Standard 071015

Vol. 32, No. 14

July 10, 2015

Fort Detrick Joins Frederick Community Celebrations of Nation’s 239th Birthday

Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs

Independence Day Run

On July 4 Soldiers, family members and Fort Detrick civilians celebrated the 239th anniversary of our Nation’s independence, when the original thirteen colonies declared their independence from Britain in 1776. Across Frederick County people took part in cookouts, water activities and watching fireworks light the night sky, a tradition dating as far back as 1778, when George Washington celebrated the holiday with his troops in Princeton, New Jersey.

As part of the community events, U.S. Army Garrison Commander, Col. Robert A. O’Brien IV spoke at the Baker Park Bandshell in Frederick, and spoke to the crowd about the birth of our nation and thanked the public for the support they give Fort Detrick.

Photo by Lanessa Hill, USAG Public Affairs

Social Media

Find the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick: www.facebook.com/DetrickUSAG www.twitter.com/DetrickUSAG www.flickr.com/DetrickUSAG www.facebook.com/ForestGlenAnnex www.twitter.com/ForestGlenAnnex Find the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command www.facebook.com/USAMRMC www.twitter.com/USAMRMC www.flickr.com/people/usamrmc

Major Gen. Brian C. Lein, commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, leads Fourth of July esprit de corps run, July 2 at Fort Detrick. The run was hosted by the 21st Signal Brigade, with all the tenant commands taking part.

What’s Inside

Cyber Security: Protecting Internal Communications, p. 4

USACEHR Participates in Bring Your Child to Work Day, p. 5

Brig. Gen. Baker Promoted to Major General, p. 7

Commentary:

Military Customs and Courtesies during Reveille and Retreat

Many of you noticed over the last few weeks that police officers are stopping traffic on Porter Street twice a day when we raise and lower the Nation’s colors. Every day at 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. the sound of bugle call plays over the Fort Detrick mass notification systems. This is part of a centuries-old tradition of military signaling. Reveille in the morning and Retreat in the afternoon are part of this tradition and there is an act of individual respect to the Nation for both Soldiers and civilians that accompanies this tradition. I asked the police force to stop traffic along Porter Street to help remind the post that we owe much to our country.

Reveille traces its origin to a French bugle call used since the Crusades. It sounds on Fort Detrick at 6:30 a.m. signifying the beginning of the day with morning roll call. When Reveille sounds, FM 7-21.13 instructs Soldiers who are outdoors to come to the position of attention while facing the flag and salute from the first to the last note of the call. As a sign of respect to the Nation, civilians and Soldiers in civilian clothes stand at attention while facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts. Drivers are to pull off to the side of the road, and the driver or the vehicle commander should exit the vehicle to render honors.

Every evening at 5:00 p.m. Retreat sounds, signifying the end of the day. Historically, this meant sentries would challenge personnel until sunrise. Today, the Retreat call occurs in two parts. The first bugle call is Retreat. The color detail lowers the flag on the first note of “To the Colors.” The appropriate respectful actions are similar to those I described for Reveille in most respect, except that formations stand at parade rest for Retreat and come to attention and present arms for “To the Colors.” Soldiers not standing in formation should stand at attention during both bugle calls and salute during “To the Colors.” Soldiers not in uniform and civilians should place their hand over their heart during “To the Colors.” Drivers should also pull their vehicles to the side of the road and render appropriate honors.

I ask for your assistance in using these two minutes a day to rekindle the outward signs of pride in our Nation and our traditions. This is a small action we can all take to signal our commitment to teamwork and adherence to our military standards. It also helps us communicate to others that we take our role in national security seriously and are committed to excellence.

Support and Defend!

IMCOM Voluntary Placement Program Changes Began June 30 HQ IMCOM CIVILIAN PERSONNEL BRANCH

U.S. ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

The Installation Management Command’s new Voluntary Placement Program will give first consideration to internal employees wishing to move overseas or return to the continental U.S. from an overseas position.

Beginning June 30, positions for permanent IMCOM employees with a wage grade (or equivalent) of GS-09 and above will be posted online before they are announced on USA Jobs. The goal of the program is to allow current employees an opportunity to make career-broadening assignment choices within the command before advertising the positions to outside applicants.

At this time, the program does not include opportunities for CONUS to CONUS or OCONUS to OCONUS movement, and does not extend to non-appropriated fund employees due to regulatory issues.

Employees may apply for multiple positions, but are limited to using a single resume during any given week.

IVPP positions are considered legitimate job offers for personnel registered in the DOD Priority Placement Program; declining an IVPP offer may result in removal from the PPP and adverse action(s).

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The STANDARD is an authorized unofficial newspaper, published every two weeks under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the military and civilians at Fort Detrick. Circulation is 7,000. The STANDARD is a commercial enterprise newspaper printed by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., 20877, a private firm, in no way connected with the United States Government or Department of Defense. The contents of the STANDARD do not necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Army. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorse-

After Duty Numbers

Important After Duty Hour Numbers Provost Marshal Office

(301) 619-2652

Fire and Emergency Services

(301) 619-2528

Near Miss Hotline

(301) 619-3164

USAG Network Enterprise Help Desk

(301) 619-2049

Balfour Beatty

(240) 379-6518

Directorate of Public Works Trouble Desk

(301) 619-2726

Barquist Army Health Clinic

(866) 379-3981

Post Operator

(301) 619-8000

ment of DoD. 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 characteristic of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is prepared and edited by the Fort Detrick Public Affairs Office, 810 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, Md. 21702-5000. Editorial Offices are in Bldg. 810, Suite 004, telephone 301-619-2018; e-mail: usarmy.detrick.usag.mbx. pao@mail.mil.

Visit our Web site at: www.detrick.army.mil

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Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

Col. Robert A. O’Brien IV

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

Command

Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick

Col. Robert A. O’Brien IV U.S. Army Garrison Commander

Editorial Staff Nick Minecci

USAG Fort Detrick

Fort Detrick AFAP Working to Address Community Needs SARAH POLANCO

FORT DETRICK ARMY VOLUNTEER CORPS COORDINATOR

The Army Family Action Plan provides active duty and Reserve Component Soldiers, Army civilians, family members, survivors and retirees a voice in shaping their standards of living by identifying issues and concerns for Army Senior Leadership resolution.

The Fort Detrick AFAP Conference took place Nov. 3-6, 2014, and a total of 23 issues were submitted with two of these issues forwarded to IMCOM Headquarters for resolution.

What is the AFAP Steering Committee?

The commander’s AFAP Steering Committee membership met on June 24 to review pending issues and provide updates to issues presented at last year’s conference.

The membership is composed of subject matter experts and organization directors that provide valuable feedback and guidance on issue resolution. Out of the 23 issues submitted at last year’s conference, two were forwarded to IMCOM Headquarters, four are still considered active, four have been completed and the remainder have been closed.

