August 2013 Edition

August 2013

Bambi bucket 171 aviation training

+ Georgia’s

UAV leading the future

Plus: Fernbank meets STARBASE | MEET Training | CDTF Drug Bust & More

CONTENTS ISSUE: August 2013

cover story

w w w. g e o r g i a g u a r d . c o m

Features 03| Fernbank meets starbase

Students enjoy a field trip to the math and science program sponsored by the Georgia National Guard.

09|mEET Training

116th Civil Engineering Squadron participates in Mission Essential Equipment Training at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

05| 1-171st fights fires from sky

10| Unmanned aircrafts

Georgia is leading the future by helping its Soldiers stay technologically advanced.

11| A Joint Training Endeavor

The 116th Air Control Wing teams up with the 78th Troop Command for extraction training.

News

17|YCA board selects candidates

13| cdtf drug bust

The YCA board meets to discuss the selection of the next class for the upcoming session at Fort Gordon.

18| OCS Graduation

11

General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) conducts Bambi Bucket training.

Georgia’s Army National Guard Counterdrug Task Force patrolled the skies north of Rome, keeping $40,000 of dope off the streets of Georgia.

Ceremony celebrates 19 candidates commissioning as second lieutenants.

columns

07

07| Historic Battle Review

Part one of the Battle of Chickamauga.

12| MOS Story

Meet Georgia’s new State Chaplain.

19| NCO Notepad Being a great NCO.

20| Book Review

1 | The Georgia Guardsman

03

13 06

“On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace,”

21| Around the Guard

Georgia National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Nathan Deal Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth State Public Affairs Director Lt. Col. Thomas Lesnieski State Public Affairs Officer Capt. William Carraway Operations NCO Sgt. 1st Class Gerard Brown Editorial Staff Managing Editor Ashley Fontenot Creative Director Steven Welch Contributors Desiree Bamba Sgt. Tekoa Burns Maj. William Cox Capt. Greta Jackson 1st Lt. Ashlie Shrewsbury Capt. Pamela Stauffer Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield Chaplain Lt. Col. Mike Summers Capt. Mike Thompson Sgt. Michael Uribe Contributing DOD Organizations 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs Office, Army National Guard Unit Public Affairs Representatives, Air National Guard Wing Public Affairs Representatives, Georgia State Defense Force Public Affairs.

Georgia National Guard Channels

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Youtube

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Twitter.com/GeorgiaGuard Youtube.com/ GeorgiaNationalGuard

Disclaimer The Georgia Guardsman is published monthly under the provisions of AR 360-81 and AF 6-1 by the Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office. The views and opinions expressed in the Georgia Guardsman are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army, Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The Georgia Guardsman is distributed free-of-charge to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons upon request.

August 2013 | 2

Fernbank meets

STAR 3 | The Georgia Guardsman

Photo by: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

C Story by Desiree Bamba Public Affairs Office

Georgia Department of Defense

hildren from the Fe r nb an k S c i e n c e C e n t e r Av i a t i o n Camp took a oneday field trip to Peach S t a t e S TA R B A S E on June 26, 2013.

STARBASE, which stands for Science and Technology Academics Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Education, is piloted at Dobbins Air Reserve Base and sponsored by the Georgia National Guard.

“The program allows the young par ticipants to learn about f light simulation and technology simulation,” said John McKay, Director of STARBASE. STARBASE and Fernbank Science Center partnered with Lockheed, giving the children an insight into how aviation works within the military.

STARBASE is a premier program dedicated to giving its students true “hands on, minds on learning.” The program provides its 10-11 year-old participants practical applications of the same science and math courses that they currently learn inside their classrooms.

Certified instructors demonstrate the use of science, math and engineering through

BASE “The program allows the young participants to learn about flight simulation and technology simulation.” - John McKay, STARBASE Director

Photos by Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

such classes as Forces of Flight, Rocket Construction and Engineering Design.

During the field trip, Fernbank kids participated in different team-building skills, learned engineering process lessons, flight simulations and anti-drug education with the Counterdrug Task Force, a component of the Georgia National Guard. “ The kids really enjoyed the engineering problem solving they did with our Eggburt simulation. They had to figure how to return the raw egg from orbit without it breaking,” McKay explained.

“They also enjoyed learning about what the Counterdrug Task Force does and seeing the different equipment they use.”

STARBASE, which initially only had one classroom located in Michigan, now has classrooms in over 40 states nationwide.

Founded in 1990, the program has branched out to over 76 locations. Georgia has been involved with the STARBASE program for 10 years and during that period more than 7,000 students have had the opportunity to experience the utilities of science, math and engineering. The camp’s curriculum is established by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs and is then coordinated with 4th and 5th grade Georgia performance standards.

