Pentagram 022615

Pentagram

Vol. 62, No. 8 February 26, 2015

www.army.mil/jbmhh

Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Green is new top enlisted Marine

Former Henderson Hall sergeant major takes Corps’ top-enlisted post

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer The new Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps has strong ties to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

S g t . M aj. R o n a ld L . Green ser ved as Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall battalion sergeant major from 2008 to 2010.

Sgt. Maj. Craig Cressman, the current H & S Battalion sergeant major, served with Green as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., 1990. The pair have kept in contact or crossed paths many times over the course of their careers.

“He is one of the most compassionate, dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” said Cressman. “Great leader, mentor and just holistically a Marine who is well deserving of the post.”

In the shadow of a snowcovered Marine Corps War Memorial Feb. 20, Green became the Corps’ top enlisted Marine, replacing

the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, who retired after 34 years of service. The ceremony took place at the iconic memorial per Barrett’s request.

“We are committed to our nation, to our Corps and to our families,” said Green. “That is what today is all about. It is about reaffirming our commitment.”

Cressman said Green will be both a great advocate for enlisted Marines and a solid advisor to Marine Commandant Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. “He has some challenges with the current status of our forces and current events,” continued Cressman. “I know he will, along with our commandant, do what is right for our Corps and the Marines under their charge. He will set the example and be the leader he always has been as long as I have known him.”

During the time-honored ceremony that featured temperatures hovering around 6 degrees, Dunford noted that only three people

see SGT. MAJ., page 4

PHOTO

Early participation in SFL-TAP program eases transition from military

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer Since the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program began on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, it has remained in the top-10-ranked programs around the country, and claimed the number one spot in 2014.

The program’s curriculum, which is based directly on commanders’ input, employs SFL-TAP counselors to get Soldiers the information they need, well ahead of their end-of-service date.

“The mandate now is Soldiers must begin taking SFL-TAP workshops 12 to

18 months out from the time they leave the Army,” said Carlos Rodriguez, JBM-HH SFL-TAP transition services manager.

“Commanders know this program is important, so they are adding more requirements and getting their Soldiers to the courses sooner.”

The team at JBM-HH SFL-TAP specializes in community outreach and seeks to provide service members with a diverse number of opportunities and services to help ease transition out of the military, as well as prepare transitioning service members for post-service life, ranging from finances to resume writing to job seeking. Off-base employment resources

Ten things to know around the DoD in March

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer

1. T he Ma r i ne Cor ps a n n o u n c e d t h e 2 015 Officer Women Leadership Sy mp o s iu m ho ste d by Academy Women from March 5 through 7 at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va. The event provides military women the opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues and to grow professionally, according to the Feb. 15 Marine administrative message. Information on registration for the event can be found at http://goo.gl/9nojEe. 2. M a rch is Women’s History Month. For informa-

tion about women’s history in the military, feature articles and related websites, visit the DoD’s web page dedicated to this national observation at www.defense.gov/specials/ womenshistory. JBM-HH will host its own women’s history month observance March 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fort Myer Officer’s club.

3. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter detailed his commitments and priorities during a standing-room-only, all-hands gathering in the Pentagon’s auditorium Feb. 19. He acknowledged that budget and resource constraints present challenges. “If we’re going to convincingly make the case to our people that they need to

SGT. ALLY BEISWANGER

suitable for Soldiers’ needs during the transition and post-service are a key part of those courses, according to Rodriguez.

“Working with Soldiers one-on-one is what makes our program a success,” said Rodriguez. “It is not only teaching what the book says, but listening and approaching Soldiers in a way that makes them feel comfortable.”

The SFL-TAP coordinators keep the program in place, but commanders are responsible for their troops attending the courses. Both sides are in charge of ensuring Soldiers “feel at peace” throughout the

see SFL-TAP, page 7

spend more on their defense — which I believe they do — we need to, at the same time, show them that we know we can do better at spending that money,” Carter said.

4. New Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has chosen former acting Air Force Secretary Eric Fanning to become his chief of staff.

Fanning, the first openly gay man to hold the post, favors allowing openly transgender persons to serve in the military.

Though he has never served in uniform, Fanning previously was a deputy undersecretary of the Navy, an associate producer at CBS News in New York, a public relations executive and a congressional and White House staffer for President Bill Clinton.

5. Experts urged Army leaders to reach out to male victims of sexual assault, noting people should not view sexual violence as a crime perpetrated exclusively against women. Jim Hopper, a psychologist and researcher, and Russell Strand,

News Notes Thursday Lenten concerts, lunches

Join friends and colleagues for free Lenten concerts and lunches at Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base beginning Feb. 26.

The concerts begin at 11:30 a.m. on the next five Thursdays of Lent.

The concerts and lunches are free. No tickets are required. Come for some or all of the event as your schedule allows.

After the concert, the group will then go into the Chapel’s Fellowship Hall for a catered lunch, followed by a short devotional. Those who attend the short noon Catholic Mass are welcome to rejoin the group at lunch.

In coming weeks, the Thursday Lenten concerts will include Alvin Gustin, organist, and Rebecca Littig, soprano; Randall Sheets, organist, with music inspired by the Lord’s Prayer by Buxtehude, Mendelssohn and Bach; Marci Pekala, guest organist, playing the music of Bach and Widor; and Glendon Franck, organist, Irvin Peterson and Michelle Acton on saxophones.

For more i n for mat ion, call 703-696-6635.

TransParenting

COURTESY PHOTO

Eric Fanning, chief of staff for the Department of Defense is the first openly gay man to hold the position.

a retired criminal investigative service special agent, spoke about sexual assaults on men during the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program Summit Feb. 19 in Tyson’s Corner, Va. “[About] 10,800 men are sexually assaulted every year in

see TEN THINGS, page 8

Learn how to successfully coparent through separation and divorce March 2 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Army Community Service classroom in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.Register and get more information by calling 703-696-3512.

Leadership lunch set for March 3

Military personnel, Department of Defense civilians and contractors are invited to a leadership luncheon March 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel Fellowship Hall on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Special guest speaker is Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, U.S. Marine

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

Index

Throwback Thursday. . . . . . . . . . . page 2 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 In photos: Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 News Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 In photos: Working dogs . . . . . . . . page 6 Access Control: Bicyclists, pedestrians . . . . . . . . . page 7 SFL-TAP seminars, workshops . . . . . page 7

BY

Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, left, saluting, relieves Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, right, facing camera, during the sergeant major of the Marine Corps relief and appointment ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., Feb. 20. The sergeant major of the Marine Corps was selected by Commandant Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., right, back toward camera, and typically serves a four-year term, though his service is at the discretion of the commandant.

