOW: HHC Soldiers receiving Certificates of Appreciation for their assistance in planning Annual Training on June 10, 2011 (photo by Staff Sgt . Danial F. Lisarelli, Public Affairs Office, 75th MCT Division)

Special Staff Equal Opportunity

he Army ‘s Equal Opportunity Program has evolved significantly over the last 40 years. This evolution was made possible not only because of policies that were written but primarily because of its leaders. Leaders who take a stand and are insistent that all Soldiers be treated fairly and are given equal opportunity for advancement and promotion. No Soldier should suffer discriminatory practices as it relates to race, color, religion, national origin and gender. qual Opportunity, is the right of all persons to participate in, and benefit from, programs and activities (for example career, employment, educational, social) for which they are qualified. These programs and activities will be free from social, personal, or institutional barriers that prevent people from rising to the highest level

Staff Judge Advocate

aj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua’s assumption of command of the 75th Mission Command Training Division ushered in a time of change in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA). Following Regua’s mantra of, “training is everything and everything is training,” the OSJA focused on the division’s training mission by qualifying several Judge Advocates as Observer Controller/Trainers and participating in several of our brigade training exercises. Each brigade Judge Advocate became fully engaged in their respective brigade training missions and was aug-

of responsibility possible. Persons will one of the best within the Army Rebe evaluated on individual merit, fit- serve Command. The quality of our ness, and capability, reprogram can be measured gardless of race, color, sex, “All of us do not by reduction in Equal Ophave equal talents, national origin, or religion. portunity Complaints, but all of us should s an Equal OpporCommand Climate Assesstunity Advisor and have an equal op- ments, EO staff levels and Program Manager for the portunity to develop turnover and Soldier Mo75th Mission Command our talents.” rale. Some of our training Training Division, nothing highlights include: John F. Kennedy is more important in imple• Four Equal Opportumenting the requirements nity Leaders Courses of the program than having excellent • Executive Level Senior Leader leadership support. 75th MCTD Com- Training mander must ensure key components • 64 Cultural Awareness Events of the EO Program are carried out. • Trained 126 Equal Opportunity • Ensuring that subordinate comLeaders manders are providing quarterly equal e look forward continuing to opportunity training, implement a progressive EO • Providing progressive and interac- Program. A program that helps our tive training and leaders to maximize human potential. • Ensuring that cross cultural aware- A program that ensures that are Solness events diers are treated with dignity and rever the past three years, our EO spect and are given equal opportunity Program has been heralded as for advancement.

mented on several occasions by Judge those areas throughout the entire diviAdvocates and paralegals from the sion. The Administrative/Operational division OSJA. This unprecedented Law section took responsibility for level of involvement enhanced the di- establishing a smooth flow of actions vision’s training capability requiring the Commanding and ultimately led to better “Where law ends General’s signature. Legal trained deployable staffs. tyranny begins.” Assistance created regular n addition to integratoffice hours allowing diviWilliam Pitt sion Soldiers ready access ing Judge Advocates in ‘the Elder Pitt’ to resolve legal issues and the division training mission the OSJA underwent to obtain wills and powstructural changes to function more ers of attorney. Military Justice broke like an Active Army OSJA. Three new ground for the division by prepardistinct branches were created; Ad- ing and coordinating several cases for ministrative/Operational Law, Legal court-martial prosecution, enabling Assistance, and Military Justice. A the division commander to maintain Chief was established for each branch good order and discipline throughout with the requisite responsibility for the command.

Public Affairs

uring the past three years, the division Public Affairs section has been quite busy. The tenure of Maj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua has symbolized a marked transition from the former division headquarters building to the new location at Ellington Joint Reserve Base. The PAO has provided support not only to the division but also the entire EJRB, in which an informal Joint Information Bureau was created and led by Maj. Mark Williford, the division PAO. This singular action has helped all of the EJRB tenant units to begin operating in a joint environment, especially since the division PAO section is only National Guard and/or Reserve component PAO asset at EJRB.