The four issues that have been worked and were completed this year are: installing more outlets at the post gym, constructing a designated cart return area in the Commissary parking lot, improving Network Enterprise Center services to customers and onpost organizations partnering for events for financial assistance and staff support.

Issues that are being actively worked include: - Issue: We need more fun, recreational outings for families.

Recommendation: The way ahead is to re-energize the outdoor excursion program and explore ways to achieve maximum dissemination of event information.

- Issue: Military Spouse Executive Order restricting spouse seeking employment beyond a two year period. The issue indicated that while the National Defense Authorization Act signed Jan. 13 amends the require-

ment of the two year limit, Office of Personnel Management has yet to implement this change.

Recommendation: Follow up with the OPM on the status of the change.

- Issue: At the AAFES Barber Shop, when individuals receive a haircut, they are left with hair clippings on shirt and clothes.

Recommendation: Re-emphasize the importance of eliminating hair clippings from customer’s shirts to the barber shop staff and research cost of vacuum clippers.

- Issue: To provide bicycles for community members to use so that they don’t have to use their cars to transit around post.

Recommendation: Look into a bike share or bike rental option for Soldiers and civilians on the installation.

The AFAP conference is important because it gives all members of the Army family a chance to change and improve community issues. Once issues are placed through the AFAP, they continue to remain active until they are either elevated, resolved or deemed unattainable.

If you want to submit an issue to be reviewed at the FY 2016 AFAP conference, you can complete the issue submission form manually or online. Submission forms and drop-off boxes are located at the Army Community Service and Health Clinic. If you prefer to submit your issue online, the electronic issue submission form can be found on the Fort Detrick Morale, Welfare and Recreation page. Log on to www.detrick.armymwr.com, click on “Community Support,” and click on the AFAP logo under “Events & Promotions.” You can also submit issues by logging on to www.myarmyonesource.com, click on “Family Programs and Services” and then “AFAP Issue Management System.” A final option is to email your issues to usarmy.detrick.imcom-fmwrc.mbx.afap@mail.mil.

For more information, please contact the AFAP manager at (301) 619-3171 or via email at usarmy.detrick.imcom-fmwrc. mbx.afap@mail.mil.

Upcoming MWR Events 20

July 14

Newcomers Orientation 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

CAC, Building 1529

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Forest Glen Parent Advisory Council Meeting 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

School Age Services (Forest Glen) 1927 McMahon Road, Building 13

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Mandatory 1st Term Soldier’s Personal Finance Class 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Army Community Service Building 1520 Contact and Register: (301) 619-2197

Women’s Empowerment Group 12 - 1:30 p.m.

Army Community Service Building 1520

Write a Better Resume 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Army Community Services Building 1520

Financial 1st PCS/Levy Brief 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Army Community Service (ACS) Building 1520, Classroom 3

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Coupon Saving Program 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Army Community Service Building 1520, Room 124

Fort Detrick Fantastic Fridays Summer Months 6 - 10 p.m.

Child Development Center Building 1776 $4 per hour

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Master Resilience Training 9 - 11 a.m.

Post Chapel, Building 1776

Army Community Service Birthday 1 - 3 p.m.

Army Community Service Building 1520, Room 124

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Movie Under the Stars Outdoor Pool, 6 - 10 p.m. $5

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com

Army Community Service Celebrates 50 Years of Continued Support to Military Community Worldwide SHANNON BISHOP

USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Fifty years ago, the Army Community Service was designed to provide services to assist and support members of the Army community. Today, with more than 83 centers worldwide, the ACS continues to provide constant support to the Army community through programs such as the Exceptional Family Member Program, Transition Assistance Program and the Army Emergency Relief Fund, among others.

For years before the ACS, Army wives operated lending closets, thrift shops and nurseries. They also raised funds to help the needy, assist in emergencies and provided care and comfort to the ill and bereaved.

Through a grassroots understanding of the community, the Army wives contributed

significantly to the stability of the Army community.

Since its beginning in 1940, the ACS has changed dramatically to adapt to the needs of the military community. According to Michelle Hewitt, the Exceptional Family Member Program manager, the ACS program is critical for the members of Fort Detrick.

“This program really helps to build and strengthen the resilience and professionalism of the community,” said Hewitt. “It’s important for people to understand that you don’t have to be in any kind of trouble to visit the ACS. The program is here to provide support, information, resources, advocacy and referrals to the Army community.”

There is a large misconception that the ACS is only available to active-duty military, but ACS programs are available to civilian employees as well.

“I didn’t know that the ACS had all these programs,” said Ella Wynn, Sexual Assault Prevention coordinator. “These programs allow us to walk into an area and get these support services all in one place.”

According to official ACS documents, the mission of the program is to facilitate the commander’s ability to provide comprehensive, coordinated and responsive services that support readiness of Soldiers, civilian employees and their families.

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

“The ACS provides invaluable services to the Soldiers and civilians on the installation,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Darryl Warren of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. “The professional services offered through the ACS would cost Soldiers and families money off post, making these programs absolutely invaluable to our community.”

The Fort Detrick ACS will be celebrating its 50th birthday on July 24 in Building 1520.

For more information, call (301) 619-2197.

Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

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CYBER SECURITY:

Protect Yourself from Insect Protecting Internal and Tick-Borne Diseases Communications SHANNON BISHOP

USAG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Fort Detrick will undergo a cybersecurity inspection during the month of July, marking the perfect opportunity to review procedures which have been implemented to protect the internal communications on the installation.

In previous articles of this series, keeping your personally identifying information private when using social media and being aware of other content you post online have been addressed, now it’s time to remind one another how to be diligent about protecting the internal communications at Fort Detrick.

“This means you are our first line of defense. Each Soldier, Army civilian and contractor has a vital role in ensuring mission accomplishment, while keeping our Soldiers and systems safe when connecting online. You are accountable for everything you do in cyberspace,” according to the U.S. Army Cyber Command.

Be sure to practice these procedures every day, not just as we prepare for an inspection.

- Never leave your Common Access Card in your computer if you are out of the line of sight of your computer.

- Do not open suspicious emails, they may contain viruses or other malware that could cause harm to your computer and/or network.

- Do not share passwords or PIN numbers with other people.

Courtesy photo

- Do not share sensitive or classified information over an unsecured or unclassified network.

Cyberspace operations are critical to our Nation and the Army’s mission. Securing cyberspace is a 24/7 responsibility. By dedicating ourselves to increased online security we help stay Army Strong, says the ARCYBER. Note: This is the final article in a series about the importance of cybersecurity. If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your digital information secure, contact the Network Enterprise Center at (301) 619-7291.