Jim Jackson, a retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt., is the lead instructor at STARBASE, and strives to give the children a unique learning experience. “ We t e a c h t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f engineering by showing them everything they have, everything they wear, everything they ride in, had to be designed at some point,” said Jackson.

Both John McKay and Jim Jackson note that the Georgia National Guard’s STARBASE Program is reaching out to communities and is helping provide a very interesting learning experience for our future mathematicians, scientist and engineers.

“Fernbank Science Center asked if they could do a one-day field trip here as a part of their aviation camp. We find this very important as a Georgia Department of Defense program because this is a way for us to reach out into the community even when the academic school year is over and try to reach more and more of Georgia’s youth,” McKay said.

August 2013 | 4

“

WE

are doing our annual iteration of water bucket operations, so that we can support the G eorg ia National Guard’s mission and Homeland Defense to fight forest fires.

5 | The Georgia Guardsman

“

By: Sgt. Tekoa Burns |124th MPAD |Georgia Army National Guard

eorgia Army National Guard Soldiers of A Company 1-171st General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) conducted Bambi Bucket training on their drill weekend July 13th-14th at Goldmine Lake in Hiram, Georgia.

Guardsmen in Sikorsky UH-60L Blackhawks flew with a distinctive orange globe know as a Bambi Bucket. The bucket helps deliver a dense column of water collected from a local lake onto a raging fire below to help local fire fighters fight brush or forest fires.

“We are doing our annual iteration of water bucket operations so that we can support the Georgia National Guard’s mission and Homeland Defense to fight forest fires,” said Chief Warrant Officer Ken Dyson, Headquarters and Headquarters Company Battalion Safety Officer.

The 171st GSAB conducts this training at least once a year to stay current with today’s standards of aerial firefighting and the use of the Bambi Bucket, so they will always be ready when they are called upon.

The process of deploying the Bambi Bucket takes about 15 minutes in total: getting to a local large body of water, 30 seconds to fill the filling the Bambi Bucket to full capacity and then delivering the water to hotspots directed by the ground firefighters.

There are a few safety concerns around using the Bambi Bucket of which the crew is very mindful. One in particular is the weight limit; the aircraft is carrying 660 gallons of water weighing approximately 5,000 pounds and dropping it above tree top levels.

Photo by: Sgt. Michael Uribe | 1 2 4 th MPAD | Georgia Army National Guard

“There are quite a bit of safety concerns when we are flying the aircraft this close to it’s maximum allowed gross weight,” said Dyson.

Another safety concern is where the water is being released. The ground crew guides the aircrew to the specific point and clears the area before the water is released.

During the 1-171 GSAB’s exercise, the water was being released back into the lake. “We don’t want to drain the lake,” said Sgt. Justin Jones, a UH-60L crew chief with 1-171 GSAB. “We’ll do a route run and put the water back into the lake.”

“This exercise consists of all aircrew regardless of their training levels,” said Dyson. “We’re trying to get aircrew in for the iteration. This is an annual event for us to train so we’re going to take advantage of this time.”

This training is very key for the unit, and relevant to civilian firefighting support.

The deaths of 19 firefighters in an Arizona wild fire this year emphasizes the importance of the unit’s training and provide a life-saving capability for Georgia’s firefighters.

August 2013 | 6

Prelude to Chickamauga: The Opening Movements

By Capt. William Carraway Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

W

Situation in the West here May 1863 saw the apogee of C on f e d e r at e h op e s w it h an improbable victor y at Chancellorsville, July represented a stunning reversal and a resurgence of Northern fortunes.

In addition to Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg, Union forces under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant had forced the capitulation of Vicksburg, Mississippi effectively dividing the Confederacy in two.

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, Union Maj. Gen. William Rosecrans was about to achieve a strategic victory of maneuver against his old foe Confederate Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg and his Army of Tennessee. As related in the December 2012 edition of the Georgia Guardsman, Rosecrans had fought Bragg to a standstill in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and forced the southern army to retreat to Tullahoma. Remaining in Murfreesboro for six months, Rosecrans rebuilt his army before launching his Tullahoma Campaign to drive Bragg from his strong defensive positions. In early July, Rosecrans sent his three army corps on separate routes of march flanking Bragg from his lines and forcing him to retreat to Chattanooga. The campaign was nearly bloodless and a brilliant study in maneuver. But Rosecrans was set on driving Bragg completely out of Tennessee. To that end, he set his sights on Chattanooga, a vital rail hub key to the launching of operations into the deep south.

