pentagram_041213

Blossoms

Sacrifice

Trees bloom on McNair

Recognizing military children

page 6

page 3

Vol. 60, no. 14 April 12, 2013

Pentagram

Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Sexual assault awareness begins at top, official says

WATERFRONT FESTIVAL

By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Col. Fern O. Sumpter, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall commander, speaks during the opening ceremony of the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival in Washington, D.C., April 6.

Waterfront Festival offers display of fireworks and armed forces

By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor

One of several events making up the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, took place along the Washington Channel in Southwest Washington, D.C, April 6.

This was the 10th anniversary of the waterfront festival and 101st anniversary of the gift of cherry trees to the

American people by the government of Japan. The festival included a large military presence from Joint Base Myer-Henderson-Hall. JBMHH is a member of the Washington Waterfront Association, a neighborhood organization that co-sponsors the event each year.

An armed forces color guard was part of opening ceremonies, which included a performance by the U.S. Navy Band and speeches by

city, neighborhood and festival organizers, including: Jay Nickerson, president of the Washington Waterfront Association; Diana Mayhew, National Cherry Blossom Festival president; and Andy Litsky, the District of Columbia’s Ward 6 Advisory Neighborhood Commission chairman.

Noting the elevated platform and great view from the Kastles’ Stadium stage, see FESTIVAL, page 9

To combat and put an end to sexual assault in the military, the Defense Department has designed programs to boost victim medical care, increase assault reporting and hold offenders accountable for their crimes, the director of the Pentagon’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office said April 5.

Responding to questions as a member of a panel discussing the 2012 movie “The Invisible War” as part of the End Violence Against Women international conference, Army Maj. Gen. Gary S. Patton discussed DoD’s no-tolerance policy on sexual assault for an audience that included first responders, prosecutors and criminal investigation department agents.

Charged with positioning the military to “win the war on sexual assault,” Patton said he believes that sexual assault cannot be conquered until it is a more visible issue. “The Invisible War” helped with that awareness, he added.

Sexual assaults are terrible crimes that have a “lasting, scary, traumatic effect” on victims, the general said.

The Defense Department works worldwide to prevent and respond to sexual assault, using “five lines of effort,” Patton said: prevention, accountability, investigation, victim advocacy and assessment.

Prevention begins with training commanders in best practices and working that effort down to the lowest level, Patton said. Each service branch, he said, has such a program in place.

The interactive training includes scenariobased discussions led by professionals, and also features victim testimony and other issues that “underscore the emphasis and the importance this training has to prevent sexual assault,” the general said.

Accountability’s aim is to hold sexual offenders appropriately accountable in the military justice system, and to encourage victims to report the crime, Patton said.

Investigation into sexual assault is performed see ASSAULT, page 9

Combative tourney wants maximum registration

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

National Capital Region/Military District of Washington organizers of the 5th Annual Combatives Tournament are attempting to bolster late registration for the event, which will be held on Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall April 16-19.

“I think anything with 50 or over [registered combatives] would be an excellent turnout,” said Fort Belvoir Headquarters Battalion Lt.

Index

Community Spotlight p.2 Commentary p.3 Community p.4 News Notes p.4 Feature p.6 Classifieds p.11

Col. Brian P. Zarchin, who also acts as a tournament organizer.

Last year, 42 participants (40 male and two female) took part in the combatives tournament.

This year’s tournament is open to all active duty servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians, who are based in the NCR/MDW. Bouts will be held in seven weight classes (heavy, light heavy, cruiser, middle, welter, light and fly).

The All-Army combatives

tourney in July has been cancelled, but JBM-HH winners will still be named to the Military District of Washington’s All-Army team.

“What has been done in the past under different budget constraints, the Army has an All-Army competition. Last year’s was at Fort Hood, Texas. The winners would be offered an invitation to join the MDW combatives team,” Zarchin explained.

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE A number of changes have Sgt. Marcus Boehler (left), Fort Belvoir, wins against Staff Sgt. Karam been made for this year’s Angulo, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), in the light heavysee COMBATIVE, page 9 weight category during the 2012 combatives tournament.

Meeting standards

Marines weighed and measured at Pentagon

Pg. 4

Fort Myer alumni

Gen. George Marshall profiled

Pg. 8

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Friday, April 12, 2013

PENTAGRAM

PHOTO

Cherry blossoms

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Cherry trees bloom in Washington, D.C, as seen from the Fort Lesley J. McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Washington, D.C., April 9. Fort McNair still has several of the original cherry trees given to the citizens of the United States by the people of Japan in 1912. Among the thousands of trees planted in the National Capital Region, 20 of the original trees were planted at Fort McNair. For more photographs, turn to page 6 or visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

Community Spotlight 6

Caption This

• Name and age: Hope Dickson, age

• What does your mom or dad do at work?: Flies on an airplane, he is a pilot.

• Favorite sport: I love ice skating.

• Favorite book: “Love will be Valentine.”

• Favorite food: Pears.

• Favorite song to sing: “Sound of Music’s” “A Few of my favorite things.”

• Favorite movie: “Sound of Music.”

• Favorite place you’ve ever been: Cruise ship.

• What do you like most about coming to school on JBM-HH: Arts and crafts.

• Is there something you want to be able to do by the end of the year?: I am saving money to buy a Stuffy [stuffed animal].

• What do you like most about living in this area?: Playing with my next door neighbor.

• What is your favorite thing to do in Washington, D.C.?: Go to the zoo.

• If your parents won the lottery, what do you think they would do?: My mom would scream.

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Caption This #13

If you’ve ever looked at a photo, read the caption underneath and thought you could do better, now is your chance. Each week, “Caption This” will have a photo taken from around the base. It’s up to you to figure out the best, funniest or craziest caption that describes what’s going on in the picture. The only rule is you have to KEEP IT CLEAN! “Caption This” submissions can be sent either by emailing them to pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com, commenting on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/jbmhh or just stopping by Headquarters Bldg. 59, suite 116 and dropping it off. Don’t forget to add the “Caption This” number, your name, rank or position and where you work.

Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Every week the Pentagram staff will pick their favorite. The winner’s Col. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy: name, caption along with the photo, will be printed in the newspaper.

Compete with your friends and coworkers and see who can come up with the best one. And if you have a photo you think would make a great With a team of resource management savvy and technically competent DoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consistent, qual- “Caption This,” send it in. ity services that enhance readiness and the overall well-being of our customers.

Caption This #12 We must be ...

- Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge.

“He’s a little on the small side, but he’ll - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. make the devil dogs proud all the same.”

- Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of excellence.

Chelsea Place - Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not … count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Pentagram Printed on recycled paper

http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

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 faxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to courtney.a.dock-abuhl.civ@mail.mil.

Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Friday 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 nonmerit 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.

Editorial staff Commander Command Sergeant Major Director of Public Affairs Command Information Officer

Col. Fern O. Sumpter Earlene Y. Lavender Mary Ann Hodges Sharon Walker

Pentagram staff Editor Assistant Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer

Courtney Dock Michael Norris Rhonda Apple Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Rachel Larue

(703) 696-5401 (703) 696-7607 (703) 696-1363 (703) 696-7605 (703) 696-5488 (703) 696-7606

PENTAGRAM

Friday, April 12, 2013

Safety tip

Ladder safety IMCOM Safetygram

When it comes to basic workplace equipment, it does not get much simpler than the ladder. Because ladders are so simplistic, many people overlook their potential hazards.

Yet falls account for 15 percent of workplace injuries and deaths. Many of these falls are from ladders and may have been prevented if a few basics had been followed.

Ladder hazards Two questions you should ask each time you are on a ladder are: • What is the condition of the ladder?

• Am I using the right ladder for the job?

Inspecting the ladder When checking the condition of the ladder, keep these guidelines in mind: • Rungs must be intact and free from grease or oil.

• Make sure there are no splinters or sharp edges.

• See that metal ladders are not dented or bent.

• The ladder’s safety feet should be in place and in good condition.

• All support braces and bolts must be secure.

• Make sure ropes are not torn or frayed.

• Make sure the hinge spreader works properly.

Choosing the ladder • Ladders have weight limits. Make sure the ladder you are using is rated for the right weight.

• Ladders also vary in length. Choose one that is high enough for the job, but not so high that it becomes a hazard.

Using ladders safely Some other things to remember include: • Make sure the ladder’s feet are parallel to the surface it rests against.

• Make sure the base is tied or held and that the top is anchored.

• Avoid the top two steps of a stepladder and the top four rungs on other ladders.

• Always face the ladder when you are on it.

• Place the ladder at a safe angle. The distance from the bottom of the ladder to the wall should be about ¼ of the ladder’s working height.

• Do not use ladders that have been exposed to fire or corrosive chemicals.

• Do not use a ladder for unintended purposes, such as in place of scaffolding.

• Never allow more than one person on a ladder at a time.

• Always be aware of the location of electrical wires and never use metal ladders around electrical exposures.

• Use both hands when climbing a ladder.

• Avoid excessive stretching or leaning.

Choosing and using ladders wisely is a step in the right direction.

We’re going from heating to air conditioning Directorate of Public Works personnel have begun the annual change-over process from heating to air conditioning. All the heat is currently being turned off and the air conditioning turned on. The air will be turned on in all buildings within the next 30 days.

For more information, call 703-696-3290.

3

Sexual assault has no place in DoD

By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service

Sexual assault has no place in the Defense Department, a senior Pentagon official said April 2, calling on the workforce to be part of the solution.

In a keynote address kicking off Aberdeen Proving Ground’s observance of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Wright said sexual assault is a national issue that also affects the Defense Department’s military and civilian workforce. The theme for this year’s observance — underscored in a message that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel sent to the department’s workforce April 2 — is, “We own it ... we’ll solve it ... together.”

“Although we address sexual assault in the month of April, this is an issue that needs to be addressed every day of our lives,” Wright told an audience of servicemembers and civilian employees.

The Defense Department is a microcosm of America, she added, where employees bring their values and how they were raised to the workforce.

“I often say if we’re in Afghanistan and we [see] something unsafe, [or] not akin to the values we have grown up with, we would tell that person to stop what they’re doing, because they’re going to affect our wellbeing and their well-being,” she said. “Yet when we are here in the United States, and we do something that’s not akin to ... values in a social network, sometimes we have a hard time crossing that boundary and saying, ‘This affects the life of a servicemember or a civilian we work with, and it’s inappropriate.’”

The Defense Department doesn’t condone sexual assault, Wright said. “We don’t tell jokes of a sexual nature, we don’t condone unwanted sexual behaviors, and we clearly don’t condone sexual assault,” she added.

Just as everyone knows people who drink a lot of

coffee, exercise a great deal or are Facebook junkies, Wright said, everyone also knows someone who doesn’t live by the Defense Department’s values and ethos.

“I ask that if you know that person, tell [him or her] to stop it, and make sure you report bad behavior should you see it,” she added. “That’s the only way we’re going to stop it.”

Wright said she joined the military in 1975 as a member of the Women’s Army Corps, at a time when having a drink at the post club was condoned. “But in our military now, ... we don’t condone drinking [or] drinking and driving. We don’t have those social things like we used to, because it’s just not who we are,” she said.

The military culture has changed radically with regard to drug and alcohol problems and racial tensions it had in the past, Wright said, adding that she doesn’t see sexual assault any differently.

“I ask each and every one of you to take back a message with you today that says, ‘every single day, we don’t condone [sexual assault],’” she said.

Sexual assault awareness and prevention must be part of all levels in the organization, she added, whether employees work with a small group in an office or in a field situation.

2013 Month of the Military Child: ‘Proud, Ready and Resilient’ Since 1986, Army installations around the world recognize the sacrifices and applaud the courage of military children by celebrating the Month of the Military Child. As Soldiers are transitioning home from over ten years of conflict around the world, many challenges continue for our military Families and their children. These children bravely endured the effects of war, and still, in the last three years, approximately two million children have witnessed the deployment of one or both parents.

The Month of the Military Child creates awareness of the service and sacrifices of the military’s children. It is an opportunity to thank children for their support to the nation’s warfighters and recognize the important role they play in the strength of the nation by contributing to the strength of the Army Family.

