2019 RNG MARCH-APRIL

MARYLAND MAKES HISTORY WITH ALL-FEMALE COMMAND STAFF

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HERE’S WHY ONE SOLDIER THINKS GEN-Z NEEDS TO JOIN THE ARMY

Historic Firsts

Maryland first made history in 2015 when Maj. Gen. Linda Singh assumed command of the Maryland Military Department. She became the first female and first African American to attain this position. Today, she leads over 6000 soldiers and airmen across the state.

his issue intersects with a national moment honoring the contributions of women over the course of U.S. history. The National Guard continues to celebrate a season of its own inaugural steps in the leadership helm, like Capt. Amie Kemppainen who became the first female to command an infantry company in the Michigan National Guard. Or, the story of Lt. Andrea Lewis, a Delta flight attendant, who became the first African-American female pilot with the Georgia Air National Guard.

Still, change makers are quick to point out that gender does not make the soldier, airman, marine or sailor, but skill and commitment does. For example, the featured story in these pages focuses on the first all-female command staff in Guard history. Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, adjutant general of the Maryland National Guard, embraces the historic milestone but does not want to overshadow the fact that her bench was stacked by talent not gender.

Continuing on the topic of leadership, Tech. Sgt. Billy Lewis makes the case for crafting a mission statement for your career. In the ASK THE EXPERT section, he outlines an Air Force tool that forecasts the trajectory of your future.

As you read through these stories, consider the role you play in the readiness of your own unit. There are always opportunities to show up, whether that’s mentoring someone from the junior ranks about PME or just checking in on a peer. Mission success isn’t solely reserved for combat matters, but comes when every individual on a team is achieving their full potential.

Yours in writing,

Bianca Strzalkowski Managing Editor

Photo by Sgt. Mararet Taylor, 29th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

by Bianca Strzalkowski

Maddie Dolan

The Reserve & National Guard is published six times a year for reservists and members of the National Guard. Copies are available through participating Reserve and National Guard training centers at no cost.

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CONTRIBUTORS

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Associate Editor Maddie Dolan

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Students from the Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School in South Charleston, W.Va., interact with members of the West Virginia National Guard during the after school mentoring program. Maj. Stacy Brown, Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) coordinator, joined several colleagues to participate in activities with students, including an old-fashioned game of shark and jump rope.

Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, adjutant general of the WVNG, says the program’s name can be misleading when it comes to all it actually does in serving communities.

“ … what we focus on is much broader. It’s healthy lifestyles, it’s good choices for your future, it’s about the importance of education and not just higher education, but technical education,” Hoyer said.

Visit our website to read the full interview with Maj. Gen. Hoyer who details his 2019 priorities and how West Virginia’s soldiers and airmen are closing the gap between the military and civilian communities.

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Army National Guard.

Sgt. Lexi Farmer holds hands with a mentee during the after school mentoring program.

Maj. Brown and Staff Sgt. Farmer play “shark” with students and the after school teacher.

DDRP coordinator Maj. Brown spends one-on-one time with a student as part of mentoring activities.

Our contributors in this issue

Rob Campbell is a retired Army colonel, husband, father, author and founder of Investing in People Consulting and Coaching LLC. He has over 27 years of experience leading organizations ranging in size from 24 to 5,000 people.

John Bissonnette

is a current Marine reservist living on a converted school bus. As a former special operations marine for over 10 years, many of his quirky thought processes have created a unique perspective on current affairs. Known for never being there when you look for him, but always there when you need him, he enjoys spending time (seriously) with his wife and four children outdoors, being a true father and role model, and getting the most out of everything.

Lizann Lightfoot

is a military spouse, mom of four kids, and the voice behind the Seasoned Spouse blog. She authored the book “Welcome to Rota” to help military families living overseas. Her favorite places to travel are in Europe, but she’s happy being anywhere that her family is together.

Susan Pascoe, AFC is a military spouse of 15 years residing in Colorado with her active duty husband. She currently works in her dream job as a personal financial counselor for the military.

Nancy Craker-Yahman

is a proud mother to a newly-enlisted soldier. Residing in Hadley, Mass., she is a former international educator having taught in the Dominican Republic, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Volunteering is a large part of her family culture, so it was a natural fit when their eldest son chose to enlist in the Massachusetts National Guard.

Matthew Feehan

is a former infantry officer with the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He served as a boatswain’s mate with the United States Coast Guard Reserve, Port Security Unit 301 as an enlisted soldier before he earned his commission from Boston University’s ROTC. Currently, he studies law at Western New England University School of Law, focusing his research and writing on service members’ rights within academia.

Tech. Sgt. Billy Lewis

is a client systems technician for the Air Force Reserves attached to the 943rd Rescue Group in Tucson, Ariz. During the month, you can find him in the friendly skies as a flight attendant for American Airlines. He is also president of the Super Six, an organization transforming and motivating junior enlisted reserve citizen airmen.