Approaches to Chattanooga Anyone who has driven north through Monteagle, Tenn. is familiar with the Cumberland Plateau. It rises sharply, dividing Chattanooga from the rich farmland of middle Tennessee. This terrain feature provided Rosecrans with a significant challenge. He would have to cross the plateau with an army and all of its supply wagons. Moreover, once across the plateau, he would be vulnerable to attack from Bragg who could isolate his elements and attack them with their backs to the mountain removing any avenue of escape.

To compound his problem, Rosecrans would then have to

7 | The Georgia Guardsman

cross the Tennessee River to approach the defensible city of Chattanooga.

To cross the river, Rosecrans employed clever subterfuge.

Sending his three corps to the west and southwest of Chattanooga, Rosecrans dispatched a diversion force of four brigades to demonstrate north of the city. While the bulk of his forces moved west screened by mountains the diversion force shelled Chattanooga by day and by night lit dozens of campfires to lend the appearance of vast numbers of encamped Soldiers. The plan worked. By early September, Rosecrans had crossed downstream and to the rear of Chattanooga.

Through deception, Rosecrans had brought his Army within striking distance of Chattanooga, traversing both mountain and river utterly uncontested. As with Tullahoma, Bragg found himself outmaneuvered with the enemy threatening his communications and his route of escape.

Bragg Retreats Alarmed by the developments and hoping to reverse the setbacks of the summer of 1863, Jefferson Davis dispatched two divisions from Mississippi under Maj. Gen. John Breckenridge, a former United States vice president, and two divisions from the Army of Northern Virginia under command of Lt. Gen. James Longstreet to bolster Bragg’s ranks. These reinforcements would prove critical to the battle of Chickamauga, but for now, Bragg was on his own.

Abandoning Chattanooga, Bragg retreated to the vicinity of Lafayette, Ga. Rosecrans, exultant at the victory began pursuit. Compelled by Washington telegraphs to pursue Bragg, Rosecrans divided his army and plunged into Georgia with 60,000 men moving along three separate avenues of approach. Nearly 6,000 would not return.

Civilian reports confirmed Rosecrans’ suspicions that Bragg was making a disorganized retreat. Crestfallen deserters confirmed the civilian reports and convinced Rosecrans that he was moving into terrain devoid of effective enemy resistance. Ignoring the advice of Maj. Gen. George Thomas, who commanded Rosecrans’ XIV Corps, Rosecrans did not pause to consolidate and reinforce Chattanooga.

Instead he dispatched his army along diverse routes with the intention of concentrating at Lafayette, Ga. The Trap is Set Rather than fleeing to Atlanta, Bragg was himself concentrating forces near Lafayette, Ga. Anticipating

Rosecrans’ actions, Bragg had enacted deception operations of his own sending deserters into Union ranks with false reports of a disorganized retreat. Confederate officers primed civilians with tales of an Army on the verge of ruin with the intention of luring Rosecrans into a false sense of security.

Far from the demoralized army that Rosecrans envisioned, the Army of Tennessee, swelling in size to 63,000 men was poised to strike. Knowing that the mountains west of Lafayette canalized movement to three passes, Bragg ordered his generals to be prepared to advance upon Union elements in the vicinity of McLemore’s Cove.

Marching into McLemore’s Cove, Soldiers of Thomas’ corps were confronted by forces of D.H. Hill’s corps at Davis’ Crossroads on September 10, 1863. Despite outnumbering the Federals three to one, Confederates failed to seize the opportunity. Thomas was able to withdraw the bulk of his forces before they could be destroyed in detail. Meanwhile, to the north near Graysville, Ga., Union forces attempting to cross Pea Vine Creek were thwarted by the 6th Georgia Cavalry supported by Captain Gustave Huwald’s Georgia Artillery Battery.

After the abortive attempt by Confederates at Davis’ Crossroads and the actions along Pea Vine Creek, Rosecrans belatedly realized the peril of his position. He had sent his corps in motion along separate routes of march confident that his enemy was fleeing. Instead, Bragg was numerically superior, concentrated, and in a position to seize the initiative.

Recognizing the danger Rosecrans resolved to concentrate his forces along the banks of the Chickamauga River north of Lafayette. Bragg intended to give him battle before he could concentrate.

Crossing the Chickamauga On September 18, 1863, lead elements of the Confederate army encountered Union resistance at Reed’s Bridge, a crossing of the Chickamauga creek. Union forces under Col. Robert Minty attempted to burn the bridge but were compelled to withdraw by Confederate pressure. Among the units present at Reeds Bridge were the 1st and 6th Georgia Cavalry.

Meanwhile to the south at Alexander’s Bridge, Union Col. John Wilder’s brigade defended the river crossing with sevenshot Spencer carbines. These weapons allowed Wilder’s Brigade to summon the firepower of two divisions worth of musket fire. While Wilder was able to hold his position,

Confederates secured a bridgehead across the Chickamauga at Reed’s Bridge. Unable to drive Wilder’s men from the north side of Alexander’s Bridge, Confederates managed to cross the stream nearby at Lambert’s and Bedford’s Ford.