Installations across the Army will sponsor various fun and educational events to celebrate children’s contributions and recognize their sacrifices through teen lock-ins, youth bike rodeos, children’s book fairs, parades and other community events designed to highlight the resiliency of military children.

This year’s theme, “Proud, Ready and Resilient,” highlights military children’s unique lifestyle and their ability to succeed despite frequent relocations, reintegration, deployments, loss and/or care for a wounded parent. Army leaders will take part in events recognizing the unique challenges that military children face and reinforce the Army’s commitment to maintain the quality of life for both Soldiers and their Families.

The Army recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices our children make daily, and is committed to maintaining excellence in schools, youth services and child care to support our children and their Families. The Army is delivering on these promises by providing programs with an increased emphasis on school support and school transition services and standardizing and funding programs worldwide that support the military child.

The men and women in uniform cannot focus on the missions or challenges ahead, if they are concerned about their children at home. Providing a safe, nurturing environment

Army Tuition Assistance restored The GoArmyEd portal https://www.goarmyed.com/ for Soldiers use in requesting Tuition Assistance (TA) was turned back on Tuesday, April 9.

This will allow Soldiers to request Tuition Assistance for the remainder of FY13. For the balance of FY13, the eligibility for Tuition Assistance and the annual caps ($4.5k per year and $250 per semester hour) remain unchanged.

PHOTO

BY

LANCE CPL. TIMOTHY NORRIS

for military children creates a stronger more resilient fighting force. The Month of the Military Child reinforces this concept, reminds the nation that the servicemembers’ children also serve, and gives communities an opportunity to share their gratitude for the service of military children who are Proud, Ready and Resilient.

(Army Stand-To! press release)

PHOTO

BY

SGT. ALAN GRAZIANO

A Soldier from Angel Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) embraces his daughter while being recognized at a welcome home ceremony, March 1 at the Fort Campbell Army Airfield, when he returned from a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The majority of Angel Company returned after about six months rather than the full nine months due to the progress of Afghan Security Forces in their area of responsibility, who are now conducting operations independently.

4

Community

Friday, April 12, 2013

MOS 51C offers NCOs what may just be the best opportunity in the Army

By Steve Stark U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center

There’s more than meets the eye in the world of contracting and “Charlie” has a lot to offer.

The Military Occupation Specialty 51C classification trains noncommissioned officers to be contracting professionals, provides significant career and educational opportunities and is one of the few areas of the Army that is expected to grow in the near term. But for Master Sgt. Jason Pitts, the thing that really caught his eye was a map.

Specifically, it was the chart of all the missions that 51C supported. The chart, he said, showed “where contracting guys were, whether it was Australia, Japan, Mongolia — and to me that was like, ‘Wow, that’s awesome. I can go see all these cool places and still support the warfighter and make an impact?’ That was the ‘aha moment,’” said Pitts, chief proponent NCO for MOS 51C at the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, the proponent for 51C reclassification and the agency responsible for ensuring a trained and ready contracting NCO corps.

Pitts said that the variety of things a contracting NCO could do, and the variety of places the NCO could go to do them, piqued his interest because “a lot of guys get stuck in the same experiences over and over again. You go to unit, you go to the National Training Center [Fort Irwin, Calif.] or the Joint Readiness Training Center [Fort Polk, La.] and you prepare. You go to gunnery, you prepare.

You go to Afghanistan.

You come back a year later, and you start it all again.” For Pitts, the

option of doing something that was vital to Soldiers, but that also got him out of that routine, looked like a winner. “The contracting command was in 49 different countries last

year, doing 86 different missions supporting the warfighter,” he said.

Worldwide assign ments The NCO contracting corps offers a promising career path and is ripe with opportunity to serve in a variety of locations.

“Opportunities are endless,” said Command Sgt. Maj. John L. Murray of U.S. Army Contracting Command.

“After completing the basic contracting course, NCOs are assigned to a contracting office where they first focus on becoming proficient in simplified acquisitions and are then able to progress and hold positions starting as a contingency contracting NCO all the way to the rank of command sergeant major.”

Murray is the ACC command sergeant major and advises the ACC commanding general on all enlistedrelated matters, particularly in areas affecting Soldier training and quality of life.

And those positions are in a variety of locations worldwide.

“NCOs can get assigned across the globe supporting contingency, humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Today we have NCOs assigned and

deployed to locations such as Italy, Germany, Korea, South America, Africa, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Korea, Kuwait, Afghanistan and every installation in the continental United

States,” said Murray.

MOS 51C NCOs have the vital job of not only providing procurement support for anything a unit might need; but also serving the commander as a business advisor —ensuring they get what’s needed, on time, to support the mission.

“The NCOs in this MOS come from all branches of the Army which enables them to

understand the unique requirements of a specific unit,” said Murray.

“They are never at rest, they are always supporting real-world, realtime operational and installation support; where if they don’t get it right, the mission fails.

It is a great MOS to be in if you are a high energy, multifunctional, adaptive and the utmost Army professional.”

Sometimes it’s not only the big ticket items that really add value. “A road construction contract to add IED [improvised explosive device] training lanes to a downrange installation,” would not be a large dollar-value contract, Pitts said. But it could enable units to “go through these really high-speed IED training lanes so that they were better prepared for their mission when they deployed.” Not a lot of money in the big picture, but such a contract “really improves the entire brigade’s training before they prepare for combat. That’s a good see MOS 51C, page 10

Consider Army contracting The Army Acquisition Corps is currently growing the contracting corps and is seeking eligible candidates for 51-C and FA-51 reclassification.

What: Contracting reclassification overview Q&A. When: 10 a.m.-noon, April 23.

Where: Town Hall, Bldg. 243, JBM-HH. Who: Master Sgt. Jason Pitts and Lt. Col. Anthony Maneri, Policy and Proponency Branch, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center.

Details: • Opportunity for NCOs (E5-E6) and Officers (O3-O4).

• USAASC is seeking NCOs and Officers from all backgrounds with diverse experience to fill 300 positions in FY13.