Local forecast

THURS. 28 | 21

FRI.

31 | 15

SAT.

32 | 21

SUN.

38 | 32

For more weather forecasts and information, visit www.weather.gov/

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Thursday, February 26, 2015

PENTAGRAM

A bloody battle

PHOTO

BY

CPL. CLAYTON FILIPOWICZ

Lloyd Ford, a Marine veteran of World War II, observes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., Feb. 19. The ceremony commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

JBM-HH Throwback Thursday #JBMHHTBT

This week in military history Compiled by Jim Goodwin, Editor, Pentagram

Feb. 26

U.S. 8th Air Force bombers drop some 3,000 tons of bombs on Berlin during the day, including 500,000 incendiary bombs.

The targets are three railway stations. Fifteen bombers and seven escort fighters are lost during the mission. That night, Royal Air Force Mosquito bombers attack Berlin, guided by the light of the fires started during the day.

Feb. 27

In the Battle of the Java Sea, Allied Naval Forces attack the Japanese invasion convoy during World War II.

Feb. 28

Operation Desert Storm ended when the cease-fire declared

by President George H.W. Bush went into effect.

1945: 1942: 1991:

OFFICIAL DOD

PHOTO

A U.S. M998 High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle drives along a road in the Kuwaiti desert following Operation Desert Storm, March 1, 1990. Less than a year later, Operation Desert Storm ended when the cease-fire declared

by President George H.W. Bush went into effect.

March 1

Operation Anaconda begins. The operation, which included U.S. military forces and Central Intelligence Agency paramilitary officers, worked with allied Afghan military forces and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and non-NATO forces in an attempt to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban forces.

March 2

Jacob Zeilin, colonel commandant of the Marine Corps since June 30, 1864, was promoted to brigadier general commandant, the first time Congress authorized this rank for the U.S. Marine Corps.

March 3

The U.S. Army’s 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) departs South Vietnam after nearly seven years in Vietnam.

Special Forces organized and trained guerrilla fighters behind enemy lines. After visiting the Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, N.C., to review the program, President John F. Kennedy authorized the special forces to wear the headgear that became their symbol: the Green Beret.

March 4

The USS Cyclops, one of four Proteus-class colliers built for the U.S. Navy before World War I, departs from Barbados and is never seen again. The vessel is presumed lost with all hands somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle.

2002:

1867:

OFFICIAL MARINE CORPS

PHOTOGRAPH

The aerial photograph of Henderson Hall was taken Sept. 16, 1957,

by Staff Sgt. Ridgeway, first name not listed, looking east toward the Pentagon and Washington, D.C. The Pentagon can be seen near the top of the photograph, the Navy Annex (which has been demolished) is the large building in the center and Henderson Hall is below, left of the annex.

Headquarters and Service Company was organized at Henderson Hall on March 1, 1942, and subsequently designated Headquarters Battalion on April 1, 1943, with a section consisting of the Women Marine Reserves organized in September of that year, according to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s website. For more history of what is now known as the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH, visit www.army.mil/jbmhh.

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1918:

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The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs.

News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also be e-mailed to james.m.goodwin3. civ@mail.mil. Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Thursday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer. Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Col. Michael D. Henderson Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. Woods Command Sergeant Major Mary Ann Hodges Director of Public Affairs Sharon Walker Command Information Officer

Twitter: @jbmhh Jim Goodwin Editor james.m.goodwin3.civ@ mail.mil Jim Dresbach Staff Writer jdresbach@dcmilitary.com Julia LeDoux Staff Writer jledoux@dcmilitary.com

Slideshare: slideshare.net/jbmhh Guv Callahan Staff Writer wcallahan@dcmilitary.com

Rachel Larue Staff Photographer rlarue@dcmilitary.com

Damien Salas Staff Writer dsalas@dcmilitary.com

Helen Klein Graphic Designer hklein@dcmilitary.com

Community

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, February 26, 2015

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Iwo Jima 70th anniversary remembered at Marine memorial

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

Many World War II 70th anniversary commemorations will take place through August, but one bloody remembrance that hits home for Marines and the Coast Guard was held at the Marine Corps War Memorial Feb. 19.

Seventy years to the day the amphibious battle for the Pacific Ocean island of Iwo Jima commenced, a crowd of up to 200 people converged at the foot of Arlington’s Marine Corps Memorial, the statue inspired by the photography of Joe Rosenthal, who snapped the famous picture on Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi Feb. 23, 1945. Iwo Jima survivors and friends and relatives of those who went to battle that day in the South Pacific, witnessed a wreath laying by the Marines and Larry Snowden, who held the distinction of being the highest-ranking Iwo Jima veteran present at the anniversary ceremony.

Dozens of Iwo Jima survivors - now in their 90s - braved subzero wind chills-to listen to Marine Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Orban of the United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own,” play Taps for the more than 8,600 Marines who died during the five-week battle for the eight square miles of island and its three airfields.

Seven decades later, members of America’s WWII fighting force remembered the Iwo Jima struggle that themselves and relatives fought and died. Navy Seabee Jack Lazere was 21 years old when the operation began. Seventy years later, he was at the Marine memorial telling his story and contemplated the odds of survival.

PHOTOS

World War II Coast Guard veteran Carroll George, 95, waits for the Feb. 19 wreathlaying ceremony to honor those who died and served during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The wreath-laying took place at the Marine Corps War Memorial on the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the South Pacific battle. George’s brother landed Marines via landing craft during the Iwo Jima campaign.

“They [the Japanese] killed 17 out of 30 that landed,” Lazere said. “When we went in the boat to land, I was the only one who came back. I’m the last of the 65.”

Carroll George is now a 95-year-old former member of the Coast Guard. His brother, who is still living but was unable to attend the wreath laying, operated an amphibious landing craft toward and away from Iwo Jima. Carroll thought it fitting to remember his brother’s contribution

and all Iwo Jima battle participants.

“They had a rough time. My brother was a member of a landing craft crew. Like me, he was a Coast Guard guy,” George explained. “They operated under tremendous pressure, believe me. They had to have tremendous bravery because they knew what they were getting themselves into.

Those Marines going in were so exposed; they were going right into trouble.”

According to the Iwo Jima Association of

BY JIM

DRESBACH

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Orban of the United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own,” plays Taps in front of Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. Feb. 19. Marines, World War II veterans and the public assembled at the memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony and to observe the 70th anniversary of the start of the battle for Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945.