On the morning of September 19, 1863 Union and Confederate forces faced each other in a line running roughly north to south with the Union arrayed on the west side of the Lafayette Road. General Bragg was resolved to cut off Union avenues of retreat while Rosecrans’ intent was to hold the Lafayette Road line to prevent the destruction of his forces.

Rosecrans was committed to fighting a defensive battle. The initiative thus shifted to Bragg.

Next month: Bragg attacks and the bloodiest battle in the western theater begins.

Opening actions at Reeds Bridge. Map courtesy of the Civil War Trust (civilwar.org)

August 2013 | 8

training

equipment

essential

mission

MEET

Training keeps Georgia Guardsmen skills relevant at war and home.

By: Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Air National Guard

M

embers of the Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th Civil Engineering Squadron participated in Mission Essential Equipment Training at Dobbins Air Reserve Base from July 29 through August 2, 2013.

Approximately 50 unit members, representing all Air Force Specialty Codes within the civil engineering career field (with the exception of Explosive Ordinance Disposal), attended the training, which is required once every three years to maintain readiness.

There are four regional Air National Guard locations that offer this training, the closest one being New London, N.C., a geographically separated unit of Charlotte Air National Guard Base, N.C. However, the one location offered through the Air Force Reserve is on Dobbins, and with the Air Guard’s closest site in North Carolina, Dobbins is a prime location for the 116th, as well as more economical, making it a better value for the taxpayer.

With roughly 85% of the unit present for training, Master Sgt. John Olver, first sergeant for the 116th CE squadron, was in residence to perform his duties as needed.

“The training taking place prepares the men and women to answer the nation’s call,” he said. “Civil engineers are prepared for

9 | The Georgia Guardsman

the war environment, as well as for natural disasters.”

The training takes place in two phases. The first three days of the week-long curriculum is in a classroom environment, which would include any updates in the field. For heavy equipment operators, it would also include using an advanced, and sensitive simulator program.

The second phase of training is out in the field using the handson method to sharpen skills and improve proficiency, the lack of which could result in damage to equipment or loss of life – either of which would be a severe blow to Air National Guard resources.

Civil engineers are also required to undergo a specialized exercise and evaluation once every four years at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, consisting of four to five units from all the Air Force components.

The specialties that were represented during the training were the environmental control unit, water purification unit, emergency management and hazardous materials, structures and heavy equipment operators and power production.

Although the specialties within the CE career field may seem pretty broad-based, each one of them are necessary both at home and in a deployed environment. When the military goes into an area for the first time, civil engineers are sent ahead of any other units to establish initial set-up.

The practical applications of these specialties in the war environment consist of using the heavy ground equipment to build up structures and provide initial set up and repair of runways; supplying potable water through the use and maintenance of the water fuel systems; providing power to the base as well as setting up, deploying and maintaining the aircraft arresting system; stabilizing the area with the use of the environmental control and refrigeration unit; and ensuring the area is free from toxic agents by testing the for hazardous materials.

The men and women of the 116th CES, who also use their skills to provide support to civil authorities as needed during natural disasters, are part of the 116th Air Control Wing located at Warner Robins Air Force Base. The 116th ACW was recently awarded its 16th Outstanding Unit Award.

Photos by: Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Air National Guard

Unmanned Aircrafts: Georgia leading the future

T

By: Capt. Mike Thompson | 78th HRF | Georgia Army National Guard

“

The Unmanned Ae r ial Sy ste m s industry is forecast to expand from $ 5 . 9 billi on in 2012 to $11.3 billion in 2021.

“

- National Center for Policy Analysis

he debate over the use of unmanned aircraft in the United States has many sides, but the G eorgia National Guard is leading the way to help Soldiers stay technologically sharp.

“Just the cost savings this system provides is amazing,” said Staff Sgt. Matt Hersey, Small Unmanned Aerial Systems course instructor for the Georgia Readiness Training Assist Element. “This system can take helicopters out of the air, you can save money by keeping those helicopters and the man power on the ground. This is going to be a great tool for our soldiers who are deploying to Afghanistan.”

The Teal Group, a leading aerospace market intelligence firm, reported in the National Center for Policy Analysis that the unmanned aerial systems industry is forecast to expand from $5.9 billion in 2012 to $11.3 billion in 2021. In 2012 the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency hosted a crowdsourced UAS competition that featured more than 140 teams and 3,500 people from 153 countries, yet no true winner was announced as reported by Wired.