• Two reclassification boards remain for FY13 (April and July).

Benefits: • Promotion potential to O9 (lieutenant general) or E9 (sergeant major).

• Receive college-level course work at the U.S. Army Center of Excellence, Huntsville, Ala. • Career opportunities in world-wide locations.

Resources: • For additional information, visit asc.army.mil.

Marines measure up and weigh in

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer

A tape measure and scale were the weapons of the day as Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall’s S-3 set up shop at the Pentagon April 9.

All Marines, whether active duty or Reserve, are required to maintain their weight in accordance with Marine Corps standards and are required to get weighed and measured on a semi-annual basis, explained Staff Sgt. Andrew Proctor, S-3 leadership instructor/formal schools SNOIC. “The standards are important because it keeps Marines healthy, in shape and makes sure that the Marines are competitive when it comes to meeting their professional goals,” he added.

Taking the height and weight checks on the road to the Pentagon helps ensure the Marines stationed there can

meet the training requirement without having to make the trip to Henderson Hall to be weighed and measured, Proctor said.

“It gives the Marines that work at the Pentagon a chance to get their height and weight done over there so they can get their semi-annual training done so they don’t have to come over here.

“Whenever we have the opportunity to go down there and help the Pentagon out to be able to accomplish their height and weight for that semi-annual period, we make that time for them,” he added.

Marines who are under- or overweight based on the Corps’ standards are enrolled in the Marine Corps body composition program, which helps the Marines return to fighting trim.

Henderson Hall Marines will provide height and weight screenings at the Pentagon again April 24.

PENTAGRAM

News Notes Death notice Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Sgt. Derek Tra McConnell, Battle Company, Warrior Transition Brigade, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, must contact Capt. Grant McDonald, the appointed summary court martial officer for the Soldier. McConnell passed away March 18, 2013. Call McDonald at 301-400-0265.

Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Sgt. 1st Class Kevin A. Williams, United States Army Physical Disability Agency, Crystal City, Va., must contact Lt. Col. Sheva Allen, the summary court martial officer for the Soldier. SFC Williams recently passed away on April 8, 2013.

Call Allen at 210-617-0943.

Sequestration news Get the latest information and news on sequestration and how it will affect the Department of Defense by visiting the JBM-HH website at www.army.mil/article/96832/Sequestration_Reso urces/.

Tuition assistance portal back on The GoArmyEd portal for Soldiers use in requesting tuition assistance has been turned back on. This will allow Soldiers to request tuition assistance for the remainder of fiscal year 2013. For the balance of FY13, the eligibility for tuition assistance and the annual caps, $4,500 per year and $250 per semester hour, remain unchanged.

Tax centers open Get free tax preparation and electronic filing for federal and state tax returns on JBM-HH at the JBM-HH Tax Center and the HQ U.S. Marine Corps Tax Center. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The JBM-HH Tax Center is located in Bldg. 406. For more information, call 703-696-1040. The HQ USMC Tax Center is located in Bldg. 29, room 105. For information, call 703-693-7001.

Pull-up clinic Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall’s Semper Fit division offers a pull-up clinic designed especially for women. The clinic is held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except holidays) from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. All Department of Defense identification card holders are welcome, and no advance registration is necessary. Call 703-693-9440 for more information.

ANC funeral schedule Funerals held at Arlington National Cemetery often originate and conclude on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH when participants use Memorial or Old Post Chapel or one of the clubs for a reception. When a funeral originates at Memorial Chapel, expect traffic backups during the time of the funeral. Carpenter Road, which goes to the commissary and the Henderson Hall side of JBM-HH, will be closed from 15 minutes and up to an hour after the start of the funeral.

Free pass to national parks A free annual pass is available at national parks that charge a fee, permitting free entry to active duty military. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

Marine Corps Community Services’ Semper Fit has an outdoor recreation issue point at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym. Learn more at mccsHH.com/OutdoorRec.html.

Pizza to go The Marine Club has pizza for dining in or to go. Service hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and wait times depend on the time of day and volume. All pizzas are 16 inches and come with a variety of toppings. Prices range from $12 for cheese pizza to $15 for a supreme pizza with eight toppings.

See more at www.mccsHH.com/Club.html or call 703-614-2125.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Gunnery Sgt. Willie Gresham III, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall, S-3 office, demonstrates how a Marine’s height is measured April 9. Personnel from the S-3 office will conduct a height/weight road show at the Pentagon to help Marines attached to Henderson Hall fulfill their measurement requirements April 24.

Sprint tri registration now open The Semper Fit Sprint Triatholon is open for registration through April 12. The event comprises a 10-minute swim at Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool, 20-minute run, and 20-minute bike portion at Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym. Participation is limited to 42 single entries, no teams, and there is a $15 non-refundable entry fee. To register and pay, call ITT at 571-483-1963. For more information on the event, call 703-693-7351.

Building a better budget State Department Federal Credit Union at Fort McNair’s Bldg. 41 will host a building a better budget seminar April 12 from 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Register at seminarquestions@sdfcu.org. This notice if of common interest to the military community and does not imply Department of

Continues on next page

PENTAGRAM

Friday, April 12, 2013

5

News Notes Continued from previous page

April 17 from 9-11 a.m. in the Army Defense endorsement of a commer- Community Service classroom, Bldg. cial entity.

201, on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. Pre-registration is Annual children’s fair required. Call 703-696-3512/6511 MCCS Henderson Hall will host for more information and to register. its 6th annual children’s fair April Spring education and career fair 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Open to MCCS Henderson Hall will host Department of Defense identification card holders, the fair takes their spring education and career place in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith fair April 18 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym. portion of JBM-HH. Events include Educators and employees will meet free carnival rides, face painting, a prospective students and employees. climbing area for toddlers, give- The fair is open to DoD ID card holdaways and cotton candy. A cash only, ers and the general public with family-friendly lunch will be avail- photo ID. For more information, call able for sale. Children are welcome 703-614-6828. to wear a favorite animal costume.

Citizenship/naturalization To learn more, visit session mccshh.com/childrensfair2013.html A citizenship/naturalization sesor call 703-693-5666. sion is set for April 18 from 6-7:30 ROCKS gala p.m. at ACS, Bldg. 201. To register, The ROCKS, Inc. hosts the 39th call 703-696-0153/0156.