Home Child Care Provider Regulations TOMOKO T. DANGERFIELD FORT DETRICK CYSS

Are you providing child care in your home in military housing on Fort Detrick or in Glen Haven? If so, are you certified through Child, Youth and School Services Family Child Care?

If you answered “yes” to the first question, and “no” to the second, you could be in violation of Army guidance and regulation for providing child care on an Army installation.

Per Army regulation, child care provided by family members exceeding 10 hours per week without certification through CYS Services FCC is considered to be unauthorized care, and providing unauthorized care can jeopardize eligibility for military housing as well as the career of the sponsor.

Certified FCC homes are recognized by a sign displayed in a front window or a garden flag outside displaying the Army FCC logo.

If such signage is not displayed, and children are being dropped off regularly, it is possible the resident is providing unauthorized care. Please report unauthorized care to CYSS immediately at the number listed below.

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Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

FCC home providers are adults trained and certified by Army CYSS living in government quarters on the installation. FCC providers offer loving, nurturing and professional care in a small-group home setting for children four weeks-12 years of age for both the Frederick and Forest Glen communities.

The same standards apply in Army FCC homes as in center-based programs, and many of our FCC homes are accredited by the National Association of Family Child Care. FCC providers and their family members 12 years of age and over have undergone thorough background checks. Parents can expect quality programming, USDAapproved meals and age-appropriate toys, equipment and activities that promote the growth and development of the child.

FCC currently offers full-day care, parttime care, before and after-school care, summer camp, as well as extended hours summer care.

For more information about enrolling children in the FCC program, please contact U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick CYSS at (301) 619-7100. If you are interested in becoming an FCC provider, please contact the USAG Fort Detrick FCC director at (301) 619-3405.

The deer tick is the only tick that carries Lyme disease. If individuals remove attached ticks promptly, they can prevent tick-borne disease.

Courtesy photo

ROSEANNE RADAVICH

U.S. ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND

Insect and tick-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and Lyme disease, are serious health threats which cause human misery, hardship and more than one million deaths worldwide each year. Many of these diseases can be prevented using a few simple protective measures.

Preventing Bites: Protect exposed skin from bites by applying EPA-approved repellents containing DEET or Picaridin.

Wear permethrin-treated clothing, which repels ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects. Some military uniforms and civilian outdoor clothing come pre-treated with permethrin. These garments are highly recommended because factory-treatment lasts the lifetime of the garment. If your uniform or clothing has not been treated with permethrin, you can treat it yourself with commercially-available aerosol/pump-spray products containing 0.5 percent permethrin, which typically lasts for six weeks and six washings. Wearing long pants and longsleeved shirts also reduces bites by covering your skin.

Wear light colors to help you see and remove ticks from your clothing before they can bite you. Check yourself thoroughly for ticks after you have been in tick habitat, and promptly remove any ticks that have attached to your skin. Remove a tick by grasping it close to the skin with tweezers and pull up until the tick detaches. Secure the tick in a plastic bag or container, and kill it by freezing. Keep the tick, and bring it with you to the doctor in case you become ill.

The doctor can use the tick to help diagnose

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

your illness and provide speedy treatment.

Eliminating Habitats: Homeowners can also make simple changes to reduce the number of mosquitoes and ticks around their yards. A female mosquito prefers to lay her eggs in standing water, and under ideal weather conditions, it can take less than a week for her eggs to hatch and develop into adults. Break this weekly breeding cycle by removing the standing water from your yard.

Empty any water accumulating in toys, lawn furniture, clogged gutters, tarp-covered vehicles and other artificial containers. Water containers like pet bowls and bird baths can be emptied and refilled weekly to get rid of mosquitoes. Ticks are most common in tall grass and shrubs and are moved around by animals. Keep your yard free of trash and debris, mow lawns, trim overhanging trees and shrubs and avoid feeding or attracting feral and wild animals into your yard.

Take your Medications: A few important insect and tick-borne diseases have vaccines or medications developed to prevent them.

Highly effective vaccines exist for diseases like yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis, while pills can be taken to prevent infection with malaria. Talk to your health care provider about insect-borne diseases, especially if you plan to travel. If a medication is not available, take other precautions to protect yourself.

Don’t let insects ruin your trip and send you to the doctor. Take your medications, receive your vaccinations, use repellents on your skin and clothing and modify your yard to ensure that you have the best protection against insect and tick-borne diseases.

For more information on preventing insect-borne disease, contact the DOD Pesticide Hotline at (410) 436-3773.

USACEHR Participates in Bring Your Child to Work Day CRYSTAL MAYNARD

USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research participated in Take Your Child to Work Day June 24. The annual event was organized by the National Cancer Institute at Frederick and included activities sponsored by Fort Detrick, tenants and mission partners.

The normally quiet hallways of the USACEHR were filled with laughter as parents escorted their children through a fun-filled day of planned activities. The event brought children ages six through 13 to Fort Detrick to learn about what their parents do, as well as encourage them to pursue careers in science and health care. This year, the USACEHR had two different programs and 75 children participate.

The activities at the USACEHR were planned and executed by several of the command’s researchers, who were just as excited by the day as the children were.

“It’s great to show kids what I do,” said Allison Hoke, a USACEHR research technician. “I want to encourage the next generation to be involved in science, math, engineering and math activities.”

The USACEHR researchers taught the

children how to extract DNA from strawberries and swab their cheeks for a sample of their own DNA. They also got to see the USACEHR’s aquaculture laboratory and its inhabitants - African clawed frogs, tadpoles and fish.

Both David Trader, a research biologist, and Ron Miller, an aquaculture specialist, agree that it is a wonderful experience for the children and for themselves personally.

“It’s a wonderful experience and the kids love the aquatics,” shared Miller. “We’ve been a part of the NCI Take Your Child to Work Day for as long as I can remember.”

The Take Your Child to Work Day is an opportunity for the USACEHR to expose the kids to a variety of sciences that are part of Army laboratories. The Army requires a range of fields of science to successfully protect the Nation, running the gamut from biology to ecology to chemistry and everything in between.

The Army and the USACEHR want to continue to invest in STEM education for children because they are the Army’s future workforce and are critical to the success of the U.S. military mission. Bring Your Child to Work Day is the perfect forum to show kids how cool and exciting Army science can be.

Ronald Miller, an aquaculture specialist with the U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research, shows a group of children microworms during Take Your Child To Work Day, June 24. The kids were able to see the microworms under a microscope to see their size in comparison to young zebrafish.

Photo by Crystal Maynard, USAMRMC Public Affairs

Interns Graduate from USAMMA’s Medical Logistical Management Intern Program CRYSTAL MAYNARD

USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

During a ceremony filled with laughter and hope for the future, a class of medical logistics interns graduated from the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency’s Medical Logistics Management Internship Program June 18.

The USAMMA is a unique, multifaceted organization whose central purpose is to execute medical logistics programs that directly support Army readiness, while building and enabling health readiness.