The Georgia National Guard trains with the RQ-11 Raven remote-controlled aircraft at Fort Stewart to maintain flight training requirements for overseas missions. The Raven is launched by hand and can be remotely guided within a 10 kilometer area to conduct reconnaissance for soldiers on the ground. This gives a troop commander a light-weight portable device to deploy on the battlefield increasing awareness of the surrounding

Photo by: Capt. Mike Thompson | 78th HRF | Georgia Army National Guard

environment.

The Raven features improvements to the camera system with a new camera gimbal, previously used on the Puma UAV. “It gives you better stability for taking pictures while the airplane is moving and you can have the plane fly by itself while on navigation mode to rotate the camera to take pictures,” said Spc. Matthew Frisby from Charlie Company, 1-121 Infantry of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

The requirements for National Guard soldiers to stay current once they become operator qualified on the Raven is a simulator flight on the laptop that comes with the device every 60 days and a successful flight to include the launch and recovery every 150 days.

In the U.S., Department of Defense, unmanned aircraft are limited to restricted airspace such as military bases like Fort Stewart. However, civil governments are equally interested in UAS technology for emergency response, assisting in search and rescue, mapping flood damage, and monitoring hazardous material spills.

T he FA A rel e as e d a S c re e n i ng In f o r m at i o n R e q u e s t o n t h e FA A Contracting Opportunities website in February which commenced the selection process for six states to have UAS test sites as required by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. The FAA is divided into nine regions and will announce the finalists this fall.

For the future of the Georgia National Guard, UAVs may transition to more autonomous features, but the state is poised for great success and the industry is going to be booming.

August 2013 | 10

Sister services benefit from joint training | By Capt. Pamela Stauffer Public Affairs Office 116th Air Control Wing|

It was

a win-win for two Georgia Army and Air National Guard units on August 4 at Lake Tobesofkee.

In a first-time joint endeavor, an aircrew from the 116th Air Control Wing completed its annual water survival training requirement while at the same time, the Army Guardsmen from the 78th Aviation Troop Command fulfilled their own extractions training requirement.

“This was truly a joint effort and a benefit to everyone involved,” said the 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron navigator.

As part of the training, five aviators from the 128th ACCS were hoisted by an HH-60/M Blackhawk MEDEVAC helicopter to a height of 50 feet. The helicopter from C Company, 1-111th Aviation, 78th Aviation Troop Command at the Clay National Guard Center in Atlanta, stopped at Lake Tobesfokee to provide the training while en-route to Fort Stewart.

During real-world operations, Joint STARS aircrew would normally be rescued by a Blackhawk helicopter, but the Air Force and Coast Guard also have capabilities that can provide similar support, explained the major.

“Drill (weekend) training, in general is very busy, so it can be difficult to get hands-on training, particularly with the same aircraft you could use during an actual emergency,” added Staff Sgt. Kimberly, 128th ACCS communications systems technician.

During each iteration, the helicopter crew (which consisted of a pilot, co-pilot and crew chief) collectively provided a safety briefing, practiced crew interaction, operated the hoist, and flew to the side of the lake.

“We used a two-person team during each lift so the person in the water could feel the impact of the wind, providing a more realistic experience than if one person was hoisted at a time,” said CW2 Lance Wasdin, instructor pilot.

“After Sunday’s training, we will look at developing a formal course for both water and ground survival, aiming to incorporate the Army Guard more frequently than what we have in the past,” said the major.

11 | The Georgia Guardsman

Photo by: Capt. Pamela Stauffer | Public Affairs Office | 1 1 6 th Air Control Wing

the Chaplain’s Corner

O

By: Chaplain Lt. Col. Michael Summers | State Chaplain | Georgia National Guard ur society changed t w e l v e y e a r s a g o.

T h e s e c u r it y of a n at i on , s e p ar at e d by oceans from potential aggressors, evaporated as te r ror ist s pi l ote d pl ane s i nto t w i n skyscrapers. That tragedy altered our national conversation on foreign relations and ravaged our collective sense of safety.

Response to that terrorist attack began sustained combat operations that continue today. The role of the National Guard expanded and expectations of Guard members increased. Stressors multiplied.

Even as combat operations now begin to decrease, the impact of the events described above continues for Families of Soldiers and Civilian Employees of the Georgia National Guard. Soldiers struggle with traumatic memories or have difficulty finding work after deployment. Georgia National Guard Chaplains have trained and served on deployments with our Service Members. Chaplains have led Strong Bonds training events to strengthen family relationships before and after deployments.

They have taught classes on Suicide Prevention and Ethics. They have advised other staff sections on issues like sexual harassment, sexual assault, and spouse abuse. Chaplains have counseled people on family, personal, and financial issues from a spiritual perspective.