America who hosted the reunion and the event, the Battle of Iwo Jima was fought from Feb. 19 to March 26, 1945, between the United States and the Japanese Empire and resulted in some of the fiercest fighting during the war in the Pacific. Twenty-two Marines received medals of honor due to their courageous acts during the five-week invasion and battle.

Pentagram reporter Jim Dresbach can be reached at jdresbach@dcmilitary.com.

Military working dogs sniff out narcotics, explosives

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer

Despite not allowing dogs on the property, an off-season FedEx Field in Landover, Md., and the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Memorial Hall in Washington, D.C. host canines and their handlers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) 947th Military Police Detachment stationed on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Members of the MP detachment routinely scour large facilities that lend their space for the purpose of training handlers and to prepare for potential life-threatening situations in the U.S. or in areas of conflict such as Afghanistan.

“We have to be able to place our handlers and their dogs in a situation they may actually have to search,” said Sgt. 1st class Raymond Richardson, 947th MP Detachment kennel master, during training Feb. 12. “We depend on big venues like this lending their space for situational training.”

Having an area as large as FedEx Field allows multiple installations to train with narcotics and explosive detection dogs simultaneously. On Feb. 12 Mastersat-Arms Naval District Washington military working dog handlers stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling joined the JBM-HH unit in the frigid stadium.

“We pretty much stay on the installations, but now we are starting to build up a better point-of-contact training schedule so that we can leave installations and come out to areas like this,” said Richardson.

“And since we have two types of dogsnarcotics and explosives- which you can’t plant those together- the multiple levels give us the freedom to plant things for multiple trainings.”

The dogs are trained to find either narcotics or explosives- but never bothso that handlers know exactly what the dogs are alerting on. Once the substances are planted around the facility, an odor plume forms in the immediate vicinity that the dog must find through unpredictable distractions.

“Kitchens are great, because they smell like food and grease, which are good distractors for the dogs,” said Richardson.

“The stadium itself is insanely large, and challenges the handlers as well, not only the dogs.”

Dogs are assigned their own handlers, and both must learn to read cues from each other. They are mandated to train a certain number of hours per week, meaning the dogs and trainers have to train every day, even on holidays.

“We have a one-handler, one-dog concept,” said Richardson. “Everyone who takes part in this loves it. This work is basic soldiering stuff- meet your hours, do your records and take care of your dog.”

In order to run a search, handlers and dogs must meet certain certification standards, according to Staff Sgt. James Durga, training noncommissioned officer in charge. Durga knows first-hand the importance of dogs maintaining high-find rates, having been deployed to Afghanistan with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division alongside his German shepherd, Xanny.

“To become certified, the dog must be able to recognize the odor, the handler must be able to read the dog recognizing the odor and the dog must respond once the substance is found,” said Durga during a Feb. 23 training at the DAR Continental Memorial Hall. “Also basic obedience – sit, down, heel, stay- and bite work for dogs that are used for patrol on top of detection.”

Dogs sent in to the field for explosive

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

U.S. Army Pfc. Jeremiah Davis and canine Nina from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) 947th Military Police Detachment search the seats for hidden explosives inside an empty Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Memorial Hall in Washington, D.C., Feb. 23 during a joint explosive proficiency evaluation.

detection must maintain a 95 percent find rate, while dogs used for narcotics must maintain a 90 percent rate, he said.

Minesweeper in the desert Durga’s experience with canine detection extends outside of high-volume, domestic venues. He returned from deployment in Afghanistan in July, where he says finding live explosives is a regular occurrence.

“Once you get boots on the ground, a liaison is waiting to push you into the various regions you will be going, said Durga. “The kennel there will pick you up and you’ll start to get the dog acclimated to the extreme temperatures. The beginning process is pretty slow. You take your dogs on a lot of walks to condition

them to the area.”

After that, the kennels protocol the dogs on the specific homemade explosives (HMEs) in the area so they are familiar with the odor. Once that is done, the team goes through a validation process to check how handlers work with their dog, whether the dog recognizes the odor and generally how the team works together, he continued.

“If you have the only dog out there, you become the subject matter expert. You go in and brief everyone from first sergeant up about what your and the dog’s capabilities are,” he said. “Usually we are asked to

see DOG, page 6

The United States Army Band calender of events March 1 3 p.m.

The U.S. Army Blues will perform a concert of music composed and arranged by members of the Blues at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

March 8 3 p.m.

The U.S. Army Orchestra and Army Chorus will perform a special collaboration of Randall Thompson’s Testament of Freedom and works by Respighi and Morten Lauridsen at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

March 9 7 p.m.

The U.S. Army Orchestra will host the final round of the 10th Annual U.S. Army Orchestra Young Artist Competition at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

March 10 7:30 p.m.

The “Pershing’s Own” Chamber Music Series: Sgt. 1st Class Harold Summey will present the music of the electrified jazz/fusion group, Weather Report.

March 12 7:30 p.m. and March 15 3 p.m.

The U.S. Army Voices will perform a community conc ert of songs from Broadway musicals at Clearwater Christian College in Clearwater, Fla. The performance will include full-ensemble numbers, solos, duets and trios and feature hits from “Into the Woods,” “Wicked,” “Oklahoma,” “West Side Story” and more.

March 14 time TBD

The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets with the Spires Brass Band will perform various music by composer John Williams at the Kussmaul Theater at Frederick Community College in Frederick, Md.

PHOTO

BY

SGT. 1ST CLASS CHRIS BRANAGAN

The U.S. Army Strings perform selections within the audience during The U.S. Army Band’s “Pershing’s Own” 93rd anniversary concert in at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall Feb. 22.

Performances are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. All outdoor concerts are subject to cancellation or location change due to weather considerations. Please call 703-6963399 for up-to-date information on concert cancellations or location changes. For additional details and a full calendar of performances, visit www.usarmyband.com/event-calendar.html.

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Thursday, February 26, 2015

PENTAGRAM

NEWS NOTES from page 1

Corps, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A complementary lunch will be served. Please RSVP by March 2 by contacting Chap. (Maj.) Fred Wendel at 703-696-5688 or alfred.w.wendel12.mil@mail.mil.

Army Emergency Relief campaign March 3 – May 15

This year’s Army Emergency Relief campaign begins March 3, but there is fun kick-off event planned in conjunction with the March 13 Shamrock Shuffle 5K run and 1-Mile walk. See just below this notice for details.

Army Emergency Relief, since it was founded during World War II, has provided $1.7 billion in interest-free loans and grants to 3.6 million Soldiers in the active and reserve components.

The theme for the 2015 AER campaign is Making a Difference, and serves as a reminder that Soldiers and family members can place confidence in AER to help in unexpected times of crisis. AER helps wounded warriors, surviving spouses and the families of fallen Soldiers.