Annual Spring Gala at the Fort Baby bundles Belvoir Officers Club April 13 at 6 Expectant parents will receive p.m. The ROCKS, Inc. will award $25,000 in scholarships to Army information on preparing for labor ROTC cadets from around the coun- and delivery, mother and newborn try and here in the National Capital care, baby proofing their home and Region. In addition, The ROCKS, strengthening their marriage. The Inc. will award the ROCKS of the next class will be held April 19 from Year and the Honorary ROCK of the 3-5 p.m. in the ACS classroom, Bldg.

Year. Details and registration infor- 201. Pre-registration is required. mation is at www.therocksinc.org or Call 703-696-3512/6511 for more information and to register. by calling 301-856-9319.

Moving for Families with special needs The Marine Exceptional Family Member Program holds two briefs in April for Families who have Family members with special needs. On April 15 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the EFMP briefs at Marine Barracks Washington, Post 5, ground floor, room 146. On April 18 from 11 a.m.1 p.m., the brief takes place in Bldg.

12 conference room on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH.

Lee at war Arlington House is pleased to announce that on April 20 at 1 p.m.

Scott Bowden will lecture on Robert E. Lee at war as a part of its grand re-opening and re-dedication program. The lecture is free but reservations are required. A limited amount of parking is available. To register, email arlingtonhouseevents@nps.gov.

JBM-HH e-Recycling day The Directorate of Environmental Management at JBM-HH will offer an Earth Day celebration electronics recycling event April 25 from 9-11 a.m. at Bldg. 321 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

At an electronics recycling event, computers, computer related items and other small-sized electronics and small household electronic items are collected for recycling.

Large items such as CRT monitors and televisions cannot be accepted due to their size and the hazardous materials associated with the recycling process. Flat screen monitors are acceptable. Large-size appliances and government equipment cannot be accommodated at this event. For more information, call Roy Croom at the environmental office at 703-696-3791.

National drug take-back day The 6th annual national drug take back day is set for April 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the JBM-HH commissary. This is an opportunity for those who missed previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs to safely dispose of those medications. For more information, call 703-696-3900.

Smooth move The next smooth move class is set for April 25 from 1-3 p.m. in Bldg.

12 on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Learn about your new duty station, moving with Tricare, arranging household goods shipment with the transportation office, sponsorship and housing. To register call 703696-0153/0156.

Pinwheels and pins White ribbon campaign This Child Abuse Prevention The Air Operations Group will Month closing ceremony and celehost a white ribbon campaign, work- bration in honor of military chiling to eradicate violence among men and women, April 23 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Look for the booth next to the Fort McNair Shoppette. Stop, make your pledge, collect and wear your ribbon all day.

If you can’t wear it, let a Family member wear it for you.

Parent and child series: Anger Management This presentation is for parents and children, 8 years old and older.

Everyone gets angry, even children.

Parents will review and receive a copy of “How to take the Grr…Out of Anger” to help guide children through the process of learning emotion management. This class will be “Pershing’s Own” schedule held April 16 at the Cody Child The United States Army Band Development Center teen lounge.

Pre-registration is requested. Call “Pershing’s Own” chamber music 703-696-3512/6511 for more infor- series, features Master Sgt. Antonio Giuliano, tenor, performs a tribute mation and to register. to Pavarotti in Memorial Chapel on NCR/MDW combatives tourney the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH JBM-HH Family and Morale, April 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Welfare and Recreation is looking Parent and child series: Stress for the best warriors to compete in management this year’s NCR/MDW combatives This presentation is for parents tournament. The tournament is open to all servicemembers and DoD and their children 12 years old and civilians from all installations with- older. Parents and children will in the NCR/MDW region and will be learn how to recognize sources of held April 16-19 at Fort Myer stress and create a Family plan to Fitness Center. For more informa- help manage those stressors. tion, email Billy Cook at Participants will receive a copy of billy.e.cook4.civ@mail.com or call “Fighting Invisible Tigers.” The next class is set for April 23 from 4703-806-5176.

5 p.m. at the Cody Child Lunch-n-learn Development Center teen lounge.

Marine Corps Community Pre-registration is required. Call Services Semper Fit invites you to 703-696-3512/6511 for more inforbring your lunch and learn about mation and to register. health and wellness. A series of free MPD S1 conference 30-minute classes are held Tuesdays The next Fort Myer Military and Thursdays, April 16-25, from 11:30 a.m.-noon. Topics include: eat- Personnel Division S1 conference is ing well and healthy cooking; how to scheduled for April 24 from 9 a.m.prepare healthy meals and stay 12:30 p.m. at the Pentagon, PLC2, healthy while dining out. Classes conference room B-2. The conferare held in Bldg. 29 on the ence goal is to strengthen the workHenderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. ing partnership that MPD, units S1 and Pentagon POC now have and to To register, call 703-614-5959. build a consensus on efficient and Intramural softball effective services to customers. For Intramural unit level softball more information call 703-696sign-ups for active duty personnel 3695/0008. assigned to JBM-HH are underway.

Holocaust Remembrance Day Register a team by calling 703-696JBM-HH commemorates 7867/7863 or email Mike Cary at m i c h a e l . v. c a r e y. n a f @ m a i l . m i l . Holocaust Remembrance Day April Deadline for registration is April 17. 24 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the community center on the Fort Myer The season begins April 29. portion of the base. This year’s Stress management theme is “Never again, heeding the Learn the basics of identifying warning signs.” Guest speaker is stressors in life and how to create Halina Litman Peabody. The event personalized stress management is free. For more information, call plans. The next class will be held 703-696-2964/8729.

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dren features Family-orientated entertainment and free bowling.

The ceremony is set for April 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the JBM-HH community center ballroom. Pre-registration for bowling is required as space is limited. Call 703-6963512/6511 for more information and to register.

UFC 159 at the Marine Club The Marine Club will show UFC 159, Jon Jones versus Chael Sonnen April 27. The club opens at 8 p.m. and offers a special fight menu. DoD ID card holders and their guests are welcome.