Reacting to change or traumatic experiences requires a balanced lifestyle.

One has to develop physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual depth and skills to confront and overcome challenges to successful living. Chaplains counsel to help people grow in those emotional and spiritual skills. Several of Georgia’s military Chaplains have acquired training and skills to help them serve our community better.

The first National Guard Chaplain to be trained by the U.S. Army as a Family Life Chaplain is a Georgia Army National Guard Chaplain. Other Chaplains have trained at hospitals in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and trauma response. Chaplains also encourage people to develop spiritual resources like accountability partners, reading and prayer or meditation habits,

and membership in a group that will help them develop their spiritual muscles.

A Georgia National Guard Chaplain’s primary role is to protect our GADOD’s Service Members’ and Family Members’ right to exercise religious freedom. They also lead religious services and officiate at ceremonies that honor the dead. Chaplains advise Commanders on how religion or culture impacts plans or operations. This requires the Chaplain to develop expertise in world religions and some knowledge of international affairs but also requires him or her to know the military planning process

and engage actively in it.

Chaplains have served our nation’s military officially since July 29, 1775. As the Joint Forces Chaplain in Georgia, I encourage our Chaplains to: pray for and serve our people, to improve opportunities for and quality of religious worship, to lead the way in ethics, and to explore new means to enrich personal and family spiritual fitness for our constituency. In times like these, you have someone to whom you may speak with complete confidentiality about dreams, hopes and fears. That person is your Chaplain.

July 2013 | 12

13 | The Georgia Guardsman

CDTF DRUG bust By. Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office Georgia Army National Guard

A

ir crew members from Georgia’s Army National Guard Counter Dr ug Task Force (CDTF) patrolled t he skies nor t h of Rome looking for marijuana. They recently harvested over 20 plants thereby keeping $40,000 of maijuana off the streets of Georgia.

Photo by: Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard

August 2013 | 14

T

he Georgia Guard CDTF is part of the Governor’s Task Force/Drug Suppression (GTF) along with three other federal agencies and six state agencies including the Ga. State Patrol. The GTF supports local sheriff departments with an air team and ground team designed to find and eradicate marijuana.

“The Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia Army National Guard provide helicopters making up the air team that searches for Marijuana from the skies,” said a Georgia Guard aircrew member.

“We receive suspected locations from the local sheriff ’s office and talk the ground team in order to eradicate the marijuana growth sites once we locate them.”

According to the Georgia GTF website, the prevalent use of public lands by drug trafficking organizations has resulted in a significant rise of Marijuana plants eradicated in 2012 compared to 2011. In fact, over 71,000 plants were seized with 53% of the outdoor plants eradicated coming from only 11 plots in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The remaining 47% were located in 122 plots spread throughout the state.

“That sounds like a lot of plants, but to put that in context, each outdoor grow plant produces about $2,000 dollars in dope a growing season,” said a Georgia Guard aircrew member. “That is over $140 million in dope that was kept off of the street in 2012.”

The Georgia Guard CDTF flies for the GTF from May to October helping local sheriff departments and forest rangers

15 | The Georgia Guardsman

eradicate their local grows, making it safer for the citizens of Georgia.

“We do find small grows throughout the year, but our goal is to find and eradicate the large grows being planted and cultivated by drug trafficking organizations on public lands here in Georgia,” said Capt. Eddie Williams of the Ga. State Patrol and GTF commander.

“These large grows are in the national forests miles off the trails with armed guards and booby traps surrounding them. The GTF wants to safe guard our citizens by eradicating these sites and the threats that surround them.”

According to the Georgia GTF website, agencies comprising the Task Force are: The Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance, Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division, Department of Corrections - Probation Division, Georgia Army National Guard Counter Drug, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Civil Air Patrol, United States Forest Service and United States Customs and Border Patrol. Each agency provides resources specific to their enforcement mission, i.e. aircraft, intelligence, logistical and administrative support, equipment and personnel trained and experienced in operating in a variety of environments found within the state.

“The GTF’s effectiveness would be seriously degraded if the GA Army National Guard was not part of our task force. The helicopters and the air crewmembers are as good as they get and significantly contribute to the success of the GTF,” said Williams.

August 2013 | 16

YCA board selects future candidates By: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Deparment of Defense

T

he Youth ChalleNGe Academy (YCA) Selection Advisor y Board met at Clay National Guard Center August 12 and 13 to discuss both the selection of the next class for the upcoming session at Fort Gordon as well as ways to improve the course for future cadets. The screening process occurs four times a year, two times each for both Ft. Stewart and Ft. Gordon.

Over the two days the board reviewed more than 250 applications. While going through the applications, members were looking to see that the kids applying were doing so voluntarily.