The USAMMA has had a class of medical logisticians graduate with an overview of the support provided to the health care environment every year since 1967. The MLMIP provides mid-career medical logistics officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and civilians advanced medical logistics training.

“One of the big surprises for our interns when they arrive is that the USAMMA is not just one big warehouse,” said Lt. Col. Niel Smith, MLMIP program director. “We take away all of the preconceived notions that people have about the USAMMA, show them the big picture and produce the Army’s future senior medical logisticians.”

Their training encompasses all facets of advanced medical logistics, from focused logistics to supply chain management principles. The interns are exposed to modern Department of Defense and civilian health logistics business practices as well as nonmedical industry exposure. This gives the MLMIP students’ knowledge to better support the health care team and improve the readiness of the force.

“All the site visits to hospitals and logistics facilities, all the training and tools we equip them with in this program, they are all needed for these interns to make a difference and be the one with the answers or

Capt. Jennifer S. Moore, Capt. Tericka L. Washington and Sgt. 1st Class Sidra Z. Sanks (center l-r) graduated from the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency’s Medical Logistics Management Internship Program June 18. Also pictured is MLMIP Curriculum Advisor Maj. Stephen Spulick, far left, and MLMIP Program Director Lt. Col Niel Smith, far right.

Photo by Thomas Jester, Fort Detrick Visual Information

to know the source for the answers when issues come up,” said Smith “We want our graduates to be able to incorporate these practices that we teach them into their future assignments and be a leader.”

The MLMIP is a six-month program offered twice a year, beginning in January and July. The class is a mix of site visits to locations like FedEx and Walter Reed Army Medical Center and formal classroom instruction. The MLMIP instructors focus on reinforcing the student’s logistics foundation, adding another piece to their profes-

sional knowledge and skills, and expanding their network affiliations in the DOD and civilian health care environments. As a result, when the graduates leave the program, they are equipped with the advanced training needed to succeed in an ever changing military environment.

During the ceremony, USAMMA Commander Col. David R. Gibson congratulated the interns and told them that they were now part of a special network that they should utilize.

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

“Use the connections you have forged during your time here,” said Gibson. “A lot of the people sitting in this room today are graduates of this program. Those graduates and the entire USAMMA team are here to support you – we are all vested in your success.”

The MLMIP graduating class included Capt. Tericka L. Washington, Capt. Jennifer S. Moore and Sgt. 1st Class Sidra Z. Sanks.

The MLMIP is open to all services and DOD civilians.

Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

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USAMRMC Signs Patent License Health of Women in Military Service Driving Agreement to Commercialize Fish Biomonitoring System Force Behind New Book PAUL BELLO

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Dr. Elspeth C. Ritchie, a retired U.S. Army colonel and current professor of psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, will visit the National Museum of Health and Medicine later this summer to provide an overview of women’s health issues, in addition to what Female Service Members experience while serving in a combat zone. Her discussion, named after her latest book, Women at War, takes place at the NMHM’s monthly Medical Museum Science Café, Tuesday, July 28, from 6 -7 p.m.

During her 28-year career with the Army, Ritchie was deployed in locations including Korea, Somalia and Iraq. Because of her unique experience, she was asked by Oxford University Press three years ago to examine the health issues of women in the military.

Ritchie, who once handled mental health and women’s health issues while stationed at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, was eager to revisit the topic, particularly because she believes female Service Members are at a reproductive age and deployments can be tasking on their overall health.

“One of the things I’ve been struck with over the years is the lack of attention to basic female needs while in a deployment setting.

That boils down to bathrooms,” said Ritchie.

“Females need to sit down, take off all their gear and find someone to hold their weapon.

The conditions have not been very pleasant.”

The lack of appropriate facilities de-

grades mission readiness, Ritchie said, and some female Service Members have reported purposely avoiding liquids as a way to compensate. In a hot environment, she notes this is unhealthy and can lead to dehydration or a painful urinary tract infection.

Dr. (Col.) Anne Naclerio joins Ritchie as the book’s co-editor. She deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 to examine women’s health issues there and found many of the same red flags as Ritchie. Together, they also discovered a lack of good data on such topics as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, traumatic brain injury, female injuries, sexual assault and other issues they wanted to shed light on in their book.

“Women are 15 percent of the military force. The issues can be managed if people just talk about them,” said Ritchie. “Most women we’ve spoken with are very concerned about having children and balancing that with the need to deploy. That’s a very real, consistent issue.”

Ritchie hopes that both civilians and unit leaders, which are predominantly men, read the book and better understand the issues facing women in the military.

The NMHM’s Medical Museum Science Cafés are a regular series of informal talks that connect the mission of the Department of Defense museum with the public. The NMHM was founded as the Army Medical Museum in 1862 and moved to its new location in Silver Spring, Maryland, in 2012. For more information, call 301-319-3303 or visit www.medicalmuseum.mil.

David Barr (left), president of SOLUTION Resources, LLC, and U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research Commander Col. Thomas C. Timmes (right) sign a patent license agreement for Fish Biomonitoring System July 1. Also pictured left to right: SOLUTION Resources, LLC, Vice President Terry Collins, USACEHR Research Biologist David Trader and U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Technology Transfer Specialist Blake Sajonia.

Photo by Crystal Maynard, USAMRMC Public Affairs

CRYSTAL MAYNARD

Sex Signals Seminar

Soldiers and civilians at Fort Detrick participate in the June 26 “Sex Signals” seminar which focuses on raising awareness and facilitating a meaningful discussion about the prevention of sexual assault and prevention.

The seminar, hosted by Catharsis Production, encourages participants to ask questions and start a dialogue about how to handle tough situations that involve sexual assault and harassment.

Photo by Shannon Bishop, USAG Public Affairs

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Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command signed a patent license agreement with SOLUTION Resources, LLC, July 1, to commercialize the Fish Biomonitoring System, an aquatic biomonitor that detects potentially toxic events by measuring changes in fish behavior.

The FBS, developed by USAMRMC’s U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research, uses fish and their breathing patterns to detect the presence of potentially toxic substances in water. The FBS employs a team of eight bluegill, also known as sunfish or bream, to provide 24/7 monitoring of water supplies. The eight fish serve a three week “tour of duty” in the monitor, while eight other fish wait on standby to be rotated in. The fish are placed into individual “stalls” separated by a frosted plastic pane.

Carbon block electrodes are suspended above and below each fish which captures the electrical signals generated by the muscles in the fish as they breathe (similar to heart rate patterns on an EKG). The device monitors ventilation rate, average depth of signal, cough rate and percent movement, as well as water quality parameters, such as water pH, temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen, which are known to affect the way a fish breathes.