Chaplain

n August 2010, Chaplain (Col.) Scott Jensen, the 75th Mission Command Training Division Chaplain, was mobilized at Dover Air Force Base to provide religious support to the families of fallen Soldiers. During his absence, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Brown became the acting division chaplain during Jensen’s absence. Jensen will return to the 75th MCTD later this year after completing his mobilization. rown started attending battle assemblies with the 75th MCTD in July 2010. Since then, two chaplain candidates were accessioned as chaplains: Chaplains (Capt.) Jerry Troutt and Daniel Shelton. Two new chaplain candidates have taken their place

nother significant event that was tenant units. headed by the division PAO was egua’s time here has been the formal Unit Public Affairs Repremarked with new and exciting sentative training that was conducted opportunities to provide PAO guidin our building last year. UPARs from ance and leadership to not only the throughout the division travelled to 75th MCT Division but also the entire EJRB and were schooled in UPAR op- EJRB, which was the driving force erations by Williford and Master Sgt. behind the congressional initiatives Dave Thompson, the “Public opinion is everything. to concentrate guard PAO Non-Commis- With it, nothing can fail, without and reserve forces sioned Officer-in- it, nothing can succeed.” here. Charge. egua’s tenure is the first ith the addiPresident Abraham Lincoln complete tour of tion of the newly-completed 1st Mission Com- duty for a division commander away mand Training Brigades’ Battle Pro- from Old Spanish Trail, a milestone in jection Center and joint Army Reserve the history of our division, the city of and National Guard building, the divi- Houston, and the Army Reserve in the sion PAO has seen an increase in joint War of Terrorism. cooperation, providing ongoing PAO assistance to these facilities and their

in the Chaplain Section of the 75th he Chaplain Section regularly MCTD. They are 2nd Lts. David Sisprepares worship services for co and Luis Martinez. They are both each battle assembly. In addition to at Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership this, they promote the Strong Bonds Course and will return to the 75th lat- program for the Army Reserve. All of er this summer. We also welcome on our Soldiers and Families are encourboard Master Sgt. Troy “It is no use walking any- aged to attend a Strong Banks as the new se- where to preach unless Bonds event. Just go nior non-commissioned our walking is our preach- to the website at www. officer-in-charge of the ing.” strongbonds.org and Chaplain Section. register. Find the Rehis year has been Saint Francis Assisi gional Support Comone of many mand in which you live changes. One of the changes that and sign up for a Strong Bonds event the chaplains worked on was prepar- that makes the most sense for you. ing the division for the Repeal of the Once registered online, a welcome letDon’t Ask Don’t Tell policy. All the ter will be sent with more registration chaplains throughout the division material in it. Fill out this material as were trained and ready to stand beside well and send it back in to your respectheir commanders as this new policy tive RSC. was being implemented.

Family Programs

nder the Leadership and Vision of MG Eldon P. Regua the 75th MCTD Family Programs have made great strides to support Soldiers, Families, DA Civilians and Retirees by providing programs that’s fit the needs of a community that does not traditionally deploy as a group. he 75th MCTD utilizes the Army Battle Command Systems Training (ABCS) and Integration software, Observer Controller/Trainers provide realistic and stressful digital training for client units. As a result of this mission Soldiers often mobilize locally and abroad but not necessarily as a group leaving their Families, day to day civilian jobs and usual routines behinds. This unique challenge has propelled the 75th MCTD Family Programs office to create programs that will assist the Soldier and Family in being resilient while living in both civilian and military worlds. It is critical with this challenge to have programs that will provide a support group; youth based activities, outreach and strong community awareness and

Retention

partnerships. ness Support Assistant, Ms. Marlecia G Eldon P. Regua and Mrs. Ci- Price; Community Outreach Assistant, rella Regua together with the Mr. Shannon Henry; Child & Youth Family Program Office have focused School Support Specialist,Ms. Kendra this year on programs such Army Reserves Edwards; Childy & Youth as Transition Assistance Family Programs Community Outreach SpePrograms (TAP) which focialist, Mrs. Bilii Mustafaa, cuses on assisting Soldier Surviovor Outreach ServicOne Army with resume writing, prees –Community Outreach One Family paring for reintergration Specialist, Ms. Lora WilOne Team back in to Corporate Amerlis; Survivor Outreach Serica and employment readiness; School vices-Financial Counselor, Mr. Tom Break Camps for Youth such as Back Snodgrass; Yellow Ribbon Program Pack Journalist, Mad Science and Coordinator, MAJ Jeff Rector and Army Reserve Enrichment Camps, Army Wounded Warrior Advocate, Youth Leadership Summits which Mr. Shun Monroe. promote youth development, Youth n support of programs throughout information Rallies; Family Readiness the Division each Brigade element Groups and a new Program Senior Vol- is represented on the Senior Volunteer unteer Advisory Council which aide in Advisory council by a senior spouse providing volunteer based support to and unit Family Readiness Liaison. Soldiers, Families, DA Civilians and During the staff’s tenure the Diviretirees through information and refer- sion has held TAP workshops, Youth ral, virtual and web based programs camps, Financial and Budgeting Semand Survivor Outreach Services and inars, Mobilization and Deployment strong community partnerships. assistance as well as provide ongoing he Division Family Program information and referral to the 75th Staff Consist of the Senior Vol- Community, fellow Reserve Compounteer Advisory Chair, Mrs. Cire- nents and local retirees. 75th MCTD lla Regua, Family Programs Director, assist in a “Make Ready Family Strong Ms. Sandra Landry; Family Readi- Community”