“We want to make sure that the kids are applying voluntarily because Youth Challenge Academy is a voluntary program,” current acting director at Ft. Gordon YCA Jerome Lyles stated.

Along with the application stating that it was a voluntary choice, the board members looked at the applicants’ written essays and the Adult Basic Learning Exam (ABLE) scores. The essay is a way for the applicants to state why they should be accepted for the 22 week program, while the ABLE scores allow the board to see how well prepared they are for the course.

After being accepted into the program, cadets will go through a 22 week course that

17 | The Georgia Guardsman

is sponsored by the National Guard that will help them become accountable, productive members of their societies. The program does this by allowing high school dropouts an opportunity to earn a GED or – in some cases – high school credit while living in a structured para-military environment.

“One of the main reasons young people come to Youth ChalleNGe is because of the discipline and the structure,” Robert Hughs, State Director for youth programs of the Georgia National Guard mentioned.

The National Guard Youth Challenge Program’s mission is to intercede in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and to produce graduates with the values, skills, education, self-confidence and selfdiscipline necessary for them to thrive as adults.

With the mission in mind, members finished going through the applications then focused their attention on how to improve awareness as well as the program itself.

“A w a y t o i m p r o v e t h e Yo u t h C ha l leNG e prog ram is to have our Georgia National Guardsmen be mentors to the YCA cadets,” said Maj. Gen. James Butterworth, The Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard. “The mentorship provided by our Soldiers and Airmen will

enhance key tasks and critical life skills that the Youth ChalleNGe cadets will utilize even after graduation.”

Not only did the board discuss ways to improve the program internally, but they also discussed how to make the program more known around the state.

“It is important for the board to realize that the students that we have do not represent the state of Georgia fully,” director of Ft. Stewart YCA Roger Lotson commented. “There are large portions of the state where we have very few cadets coming from and we want to improve our recruitment in these areas.”

Lotson emphasized the importance of reaching out to the areas that few cadets are coming from. Reaching as many kids as possible is something the board really focused on.

At the end of the two days, the most important part of their discussion was focusing on the kids. Choosing the future cadets for the next class at Fort Gordon and finding ways to improve the program to reach more kids so that they will have a better future.

“All it takes is a little spark to build on.

If the kids want to make a change in their lives and want to achieve, they will,” said Lyles.

Photo by: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense

Officer Candidate School Class 52 Graduation

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By: Capt. Mike Thompson | Public Affairs Office | 78h Troop Command he Georgia National Guard 122nd Regional Training Institute (RTI) held an Officer Candidate School (OCS) graduation to celebrate 19 candidates commissioning as second lieutenants The OCS course manager, Sgt. 1st Class Donald Grantham, Jr. said, “We take our jobs very serious here at the Georgia Military Institute. We are training the future leaders of the Georgia National Guard.”

The traditional state National Guard OCS class commits to 18-months of training during drill weekends and two summer annual training events. Federal OCS courses complete within three months. Candidates may choose either course as a commissioning source based on evaluation and availability.

“This program is the future of the National Guard,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Sala, the administrative non-commissioned officer who handles more than 200 pages of required documentation on each candidate. “It’s molding, mentoring and training future officers to lead troops. There is no better feeling than having somebody that has what it takes and making them the product of what the National Guard is looking for.”

Photo by: Capt. Mike Thompson | Public Affairs Office | 7 8 th Troop Command

Once accepted to the OCS program, candidates are subjected to a series of academic challenges and arduous tasks to test them both physically and mentally.

“This is not an easy school by any stretch of the imagination,” said Grantham. “It is very physically demanding. There are only certain ways we can see how you react under stress.”

The 122nd RTI was also recently recognized in July as an institution of excellence, one of 26 schools to achieve the title out of 54 state and territory National Guard schools. The 122nd RTI facilitates a number of military curricula to guardsmen to include OCS, infantry leadership, military police, transportation and instructor courses.

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s, David White, chief of plans and operations in the reserve component accreditation division, commented in the RTI evaluation that the school’s climate, culture, and curriculum foster the development of leaders of character and presence. White noted, the Army’s professional military ethic, including Army values, empathy and the warrior ethos, is clearly reflected in the learning environment and is exhibited by leaders at the RTI. The RTI school consists of two locations, one on Clay National Guard Center and another at Fort Stewart.

August 2013 | 18

By Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield State Command Sergeant Major Georgia Army National Guard

NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another

19 | The Georgia Guardsman

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believe Vince Lombardi stated it best, “The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.”