By Tech. Sgt. Billy Lewis

I am an enlisted technical sergeant at the point in my career where I am asking myself, what’s next?  When I asked that question, I was asked a question right back: Have you filled out your R-EDP? My answer was, “What is an R-EDP?”

Imagine a road map that works as a dedicated plan for your goals in the Air Force. Next, imagine a place where you can get advice and guidance from your peers or a mentor. Now imagine something that makes you stand out above your peers. That is your R-EDP.

“The R-EDP is important part of the enlisted force development process. The plan is simple to work on and it helps airmen with the

process of setting short- and longterm professional development goals. A completed R-EDP allows our airmen to apply for educational opportunities only available to those who complete R-EDP,” Master Sgt. Michael Blaker stated. “Completing additional development education is needed if airmen want to remain competitive for career-broadening opportunities as their careers progress. The added benefit for the traditional reservist is that the knowledge they gain will help them to be more successful in their civilian careers, too.”

Tech. Sgt. Aires Medina, who filled out her R-EDP, was selected to sit on the 2S0 Developmental Board.

“I filled out my R-EDP because I wanted to ensure that I was taking the necessary steps to advance my career and education goals. The R-EDP offers an opportunity to get suggestions on what steps to take to continue moving forward,” she said.

Blaker encourages airmen to take the time to complete their plan by sending reminders with information and instructions.

How to start your R-EDP

In order to do this, you must be connected on a .mil network. If you haven’t started your R-EDP, start by logging in to the Air Force portal. In the Quick Link Search, enter R-EDP.  It will display the link R-EDP (Reserve Enlisted Development Plan). The link will take you to myPers. Login again using your CAC. Next, select “Action Requests” tab and look for “Force Development” tab which is second from the bottom on the right side.  Then select the “Reserve Enlisted Development (R-EDP) tab and it

Tech. Sgt. Medina was selected to attend an event with Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright where he told future leaders to dream big and focus small.

Every branch, squadron and unit has a mission statement, but do you have one for your career? If not, you should. The Air Force has created a tool, known as the Reserve Enlisted/Officer Development Plan, to assist citizen airmen in mapping out their career.

will take you to the page in which you will begin to populate the fields within the plan.

Once you’re in your R-EDP, you will have different sections to fill out.  Be sure all your contact information is correct.  Then, complete your “Wish List” under Assignment Desire, and you can select other base locations.  It will also ask your willingness to serve as IMA, TR, ART, AGR and/or PIRR.

Next, it will ask if you would consider attending developmental education in the upcoming year.  If you have been trying to attend NCOLDC, this is where you would put that class along with any other training you would like to attend.

The additional information box is where you sell yourself.  If you have a resume, it is best to cut and paste your work experience here. Do not underestimate the importance of this section. This section is all about you and how you can help your unit and/or the Air Force, as a whole.

The next section is goals. Here is where you can start your career planning by planning your near term (six-to-12 months), your midterm (one-to-three years) and your long term (three-to-five years).  Want to shoot for the stars and be AFRC Command Chief? Here is where you list that.

The final section is where you send it to peers or supervisors for review. Once you have consulted with a mentor and made final edits, forward it on to your squadron commander or chief.

These plans help your supervisor and career field managers understand your goals and desires when it comes to your Air Force career.  It also allows you to communicate your assignment preferences, education and training desires, and your short, medium and long term goals.

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Leadership

Change Brings

Pivotal Moment for Guard History

By Bianca Strzalkowski

Maryland National Guard reached a history-making milestone last year by becoming the first-ever to be led by allfemale leadership.

Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, adjutant general of the Maryland National Guard, knew she wanted to “build the bench” with the brightest talent available. Her personnel decisions put the unit on a path to become the first of the 54 to have an all-female command staff. Singh, along with Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, assistant adjutant general for Army, Brig. Gen. April Vogel, assistant adjutant general for Air Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Perlisa Wilson, senior enlisted leader, lead roughly 6000 personnel across the state.

Though it is a historic moment, Singh is quick to point out that these women were chosen for their skills, not gender. She doesn’t shy away from the symbolism, though, of being able to empower and embolden younger generations coming up through the ranks. In many ways, Singh has always looked at the bigger picture, whether that’s choosing leaders or a direction for her own life.

The Maryland-native is a success story all on her own. Singh dropped out of high school and once lived homeless on the very streets she now oversees. Looking back, she credits her recruiter with providing the step up she needed at that moment in her life.

“I would say that I didn’t really know that I wanted this to be my path, this long. I think when you start out in the military you think, ‘oh, I’m just going to do it for a couple of years and then I’m gonna be done,’ and for me, you know this was an opportunity that kind of came into the path at a time that I really needed something that was a shining light,” she said.

Singh says at the time of her enlistment roughly 37 years ago, she was just looking for a way to make money and learn a skill. She never anticipated it would turn into a long-term career with a commissioning to become an officer.