offices. MG Regua placed special reach an assigned strength of 120% of emphasis on developing the annual authorized positions. In addition to he Command Retention Office is Retention and Recruiting plan, pro- ensuring that the Retention program responsible for the retention and moting Army Reserve proremained viable and in “It’s Your career. transition programs for the Command- grams and fostering better accordance with USARC Take control of it ing General. This entails providing relationships with the Army Careers Division guidebefore someone retention and transition status updates, Reserve community. Under lines, “Make Ready 120” else does!” conducting training for subordinate MG Regua’ tenure, the 75th MSG Quick became one of the most units, processing exception to policy Division (MCTD) develambitious recruiting stratrequest and correction of erroneous oped an aggressive Recruiting plan, egies to build strength in the history of retention documentation, and acting as “Make Ready 120”. The Recruiting the 75th MCTD. liaison in the coordinating of functions plan was developed with the intent to with regional readiness and transitions

First Brigade

Brig. Gen. Mark T. McQueen Commanding General 1/75th MCTD HHC – Houston, Texas 1st MCTG – Houston, Texas 2nd MCTG – Houston, Texas 3rd MCTG – Fort Sill, Oklahoma Battle Command Training Center (BCTC) – Houston, Texas

LEFT: (from left to right) Congressman Pete Olson (R) Houston poses with Col. Dale Egger of the 1st MCT Brigade after receiving a proclamation from Houston City Councilman Mike Sullivan in honor of the deployment of 1st MCT Brigade Soldiers on October 3, 2009, while Command Sgt. Maj. Pascual Castro, CSM of the 1st MCT Brigade looks on. (photo by Army Staff Sgt. Danial F. Lisarelli, Public Affairs Specialist, 75th MCT Division)

he 1st Mission Command Training Brigade, 75th MCT Division, conducted its’ first annual training in ten years at North Fort Hood, Texas June 16-20, 2010. 1st MCT Brigade Soldiers received training in tactical land navigation, emergency medical evacuations, and marksmanship qualification with the M-9 pistol and M-16 rifle. The 1st MCT Brigade Soldiers were trained by the 120th Infantry Brigade of the 1st US Army, which has been a partner unit of the 1st MCT Brigade since 2003. In the past 8 years, both units have conducted operations year-round in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. he 1st MCT Brigade is a subordinate unit of the 75th MCT Division, which has provided pre-deployment training to many Army Reserve and National Guard units in the War on Terrorism. The brigade operates a Power Projection Platform at North Fort Hood year-round and works alongside the 120th when conducting both simulated and major field training exercises there.

LEFT: Master Sgt. Anthony Seelig (left) of the 1st Mission Command Training Brigade, 75th MCT Division, conducts a briefing with his Soldiers before participating in a Land Navigation Course. FAR LEFT: 1st Sgt. Stephanie Foster of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th MCT Division, participates in a Land Navigation Course. NEAR LEFT: Soldiers of the 1st MCT Brigade, 75th MCT Division, receive a safety briefing at the Land Navigation Course. (all photos taken at North Fort Hood, Texas on June 18, 2010 by Army Staff Sgt. Danial F. Lisarelli, Public Affairs Specialist, 75th MCT Division)

Houston, Texas LEFT: (from left to right) Sgt. Silvia Escobedo and Master Sgts. Shawn E. Mansfield and Anita McCaslin post tracking information during the Battle Staff NCO Course Command Post Exercise at the Battle Projection Center at Ellington Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas on June 21, 2011. (photo by Army Staff Sgt. Danial F. Lisarelli, Public Affairs Specialist, 75th MCT Division)