For more information about the AER campaign, call Trina Reliford at 703-696-8435.

Tactical parenting for the iGeneration

PHOTOS

BY

SGT. ALLY BEISWANGER

Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, left, congratulates Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green in becoming the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., Feb. 20. The post of sergeant major of the Marine Corps was established in 1957 as the senior enlisted advisor to the commandant of the Marine Corps, the first such post in any of the branches of the United States Armed Forces. For more photos from this event, visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

Tax deadline is approaching

SGT. MAJ.

from page 1

had to be at the ceremony, himself, Barrett and Green.

“But looking out at this crowd, there’s a couple hundred [people] here,” he said.

The post of sergeant major of the Marine Corps was established in 1957, with its holder advising t he com ma nda nt on enlisted matters.

“I think out of 365 days of the year, our sergeant major of the Marine Corps spends at least two-thirds of his time away and on the road, visiting our Marines and listening to the issues affecting our Marines,” said Cressman.

“From congressional testimony to advising our commandant and getting a pulse of our Marines, the SMMC has a demanding job that requires a committed leader.”

The man who recruited Barrett into the Corps, 1st Sgt. Ron Swann, attended the ceremony. Barrett recalled their first meeting in Swann’s office.

“Do you shave every day, boy,” Swann asked Barrett.

“No,” came the response. “ I ’l l t a ke c a r e of that,” said Swann.

Presenting Swann with his last sergeant major of the Marine Corps challenge coin, Barrett thanked him for giving him the opportunity to make his dreams come true.

“I am immensely grateful to serve the country I love and to stand next to the young people who wear the cloth of the nation,” Barrett said.

Barrett, who served in the post since 2011, received the Distinguished Service Medal and certificate of appreciation from President Barack Obama.

He was also presented a flag that flew over the Iwo Jima Memorial Feb. 19 – 70 years to the minute when Marines launched their assault on the island.

“You have the admiration, affection and appreciation of your fellow Marines,” Dunford told Barrett.

An official reception following the ceremony was held at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base.

Contact staff writer Julia LeDoux at jledoux@ dcmilitary.com.

Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall offers two opportunities for tactical parenting for the iGeneration, a session with four presentations by subject matter experts on tough topics that affect our children and adolescents.

Sessions are March 6 at the Pentagon Conference Center and March 31 at the Joe Rosenthal Theater on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base.

Topics at both sessions include human trafficking, violent extremism, teen dating violence and traumatic brain injury in the adolescent athlete.

For more information, visit www.mccsHH.com/ prevention.html.

Ceremonial marchers begin the sergeant major of the Marine Corps’ relief and appointment ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., Feb. 20.

The rank of sergeant major of the Marine Corps is selected by the commandant and typically serves a four-year term. For more photos from this event, visit www.flickr. com/photos/jbm-hh.

The JBM-HH Consolidated Tax Center is available for all tax returns in Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Jointly operated by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and the U.S. Marine Corps National Capital Region Command, the tax center serves military personnel – active component, reserve component (bring orders of 29 days or more) and retirees and their families. This service is free. No appointments are necessary; however, appointments are available for more complex tax returns. If you walk in today, the wait is 15 minutes or less, but as the filing deadline nears, the Center will be busier.

What to bring: customers should bring their military ID cards; all W2s, 1099s, 1098s; social security cards for all family members; EIN for day care providers; all documents supporting deductions and credits; copies of the 2014 federal and state returns; and tax power of attorney or IRS Form 2848.

The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and is open every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The next open Saturday is March 7.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 703-696-1040. Check out www.mdwhome. mdw.army.mil/sja_nav/tax-center/tax-center, and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MYERTAXCENTER.

Teen free throw contest

Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall Semper Fit will hold a teen (ages 13 to 19) free throw contest March 7 starting at 9 a.m. at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. The teen free throw contest comprises three rounds of shooting 15 basketballs.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers. Register for this and a March 4 three point shootout and get more information at www.mccsHH.com/SmithGym.html.

Spring forward

Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m.

March 8. Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on March 7. This is also a good time to change batteries in your smoke detectors.

Anger management

Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, left, passes the sword of office to Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. during the sergeant major of the Marine Corps’ appointment and relief ceremony, at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., Feb. 20.

Army Community Service will hold an anger management workshop March 11 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Learn effective ways to curb your anger. For more information and to register, call 703-696-3512.

Intramural volleyball sign-ups

Registration is open from now until March 13 for Marine Corps Community Services’ Semper Fit’s intramural volleyball season, March 23 through May 29.

Games will be played select weekdays at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium. The team size is 12 players plus a coach, and rosters may be changed before each game. Play is open to DoD ID cardholders.

For more information, call 703-697-2706.

Exceptional Family Member Program coffee group

Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett speaks to his recruiter from 34 years ago at the sergeant major of the Marine Corps relief and appointment ceremony in Arlington, Va., Feb. 20.

The new Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, right, accepts the sword of office from Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Feb. 20.

For more photos from this event, visit www.flickr. com/photos/jbm-hh.

The JBM-HH and Fort Belvoir Exceptional Family Member Programs host a support group over coffee for DoD ID card holders who are parents or service providers of children with special needs. The event takes place on the second Friday of every month, with the next meeting scheduled for March 13, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Fort Belvoir Starbucks, 5986 12th Street, Fort Belvoir, Va. 22060. Children are welcome to attend, and the first cup of coffee will be provided. For more information, call 703-6968467 or 703-805-4418.

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, February 26, 2015

5

Secretary Carter’s message to all DoD personnel

By Hon. Ashton Carter Secretary of Defense Editor’s note: The following message was released Feb. 17.

To a l l Depar t ment of Defense personnel: I am honored to become your secretary of defense. I am proud to lead men and women who devote their lives to the highest calling – the defense of our nation.

And I am grateful to follow in the footsteps of Secretary Hagel, one of our nation’s most honorable and conscientious public servants.

We live in challenging times – times that demand leadership and focus. And starting today, I will be calling on each and every one of you to help carry out three top priorities.

Our first priority is helping the president make the best possible national security decisions for protecting our country– and then implementing those decisions with our department’s longadmired excellence.

We confront a turbulent and dangerous world: continuing turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, and the malignant and savage terrorism emanating from it; an ongoing conflict in Afghanistan; a reversion to archaic security thinking in

NEWS NOTES from page 4

Commander’s Race Series: Shamrock Shuffle and AER kick-off

The 2015 JBM-HH Commanders Race Series begins the season March 13 with the Shamrock Shuffle and Army Emergency Relief kick-off 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, in partnership with the Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

The race begins at 6:45 a.m. at the Fort Myer Fitness Center, Bldg. 414.