The device is also designed to withstand any non-toxic events, such as power or water flow failure, which protect the fish as they work. All of the collected data is converted to electrical signals, which are amplified, filtered and transmitted to a laptop computer where it can be analyzed for changes in the environment. If six of the eight fish start

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

behaving abnormally, the device sends out an alert and begins an automated sampling process to screen the water more thoroughly for toxins. If a toxic threat is determined to be present, personnel are then called in to mitigate the issue.

“This patent licensing continues the innovation of our legacy work with the fish biomonitor technology,” said USACEHR Commander Col. Thomas C. Timmes. “We feel that we’ve found the right fit for this technology transfer and are looking for great things to come.”

The FBS can be used at water treatment plants and other water production facilities for monitoring source waters. Water can also be evaluated after it has been dechlorinated. Field testing has demonstrated the usefulness of the FBS in a range of applications, including drinking water protection, watershed monitoring and effluent monitoring.

The FBS is an additional layer of protection to ensure a safe water supply. This patent license will allow SOLUTION Resources, LLC, to make the FBS early warning capabilities available to any organization needing to monitor their water supply around the clock.

“SOLUTION Resources understands that the need to monitor and ensure that drinking water is safe from acts of terrorism has increased since 9/11,” said SOLUTION Resources, LLC President David Barr. “This system is already making a difference in several water systems, both in military facilities and public water utilities. We are proud to assist the Army with its mission to ensure safe water for the Warfighter, as well as the public at large.”

Fireworks Safety Year-Round

MAMIE CARLSON

PROGRAM EVALUATION CONSULTANT, U.S. ARMY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND

Fireworks are a summer tradition and inspire the “oohs” and “aahs” of millions every year. Although fireworks are a thrilling way to celebrate the majesty of our great Nation, they can also cause pain, injury and even death.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, during the 30 days surrounding Independence Day, an average of 240 people go to the emergency room for firework-related injuries each day.

Even sparklers, which are commonly and falsely viewed as “safe” for young children, need to be handled with caution. According to the CPSC, 31 percent of reported 2014 fireworks injuries were caused by sparklers.

These injuries can be severe, as sparklers burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is as hot as a blowtorch.

Due to the many dangers that fireworks present, the CPSC recommends that children, especially those 6 and under, not be allowed to use fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers.

Many firework-related injuries are the result of improper use, such as creating or modifying fireworks, leaning over a firework to light a fuse or lighting a firework too close to other people or in one’s hand.

Malfunctioning fireworks are also a common culprit of injuries and often occur when fireworks tip over, have inconsistent flight paths, early/late ignitions or unexpected debris or blowouts. Fireworks present multiple opportunities for injury.

A responsible adult should always supervise any firework activity. Following the safety tips below can help you and others safely enjoy fireworks throughout the summer season.

- Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.

- Know your fireworks before igniting.

Read cautionary labels and performance descriptions.

- Avoid buying fireworks packaged in

Although a majority of firework injuries occur around the Fourth of July holiday, 35 percent of firework injuries happen during the rest of the year.

U.S. Army photo by David McNally brown paper. This type of packaging is commonly used for fireworks intended for professional use only.

- Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and bystanders.

- All firework activities should be supervised by a responsible adult.

- Children should not be given fireworks to play with or ignite, even sparklers and firecrackers.

- Wear safety glasses when using fireworks.

- When lighting a firework, never place any part of your body directly over a firework device. Never light a firework in your hand or point/throw a firework at another person.

- Light one firework at a time and back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting.

- Always have a bucket of water and a water hose nearby and ready for use.

- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20

minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

- Dispose of used fireworks by wetting them down and place them in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials.

Although a majority of firework injuries occur around the Fourth of July, 35 percent of firework-related injuries happen during the rest of the year. Remember to practice fireworks safety year-round to avoid unnecessary injury.

Brig. Gen. Baker Promoted to Major General NEIL GUILLEBEAU

7TH SIGNAL COMMAND (THEATER)

Brig. Gen. John W. Baker, commanding general, 7th Signal Command (Theater), the 21st Signal Brigade’s higher command, was promoted to major general by Lt. Gen. David D. Halverson, assistant chief of staff and commanding general, Installation Management Command, during a ceremony on July 7 at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

“John Baker excels at command, and our Army is much better because of your commitment, sacrifices and selfless service,” said Lt. Gen. Halverson. “It takes a long time to grow a leader in the Army, but the Army always gets it right, and we are going to get it right today by promoting him.”

Halverson explained that it takes a variety of experiences, training and mentorship throughout a career to develop a leader such as John Baker; it is not a solitary effort. He praised Baker’s wife, Laurie, and daughters, Alexis and Mackenzie, for their support and sacrifices to Baker during his deployments and career.

“Today, we also promote a great Army family,” said Halverson.

Army and Nation for many years.

“For nearly a century now, there has been a Baker serving in our Army; from 1917 to today, and in my wife’s family, too,” said Baker. “I’m deeply honored to continue this service to our Nation.”

Mackenzie sang the National Anthem during the ceremony.

Baker graduated from Norwich University in 1985, receiving his commission as a second lieutenant. In addition to his degree from Norwich, Baker also holds Master’s Degrees from Central Michigan University and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

He is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic and Signal Officer Advanced Courses, Command and General College, and Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He has served Lt. Gen. David D. Halverson (left) and Maj. Gen. John W. Baker’s wife, Laurie, attach in a variety of staff and command assignments in Germany, Washington, D.C., Flornew major general shoulder boards to Baker’s uniform during the ceremony.

Photo by Siobhan Carlile, 7th Signal Command (Theater) ida; and Georgia during his 30-year Army career, including deployments to Iraq.

Baker reported last summer to 7th SigHalverson, Baker’s wife and daughters enough to my family, to my friends and to attached the new major general shoulder my mentors, and especially, to the men and nal Command (Theater) from U.S. Central boards, and his mother, Doris, attached the women I’ve had the honor to serve with all Command at MacDill Air Force Base in over the world and across our great country; Tampa, Florida, where he served as the dinew rank to his beret. rector of Command and Control, Communi“This day is about two words -- thank thank you!”

Baker and his family have served the cations and Computer Systems, J6. you,” said Baker. “These words can’t be said Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

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FNL Scientists and Collaborators Solve 3-D Structure of Key Protein in Alzheimer’s Disease FRANK BLANCHARD NCI FREDERICK

Researchers at the Frederick National Lab have collaborated in solving the three-dimensional structure of a key protein in Alzheimer’s Disease, providing new insight into the basic mechanisms that give rise to the devastating illness.

Theprotein—amyloid-beta(1-42)— is the initial and most common protein that builds up layer by layer in spaces between nerve cells of the brain in patients with Alzheimer’s. This buildup contributes to a progressive loss of brain function that is ultimately fatal.

Knowing the structure of this amyloid beta protein makes it possible to begin understanding more fully how it contributes to the disease and how that contribution might be halted by a specific drug or other therapy.