Local Army Reserve unit breaks new ground

by Army Staff Sgt. Danial F. Lisarelli Public Affairs Specialist 75th MCTD

LLINGTON JOINT RESERVE BASE, HOUSTON TEXAS— Soldiers from across the country have been hitting the books the past three weeks at the newly completed Battle Projection Center at Ellington Joint Reserve Base in southeast Houston. They are the first group of Soldiers to attend the Army’s Battle Staff NonCommissioned Officer Course at the new facility, which is operated by the 1st Mission Command Training Brigade of the 75th MCT Division, US Army Reserve. mong the students is Master Sgt. Timothy C. Hughes of the 1st MCT Group, 2nd MCT Brigade, 75th MCT Division. Hughes has earned the honor of being the honor graduate of the first Battle Staff course taught at the BPC at Ellington JRB. When asked about the future of the Battle Staff course, Hughes believes that, “battle staff should be a required NCOES (Non-Commissioned Officer Education System) course for all

NCOs, regardless of where they’re stationed or what their actual MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is because it is a function of understanding command and the responsibilities of a battle staff NCO.” Hughes also thinks that, “the 75th should continue to train not only their own people but to enhance training for those who they are going to evaluate.” he course is designed to train Army NCOs how to supervise operations in a Tactical Operations Center, which is the nerve center for all Army units who conduct any type of operation, either overseas or domestically. Upon graduation, these NCOs earn the highly coveted, “2S” Army Skill Identifier, which certifies that they can perform the duties of a

Battle Staff NCO in a TOC. The training consists of everything from military map graphics to control of the battle space using the Command Post of the Future, a revolutionary concept where all of the Army’s information systems are combined to provide real-time command and control of operations. A CPOF can be used in both military and civil operations, including domestic and international disasters. he 75th MCT Division is the only unit in the US Army that possesses and provides this type of training and facilities. The Battle Projection Center at EJRB is a stateof-the-art facility that has numerous training capabilities designed to train the staff of Army units usually before deployment overseas. The division headquarters is also located at EJRB and has command of four additional MCT brigades in Alabama, California, Illinois, and New Jersey.

RIGHT: Sgt. Ray W. Wilson (left) creates a map overlay by tracing contour lines while Staff Sgt. Johnny J. Harris, Jr. (right) observes during a Command Post Exercise as part of Battle Staff NCO Training at the Battle Projection Center at Ellington Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas on June 21, 2011. (photo by Army Staff Sgt. Danial F. Lisarelli, Public Affairs Specialist, 75th Mission Command Training Division)

Second Brigade

Brig. Gen. Karlynn P. O’Shaughnessy Commanding General 2/75th MCTD HHC – Fort Dix, New Jersey 1st MCTG – Fort Dix, New Jersey 2nd MCTG – Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island 3rd MCTG – Fort Dix, New Jersey BCTC – Fort Dix, New Jersey

ABOVE: 2nd Brigade’s Lt. Col. Douglas Hopler (left) listens to an Iraqi interpreter during a May 2010 logistics board meeting in Baghdad. Hopler returned Oct. 4, 2010 after completing a one year deployment. RIGHT: 2nd Brigade’s Lt. Col. Douglas Hopler and his son (center) reunite with Hopler’s Iraqi interpreter in the United States on Jan. 8, 2011. Hopler assisted relocating his former interpreter and family to the U.S. under a special State Department visa program.

Fort Dix, New Jersey

Third Brigade LEFT: Intel Analysts Spec. Jeremy Gjelhang and Spec. Robert Spores using their CPOF terminal, under the observation of 3BCTB OC/T Capt. Glen Roeck, during the 724 EN BN’s CPX. (Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, April 5, 2010. US Army Photo.)

Brig. Gen. John C. Hanley Commanding General 3/75th MCTD HHC – Fort Sheridan, Illinois 1st MCTG – Arlington Heights, Illinois 2nd MCTG – Fort Sheridan, Illinois 3rd MCTG – Fort Sheridan, Illinois BCTC – Arlington Heights, Illinois

he 3rd Brigade’s plate was overflowing with opportunities to excel, and excel it did. The dedication to accomplishing the goals set forth over the course of supporting post-mobilization training, fielding new equipment and processes, advancing the Army’s positive image in the civilian community and honoring our nation’s fallen has allowed

our Soldiers to shine. The ability to continue with legacy missions such as KFOR, and preparing for new lead responsibilities with CSTX, and Patriot Warrior exercises, while also adjusting to the ever-changing dynamics of our persistent conflict overseas, has presented challenges, but the Soldiers of this brigade have proven their mettle by vigorously meeting those challenges time and again. he Missions: Approximately every nine months, another rotation for Kosovo trains at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Since 2003, eight of the last nine rotations have been the 3rd Group’s responsibility for CPX and CTE training prior to deployment. During that time, Kosovo became an independent nation, formally breaking with Serbia, radically changing the dynamics of this stabilization operation. No Army Reserve units since World War Two has maintained such a con-

tinued involvement in promoting peace and stability in a former war torn region as the 3rd Brigade in partnership with the 205th Infantry Brigade. With KFOR 15 in the later part of FY11 and into FY12, we will have exhibited the ability to shift focus from a supersized BCT covering a fifth of the land mass of Kosovo to almost half of the country under a enhanced battalion’s responsibility with nearly a division level mission, all in the development of and transition to a safe and secure country in the Balkans. e a n while, the 3rd Brigade supported twenty-three other missions, to include a unique opportunity in Lesotho on the African continent, with Lt. Col Michelle Link and Maj. Al Koger superbly handling this mission. They brought MDMP training to a foreign