“I joined the National Guard in Maryland, 1981. And so now to be the commander, or the adjutant general for the Maryland Guard, is truly amazing. It’s been an amazing journey,” she said.

Her experience as a prior-enlisted soldier helps her to now think about the impact of her decisions on the ground level.

“If I’m thinking about x, how’s that

Gov. Larry Hogan (center) joins all four members of Maryland National Guard’s command staff. From left to right: Brig. Gen. Birckhead, Brig. Gen. Vogel, Maj. Gen. Singh, and Command Sgt. Maj. Wilson.

going to be perceived down at the bottom? I’m always thinking about that. It doesn’t mean that I’m going to change the decision that I make … it just means I want to take in all aspects,” she said.

When Singh came into her role as adjutant general in 2015, her priority was to build a robust team of excellence – in her experience that starts with diversity.

“So when I think of the depth of the bench that I want to build, it’s ensuring that I have a bench that is diverse, not just in terms of the people but in terms of their capabilities, in terms of their thinking. The one thing that I learned after working in private industry for so many years is that if you want to have the best of the best – the best team – then you need to have that diverse set of capabilities,” Singh said.

And now that proverbial bench is not only filled with female leaders at the top, but they also share a commonality of being mothers.

For Gen. Birckhead, who initially

served with the Army Reserves then received an appointment to the Maryland Army National Guard in 1994, being a part of this historic moment is not lost on her. She has spent a lot of time reflecting on its meaning and the role she plays in it.

“One of the things that I do is I’m always reflecting. At the end of the day I do a 360, like ‘what did Janeen do today, what could I have done better, who did I affect,’ but bigger picture when you think about how long the National Guard has existed, when you think about how many soldiers have gone through – to think about that this is the first time that we have been able to align (all-female leadership), this it’s really striking.”

She adds that seeing other women in positions of higher leadership, like Gen. Singh, makes the goal seem attainable – a thought she held as she picked up rank. She advises younger soldiers to find people who they, too, can be motivated by.

“I would tell them that they need to have several different mentors, several different role models to

Emergency Management Agency: 67

follow because one path may not be the single path. And seek those opportunities, people just need to know you’re looking,” Birckhead said. “And don’t be so hard on yourself, women especially do that, you’re going to face setbacks. Everybody does.”

She also hopes that others in position of influence will broaden their perspective on who they take under their guidance.

“It takes, as they know, more than 20 years to grow a general officer. So, it’s easy to take those people that got it all going on, regardless of gender, regardless of race, regardless of those things we think about when we think of diversity. So, it’s easy to take that person and prop them up and say see, this is my mentee, but I would encourage them to go after the diamonds in the rough because diamonds are hard and those are the ones we want to shine up and say, this is my legacy to leave behind.”

Singh emphasizes the value of the State Partnership Program.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy.

Must-Have Tools for

Students Online

By Lizann Lightfoot

Signing up for online classes can be an exciting step towards your goals, but it can also be intimidating— particularly if you are not used to online classrooms. The tools listed here are essential for online students. Some are required to participate in virtual classes, while the apps or websites are useful for streamlining your work. Get ready to be a productive online learner!

Software

Microsoft Office Suite is essential for every student, whether their classes are online or in a traditional setting. Yours should include updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Microsoft OneNote is useful for keeping notes and class materials organized in one place. Text, links, and images stored there can be searched, copied, and pasted as needed.

Adobe Reader is necessary to open and read PDF documents. The free version is fine for most students, although upgrades may be required for specific classes.

Adobe Flash Plug-In is important if your class has any online lectures. The free version is probably already on your computer. But you’ll need to make sure it is updated so you can watch videos on your computer.

Continued on page 24

Malaysia and Washington State Partner for Exercises

By Maddie Dolan

This month, annual exercises between Malaysian Armed Forces and Washington National Guard, called Keris Strike and Bersama Warrior 2019, will deploy upwards of 100 Washington National Guardsmen.

Keris Strike and Bersama Warrior are two separate exercises that focus on different topics, but will take place around the same time. Joseph Siemandel, Public Affairs Officer for the Washington National Guard, said that Bersama Warrior is a command post exercise located in Kuala Lumpur, organized as a general United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) command exercise.

“It’s a bilateral exercise designed to advance inner-operability to build capacity to plan and conduct joint and combined operations,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Timothy Mckeithen, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific Command, removes a ceremonial bayonet during the closing ceremony for Exercise Keris Strike in 2018.

Photo by Spc. Alec Dionne

Staff Sgt. Adam Hirata, Charlie Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army Reserve, leads soldiers with 15th Royal Malay Regiment, in a tactical column during Exercise Keris Strike last year. Photo by Spc. Alec Dionne

Lt. Col. Alyson Teeter, who will act as the public affairs officer within the Bersama exercise, added that a command post “is the heartbeat of an operation. Basically, we’re coming up with the plans for the field to execute.”