The normal role of amyloid beta proteins is not well understood, but fragments of these proteins—such as amyloid-beta(1-42)—can contain flaws (improper folding) that cause them to clump together and accumulate

The structural details of the amyloid-beta(1-42) fibril reveal for the first time a characteristic “S” shape, compared with the “U” shape of the previously characterized amyloid-beta(1-40) fibril.

Images courtesy of Buyong Ma, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology

around nerve cells.

Protein Structure May be Key to Understanding Disease Pathology The new structural image reveals for the first time significant

differences between amyloid-beta(1-42) and the related, bettercharacterized amyloid-beta(1-40) protein, which is also involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Because the

two proteins are structurally different, they may not respond in the same way to the same therapeutic approach.

“This study represents only the first step toward revealing previously unknown structural details and structural variations of amyloid-beta(1-42) fibrils, which are likely to be more relevant to the pathology of AD [Alzheimer’s Disease] than well-studied amyloidbeta(1-40) fibrils,” the researchers wrote in the May 4 online edition of the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.

The amyloid-beta(1-42) structure presents several distinctive characteristics, among them: three sheets of amino acids folded upon themselves in an “S” shape, rather than the double-folded amyloidbeta(1-40), and a salt bridge joining one bend in the “S” shaped loop with a tail-end of the fibril. These and other features give a new perspective on the relationship between this particular type of structure and the behavior of amyloid proteins in Alzheimer’s Disease.

The senior author on the paper is Yoshitaka Ishii of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Collabora-

tors include Buyong Ma, Ph.D., senior scientist, and Ruth Nussinov, Ph.D., senior investigator, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, FNL. In 2002, Ma and Nussinov revealed for the first time the key structural features of the currently well-known amyloid-beta(1-40) protein fibril structure.

In the current research, Ishii’s group measured the chemical shifts using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance for the amyloid-beta(1-42) fibril. However, the conventional method had difficulty decoding the structure.

Ishii then collaborated with the FNL investigators, who solved the structure computationally based on the ssNMR data. Ma did the computational work using a new approach. The final structure was slightly refined by Ishii’s group based on FNL structural modeling.

The FNL group had predicted the new salt bridge feature of the protein, which was subsequently confirmed by Ishii’s group through isotope labeling.

Army Families Help Build Natural Playground at Frederick Country Day CRYSTAL MAYNARD

USAMRMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Frederick Country Day Montessori and Arts School held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new natural playground June 26 in Frederick, Maryland.

Natural playgrounds are play environments that incorporate natural materials and plants to create a space where children can learn about nature and the environment as they play.

The area that now houses a lush, green expanse of grass filled with flowers, rocks and logs was previously an unused area covered in recycled tire mulch, according to parent Aimee Gibson. Gibson, who led the playground construction, saw it as an opportunity.

“I worked with one of the school directors, parents and community businesses to make this happen,” said Gibson. “We created a plan then started making calls, explaining what we needed, and it all started to fall into place.”

Gibson’s husband, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency Commander Col. David Gibson, along with three other dads, began the first step of playground construction by installing a fence to define the area and rid the area of the tire mulch. From there, the school worked with a landscaper to design the playground. Once

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Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

the design was agreed upon, Gibson contacted local businesses to donate supplies and held fundraisers to raise additional money. One year after starting the project, it is now complete and ready for the children to enjoy.

“Nature and exploration in the outdoors is an important part of Montessori education at Frederick Country Day,” said Director Catherine Nehring during the ceremony. “I want to thank all of those that have donated their time, expertise and materials to helping make this playground possible.”

After saying a few words and cutting the ribbon, a class of toddlers was encouraged to explore the new playground. The school has additional plans for the new area, such as letting the children grow flowers, vegetables and herbs.

The school is a U.S. Army General Services Administration childcare provider. The school welcomes Army families and currently has a number of military families as part of their school.

Individuals and businesses that sponsored the playground include: Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Clean Cut Landscapers, Carter Lumber, Irwin Stone, Kimberthy Turf Farms and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

The school’s next planned project is turning another, larger playground into a natural playground.

Children enjoy the new natural playground at Frederick Country Day Montessori and Arts School after a ribbon cutting ceremony for the playscape June 26.

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

Photo by Crystal Maynard, USAMRMC Public Affairs

Army Lines of Effort to Define Proper Online Conduct “How do we ensure Army values-based conduct to prevent and respond to harm inflicted through the use of electronic communication?”

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno asked for an answer to that question earlier this year - in the wake of revelations at the February 2015 SHARP Summit in Washington D.C. At the SHARP summit, Soldiers spoke about online sexual harassment via social media. They had also discussed retribution, delivered online, against Soldiers, who had spoken up about both sexual harassment and sexual assault.

In March, following the SHARP summit, Odierno directed the creation of a “tiger team” at headquarters Army level to address the issue, and to answer his question about how to prevent and respond to such behavior online.

“I expect Soldiers to uphold our Army values, on and off duty, and treat each other with dignity and respect,” the general wrote earlier this month on his own social media page. “This applies to our day-to-day interactions, at the office, in the field, on deployment, and at home, both in person and across social media.”

Odierno explained on his Facebook page that he is concerned with online bullying, cyber-stalking, and online retaliation for reporting misdeeds.

“This behavior is unprofessional and should not be acceptable to any of us,” he wrote. “Join with me to turn the tide; let’s work together to protect each other and tackle these issues to retain a culture of professionalism; both off and online.”

As it turns out, the answer to Odierno’s question didn’t take as much work as it might have. The team uncovered a weapon to combat the problem that is already in the Army’s inventory: Army Regulation 600-20.

Within the existing Army regulation, said tiger team member Lt. Col. Kay Emerson, who also serves as director of the Army’s Equal Opportunity policy office, is section 4-19.

The section is entitled “Treatment of Persons.”

The policy states that the Army is a values-based organization, where everyone is expected to do what is right by treating all persons as they should be treated - with dignity and respect. Hazing, bullying, and other behaviors that undermine dignity and respect are fundamentally in opposition to Army values and are prohibited. The section defines both hazing and bullying. Mistreatment of others, it reads, does not have to be limited to in-person behavior. It can happen online as well.

When commanders find their Soldiers are engaging in behavior that is contrary to the Army values of treating others with dignity and respect, and that behavior is happening online - commanders have a tool available to them already to remedy the situation.

“Being that this is a punitive policy, by working with their supporting legal advisor, commanders will be able to determine the most appropriate way to take action,” Emerson said.

Army Regulation 600-20 specifically addresses the use of “electronic media,” not “electronic communications.” AR 600-20 currently addresses “other misconduct,” and may more specifically describe other misconduct in the future.