Fort Sheridan, Illinios LEFT: One of many Brigade Runs led by 3rd Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen John C. Hanley and Deputy Commander, Col. Dan Scott. Bearing the brigade Colors is Master Sgt. John Matthew Nelson.

army relatively inexperienced in contemporary staff operations and processes. This step towards development of a professional relationship with other Armed Forces in AFRICOM is viewed as a precursor to many more. s part of the Army Reserve Casualty Notification and Assistance Officer and Military Funeral Honors duties, Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade have faced the daunting task of serving the families of our fallen with notifications and assistance action close to two dozen times. Additionally, we have performed more than ninety Military Funeral Honors. Regrettably, some of these were for our own

Soldiers - three who were active in the unit and another who was a recent retiree. The moral strength and character shown in the execution of these duties was in keeping with our highest standards. he Community Relations program we worked in the Midwest put forth a positive image of the Army Reserve to more than 300,000 people over a relatively short period, and that’s not including the hundreds of thousands more who watched these events on TV or read about them in the more than thirty newspaper stories. hat does this add up to? An organization with the Right Stuff – the Army Values clearly expressed for all

ABOVE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology requested a Color Guard for its June 10, 2011 graduation and commencement ceremony. Participating at the event held in the Lyric Opera House in Chicago were (left to right) Sgt First Class Leticia Caballero, Sgt. First Class Roxanna Martinez, Sgt. First Class LaWanda McDowell-Matthews, and Staff Sgt Tina Hilgenberg.

to see in all that we do. I could not be more proud of these Soldiers for what they have accomplished and what I am sure they will continue to do. On behalf of Command Sgt Major Freudenthal and myself, let me close with a Well Done, 3rd Brigade!

LEFT: 1st Lt. Sean Nettles, Aide-de-Camp to Brig. Gen Hanley, still strong over three miles into the September 2010 Community Run through Highwood, Lake Forest, and Highland Park, Illinois (U.S. Army Photo) RIGHT: Maj Lyn Rogers receives her Welcome Home Warrior Citizen recognition on March 6, 2011. The event was held at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Ill. and was attended by 600 unit members, family and supporters, to include Congressman Robert Dold, the keynote speaker.

Fourth Brigade the Pelham Civic Complex. oldiers received U.S. flags in display cases and their spouses were given certificates of appreciation. Many of the soldiers honored were involved in using their skills to train non-commissioned officers for the Afghan and Iraqi armies, said Brigadier Brig. Gen. Joe C. Chestnut General Joe E. Chesnut Jr., commandCommanding General ing officer of the 4th Brigade. 4/75th MCTD The soldiers’ deployments also took the support of their families, Chesnut HHC – Birmingham, AL said. “We’re in this together,” he said. 1st MCTG – Birmingham, AL Soldiers and their families said they 2nd MCTG – Birmingham, AL were pleased by today’s ceremony. 3rd MCTG – Birmingham, AL “I think it had a very positive imBCTC – Birmingham, AL pact,” said Lt. Col. Wayne Little, who served in Baghdad in 2010. “People Reserve Sodiers Return from didn’t forget our contributions to our country.” Deployment hile Little was in Iraq, Barbara, his wife of six years, was ELHAM, Alabama -- A Welcome at their home in Jonesboro, Ga. One of Home Warrior Ceremony honorthe hardest parts was having to handle ing 51 citizen soldiers, who served in things such as getting plumbers or the Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait with the house painted -- things her husband 4th Brigade 75th Division, was held at

usually took care of, she said. “I panicked a little bit,” Barbara Little said. icky Johnsey, a truck driver from Margaret in St. Clair County, said one of the toughest things for him having his wife of 30 years -- Master Sgt. Debora Johnsey -- deployed to Iraq during 2009 was coming home to an empty house after being on the road. “Not being able to see her smiling face” was difficult, he said. ebora Johnsey said that during her deployment she heard mortar and rocket fire. One time there was an explosion a few blocks from where she was stationed, she said. icky Johnsey said was concerned for his wife, who has been in the Army reserves since 1985. But their family has had a history of military service. He served in the Air Force from 1971 to 1975 and one of their two sons served two tours in Iraq.