Outside the Malaysian capital at Buloh Camp, Keris Strike will focus solely on Subject Matter Expert Exchanges. Siemandel said Keris Strike will include topics like unmanned aerial systems, public affairs information operations, civil affairs, and medical and special operations.

Both exercises will be smaller than previous years because each is more focused on ramping up for much larger 2020 exercises that will utilize several hundred more guardsmen.

The Keris Strike exercise transpired out of the National Guard’s 25-year-

old State Partnership Program. According to the National Guard website, a U.S. European Command decision in 1991 to set up a Joint Contact Team Program in the Baltic Region evolved into partnering state guards with nations around the world. Washington was one of the most recent states to establish another relationship with a foreign ally under the State Partnership Program in 2017. There are now 75 established relationships with countries around the world through the program.

Siemandel said states often pair with countries that provide a mutual benefit. He added that Malaysia and Washington’s other partner country, Thailand, have a lot in common with the state in regards to imports and exports.

“Washington has some of the biggest ports in the United States

with Seattle and Tacoma, as well as you’ve got port security topics that come up with Vancouver and Portland,” he said, also acknowledging that a lot of goods come into the U.S. from Southeast Asia.

In fact, The Northwest Seaport Alliance , a marine cargo operating partnership of the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma, cites Malaysia as one of its top 10 trading partners.

Teeter and Siemendel further clarified that both exercises are primarily focused on building a positive relationship between Malaysia and the state of Washington.

“This exercise is an opportunity to really strengthen our relationship with our Malaysian teammates and increase our familiarization with them,” Teeter said.

Even moreso, Siemendel said the partnership also allows the two entities to learn from one another, which could be especially beneficial in a state or federal emergency.

“We may think we are an expert on something but they might have an expertise on a topic that we can learn from them and share those best practices,” Siemandel said. “That’s what makes these kind of trainings important.”

One of Teeter’s biggest predicted takeaways will not only be the new friends, but how much she will learn during the Bersama Warrior exercise.

Washington National Guard and Malaysian Army Group Photo at Buloh Camp, Malaysia on Dec. 5, 2018. Courtesy photo.

“It’s certainly going to help me sharpen my skills,” she said.

“Personally, this is a great opportunity to work on my public affairs skillset and improve.”

My Son’s Journey TO THE National Guard

By Nancy Craker-Yahman

The time has come for my son’s newest journey to begin. Will it be a journey of a 1,000 miles? Will it be full of twists and turns? Highs and lows? Wherever Zachary’s journey takes him, he will be the one to tell his story. I knew when he took the oath of enlistment in Nov. 2018, he was beyond committed to his decision. I know he will always hold true to the values of being an American soldier, while carrying with him the lifelong honor of being a National Guardsman.

He always knew that one day he would pursue his goal of joining the National Guard. At the age of six, his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, took him to visit a National Guard recruitment center. This left a lasting impression on Zachary. Fourteen years later, as a transfer student attending Bridgewater State University, he noticed from a distance a National Guard recruitment tent. It was here that he met Sgt. Chadwick, who became a recruiter, a supporter, mentor and friend.

The road ahead for a new soldier

Throughout his experience, he will face a multitude of challenges. There will be a need for intense and focused observation along with attentive listening, repetitive practice and most importantly,

personal perseverance. He will endure fatigue, caffeine withdrawal and suffer the consequences of physical and mental exhaustion. He will encounter demanding situations that test all aspects of his abilities. He will experience moments of loneliness and solitude, joy and sorrow but through it all, he will “embrace the suck.”

How he decides to handle the tiredness, stress, and phases of physical and mental anguish, is all him. How he celebrates and honors his personal successes, is all him. What he chooses to do next with his newly acquired set of skills and talents, is all him. Supporting his decision to take a semester off from college to grow, challenge and better oneself is extremely admirable, don’t

you think? As his mother, I think so.

His new home for basic training is approximately 927 miles away from his home in Hadley, Mass. Who would have thought an American citizen, born abroad, raised half of his life in a bustling multi-ethnic city and the other half in a small rural town, would join the Massachusetts National Guard? Well, folks, our son did!

Our son’s hands-on experience since his younger years has taught him well. His active involvement in service at home and at school enabled him to save endangered sea turtles, feed the hungry, skip rope for cancer, advocate for juvenile diabetes and serve meals to the homeless. Like you, I agree that all of this is commendable.

Nancy Yahman (right) pictured with her family. She talks of her son Zachary’s (pictured left) path to the National Guard.

A simple request from a new military mom

Our son has started his new phase of life, leaving for boot camp weeks ago. I have a few requests, which I do not think are too difficult to accept. As our son begins to share his story about being a soldier, please listen. Whether he laughs or cries, salutes or stands, remains at ease, shares smiles or a frown, be appreciative and grateful for his service and all others who choose a similar path. And if you are willing, offer a piece of you, like a firm handshake, an embrace, a smile, and most importantly, a thank you.