Registration is free, and the first 90 registrants will be eligible to receive a t-shirt. Participants can register online at www. jbmhhMWR.com until midnight of March 9. For more information, call Todd Hopkins at 703-6960594 or 703-939-1045.

True Colors – a workshop of self-discovery

Participate in this Army C om mu n it y S e r v ic e workshop of self-discovery March 19 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.at Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

T he workshop is for active duty, retired, family members, DoD civilians and visitors of the joint base.

Registration is required.

For more information and to register, call 703-696-3512.

Fort Myer Thrift Shop/AOWCGWA scholarships

In a community partnership, the Fort Myer Thrift Shop and the Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater Washington Area offer scholarships for children and spouses of U.S. Army personnel stationed or deployed from the Greater Washington area. Applicants must have a valid DoD ID card. This program is available to high school seniors, college students and U.S. Army spouses. Those applying for this merit scholarship program must have at least a 3.0 grade point average.

Additional information and applications are available online at www.fortmyerthriftshop.org or www. aowcgwa.org under scholarships and community grants. The deadline for scholarship applications

parts of Europe; tensions in the Asia-Pacific; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and intensifying threats in cyberspace.

In addressing these challenges, I have pledged to provide the president my most candid strategic advice. I will count on your experience and expertise as I formulate that advice. I will also ensure the president receives candid professional military advice.

But as we tackle the many threats to our national security, we must never lose sight of our nation’s enduring strengths – or of the opportunities to make a brighter future and better world for our children. The United States remains the strongest and most resilient nation on earth.

Because of you, we have the finest fighting force the world has ever known. We have friends and allies in every corner of the world, while our adversaries have few. We have long possessed the world’s most dynamic and innovative economy. And our values, principles and leadership continue to inspire hope and progress around the world.

Safeg uardi ng A mer ica’s security and global leadership will depend on another of my main priorities: ensuring the strength and health of you who make up the greatest fighting

is March 27. Applications can be dropped off at the thrift shop, or mailed to the following address: Scholarship Committee, FMTS-AOWCGWA, P.O. Box 1112, Fort Myer, Va. 22211. For more information, call 703-527-0664.

Just a reminder: JBM-HH Veterinary Clinic open daily

The JBM-HH Veterinary Clinic is open daily, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The clinic sees patients by appointment only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The clinic is located in Bldg. 230 (behind Conmy Hall) at 101 Jackson Avenue on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 703-696-3604.

Dining Facility under renovation

The Dining Facility on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base is being renovated, and until renovation is complete – approximately March 16 – all meals will be served in the Community Activities Center, Bldg.

405, on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Regular meal times and prices apply. For more information, call 703-696-2087.

Winter weather is here – be prepared!

In the event of weatherrelated closures, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall personnel follow the guidance of the Office of Personnel Management. OPM determines the open or closed status for all government agencies and installations located inside the Washington, D.C., beltway.

If you have any questions about your duty status, contact your supervisor.

Partner organization personnel should inquire within their chain of command.

For OPM guidance, see www.opm.gov/status. You can also call 202-606-1900 around the clock for status.

For immediate updates from JBM-HH, visit us online at www.facebook. com/jbmhh and www. twitter.com/jbmhh. Also, the JBM-HH website (www. army.mil/jbmhh) contains a winter weather link – activated when necessary – with up-to-date weather information. You can also call the commander’s information hotline at 703-696-6906,

force the world has ever known – our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, civilians, and contractors all around the world.

I will do that by focusing on the well-being, safety and dignity of each of you and your families. I will ensure your training and equipment are as superb as you are.

And I pledge to make decisions about sending you into harm’s way with the greatest reflection and utmost care – because this is my highest responsibility as secretary of defense.

Honoring all these commitments also requires us to focus on building the force of the future, which is my third priority.

We must steer through the turmoil of sequestration, which imposes wasteful uncertainty and risk to our nation’s defense.

We must balance all parts of our defense budget so that we continue to attract the best people – people like you; so that there are enough of you to defend our interests around the world; and so that you are always well-equipped and well-trained to execute your critical mission.

To win support from our fellow citizens for the resources we need, we must show that we can make better use of every taxpayer dollar.

That means a leaner organization, less overhead, and reforming our

PHOTO

business and acquisition practices.

It also means embracing the future – and embracing change.

We must be open to change in order to operate effectively in an increasingly dynamic world; to keep pace with advances in technology; and to attract new generations of talented and dedicated Americans to our calling.

I first arrived at the Pentagon more than three decades ago, and have had the privilege of serving 11 secretaries of defense

which is updated in emergencies or inclement weather situations. See w w w. weather.gov for a forecast.

at: https://lists.army.mil/ mailman/listinfo/jbm-hh_ bulletin. Recipients can also opt out at the same website.

Ice melt refills

Still a chance to earn a spot in this year’s Marine Corps Marathon

At JBM-HH, filled ice melt buckets have already been placed outside facilities by the Directorate of Public Works. Refill ice melt buckets by bringing empty buckets to Bldg. 325 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base and the P Street Lot on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base between the hours of 1 and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call Denise Faldowski at 703-696-1254 for more information.

Victim advocacy hotline

Get help 24 hours a day/365 days a year at the Marine Corps Community Services victim advocacy hotline at 703-693-6611.

Se habla español; and the Army’s victim advocacy hotline at 703-919-1611.

All services can call either number in an emergency.

2nd Infantry Division Veterans sought

Attention, 2nd Infantry Division Veterans: The Mid Atlantic Branch of the Second Indianhead Division Association, will have its annual reunion i n L a ncaster, Pen n., May 1 through 3 at the Continental I n n. A ll veterans of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division are invited, in particular those in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

For more information, call Harry Roye at 804-5260828 or send an email to Hkroye@comcast.net.

Sign up for the JBM-HH eBulletin: News you can use

Want to know what’s happening around Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall right away? Then sign up for the weekly JBM-HH eBulletin, delivered directly to patrons via email. This regular update includes the latest traffic, readiness, family and other key events happening at all three portions of JBM-HH (Fort Myer, Fort McNair and Henderson Hall). Sign up to receive the eBulletin via the JBM-HH website

BY

GLENN FAWCETT

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter talks with troops at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 22. Carter penned a message to DoD personnel last week detailing the department’s top priorities.