D R

LEFT: Soldiers stand as an honor guard presents the colors at today’s welcome home ceremony at the Pelham Civic Complex for the 4th Brigade, 75th Division.

Birmingham, Alabama

Training Soldiers for Deployment

raining the 56th Stryker Brigade After an intense course in combat tactics and training at the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi, an Army Reserve deployment support brigade returned to its roots, focusing on its primary mission of providing assistance to wartime units returning to the United States. reparing for an overseas assignment of its own, the Pennsylvania-based 56th Stryker Brigade participated in a mission readiness exercise designed to refine its operational and organizational skills. The exercise was developed and constructed by the 4th Brigade of the 75th Battle Command Training Division, an Army Reserve unit from Birmingham, Ala., with the assistance of observer-controller/trainers from the 157th IN Brigade at Camp Shelby. he October 11-17 training exercise tested the unit’s ability to

receive and process information in a realistic wartime scenario. The commander of the 56th Stryker Brigade, Col. Ferraro, said the exercise was also intended to provide real-time operational experience for newly-assigned Soldiers, sharpen supervisory skills for his non-commissioned officers, and provide opportunities for officers to be placed in decision making settings. “This is a great chance to put Soldiers in a pressure situation,” he said. “It brings us back to our mission-essential tasks and provides operational focus.” ol. Ferraro said the observercontroller/trainers of the 4th Brigade and 157th Brigade provided valuable insight and suggestions on the command and control aspect of the exercise, helping her staff develop

professionally. “A lot of people don’t realize the value the 4th Brigade gives,” he said. “They were so willing to wrap the exercise around what we do.” ol. Jonathan Shields of the 4th Brigade said the exercise was developed specifically for the 56th Stryker Brigade and was tailored to the mission at hand to allow the commander to have a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the operational staff.

Fifth Brigade

Brig. Gen. Megan P. Tatu Commanding General 5/75th MCTD Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (PRFTA), Dublin, California HHC– Dublin, California 1st MCTG– Costa Mesa, California 2nd MCTG– Denver, Colorado 3rd MCTG– Dublin, California BCTC– Dublin, California

uring MG Regua’s tenure as Division Commander, 5th Mission Command Training Brigade (MCTB) oversaw the training of over 24 x Battalion

level units consisting of Sustainment, Medical, Military Police, Engineer and Chemical specialties. The training location was primarily either at Fort Hunter Liggett, CA or Fort Bliss, TX; training over 12,000+ Soldiers. 5MCTB also provided vital assistance to training events other than Overseas Contingency Operation (OCO) missions. In 2009, 5MCTB supported the Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) at their Joint Warfighter Center in Suffolk, VA. The exercise was called a Joint Distributed Operations Limited Objective Experiment (JDO LOE) - it focused on future threats and the 5MCTB Soldiers ran the Opposing Forces cell. 5MCTB’s efforts during this exercise were highly lauded by the JFCOM exercise planners. MCTB’s Battle Command Training Center (BCTC) also supported over 24 OCO and 27 ARFORGEN exercises with the Army Battle Command Systems (ABCS) using a constructive simulations infrastructure.

During MG Regua’s tenure, the BCTC deployed Team CACI to various locations in support of these exercises including: Ft Bliss, Texas; Ft Lewis, Washington; Camp Atterbury, Indiana; Coraopolis, Pennsylvania; Ft Hunter Liggett, California. n 2010, at WAREX-91-10, the BCTC collaborated a very significant simulations-milestone with Ft Hunter-Liggett in ‘first-use’ training utilizing VBS2 (Gaming). Team CACI supported Ft Hunter Liggett and the 91st DIV in incorporating VBS2 in lanes training with Convoy Operations and IED Defeat as part of the crawl/walk/run training philosophy; over 500 Soldiers were able to rotate through VBS2 training during WAREX-91-10. Furthermore, the BCTC conducted additional VBS2 classes at Camp Parks for regional and internal units that trained an