RESOURCES FOR MILITARY PARENTS

Below are organizations offering resources specifically to military families as they learn to navigate their own role in supporting a loved one’s service. Additionally, within each of the service branches are family readiness support groups that can connect you with others from your son or daughter’s unit.

https://www.militaryonesource.mil

https://bluestarfam.org

https://www.militaryfamily.org

https://www.bluestarmothers.org

Operation We Are Here

http://www.operationwearehere.com/Parents.html

Zachary taking his oath for the Massachusetts National Guard. Submitted photo.

Nancy proudly seals each letter with an American flag. She takes extra care in preparing what she sends to her son to ensure the messages get to basic training successfully. Submitted photo.

STAYING ON TRACK

Financially

During Deployment

By Susan Pascoe, AFC

Let’s face it, separation is never easy. There are so many things to juggle and take care of while the service member is away on military duty, like deciding how to handle the budget from two separate locations. This can be especially tricky when that service member is in the National Guard or Reserves and periods of separation are not as common. Or, they happen frequently and cause regular disruptions in a variety of areas of life, like your civilian job. The key is to always be ready for the unexpected changes to everyday life, including finances.

Frequent or unexpected separations can make it challenging to stay on track with financial goals. This is why it is so important for couples to work together to make sure the budget and money don’t fly out the window just because the service member is away on a mission.

Create a solid budget prior to the separation. Every dollar of income needs to have an assignment. There are even apps available that allow both of you to view the budget from your mobile device and always be on the same page.

One budget buster is the amount of money the military member might spend while away on the mission.  To solve this, set a dollar amount as part of the budget that he or she is allowed to spend. It might be helpful to simply pull this amount out in cash every month and that is all the money he or she has available for the set period. The same could be said for the discretionary spending for the spouse and family back home as well.

Here are some important things to consider for establishing and maintaining financial goals in your military household:

Set financial goals together!  This is very important. Even though separations are stressful, it can also net some extra income, which should be allocated ahead of time. For example, separation pay should have an intended purpose, like TSP contributions, to provide child care, lawn maintenance, debt reduction, etc. In some cases this money is viewed as extra and is used for frivolous purposes. Then when there is a genuine need for the money, it is no longer available.

SIDE NOTE: In some cases, the military mission or assignment can cause financial hardship versus gain because the service member earns less income while deployed. This needs to be planned for and it is important to have plenty of savings on hand to cover the gap in income, so that the family is cared for or that progress can still be made towards financial goals. A drop in income is not an excuse to go into debt. Be prepared and if necessary make changes to the budget to accommodate for the drop in income.

Decide how financial decisions are going to be made while separated.  Communication can be limited and as a couple you may not always be able to discuss financial decisions. There needs to be a plan in place to handle these occurrences. For example, how much is one person allowed to spend on an emergency without discussing it first?

A big issue during separation is  emotional spending. This can derail your progress towards financial goals. If this is an issue, please discuss with someone before going on a shopping spree to make yourself feel better. A lot of poor financial decisions are made during deployments and these decisions stay with you for a long time.

If the separation involves an overseas mission to a hazard duty zone, don’t forget to  take advantage of all the savings programs and the tax free investments  that can be made. If you are fortunate enough to build up a substantial nest egg, create a plan for that money when you return, otherwise before you know it, all the money will be spent. Take the negative out of the separation by looking at the possibilities, such as getting financially healthy.

If you would like more help with your finances contact  Military One Source  or reach out to your local Personal Financial Counselor assigned to your unit or base. Their services are free of charge for all service members and their spouses.

TIP: An envelope system is a great way to budget everyday spending.

Deems All-Male Draft Federal Judge

Unconstitutional

By Matthew Feehan

More than 3800 soldiers and airmen move into a mass formation in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Sgt. Richard Hoppe

The future of the draft is divergent, and recent federal rulings are setting the wheels in motion for its change.

The current language of the Military Selective Service Act only selecting males has been ruled unconstitutional by U.S. District Judge Gray Miller of the Southern District of Texas. What does this mean for the Selective Service System’s practice of only selecting men for potential military service?

Nothing, for now.

When a male between the ages of 18 and 25 applies for federal student aid, a driver’s license or federal employment, he will still be required to answer whether he registered for the selective service. In addition, he will continue to be reminded of the penalties for not doing so, which range from being denied eligibility for federal benefits to being prosecuted and facing fines up to $250,000 and/or jail time of up to five years.

Because Miller’s decision came in the form of a declaratory judgement and not injunctive relief, the Selective Service System was not ordered by the court to register females or to do away with the selective service process. Rather, the court was asked by the plaintiffs in the case, like National Coalition for Men, to make a call.