Transportation from the barracks and from Marine Barracks Washington will be provided; check with your unit for transportation times and pick-up locations. For more information, call 703-6142125.

Moving Families through change This seminar is designed to provide parents with tools to create an effective co-parenting relationship through the separation and divorce process. The seminar is set for April 30 from 1-5 p.m. in the ACS classroom, Bldg. 201. Call 703-6963512/6511 for more information and to register.

Helmsmen Toastmasters Want to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Come to Helmsmen Toastmasters. Join us Thursdays,7:30-8:45am, Pentagon Library and Conference Center (PLCC). Toastmasters is an international organization that helps everyone speak, think, lead and listen better. For more information, contact Annika L’Ecuyer at 703614-7160 or Elizabeth Femrite at 571-256-8674.

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

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Cherry blossoms bloom on Fort McNair PHOTOS

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Cherry trees bloom on the Fort Lesley J. McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 9. Fort McNair still has several of the original cherry trees given to the citizens of the United States by the people of Japan in 1912. Among the thousands of trees planted in the National Capital Region, 20 of the original trees were planted at Fort Lesley J. McNair. For more photographs visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

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PENTAGRAM

Marshall’s job at Myer: relax and unwind

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

Fellow ally Winston Churchill called U.S. Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall “the organizer of victory.” His acclaim during World War II was equally measured alongside the great social icons of the day — Babe Ruth, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

While Crosby and Hope were “on the road” in motion pictures, Marshall hunkered down as the orchestrator of the largest American combat force assembled during the 20th century.

As Marshall formed European and Pacific military game plans from his Munitions Building office during World War II, his residence and peaceful sanctuary during the time of the latter world war was Fort Myer.

Marshall was a resident of the base on two occasions. His first stay was from 1921 to 1924 as an aide to Gen. John Pershing; a war-generation later, Marshall lived in Quarters One as chief of staff of the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1945. But there were brushes with the Northern Virginia Army installation before and between his main stints of residency.

Marshall was at Fort Myer July 30, 1909 along with an estimated 7,000 visitors. That day, the Wright Brothers provided an additional flyover to win a government contract for the Wright Model A Military Flyer. Marshall was a guest of a friend, Lt. Benjamin Foulois, who was Orville Wright’s navigator that day, but there is no documentation that Marshall witnessed the flyover.

Months before taking up permanent residence on Myer in the summer of 1939, Marshall was invited through a series of letters to be a houseguest of then 3d Calvary Commander George S. Patton. In his papers, Patton mentioned that Marshall enjoyed doing his own driving during off-duty hours and had a large circle of acquaintances.

Acquaintances aside, Marshall was an extremely private person. He trusted the gates and walls of Myer to provide a measure of privacy and an off-

hours hideaway. But according to Marshall biographer Rachel Thompson, that was not always the case while the general relaxed and leisured around his Myer home.

“The first spring they were there [as chief of staff], he superintended most of the planting,” Thompson said. “While he was planting one day, he was disconcerted by the blare of a megaphone. A Washington site-seeing bus had stopped in front of the house, and the guide pointed out that this was the house of the Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Marshall.

From that point forward, if he saw a sight-seeing bus coming up the hill, he’d hide behind a bush.”

Through the help of his second wife, Katherine, Marshall attempted to disconnect from Europe and the Pacific theaters of battle through leisurely pastimes. According to Katherine’s memoirs, taking her husband away from the war was her primary contribution to the war effort.

“For one thing, they loved the idea of getting out and walking around Fort Myer,” Thompson said.

“They liked to walk an Arlington neighborhood called Buckingham. It was one of those things [the Marshalls] did every night. As the war progressed and it would get into summer, they would take canoe trips on the Potomac River. That was a way to get away from the heat and the stress of the war.

“They also would go to the movies. When they would go to the movies at Fort Myer, they would get there after the movie started, so they wouldn’t attract very much attention,” she continued. “And they would slip out at the very end. Everywhere he went, he attracted attention.”

Marshall found solitude in horseback riding. As chief of staff, there was always one standing appointment — an hour ride before breakfast.

Though his actual whereabouts are undocumented in regard to the July 30 Wright flyover, history has accounted for Marshall’s whereabouts the morning the United States was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941.

“During the war, that was one way of blowing off steam,” Thompson said. “He definitely was riding

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COURTESY OF

GEORGE C. MARSHALL FOUNDATION

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George C. Marshall and Mrs. Marshall use the Quarters One garden for coffee during the spring of 1941. Marshall lived at Fort Myer on two occasions — once as an aide to Gen. John Pershing and the second time during the World War II era.

on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941.”

His six years as chief of staff recorded many personal milestones, including family nuptials and diplomatic holiday dinners. Before United States’ involvement in World War II, the general’s stepdaughter was married at Quarters One during Christmas, 1940, and a holiday dinner allowed a British diplomatic contingent, which included Ambassador Lord Halifax, a chance to be festive on Christmas, 1941.

Marshall’s favorite area at Quarters One was the sun porch. Lunch and slumber were just two activities enjoyed there.

“They spent a lot of time on the sun porch,” Thompson said. “That sun porch was an incredibly important place where he could relax. When he would come home, he might bring two or three people who were related to the business of war as guests. He enjoyed napping in that sun room.”

A Marshall admirer, President Harry S. Truman, once remarked that if one wants a friend in Washington, one should get a dog. Marshall did have a dog while at Myer. Fleet, a Dalmatian, often found its way off the base.

“Fleet the dog provided them with a lot of stories,” Thompson remarked. “The dog would run away. The dog had tags, so people would bring him back to Fort Myer. There were many photo opportunities with people who found Fleet. One time, Fleet crossed the river [into Washington D.C.] and was found by a government employee.”

That government employee then requested a written endorsement for a more lucrative federal job from the general for Fleet’s return.

Come shred with us

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The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Directorate of Environmental Management is offering a shredding event April 24.