T he Mar ine Cor ps Marathon has sold all discounted entries made available to active duty and reserve members of the military. The special discount was offered beginning Feb. 23. Still, there is an opportunity for military members who missed out on this discounted entry opportunity to register on March 11 to run the Marine Corps 17.75K, which offers finishers guaranteed entry to the Marine Cor ps Marathon. The event will be held in Prince William County, Va., March 28.

Registration for the Marine Corps 17.75K will open at www.marinemarathon. com. Military members also can register as the marathon lottery opens to the public March 13 at www.marinemarathon. com. The lottery will be open for 10 days, through March 23. Runners who obtain entry through the lottery will be notified by email starting March 25.

In addition, anyone interested in participating in the 40th MCM can register through the MCM Charity Partners. For more information about “The People’s Marathon,” visit www. marinemarathon.com.

News Note policy!

Read in full

News Notes submissions must be less than 100 words, contain all pertinent details — to include the five “W’s” — as well as a point of contact, phone number and/ or website for additional information. News Notes must be submitted no later than noon, Wednesdays, for consideration for publication in the following week’s Pentagram. For example, information submitted for publication in News Notes on Wednesday, Feb. 4, will be published in the Pentagram Thursday, Feb. 12. Priority will be given to those announcements of events and deadlines occurring during the publication week. Please note that submission of a news note does not guarantee publication.

Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

in Democratic and Republican administrations. I took the oath of office this morning because I love our country and am devoted to you who defend it. And I am committed to our fundamental mission: the defense of our nation.

I look forward to leading and serving alongside you at this extraordinary moment in our nation’s history.

May God bless you and your families, and may God bless America.

Winter weather accident prevention Courtesy of JFHQ-NCR/ MDW Safety Office Slips, trips, and falls: • Approach outdoor surfaces with caution and assume that all wet, dark areas on pavement are slippery and icy.

• Mitigate these hazards in your areas using salt or other ice-melting agents.

• Avoid footwear with smooth soles and heels. Instead, wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice; boots with non-slip soles are best.

• Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support.

• Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over frozen areas can be hazardous.

• Look ahead when you walk; a snow- or ice-covered sidewalk, step or driveway may need to be avoided.

• Walk like a penguin in icy areas: • Point your feet out slightly.

• Walk flat footed.

• Take short shuffling steps.

• Use your arms for balance.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets and be prepared for a fall.

Driving: • Clear all snow from your car’s windows, lights, license plates, and roof. Snow on your car can be a visibility hazard to you and drivers behind you.

• Be prepared for black ice on all road surfaces, especially around bridges, overpasses and shaded areas.

• Have patience and give yourself and others more room.

• If you go into a skid, take your foot off the gas, steer into the skid and regain control.

• Check your vehicle’s tires, wipers, washer fluid, etc.

• Carry a winter weather survival kit in your vehicle.

• Check the latest weather reports.

• Plan your travel and find the safest route.

Cold weather injuries: • • • • •

Wear appropriate clothing and: Keep it Clean Avoid Overheating Wear it Loose and in Layers Keep it Dry

Educate yourself and others on cold weather injury types and mitigation measures: • http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/discond/cip • http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp

Visit us online! www.DCMilitaryHcom

6

Thursday, February 26, 2015

PENTAGRAM

DOG

Smelling, not seeing is believing

from page 3 provide a demonstration, so we carry samples with us and show how a search is conducted.”

Durga said finding a live explosive in the field for the first time is a “lifechanging experience.”

“I was with the 101st, and we were surveying a village for a bed down site.

We eventually found a local with a grape-drying hut, a large mud and clay structure with ventilation holes to dry out the grapes,” he said. “As I search the outside my dog, Xanny, got excited over an area.

When he goes to lie to me [about finding the scent], he is slow to sit down, but when he actually finds something he does what I call his ‘little dance.’”

Once Xanny began to dance, Durga ran to the local translator embedded with the unit to let them know the dog had a positive find. Upon further inspection they found what Xanny thought was an explosive was actually a bag of urea fertilizer.

“Our dogs train on urea nitrate, so it was a false alarm, but from that point on the unit wanted Xanny around for his talents,” said Durga. “During that deployment we found seven live explosives.”

During the last days of his deployment, a tip came from a local farmer that explosives were laid out in an empty field nearby. Once they began to search the field, pressure plates containing 45 pounds of explosives were found scattered.

“The explosive ordinance and disposal (EOD) specialist with us found engineer tape given to the farmer to mark where he saw explosives being planted a few feet from where we were standing onc e we fou nd t he location,” he said. “At that point we needed to search our way out of the field to avoid setting anything off.”

Once the teams began to search, Xanny pulled Durga up a roadway, where he spotted a compound with a crow’s nest.

“My dog pulls toward rocks piled up on the side of the road, so I search the area he is in, and spot a trip wire,” said Durga. “I call over the EOD specialist with us, when he spots more engineer tape.”

Continuing up t he roadway about 20 meters, D u rga sa id X a n ny ’s behavior changed and he started sniffing the entire road. Looking around Durga noticed a white wire, similar to that of a lamp cord, in the crack of a wall, extending back to the compound.

“At this point we realized this must be a pretty big explosive so after a sweep for pressure plates we dug down to find an estimated 600 pounds of HME,” he said.

Exit, stage left Canines are set to retire around the age of seven, or 49 in dog years. Most dogs are deployed several times with different handlers.

Xanny, who turns 10 this year, will find residence with one of his previous handlers in Texas.

As for Durga, his days of military dog handling are over, but his career as an MP will continue. He trains hopeful handlers in the National Capital Region, passing along the experiences he gained while in a combat zone, so the new Soldiers are prepared for detection on their home turf and abroad.

Contact staff writer Damien Salas at dsalas@ dcmilitary.com.

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Stiles and canine Nick from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) 947th Military Police Detachment search the stage for hidden explosives inside an empty Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Memorial Hall in Washington, D.C. Feb. 23 during a joint explosive proficiency evaluation. For more photos from these events, visit www.flickr. com/photos/jbm-hh.