“Retaliation” and “reprisal” against Soldiers, who have reported the offenses and misconducts of others, is already addressed in other Army directives and policy. These issues will be readdressed in an update to AR 600-20, likely by the end of the year, Emerson said.

The tiger team Emerson serves on has outlined three lines of effort to achieve their goal of curbing non-professional behavior by Soldiers online. Those lines of effort were released to the Army, June 16, as part of an implementation plan called “Professionalization of Online Conduct.”

The first is to update existing policy and regulations to reflect more accurately the social media landscape. They also will develop a report for senior Army leadership on online-related incidents. The report will collate incident information from Army staff offices.

The team also has a line of effort related to training, to “provide commanders and leaders the information and tools they need to educate others and respond appropriately to complaints; train current and future Soldiers, Army civilians, and contractors on how to protect themselves, identify and prevent inappropriate behavior and report online-related incidents.”

Finally, the Army public affairs community is tasked with ensuring the Army community is aware of what online misconduct looks like, the training resources that are available, and the policy changes that are going to be made.

According to the current AR 600-20, “bullying” includes,

“How do we ensure Army values-based conduct to prevent and respond to harm inflicted through the use of electronic communication?” Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno asked for an answer to that question earlier this year - in the wake of revelations at the February 2015 SHARP Summit in Washington D.C.

Photo by C. Todd Lopez

but is not limited to, “making threats, spreading rumors, social isolation, and attacking someone physically, verbally, or through the use of electronic media.” Similarly, hazing “need not be committed in the physical presence of the victim; it may be accomplished through written or phone messages, text messages, email, social media, or any other virtual or electronic medium.”

Online conduct should reflect the tenets of the Army profession. There is no difference in standards between inperson behavior and online conduct, the regulation says.

During a “town hall” meeting with Soldiers, June 4, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey wanted to know why Soldiers are willing to engage in such behavior online, and to use online forums to express opinions and say things that they would never be willing to say in public.

“Why is it that Soldiers get so brave behind the keyboard,” he asked. “If you go on social media today, it feels like people have this Spartan shield when they get behind their computer. They say things that they will not say, as Soldiers, in public.”

He told Soldiers that saying something about a Soldier online, or saying something to a Soldier online, is the same as walking up to another Soldier and saying it to them in person.

Emerson said one reason Soldiers are willing to write things online that they wouldn’t say in person, is because they believe, incorrectly, that they have an “online persona” that is distinct from their real-world persona - and is therefore not subject to military discipline.

“As members of the Army profession, Soldiers and civilians, we have one persona,” she said. “We are professionals. And so our online conduct, whether we are at work, at home, in a café, in a library -- should be consistent with the Army ethic and Army standards of conduct.”

Mistreatment of persons, both in person and online, is destructive to the unit cohesion that is required for the Army to conduct its mission. In short, it destroys the Army whether it happens in the unit, out in public, or online, Emerson said.

“People join an organization because organizations have specific values and cultures they want to be a part of,” Emerson said. “The Army has expectations of good behavior right behavior. Not just because it’s nice or we want people to be happy. It’s because it’s a mission imperative. When we go places to do things, fighting forest fires in Montana, or going to a foreign country as an extension of national power ... we have to do that as a team.

“To be successful, that requires unit cohesion, with a positive command climate. We serve in battle and fight in the foxhole, not just for apple pie and the red, white and blue - but for the person next to us in the foxhole. When the bullets are flying, that is who we are taking care of. And we expect the same thing from him or her. We can only do that if we are mutually supporting and close-knit.”

Leadership Fix Army Regulation 600-20 doesn’t just address what constitutes bullying or hazing or harassment - and it doesn’t simply tell Soldiers what they should not be doing. It also spells out what Soldiers should be doing: it obligates Soldiers to report activities that are out of line with Army values.

“Individuals are responsible for ... advising the command of any incidents of hazing or bullying ... conducting

themselves in accordance with this paragraph and treating all persons as they should be treated - with dignity and respect,” the regulation reads. “Service members should report hazing or bullying to their commander, law enforcement, or the inspector general.”

“Leadership fixes things,” said Dailey, during an enlisted solarium in May. “When I was a squad leader, I had nine Soldiers,” he said.

“I promise you that if I looked those Soldiers in the face and said don’t do this - they wouldn’t. And I didn’t need to say anything else. And if they did and they knew that they’d get caught and if they knew they were not representing that squad to the best of their ability - I’m telling you they knew what the consequences would be. And they knew that they didn’t want to embarrass me or let the Army down.”

The quickest fix for the kinds of activities Soldiers are involved in today online, Dailey said, is leadership influence - especially first-line leaders. He said he is surprised that first-line leaders today don’t have that level of control over their units - at least not in regard to online behavior.

“I can’t grasp the concept that our young squad leaders don’t have that level of influence over their Soldiers,” he said. “I think they do, I just think they are not telling them.

I think if every squad leader in the Army sat their Soldiers down around the oak tree and said this is what you should or should not be doing, it would get taken care of. I think we are not doing it.”

No Internet Police Emerson said the Army is not looking to “police” the Internet. Instead, she said, the Army is making a statement, to let Soldiers know that online is the same as offline back in the unit. Online is, like offline, a domain where professional Soldier behavior is expected of everyone.

“The online environment will continue to grow and morph over time,” Emerson said. “We will have to continually seize the initiative and take, retake ground or at least define what ‘right’ looks like for us. We’re making a statement here. We are defining what right looks like. We’re defining online conduct, and that it should be in concert with our Army ethic, our Army profession. Leaders, at all levels, set the example for others to follow.”

Emerson said the Army’s intent is quite the opposite of asking Soldiers to stop using social media. The Army values social media, she said, and wants Soldiers to go online and tell their stories about serving their nation.

“All of us have an Army task, an implied task, to tell the Army story,” she said. “We are probably the Army’s best recruiters. What can we do to tell the Army story online? We can write about how we help others and how we provide service to the nation on a day-to-day basis. There are a lot of positive things we can put on social media.

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Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

9

Career Fair Connections; Finding a Job vs a Career DAPHNIE L. FREEMAN

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE

The most important word in the employment arena is “networking,” and networking is what all job seekers should be doing at the upcoming Fort Detrick Career Fair. The annual career fair will be held at the Community Activities Center (Building 1529) on July 30 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The career fair is open to all military, civilians and their families seeking employment, and will have various employers, colleges and universities available to speak about employment and educational opportunities available through their company or school.

At the career fair, it is important for job seekers to network, make positive first impressions and learn about companies and what it’s like to work for them. Meeting and interacting with recruiters face-to-face is still a critical part of the job search process, experts say, and career fairs offer job seekers a unique opportunity to make personal connections that are impossible when submitting a resume online.

Here are some tips to get the most out of the career fair: • Devise a plan for the day. Show up with an ample supply of resumes, enthusiasm, energy, and a snack to keep you going.