This fiscal year is one of which I believe has definitely been a test of faith. I remember it was not too long ago furloughs had begun to seep their way into our technician corps, causing an unfortunate disturbance in the hardworking individuals that ensure we continue to function successfully as a military component. Although the process was difficult the FY 2013 furloughs have finally come to an end. I personally would like to extend my sincerest form of gratitude for the resilience and focus you all have exhibited these past few months. I cannot say that I know what the future will hold for the Georgia Army National Guard and all those that support us, but I believe that we are strong enough collectively to endure whatever may come our way.

Change is something that does not tread lightly for many people but with a resilient frame of thinking, it can be dealt with productively. AGR force management has been a concern for many service members in the recent months and is still a future concern for some. My goal as the Command Sergeant Major of the Georgia Army National Guard is to ensure that every Soldier has been presented an opportunity for upward mobility and career progression. It is extremely important for us as leaders to promote the stream of new talent and vigor within our corps. This will also allow us to make certain we are constantly evaluating ourselves to ensure that our soldiers, peers, and higher echelon receive the best of what we have to offer. To ensure that you, as a service member maintain the healthiest, long lasting career possible here are a few things you may want to consider: 1. NCOERS. As NCO’s excel to higher ranks it is imperative they are able to perform “above the standard”. Seek out training and knowledge that will set you apart from your peers.

2. Experience. Ask yourselves these questions: Am I a well rounded soldier? If so, what experience do I have that supports that? A good NCO is like a rock.

They are solid and great at the one thing they do best, stand still and support. But a great NCO is like water they are flexible and can move to several different areas.

It is important to be a diverse as you possibly can, it makes you a much stronger asset.

3. Education. How much civilian education do you have? How much military training have you received? Are you actively seeking out more ways to educate yourself? Continuing education is vital for our military leaders, what are you doing to continue yours?

Being a great NCO, one that stands apart from his or her peers, is battling against what conforms us to what feels comfortable for our careers. It is taking the hard right and making the sacrifices for our individual careers and ensuring we are doing what is best for our soldiers.

Professional Development Bookshelf: Reviews of books

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that teach us about our craft

he nature of warfare drastically changed at the turn of the 20th century. World War I introduced society to “around the clock” warfare and as such, the number of causalities to “invisible wounds” exponentially began increasing. Having said that, On Combat does not deal solely in the aftermath of war. It deals just as much with the home-front for police officers or fire fighters (peace officers) and everyday life for a solider as it does the trenches of Vietnam and streets of Afghanistan.

In World War II (i.e. on the beaches of Normandy) “there were no rear lines, and for two months there was no way to escape the horror of continuous fighting, of continuous death.” From this introduction, Lt. Col. Grossman quickly dives into the science behind why the topic at hand is pertinent. He forces the reader to face and comprehend the fragility of the human psyche and accept that “sucking it up” is not necessarily the right answer through a series of real-life examples. He elaborates, in plain terms, that we simply “process interpersonal human aggression completely

By: 1st Lt. Ashlie Shrewsbury Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense

differently.”

He toggles back and forth between the scientific terms that make this issue quantifiable and the strange dialect warriors call their own vernacular, to ensure the reader remains engaged in the text. Just as a warrior-leader has the unit conduct “normal, routine maintenance,” our bodies do the same via the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous Systems. On that note, the residual effects of lethal conflict are not the concepts worthy of substantial reflection. There is much to be said for quality training in preparation for that moment and how a warrior returns from it, both literally and abstractly speaking.

Is “muscle memory” just a term the NCO Corps came up with to add the repertoire of army-isms to be tossed around in training? Or is there more to this concept? Perhaps, it’s that “the study of man’s behavior in combat is a study of paradoxes,” and learned insight is the key to being a better service member, a better quality leader, and a better person.

Moreover, it means surviving in “condition grey;” it turns out “muscle memory is a bit of life-saving science.

LTC Grossman wrote On Combat in such a way that it would be of benefit to any audience, curious citizen, family member or service member.

August 2013 | 20

Around the Georgia Guard GA AIR WORKSHOP

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Chief Master Sgt. Michael Sipps, 116th Communications Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, asks a question of Maj. Gen. Thomas Moore, commander of the Georgia Air National Guard, during the state-wide Georgia Air National Guard’s Chiefs’ Workshop.

TESTING THE AERIAL DELIVERY SYSTEMS The Georgia National Guard’s 165th ADS of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade helps the The U.S. Army test pack and test new aerial delivery systems.

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YOUTH CHALLENGE GRADUATION One hundred eighty nine Youth Challenge Academy Graduates marched the culmination of 22 weeks’ worth of hard work and achieved recording-breaking success as a class. Full story to follow in September edition of the Guardsman.

VA SENATE HEARING Georgia’s Adjutant General speaks at a hearing led by Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson on the management of the VA Mental Health Program.

July 2013 | 22

Bambi Bucket Training Cargo hook attachment inspection

Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060