A declaration of the court is a legal determination, much like a mass email from a commander stating his/her position on an issue. However, as a result of the court’s declaration, the legal rule 50 U.S.C. § 3802 - Registration is now tainted with an unfavorable reading from the judiciary, which has put the 116th Congress on notice to make a change. This is not a surprise to Congress because it had already created the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service on Sept. 19, 2017 to further examine the Selective Service System.

The bipartisan, 11-member commission is expected to publish a final report on the military selective service process by September 2020. In its final report, one should see a response from the commission about the constitutionality of the Military Selective Service Act.

In the commission’s interim report, published January 2019, Chairman Joseph J. Heck, stated, “My fellow commissioners and I are grateful to those whose commitment to service has proven instrumental in bringing these issues to the forefront of public debate. We thank Reps. Mac Thornberry and Adam Smith of the House Armed Services Committee along with the late Sen. John McCain and Sen. Jack Reed of the Senate Armed Services Committee for their vision in creating this Commission. We also deeply appreciate all who have contributed to our nation and our communities through service.”

The most important takeaway from Miller’s decision is the formal recognition of a change in American perception with respect to women in combat. The argument for male-only selective service based on overly broad and stereotypical assumptions of women and men no longer holds water. Moreover,

public awareness of the inequitable penalties for males who fail to register has increased.

Harry Crouch, president of NCFM, expressed his disappointment with what can be fairly described as a lack of mainstream media coverage: “It is surprising that larger outlets are not covering this story at all.”

Furthermore, Crouch said, “This has surpassed the legal issue point . . . to think women will be immediately conscripted and required to go to war now [as a result of Miller’s ruling] is totally absurd.”

Crouch also recognizes, in light of the recent legal decision, that the debate is no longer over the application of a legal rule with respect to the Military Selective Service Act, but one of a social nature. Organizations, such as NCFM, are bringing to light men’s issues not ordinarily covered in the mainstream debate.

Learn

Judge Gray Miller ruled the all-male draft unconstitutional though what happens next is still unclear. Photo courtesy of Univ. of Houston Law Center.

Making the Case for Finishing a Degree

WHILE SERVING

By John Bissonnette

I chose to take the path less traveled, not because it was easier, but because I knew it would prove to be beneficial in the long run. Before I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Norwich University, I balanced online academic work with being an activeduty Marine and as a fulltime family man.

I’m better for it, but the daily grind was not easy.

take advantage of the many education benefits they can use while serving.

at

University

Michigan

0500

The alarm shook me to life. Groggily, I managed to turn off the alarm, put on my workout attire, and maintain my fitness level as the Staff NonCommissioned Officers Academy Career Course began for me after a three-week training package.

I needed to be on the correct range — because it was a large acreage training facility — with my gear, inspect my guys, and report up to our team chief. We were ready to begin. We shot all day while calculating explosive charges and doing countless runs through mock Close Quarter Battle simulations, constantly reviewing ourselves.

Senior Airman Ryan Zeski utilizes time during a long flight as a passenger on a Michigan Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker to work on some homework for a course he is taking

Oakland

in MIchiganZeski is one of more than 250

Citizen-Airmen who are utilizing state or federal tuition assistance to further his education through his military service. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dan Heaton.

Bissonnette recommends service members

Photo by Nell King.

2100

We ended the day with our last runs. I briefed my guys about the next day’s training venue and we prepared the equipment.

0100

I found sleep only long enough to feel my eyes open as fast as they shut.

2230

We were on personal time. It would have been nice to go get something to eat, shower and sleep, right? Not a chance. Or maybe I hit the books immediately, right? Wrong. Instead, I found a quiet area, set a 30-minute timer on my phone, and called my wife. I gave her 100 percent of my attention. In some cases, if any of my four children might have been sporadically awake, I talked with them about anything they could have done that day, as well. You see, balancing academia was also a personal sacrifice of comfort. Spending those critical minutes to let my family members know that I was there for them intellectually, if not physically, was important. Those minutes on the phone made the day weigh in on me, though, and fatigue began to settle.

2300

After hanging up, I finally began my final year’s coursework.

Be assured that the balance of a career and academia are a challenge, and usually present themselves in the form of a slow grind. Additionally, there are those that will doubt your fortitude. “Not worth it, man,” “How many years?! That’s a long way away,” and the straight-forward, “You’ll never make it,” are all going to be in that mix. I came to the conclusion that many military service members, like those in any challenging situation, tend to lean away from adversity and more towards the path of least resistance. It’s easier; why not?

However, I found it was the smallest decisions I made that proved fruitful when December 2018 came, and I completed my B.S. degree. Decisions like not going out for every bar hopping campaign with the team and, instead, staying up into the early hours of the morning to finish that week’s reading requirements. Coordinating directly with professors over the phone or text messaging to send in work early because a hurricane or another training event was coming up, and I knew connectivity and time would be so limited that any free-time was going to be dedicated to minimal sleep.