Dublin, Califor nia Bataan Memorial Death March

he Bataan Memorial Death March honors a special group of World War II heroes. These brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines. The conditions they encountered and the aftermath of the battle were unique. They fought in a malaria-infested region, surviving on half or quarter rations with little or no medical help. They fought with outdated equipment and virtually no air power. ince its inception, the memorial march has grown from about 100 to some 5,200 marchers from across the United States and several foreign countries. While still primarily a military event, many civilians choose to take the challenge. archers come to this memorial event for many reasons - personal challenge, the spirit of competition or to foster esprit de corps in their unit. Some march in honor of a family member or a particular veteran who was in the Bataan Death March or was taken a prisoner of war by the Japanese in the Philippines. eam ‘Ruck This Way’ poses for a photo opportunity before stepping off to participate in the grueling Bataan Death March Memorial on March 27, 2011. Soldiers from the 5th Brigade represented the Division at this prestigious event to remember the ordeal the survivors of the actual march of POWs following the Battle of Bataan and the fall of Corregidor during World War II.

additional 30+ Soldiers. As the BCTC looks forward to FY11-FY12, Team CACI and the BCTC team are focused on the goal to incorporate VBS2 into constructive simulations for future ARFORGEN exercises through JLCCTC-ERF, which will allow the lower response cell (LRC) to observe BELOW: 5th Brigade Soldier (from left to right) LTC(P) Richard S. Dukes, Deputy scenario activity that may trigger G3, SFC Jason D. Rublaitus, G4 NCOIC, MSG Michael J. Lacuesta, G3 TNG NCO, JMESL events for Brigade and Battal- MSG Joseph E. Haga, SR OC/T NCO (3MCTG), LTC Windsor S. Buzza, G1 at the start of the Bataan Memorial Death March (photo courtesy of 5th Brigade) ion staffs. he 5MCTB continues to stand ready and looks forward to FY11FY12 in order to support OCO and other training missions; we’ve enjoyed the support, guidance, and encouragement from MG Regua, as our Division Commander, throughout these past few years and wish nothing but the best for him and his family in his future assignment in Korea. Train to Lead ~ Make Ready !

Best Warrior Compition

Specialist Ivan Pimentel, HHC, 5th BDE receives the Army Achievement Staff Sgt. Max Rees, 1st Group, 5th BDE and Specialist Ivan Pimentel, HHC, 5th BDE, Medal from Brig. Gen. Joe Chestnut, winners of the 75th Division 2011 Best Warrior Competition, pause for a photo with 4th BDE Commander, after winning their senior leaders during the banquet at the USARC level Best Warrior Competition the 75th Division Soldier Best Warat Ft. McCoy, WI. rior Competition at Ft. Jackson, SC.

Staff Sgt. Henry Escobeda, HHC, 75th MCTD, works to disassemble an M-60 Machine gun during the 2011 Division Best Warrior Competition held at Ft. Jackson.

Sgt. Candice Bradshaw, HHC, 1BDE, evaluates a casualty during the Warrior Task segment of the brigade level Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Bullis, TX.

Staff Sgt. Jason Searcy, 4th BDE, 75th MCTD, performs a functions check on a weapon during the 2011 Division Best Warrior Competition at Ft. Jackson.

Staff Sgt. Max Rees, 1st Group, 5th BDE, 5th receives the Army Achievement Medal from Brig. Gen. Joe Chestnut, 4th BDE Commander, after Soldiers from 1st Brigade and HHC com- winning the 75th Division NCO Best pete on the pistol range at Camp Bullis, Warrior Competition at Ft. Jackson, TX during the brigade level Best Warrior SC. Competition.

AFRICOM Mission Army Reserve Division play key roll in training Malian Army By Master Sgt. Dave S. Thompson 75th MCTD PAO - 17 June 2011

AMAKO, Mali – Two U.S. Army Soldiers looked on in amazement as swarms of motorcycles riders recklessly weaved their way thru the heavily congested traffic in Bamako, Mali’s bustling capital city. The motorcycles, similar to scooters found on American college campuses, darted in and out of every conceivable opening; some crammed with goods stacked four feet high, others carrying as many as three passengers. rriving from their U.S. base just moments before, Lt. Col. Judy Ellis and Master Sgt. Dave Thompson’s five-day mission is to train members of the Malian army on how to conduct and adapt the after action review (AAR) principle. This military to military collaboration is part of a U.S. State and Defense Department initiative to partner with African nations to build counter-terrorism strategies as well as peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief operations. llis and Thompson are members of the Army Reserve’s 75th Mission Command Training Division headquartered at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston. With its