• Dress like you would for an interview. What you wear is important. “Job fairs are typically large events with a lot of people, and you’ll stand out by your well-chosen wardrobe,” said Katharine S. Brooks, executive director of the Office of Personal and Career Development at Wake Forest University. “If you’re not dressed professionally, that’s just one more hurdle you’ll have to overcome.

• Research the companies that will be there. “The number one complaint from employers is that candidates simply didn’t take the time to learn about the company and its opportunities in advance,” said Brooks. The more you know about an organization and the types of positions they hire for, the better you will come across to the employer. “It’s not that hard - just review the list of companies attending the job fair (most announcements and advertisements list the participating companies) and read their websites. If you don’t have time to research every company, select the top five to 10 companies you’d like to work for and research those.”

• Don’t ask questions that you can find answers to on-

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Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

line. Jones says you should never ask: “What kind of positions are you hiring for?” or “what is your organization all about?” or any other question that can be answered with a quick Google search. Instead, ask recruiters to elaborate on information you’ve learned from your research. Mention something you read online about a new product or a new initiative. “You can learn more about their positions by asking, ‘Who succeeds in the position you’re hiring for?’ or ‘What would you say is a key characteristic for success in your organization?’ Then, when the representative tells you, find a way to link your skills or background to what they say,” said Brooks.

• Remember that this is a networking opportunity. As a job seeker, you should collect as many business cards as possible and make a good first impression. Then, when it’s time to apply for an open position, you can stand out by referencing that connection in your cover letter or introduction email.

• Be prepared to answer questions about yourself. Many employers open the conversation with: “Tell me about yourself.” “You don’t want to stumble around on this,” said Brooks. “Be prepared to state your name, a brief statement about yourself and why you’re interested in the organization you’re talking to. Be concise; you don’t have much time to make your impression before the recruiter is on to the next person.” If an employer asks where you’re currently working, and you’re not, just say something like, “my most recent employment was with ...” and move on by describing your skills or what you learned in that job.

• Listen to everyone around you. If you find yourself waiting in line to speak with an employer, make your time count, said Jones. “Listen to others’ conversations and implement what you hear from the employer into your own exchange.”

• Be enthusiastic. This is not the time to be laid back, casual and cool, according to Brooks. Demonstrate your interest with a firm handshake, good eye contact, a smile and a good conversation with the company representative.

Always remember that a company recruiter is not a career counselor, so there’s no need to discuss anything about your job search with them. Focus on your talents and link them to the organization.

• Apply online after you meet with a company rep. “Students struggle with this notion, but even though an employer may take your paper resume at a job fair, that doesn’t necessarily make you a candidate,” said Contomanolis. “For the employers you target, don’t just research the company website; also access the job listings page and apply online.

This way, you can tell the employer at the fair that you have already applied online prior to speaking to them. This is a huge advantage.” If you wait until after the job fair to apply for a job online, use the knowledge you gained from speaking with the recruiter at the fair to highlight what’s really important from the organization’s point of view, Jones says.

“Don’t forget to reference that conversation you had with the recruiter in your written materials,” said Jones.

• Make sure you have that wow factor. “Each employer is meeting hundreds, maybe thousands, of candidates in a day,” said Ryan Kahn, a career coach. “Just saying ‘hi’ and dropping off your resume is not enough effort.” Tell the employer your unique story, career accomplishments, and what sets you apart from and above all other potential candidates. “This extra effort is what will get you noticed,” said Kahn.

• Follow up by email. Be prepared to follow up with the recruiters soon after you meet them. Ask for a business card and send thank you emails.

• According to Kahn, job fairs are all about the personal touch. “They get the candidate right in front of the company and, if executed correctly, that can get them far closer than just applying online. Job fairs are also a great way to discover new companies, ask questions, get career advice and meet other candidates that are also on the job hunt.”

• Allow yourself adequate time. Come as early as possible. Typically, fairs are busiest during the lunch hour. Fairs close promptly at publicized ending times to accommodate employers’ travel arrangements.

• Get your bearings. When you arrive, take a few minutes to review the map and booklet for the fair. You may feel more comfortable if you quickly locate and walk by the employers in whom you’re most interested.

• • Prioritize the employers you’re most interested in. If your schedule allows, you may find it easiest to start with the employers in which you’re less interested. This will allow you to hone your approach and to be most confident when you approach the employers you’re especially excited about. Assume that you will need to wait to speak with some employers.

• Be flexible. The fair booklet provides a brief summary of employers’ opportunities and may not have been submitted by the same people who come to the fair. Some positions may no longer be available and other openings may have just emerged.

• Introduce yourself and be prepared to give your “career pitch.” Extend your hand, say “hello” and state your name.

Have your resume ready to give to the employer. Be ready to talk about your career interests as well as academic and extracurricular experiences to show your skills and strengths.

• Take notes when you inquire about next steps and the possibility of talking with additional managers. The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all of your questions or know specifics about your job interests. Write down the names, telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later.

• Ask the representative for his/her card, and then promptly send a thank you note. Having the business card of the representative you have just spoken with serves three purposes.

First, you have a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the representative’s name, direct telephone line, etc. Second, a brief thank you note acknowledges the help they gave you and the time they took to visit campus. Third, sending thank-you notes is a good professional habit. Find sample thank-you letters online.

Most people you talk to about trying to get a job on Fort Detrick and in the local community will say that you have to know someone. Well, that’s not exactly true. It starts with your resume. It should be prepared to get you to the interview. Your resume should be relevant to the position you are applying for and you should use keywords to summarize your skills according the job announcement.

You should focus on your accomplishments. It would help to have a reference from someone who works at the location where you are seeking employment.

The correct way to obtain employment on or off post is to visit the Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program office located in the Community Support Center, Building 1520, Room 128. We offer an abundance of information, resources and career assistance. If you need a job, we can help. We are available daily to assist with resumes, job search, career counseling and job announcements/vacancies. We are not a placement service.

We have six computers with internet access and offer development workshops for career enhancement. We have all the resources needed to complete your job search and career development. We also have personality and behavioral instruments that match you to the types of jobs for which you are most suited.

Employers and recruiters from the larger Fort Detrick and Frederick communities inform us daily of job announcements and career information available within their company. They also provide information such as what the specific requirements are for positions within that company. Most employers are ready to hire employees’ on-thespot. Some of our success stories are posted on a career board in our office. We offer job fairs and employer panels for you to meet employers and receive valuable feedback on what it takes to obtain work.

Contact employment manager at (301) 619-2208 or at daphnie.l.freeman.civ@mail.mil to schedule an appointment or sign up for a class. You can access our program information on the Fort Detrick home page at www.detrick. army.mil.

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development

Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

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Fort Detrick Standard July 10, 2015

Sustaining a community of excellence through restoration, environmental stewardship and workforce development