U.S. Army Spc. from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) 947th Military Police Detachment, Joshua Stiles leads canine Nick off the stage after searching for hidden explosives inside an empty Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Memorial Hall in Washington, D.C. Feb. 23 during a joint explosive proficiency evaluation. For more photos from these events, visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

PHOTOS

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Master-at-Arms Greg Berth and canine Ivan search for hidden narcotics inside an empty FedEx Field kitchen in Landover, Md., Feb. 13 during a joint explosive proficiency evaluation with Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) 947th Military Police Detachment and Masters-at-Arms from Naval District Washington’s military working dog program assigned to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

For more photos from these events, visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

Master-at-Arms Greg Berth and canine Ivan search for hidden narcotics inside an empty FedEx Field kitchen in Landover, Md., Feb. 13 during a joint explosive proficiency evaluation with Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) 947th Military Police Detachment and masters-at-arms from Naval District Washington’s military working dog program assigned to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Stiles and canine Nick comb the stands for hidden explosives inside an empty FedEx Field in Landover, Md., Feb. 13 during a joint explosive proficiency evaluation with Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) 947th Military Police Detachment and masters-at-arms from Naval District Washington’s military working dog program assigned to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Re-up

PHOTO

U.S. Army Pfc. Jeremiah Davis and canine Nina from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) 947th Military Police Detachment search the seats for hidden explosives inside an empty Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Memorial Hall in Washington, D.C., Feb. 23 during a joint explosive proficiency evaluation.

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Leader and Commander of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Col. Timothy J. Holtan, left, conducts a reenlistment ceremony in Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Feb. 19. Holtan reenlisted seven Soldiers during his first reenlistment ceremony as leader since taking command in December.

For more JBM-HH event photos from this issue, visit us online at:

www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, February 26, 2015

7

JBM-HH enhanced access control:

What bicyclists and pedestrians need to know

By Leah Rubalcaba any of its three operational JBM-HH Community gates during normal hours of operation: Relations Officer • Hatfield Gate (Washington 1. From now through Blvd. at 2nd St reet April 16, bicyclists (who are Bridge) open 24/7. not Department of Defense • Wright Gate (Marshall ID card holders and who D r i v e at North traverse the Fort Myer and Meade Street) open 5 Henderson Hall portions of a.m. to 11 p.m.

Joint Base Myer-Henderson • Henderson Hall Gate Hall) will have the opportu- 1 (Southgate Road at nity to be vetted and receive Sout h Or me St reet) an Automated Installation open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Entry (AIE) pass.

During this time, bicy2. In the interim, up clists will be required to show through April 16, bicyclists a valid, photo ID and follow will be allowed access to the joint base’s rules for traverse the base through riding a bicycle on base (rules

SFL-TAP

from page 1 transition process, he said.

“Starting early gives Soldiers the time to go through all the different courses offered and comply with program requirements without interrupting the Army mission,” said Rodriguez. “This is an advantage to all commanders as well as Soldiers.”

The JBM-HH SFL-TAP was ranked the top program throughout the U.S. Army for the first quarter (OctoberDecember) of fiscal year 2015 and was the number one program Army-wide last year, based on career readiness standards compliance.

That means most Soldiers are completing all requirements to transition out of military service.

Rod r ig uez prov ided the following tips to help commanders ensure the SFL-TAP continues to be successful and beneficial for transitioning Soldiers: 1. Send Soldiers early and send them often: Soldiers must complete their first SFL-TAP appointment no later than 12 months out of their end of terminal service or retirement date. Ideally, Soldiers should be sent at least 18 months out from these dates.

2. Fol low u p: C h e c k mont hly commanders’ reports to ensure Soldiers are completing requirements accordingly and on time.

3. Allow time for Soldiers to participate in all SFL-TAP has to offer. It will greatly benefit individual Soldiers, units and the U.S. Army.

4. Commanders must sign DD Form 2958 to validate Soldiers’ completion of SFL-TAP requirements.

Without a commander’s signature, a Soldier cannot be cleared.

5. All Soldiers are entitled and required to complete SFL-TAP prior to separation regardless of type of discharge.

6. Call the SFL-TAP office for any questions or more information at 703-6960973. Assistance is also available 24-hours-a-day at 800-325-4715.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e SFL-TAP is not open to just Soldiers. The program is open to all service members and their families, as well as Department of Defense employees who are in a reduction of force status, according to Rodriguez.

Pentagram staff writer Jim Dresbach contributed to this report. Contact staff writer Damien Salas at dsalas@ dcmilitary.com

are outlined at #6 below)

a.m., but its hours will be extended until 7 p.m., with PHOTO BY JIM DRESBACH 3. To register for an AIE minimum staffing from A bicyclist rides past Brucker Hall at the Fort Myer pass, a JBM-HH access 3:30 to 7 p.m. request form must be filled • The access request form portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 26, out and dropped off in person may be found online at 2014. Enhanced access control measures for all three at the Visitor Control Center the “JBM-HH enhanced portions of JBM-HH allow bicyclists and pedestrians (VCC) at Fort Myer’s MP access control – frequently until April 16 to be vetted to receive an Automated Station, Bldg. 415, between 8 asked questions” section of Installation Entry pass. a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday the website at: www.army. through Friday. mil/article/142719/JBM_HH_ the application requires. pass is good for 60 days.

Online pass request regis- Anyone holding a non• Beg i n ni ng Sat u rday, enhanced_access_control___ tration will be allowed at a sponsored AIE pass is March 14, the VCC will frequently_asked_questions/ time when we can ensure subject to search. be open with minimum • Please know that, unfor• Once an AIE pass has a registrant’s privacy. staffing from 8 a.m. to 4 tunately, at this time the • After the completed, signed expired, the pass holder will p.m., on Saturdays and base cannot accept pass form has been turned in be required to re-register Sundays. Beginning March applications online as pre- at the VCC, please allow by filling out and submit16, the VCC will continue viously reported. This three business days turn- ting a new JBM-HH access to open Monday through is due to the personally around time for vetting. request form and repeating Friday beginning at 8 identifiable information • Before arriving on base, t he vet t i ng process. registrants should insure to retain a copy of the 5. After a bicyclist receives signed access request an AIE pass, he or she will form for their records. be allowed access through Copies will not be provided any of the three JBM-HH at the VCC. gates on the Fort Myer and • Once approved, a member Henderson Hall portions of the VCC staff will notify of the base: the registrant. The regis• Hatfield Gate trant will then return to • Wright Gate the VCC to have his or her • Henderson Hall Gate 1 photo taken and be fingerLocated at 232 McNair Road, Bldg. 404, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., printed. The AIE pass 22211. Reservations are required. Spouses are encouraged to register and attend. will be issued at this time. 6. A l l bic ycl ist s a re Call the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program office, 703- 696-0973 • Registrants will also required to: or log-in and schedule at www.acap.army.mil. Available to all registered clients be notified if they fail • Wear an approved helmet who have completed DD2648/2648-1 and initial counseling. Location is in the the background check. that meets or exceeds SFL-TAP Bldg. 404 unless notated.

A mer ica n Nat iona l 4. T h e r e a r e t w o St a nd a r d s I n st it ute Retiring Transition Assistance Marketing yourself for a second types of AIE passes that o r S n e l l M e m o r i a l may be issued: Foundation Standards for Program career bicycle helmets.