five brigades scattered across the continental United States, the mission of the 75th is to train military leaders on battle staff procedures and techniques prior to their deployment into combat. “The after action review is a valuable tool we use after any training event or mission to asses how things went,” said Ellis, the 75th Division’s Inspector General. “The key point is for all participants, regardless of rank, to sit down and have an honest and meaningful discussion on what went right and what areas need improvement.” he Americans, speaking with the assistance of interpreters, taught five groups consisting of officers and enlisted Malian soldiers. They augmented the classroom instructions with hands on scenarios and practical exercises that reinforced the AAR concept and the benefits of using lessons learned to sustain and improve military training. “As soldiers, we have all sworn an oath to defend our country from all enemies,” Thompson, the 75TH Division’s Public Affairs Chief, told the Malians. “As such, failure is not an option in our business. It is essential that we constantly evaluate our training in order to improve our techniques so we can defeat those who threaten our way of life.” he Malian government has taken an active role in working to control and resolve regional conflicts

and stem the tide of insecurity along its northern border. Cross-border banditry, militant extremist groups, kidnappings and arms trafficking are troublesome issues that Malians face and training such as these have become increasingly valuable in building their capacity and improving U.S. - Malian relationships. “We have the highest respect for the U.S. Army and for your techniques in training and technology,” stated Malian Col. Ousmane Korongo, Commandant of the Military Academy of Arms. “We are grateful for the U.S. investment in our military and honored that you are here to enhance our war fighting capabilities,” he said to the 75th Soldiers. he 75th has future requirements to dispatch additional teams to partner-nations throughout the African continent as part of Africa Command’s on going efforts to strengthen alliances and deny safe havens to terrorist cells.

LEFT: LTC Judy Ellis responds to questions from a Malian Soldier as part of Africa Command’s on going efforts to strengthen alliances and deny safe havens to terrorist cells. RIGHT: LTC Judy Ellis, purchases mangos at a roadside fruit stand near Bamako, Mali. (U.S. Army photo by MSG Dave Thompson, 75th MCTD PAO)

75th Division at NASA

oldiers of the 75th Mission Command Training Division were given a VIP tour at the National Aeronautical and Space Administration Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas on September 16, 2010. oldiers were guided through the Mission Control center and were given the honor of entering the original Mission Control room where all of the Gemini, Mercury and Apollo Space program launches were controlled. The room is now a United States National Landmark. The tour then concluded with a visit to to NASA’s Dunk Pool where astronauts were training.

Exellence in Safety 75th Division earns coveted Excellence Streamer By MSG Dave S. Thompson

OUSTON (February 22, 2010) - The 75th Battle Command Training Division celebrated a proud moment February 19 when Brig. Gen. James Sholar, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Reserve Command, awarded the newly authorized Army Safety Excellence Streamer in recognition of the division’s record of achieving 12 consecutive months without a Soldier or unit at fault Class A or B accident. hief Warrant Officer Robert Shultz, 75th Division Safety Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the division with Maj. Gen. Eldon Regua, 75th Commanding General, flanked by his side. chultz, who is new to the division, was quick to give credit to fellow aviator and safety program director, Chief Warrant Officer Paul Paradis. Paradis, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, initiated a division-wide safety program that resulted in the recognition for the unit. “The 75th completely embraces an organizational culture of safety excellence,” said Anna Gibbs, U.S. Amy Reserve Command Safety Director. Gibbs said the 75th whole heartedly created command and control measures that motivated Soldiers throughout their division to embrace and put into practice critical safety procedures. The 75th Division is only the second Army Reserve unit to receive the safety streamer since its authorization last year. “Commanders in the Army realize that

safety pays dividends,” Shultz said. “It’s very gratifying to receive this recognition, especially knowing that it takes everyone in the division doing the right things to make it happen.” he 75th Division, with its headquarters element at Ellington Field in Houston, comprises five brigades located in California, Texas, Illinois, Alabama and New Jersey and has some 3,000 Soldiers. Their primary mission centers on conducting state-of-the-art and doctrinally correct pre-deployment battle command and staff training for all military branch component forces in support of overseas contingency operations. “I am honored and humbled to command this great division,” said Regua. “This streamer represents the sum total of everyone’s commitment and dedication to each other, to the mission and to setting a standard of excellence we can all be proud of.” he Safety Excellence Streamer will be displayed on the division guidon for one year after which the 75th will have to qualify for the distinction again to continue flying it. “This safety benchmark is a remarkable achievement for our division when you consider how geographically separated our commands are,” said 75th Division Public Affairs Officer Maj. Mark Williford. “We have many veteran Soldiers and leaders who have joined our ranks and embrace the benefits of a pro-active safety program,” n 2009, the Division conducted Battle Command and Staff training for over 170 units that included Army Active Components, Reserve and National Guard organizations as well as units from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.