Bring the materials you want shredded to Bldg. 29 on the Henderson Hall portion of JBMHH from 9-10 a.m.; Bldg. 59 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base from 10-11 a.m.; and Bldg. 321 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH from 11 a.m.-noon. Materials that can be shredded include paper, manila folders, staples, papers clips and rubber bands and they can be in boxes, bags or piles. You can watch your documents as they are are shredded. Be sure to remove all substantial cardboard, plastic and metal from the materials being shredded because 100 percent of the shredded paper is recycled.

Newspaper, credit cards, CDs, cardboard, 3ring binders and binder clips cannot be shredded.

For more information, call Roy Croom with the JBM-HH environmental office at 703-6963791.

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Friday, April 12, 2013

Festival, from page 1 JBM-HH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter joked to the crowd upon taking the podium, “For once I have a platform that fits my stature.”

Sumpter talked about how the installations making up JBM-HH have “historically and proudly served the National Capital Region.” She also touted the components of The U.S. Army Band that would be playing at the festival later that evening — Downrange and the Army Blues — and alerted the audience to the presence of servicemembers from the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) and Single Marine Program, who had set up tents along the waterfront selling snacks and refreshments to festival goers.

Sumpter then addressed the unifying theme of the gathering.

“I’m not sure if you know this, but 20 of those original [gift] cherry trees were planted at Fort McNair,” she told the audience. “And through the years, we have added to our cherry tree population, so I am proud to say we have our own beautiful grove of cherry trees that line the Washington Channel just across from Haines Point.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be here with all of you today,” Sumpter concluded. “I can’t think of a better way to help usher in springtime in Southwest Washington, D.C.” Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Commander Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra followed, riffing on Sumpter’s storied surname.

“Sumpter is a hard act to follow,” he said, being “the only living servicemember to have a fort named after her.” For the record, South Carolina’s Fort Sumter is spelled without a “p” and is famous for being the starting point for the Civil War, somewhat predating the JBM-HH commander’s birth.

Calandra continued in a lighthearted vein, scanning the audience and noting the presence of several swashbuckling, eye-patched privateers in the audience. “Having pirates in the area makes Sailors uneasy,” he said to laughter.

Calandra talked about how some of the original cherry trees brought to Washington succumbed to disease, necessitating a second planting. He said each plant is representative of military service and the solidarity of the armed forces.

Sgt. Maj. Tony Nalker, pianist and group leader of the U.S. Army Blues, said the Blues performed some Count Basie and Duke Ellington tunes, as well as some Marty Paich jazz arrangements at the festival, including the Duke’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing.” The group also performed several songs associated with Ella Fitzgerald, with Sgt. 1st Class Christal Rheams from Downrange joining the Blues for vocals.

Nalker said the piece that received the most applause that evening was a Quincy Jonesarranged instrumental version of “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Sgt. Maj. Mercy Diez, a vocalist and group leader with Downrange, said there was a large crowd in attendance at the festival. She said Downrange performed James Brown’s “Living in America,” Aerosmith’s “Cryin’,” ”Katy Perry’s “Fireworks” and a song associated

Assault, from page 1 with “American Idol” contestant Chris Daughtry, “Home,” among other selections. Diez said the audience showed its enthusiasm for the music by giving Downrange a standing ovation.

There were so many Soldiers and Marines manning BOSS snack tents that volunteers were able to take shifts, allowing military personnel to circulate around the festival site and enjoy themselves.

LeRoy Harris, BOSS supervisor, credited JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender with marshalling the troops for the effort.

According to Christina Darensbourg, chief of business operations at JBM-HH’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, BOSS doubled the amount of money raised last year. She said the money would be fed back to BOSS through FMWR programs.

Capt. Levi Howze, a volunteer from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), said BOSS offers a great way for Soldiers to network and “make friends that will last a lifetime.”

“We have enough people [working] so that we can leave the tent, go out and explore,” said Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua Boloyan of the Single Marine Program at Henderson Hall, which, along with the USO, assisted BOSS with concessions at the festival.

“I’ll probably go out and try all the food vendors before the day is done,” said Pfc. Devian Crane of The Old Guard, who assembled cones of cotton candy at one of three BOSS tents.

While not exactly a single Soldier, Katie Vanderhalf was at a BOSS tent with her husband, Sgt. Ryan Drobney of Headquarters and Headquarters Company. She said BOSS was more than a social organization; that it also functioned like a service fraternity helping out with community projects.

Marine Sgt. Ottheia Searcy, president of Henderson Hall’s Single Marine Program and a festival volunteer, said BOSS and the Single Marines hope to schedule more joint events together. “It’s a great organization,” she said. “There are so many opportunities to go places and do things.”

The waterfront festival concluded with a fireworks display above the waters of the Washington Channel. Multicolored streamers and starbursts shot from cannons on a barge illuminated the night sky.

As Andy Litsky noted with pride earlier in the day, “It’s the only homegrown fireworks festival in our nation’s capital.”

“We are honored to be part of such an incredible event every year,” said Leah Rubalcaba, JBMHH community relations officer.

“Our military involvement has grown every year. This year, we had 125 military personnel representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard who volunteered to work the event, and they were absolutely amazing.

The Metropolitan Police Department reported this year’s attendance at 60,000 and, thanks to our great military partners who all volunteered to help. The festival was a great success.”

PHOTO

BY

separately from the chain of command via a policy to obtain optimum results, he said.

“We’re creating a special victims capability for each of the services,” Patton explained, “and will deliver a distinct group of specially trained professionals such as victim witness liaisons, paralegals, and so forth, all united under our common policy framework of standardized training ... to come together and work these important aspects.”

Victim advocacy is a way to standardize and offer reporting options to victims, to motivate reporting and enable greater accountability for offenders, Patton said, noting that military sexual assault victims who want to change their units have had a 99 percent success

Combatives, from page 1 tournament. The event has been moved from Comny Hall to the JBMHH Fitness Center (Bldg. 414) and a standard rules (no striking) format has been adopted with a focus centered on grappling and takedowns.

“We want an emphasis on Army skills sets,” said tourney official Billy E. Cook Jr., operations officer at Fort Belvoir Headquarters Battalion. “As servicemembers train for this, we want them to train toward the basic strengths.”