Academically moving forward and achieving a four-year degree should not only be a goal, but, rather a safety net that will enhance marketability in the civilian employment sector post-military service. Plus, many people can utilize the GI Bill to fund their education. Ultimately, the next lifestyle that you choose to adapt to or undertake can fall back on a prior life’s choices and skillsets. But a four-year degree can present a completely different type of person and abilities.

The military is an excellent time to have an education paid for in its entirety and challenge one’s own grit to set goals that display perseverance, decision-making and a “can-do attitude.”

Tools for Online Students

Apps

Calendar or planner apps such a MyHomework can help you organize your assignments by task and by due date, so you don’t fall behind. You can even set reminders that will appear on your phone or email telling you to log in to a discussion, post a comment, or complete a project.

Bibliography apps like EasyBib or BibMe can help you create a bibliography for your papers. Any time you use an outside source, it will need to be cited. But formatting varies depending on the type of class. These apps help you create a properly-formatted citation that you can drag and drop onto your paper.

Note-taking apps like Evernote, Notely, or Todoist allow you to create unlimited pages of checklists, tasks, assignments, due dates, schedules, etc. You can upload images and links directly into the app, storing them in one organized place, so you will have access to them anywhere you need to get work done.

Trello allows users to create boards containing lists, tasks, assignments, links, and more. Part of its appeal is the drag and drop capability, allowing you to move tasks from a “To-Do” board to a “Completed” one.

Rocketnote lets you upload your hand-written notes, and it converts them into text that can be transferred into documents or other note-taking apps.

Voice-recording apps like Audionote or QuickVoice Recorder allow you to dictate notes that can be converted into text. Use them to transcribe lectures or your own brainstorming. Once converted, they can be searched like a traditional text document.

Google forms from the Google Drive app allow you to create documents that multiple people can edit in real time. This is perfect for group projects and discussions for online students scattered around the world.

Anki lets you create flashcards to help you learn new facts, vocabulary, or even a foreign language. It’s a great study tool for memorization.

Freedom is a program that will block distracting social media apps on all your devices. You can get more homework done if you stay focused and don’t keep checking your phone for notifications.

Websites

Purdue Owl is a free writing resource website that helps you properly format citations and check the grammar in your written assignments.

Academic Research sites, such as ISeek, InfoMine, Paperity , and InfoPlease give you access to published academic papers, encyclopedias, and thousands of trusted sources for academic research.

Grammar-checking sites, such as Write Check or Grammarly, will help you clean up your writing so you submit your best work.

EndNote will help you organize your references and create proper citation format for your notes and bibliography.

UnPlag checks your submissions for plagiarism, so you can verify your work is original and decide when you need to cite a paraphrased idea.

Tutor.com offers free online tutoring for military families. Their experts include college-level subject experts who can assist with math, writing, and science assignments. If you are struggling, you will benefit from the guidance of a free tutor.

Gov. Tom Wolf outlined a “first in the nation” program in February that would empower members of the Pennsylvania National Guard to earn college benefits for their dependents. The PA GI Bill, also known as Military Family Education Program, will be available to “PNG members and existing service members transferring into the PNG who completed their initial military term and commit to an additional six years of PNG service,” according to the governor’s website.

The program will provide for 10 semesters of tuition-free education for family members and must be used at an approved institution. It is anticipated to have four cosponsors.

The Pa. National Guard is third largest National Guard in the nation. Officials hope the new program will help with retention efforts.

Pa. is taking the lead on providing postsecondary education benefits to family members of its National Guard.

“The PA GI Bill is designed to show that we not only appreciate our Pa. National Guard members’ service, but that we also acknowledge their families’ support and sacrifice,” Gov. Wolf said during an event at Fort Indiantown Gap.

Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf announced a new program in February that would provide education benefits to National Guard families.

Photo courtesy of Gov. Wolf’s website.

Should Here’s Why Join the Army Gen-Z

By Rob Campbell

Why join the Army? In these days where jobs are plentiful, the Army might seem like a less attractive choice. I, however, believe it to be one of the wisest career decisions a person can make. Most who have experienced the Army, do not regret it. Indeed, there are a few haters but I’ve always found them to be unsatisfied with everything in their lives.

Many soldiers, whether they spend a career in service or only a few years, reflect upon their time in the Army very favorably and credit it for helping them find their way. Since my retirement two years ago, I’ve had an opportunity to see firsthand how businesses lead, what kind of environments they create, and what values and culture they subscribe to. The comparison has been enlightening.