• March 9 through 13 or 23 to 27*, • March 24*, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• A sponsored AIE pass is • Obey all traffic signals, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. good for one year. This signs and devices except Career Resources • April 6 through 10, 8 requires the registrant to when dismounted, at which a.m. to 4 p.m. be sponsored by someone time the rules pertaining • March 16, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. who has a DoD ID card.

• April 20, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

ETS TAP • A non-sponsored AIE see ACCESS, page 8 • March 2 through 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Smart Investments • April 6 through 10, 8 • March 25*, 1 to 3 p.m. a.m. to 4 p.m.

• April 29, 1 to 3 p.m.

Soldier for LifeTransition Assistance Program seminars and workshops

Entrepreneur Track “Boots to Business” • March 17 through 18, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• May 19 through 20, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Business Franchise Opportunities • April 2, 1 to 3 p.m.

Finding and applying for federal jobs • March 25*, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

• April 29, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Federal Resume • March 19, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• April 23, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Accessing Higher Education • April 29 and 30*, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Career Technical Training • April 21 and 22, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Credit scores from good to excellent • March 26*, 1 to 3 p.m.

• April 30, 1 to 3 p.m.

Home buying • March 24*, 10 a.m. to noon • April 28, 10 a.m. to noon Debt free • March 26*, 10 a.m. to noon • April 30, 10 a.m. to noon Tricare benefits in depth • March 19 10 a.m. to noon • April 23, 10 a.m. to noon

RN - Regional Quality Manager

Responsibilities Include: Demonstrate a total understanding of the Defense Health Agency’s (DHAs) contractual requirements with regard to service delivery and quality.

Manage the quality management program. The program will utilize data, feedback, audits and other sources of information to drive and hardwire improvement in service delivery, clinical outcomes and staff and client satisfaction.

Provide oversight and advice as required in the development of the Quality Improvement Projects and Clinical Patient Studies.

Ensure that quality and training activities provide the feedback and information necessary to ensure a continuous qualityimprovement-training-evaluation cycle.

For requirement details and to apply to go: http://www.dcmilitary.com/section/dcmilitaryCareers 1042258B

Capstone (Fridays) • March 6, 13, 20 or 27, 10 a.m. to noon • April 3, 10, 17 or 24, 10 a.m. to noon Express TAP • April 13 and 14*, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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8

Thursday, February 26, 2015

PENTAGRAM

TEN THINGS

A new diamond

from page 1 First Sgt. David J. Caleb, left, incoming company first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, United States Army Garrison, takes his position from 1st Sgt. Nicholas L. Strong, right, outgoing first sergeant, during a ceremony Feb. 18, in Spates Community Center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The ceremony was hosted by Capt. Caleb A. Tallent, center, company commander, Headquarters and Headquar ters Company, United States Army Garrison.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

the military,” Strand said. “[Roughly] 8,000 women are assaulted.” Few military males report being victims of sexual assault, he said.

Only 1,134 men reported attacks — roughly 13 percent of those attacked.

With women, 39 percent reported attacks.

6. P repa r at ion s a re underway by coalition and Iraqi forces to retake Mosul, Iraq, the country’s second-largest city, from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists, an operation that could begin as early as April and will require an Iraqi-led military force of at least 20,000 troops, a U.S. Central Command official said Feb. 19. The official, who briefed Pentagon reporters on background, said military planners would like to see the battle for Mosul begin in the April or May time frame, but said the timing will be dependent upon Iraqi and Kurdish forces being adequately prepared for the fight. Later than that, he said, the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the onset of hot weather in the region could complicate matters.

Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Department of Defense announced in a release issued Feb. 19.

Additionally, the transition from Operation Enduring Freedom to Freedom’s Sentinel also marks a new campaign phase, “Transition II,” for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Garfola Wright signed a memorandum authorizing these changes retroactive to Jan. 1. Qualifying operations, phases and inclusive dates can be found online at www. defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128207.

9. D e p a r t m e n t o f Veterans Affairs announced Feb. 13 the availability of $300 million in grants to non-profit organizations and other groups that serve veterans through VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

The SSVF program assists low-income veteran families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The $300 million grants are available to current grantees seeking renewals, according to the release.

7. The Obama administration announced Feb. 17 that it will allow the export of military “unmanned aerial systems,” or drones.

As a result, the United States has established a new policy designed specifically for U.S.-origin military and commercial UAS. This new policy, governing the international sale, transfer and subsequent use of U.S.-origin military UAS, supplements and builds upon the U.S. Conventional Arms Transfer Policy and is consistent with the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act which govern all U.S. military transfers, according to a release by the U.S. State Department.

10. The DoD continues to seek input from the public to “glean information that will explore and develop new technologies and approaches to war fighting,” according to a Feb. 24 press release. Input is sought on current and emerging technologies and/or projections of technology-enabled concepts that could provide significant military advantage to the U.S. and its partners and allies as part of the broader defense innovation initiative, according to the release. The information will be used to study and prioritize “novel or unconventional” technology applications that would provide “significant, enduring capability advantage” for DoD operations in the 2030 timeframe. For more information, visit http://goo.gl/vcx2ub.

8. Operation Freedom’s Sentinel is a qualifying operation for award of the

Contact staf f wr iter Damien Salas at dsalas@ dcmilitary.com

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Sgt. David Wakasa, Office of the Administrative Assistant Secretary of the Army, takes part in Headquarters Command Battalion’s Best Warrior Competition Feb. 25, 2014, in the field near Memorial Chapel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The DoD is currently seeking input from the public on current and emerging technologies to help pave the future of U.S. and allies’ warfighting capabilities.

ACCESS

from page 7 to pedestrians will apply.

• Ride single file when vehicle traffic is present.

Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast.

• Ensure the bicycle is equipped with a front clear reflector and red rear reflector if in operation from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hou r a f ter su n r ise.

Bicyclists will wear a ref lective upper outer garment during hours of reduced visibility.

• Do not wear or use headphones, earphones or cell phones while riding a bicycle.

1050254B

7. After April 16, any bicyclist who wants to

traverse the base and is not vetted will be directed to Hatfield Gate to begin the vetting process.

8. The vetting, access request and pass renewal processes will be the same for pedestrians who wish to access Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall.

9.

All bicyclists and pedestrians will still be required to carry a valid, photo ID along with their AIE passes and may be asked to present the valid ID at any time.

10. Registrants may email questions to usarmy.jbmhh. asa.mbx.des-access-q-a@ mail.mil. Please allow up to three business days for an email response.