According to tournament officials, though online registration ended April 11, the tourney will accept warrior servicemembers up to bout time on a case-by-case basis.

Preliminary bouts begin at 2 p.m.

April 18. The final day of the tournament, April 19, championship bouts begin at 6 p.m. and awards presentations commence at 7:35 p.m.

For the latest JBM-HH combative tournament and registration news, contact Cook at 703-806-5176/6446.

RACHEL LARUE

Children enjoy one of the activities during the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival in Washington, D.C. April 6.

rate.

Assessment includes surveys and reviews for commanders to see how their program is doing in a meaningful and accurate way, from victim intervention to medical care, Patton said.

The general said the Defense Department’s efforts to curb sexual assaults will enable culture change. “I believe we can turn this around,” he said. “The [department] is firmly committed to changing the culture.”

Panelist Russell Strand, chief of family advocacy law enforcement training for the Army Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., also weighed in on the importance of culture change.

“I’ve never seen a culture change [happen] so fast, so well and so immediately in the military,” said Strand, a for-

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mer servicemember. He added that sexual assault is taken seriously in the military.

“We will do whatever it takes to minimize, and eventually eradicate, this scourge upon our military,” Strand said.

“We have best military in the world, [and] we have a lot of things we do well and some we don’t do so well,” he added. “There are hundreds of thousands of people in the military who take this issue as seriously as we do.

When we hear or see a story, it breaks our heart, collectively and individually.”

Patton said DOD’s efforts to combat sexual assault are far-reaching.

“We intend to make the U.S. military a national leader in sexual assault prevention and response,” he added.

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Sgt. Marcus Boehler (left), Fort Belvoir, fights Staff Sgt. Karam Angulo, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), in the light heavyweight category during the 2012 Military District of Washington Combatives Tournament.

Friday, April 12, 2013

example of things a contracting guy can do to help support a brigade.”

‘Charlie’ sends you to school While the “aha moment” for Pitts was travel and variety, for other NCOs, Pitts said, it’s the educational opportunities offered by a 51C MOS. “They say, ‘wow, in my current MOS, the push for education isn’t there,’ ” and when they learn that, in the 51C MOS, their officers are going to expect them to get a bachelor’s and become a certified professional, that excites them.”

MOS 51C is a career field established in December 2006 to meet the Army’s continuously increasing need for contingency contracting officers, and is viewed as a critical asset. The Army is currently recruiting NCOs, in both the active and reserve components, who are interested in reclassifying to MOS 51C and meet the requirements.

Candidates selected for reclassification not only learn a new craft, but also, through the training, education, and professional development aspects of the MOS, gain valuable transferrable skills.

“Soldiers want to be valued,” he continued. “They want to feel like they’re doing something important.” The 51C MOS enables that.

The education benefits are excellent, but the

expectations are also high—by law, the NCO must earn a B.A. in 24 months—and the workload can be demanding, but there is support from the USAASC 51C MOS Proponent Office.

“The majority of our NCOs work in the daytime, learning contracting, writing contracts with the government—that’s their craft—and at night they have to go to school online,” Pitts said.

Murray agreed that the potential for training is significant. “Training opportunities for a 51C NCO exceed those of other military occupational specialties in the Army,” he said. “The norm is for 51C NCOs to complete college courses and mandated contracting courses through the Defense Acquisition University as part of their daily battle rhythm.”

“Thirty percent of the NCOs we select already have their degrees,” Pitts added. “The remaining 70 percent are required to get their degrees — either a bachelor’s in business or a degree that affords them 24 hours in business. We have degree completion programs to help them do it. We send some NCOs to school full-time for 12 months to finish their bachelor’s degrees. That way they can achieve contracting certification and then come back to the workforce.”

Generally, the most competitive candidates

selected for reclassification have at least 60 hours of college credit.

USAASC also has an acquisition tuition assistance program that pays an additional $7,750 a year for our NCOs to go to school, Pitts said. That additional $7,750 is exclusive to the 51C program.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, MOS 51C NCOs will receive the same training opportunities in the contracting field that are available to the Army’s acquisition officers and civilians. Active component Soldiers will attend the Mission Ready Airman Contracting Apprentice Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, or the Army Acquisition Basic Course, Army Acquisition Center of Excellence, Huntsville, Ala. Reserve component Soldiers will take courses through Defense Acquisition University distance learning.

Growth potential The 51C MOS is one of the few in the Army that’s projected to grow over the next few years, with the USAASC looking to add approximately 150 new NCOs to its workforce by October. “One thing a decade of war has taught the Army,” Pitts said, “is that contracting is a vital skill, and you cannot conduct anything in the Army without it.”

Murray agreed. “It is one of the few military occupational specialties that is still growing to fill its authorizations as the rest of the Army is downsizing.”

For the Army, it’s crucial to have NCOs as a part of its acquisition workforce, because the NCO adds another dimension, another perspective to the workforce. Part of that is the credibility that NCOs have with Soldiers. “Because I knew the business,” Pitts said, “I found it easier to help support them.

I found the warfighter identified with me because I shared their experiences. I wasn’t just some guy.”

What you need to do The accession process is competitive but rewarding. Applicants must be in the ranks of sergeant, staff sergeant, or sergeant first class with less than 10 years of service. Those with 10-13 years of service may request waivers.

“Soldiers must be deployable worldwide, able to operate in a deployed environment wearing a full complement of personal protective equipment, have no financial hardships or indicators of insolvency, and have no record of information which might adversely reflect against the character, honesty, or integrity of the Soldier,” said Murray.

Soldiers selected for the 51C MOS may qualify for a $2,000 transfer bonus. “NCOs already in the 51C MOS are being offered a reenlistment bonus up to $22,500 because contracting is so important to the Army’s mission,” Pitts said. Except it’s not really necessary. “Right now our people are staying in. It’s a great job.”

There are two more boards of selection this year, in May and July. Packets received now through April 26, 2013 are eligible for the May selection board. Those packets received April 27 – July 19, 2013 will be reviewed during the late July board.

All board results are generally released 30 days following the board and are posted to the USAASC Web site and emailed individually.

For specific deadlines, dates and packet submission instructions, visit http://asc.army.mil.

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