Coupled with my time in companies, I’ve studied the desires of people, specifically the millennial and Z generations who are entering the workforce at increasing rates. There are several points of intersections between the wants of these two demographics:

• Purpose

• Rewarding experiences

• Money and job security

• Mentorship

• The tools to win

• Career and life development

• Ongoing developmental conversations instead of annual appraisals

• To be judged on merit

• Career advancement, a clear path forward

Unfortunately, most of the businesses I examined failed to meet these needs. Though, there were some exceptions.

Comparisons between the Army and a modern company help illustrate just how great the military is. When you join, or as the Army likes to say, “accept the challenge,” you’ll become part of a band of brothers

and sisters, bonded by shared hardship and experiences. My time in uniform shaped who I am today and I, like many soldiers, proudly live by a set of values and code of conduct.

In a typical company, you’ll do a job and contribute as an individual. In the Army you’ll serve a cause, something larger than yourself as part of a team. Most employees in modern companies cannot see beyond their current role and pay scale. In the Army, I always knew what rank and pay came next. It allowed me to see deep into the future.

While some companies promote and augment educational expenses, the Army funded two master’s degrees for me and sent my family and

Campbell, who retired two years ago, thinks the Army is a great fit for younger generations seeking opportunities with career advancement.

me to several of its own learning institutions to study and grow.

The Army is futuristic, keeping pace with the latest in artificial intelligence and cyber technology to name a few. It is far from traditional or, as Hollywood often depicts, a place of only rifles, body armor and explosions.

Change abound and opportunities aplenty, the Army has over 190 different occupations. In an era where people “job hop,” the Army is the perfect fit. I had over 21 different jobs and moved 16 times to some amazing places like Hawaii,

Alaska and Germany where my family and I gained life-long friends and experienced new environments.

Last but certainly not least, companies cannot keep pace with the security blanket of the Army. My entire career I slept well knowing my family would be secure on the military bases we resided on and cared for under the health benefits we enjoyed. My paychecks came without fail, I knew the Army would not “go out of business” and each year I earned more toward my retirement pension.

Of course, the Army is an

organization designed to fight its nation’s wars in far away, dangerous places. There is no sugar coating that harsh reality. I can say that after my three combat tours and a career spanning three decades, I would join the Army again in a heartbeat. And, my family would agree. It did more for me and my family than I can possibly share.

Over 27 years ago, I made one of the smartest decisions I ever made by asking my wife to marry me. I made another equally smart one when I decided to join the United States Army. Accept the challenge. Join our band of brothers and sisters today!

Today, Rob Campbell works with companies to develop leaders that employees want to work for.

Twenty-seven years ago Campbell joined the Army, a decision he says is the best he ever made.

Hundreds Guardsmen AND Reservists Could Get Better Healthcare

By Maddie Dolan

This year, bipartisan legislation titled “TRICARE Reserve Improvement Act” was introduced to the 116th Congress that would extend TRICARE Reserve Select to all National Guard and Reserve members.

As current law stands, federal employees who serve with the National Guard and Reserves are unable to enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select. Federal employees are the only ones ineligible for the low cost healthcare, and have to pay a higher cost for health insurance through the Federal Employees Health

Benefits Program.

“Federal technicians, even though they are in uniform, don’t get the same pay and benefits than the active guard reserve does,” said Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) who sponsored H.R. 613. “And that’s ok because they know that going in, but it is important that they get the same healthcare.”

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), who cosponsored the legislation this year and last, says this bill is important in allowing service members to choose affordable healthcare that is right for them.

Rep. Trent Kelly, co-sponsor of H.R.613, led a bipartisan delegation to the Middle East as part of a visit with troops stationed overseas. Courtesy photo.

“It’s important that we honor their commitment and their care and their protection of the United States when they come back or as they continue to serve throughout their lives,” she said.

Kelly adds that even though the legislation costs $240 million in mandatory spending over 10 years, it saves the United States government $1.5 billion in discretionary spending over the same period.

While this isn’t the first time the bill has been introduced to Congress, Kelly feels confident it will get pushed into the next National Defense Authorization Act because he is working more closely with the Congressional Budget Office to offset the mandatory spending to get it funded.

“We are going to be real aggressive in getting co-sponsors and as many people behind it,” Kelly said. “We are going to try and push it through this year, but if not, we will be back next year doing the same thing. But I think we have a real chance of success this year.”

Kelly urges people to call their Congressional leadership, regardless of party, to express their support for the bill.

“It’s $1.3 billion in savings over 10 years, and it’s better and cheaper healthcare for our service members who are doing the same job as the person beside them who is in a different status,” he said.

Sen. Jacky Rosen, cosponsor of S.164, visits Work for Warriors in Nevada last month announcing her Veterans Education Act.

Kelly greets Task Force Alamo, Texas Army National Guard, leadership during a visit at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Congressional delegates traveled to Djibouti to visit U.S. forces and embassy officials, and meet with national defense leaders to understand the current posture of readiness and security.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel.

Kelly served Thanksgiving Day lunch to members of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi National Guard stationed in Kuwait. Courtesy photo.