March 2015
Best
Warrior
Competition 201st HRF trains for quick response
Plus: Operation Vigilant Guard 2015 | JSTARS Exercise | Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition
CONTENTS ISSUE: March 2015
Cover Story
w w w. g e o r g i a g u a r d . c o m
Features 03| King of Battle Needs Soldiers 13 Bravo Soldiers needed.
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05| Operation Vigilant Guard 2015 Georgia National Guard’s 201st Homeland Response Force travels to North Carolina to participate in Vigilant Guard, an annual interagency training drill.
15| Best Warrior Competition
10| 118th FA “Back to the Future”
Soldiers from the 118th Field Artillery train at Fort Stewart.
18| Jordan Partnership exercise Soldiers of the Georgia National Guard build relationships durting Exercise ‘Eager Light’ 15.
19| Sullens Marskmanship Competition
Georgia National Guardsmen compete to see who is the sharpest shooter.
News
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Soldiers of the Georgia National Guard compete for the ‘Best Warrior’ title.
04| JSTARS Exercise
JSTARS participates in Operation Vigilant Guard.
07| Air National Guard Change of Command Georgia Air National Guard senior leadership changes command.
11 columns 08| The Chaplain’s Corner The importance of ethics.
09| Book Review
Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson.
11| Historic Battle Reiview Fort Steadman: Lee’s Last Assault.
13| Road Map to Resources
What is retention to the Georgia National Guard.
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1 | The Georgia Guardsman
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17| NCO Notepad
Women in the Georgia National Guard.
21| Around the Guard
Georgia National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Nathan Deal Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard State Public Affairs Director Ltc. Thomas Lesnieski State Public Affairs Officer Capt. William Carraway Operations NCO Sgt. 1st Class Gerard Brown Editorial Staff Managing Editor Sgt. Ashley Sutz Creative Director Desiree Bamba Contributors Capt. William Carraway Maj. Will Cox Chief Master Sgt. Oliver Gill Maj. Janet Herick Capt. Greta Jackson Staff Sgt. Michael Perry Sgt. Thomas Thronton Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith Sgt. Shye Stallings Sgt. Chris Stephens Lt. Col. Michael Summers Tech. Sgt. Regina Young 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
Flickr
Youtube
Facebook.com/GeorgiaGuard Flickr.com/GaNatlGuard
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. March 2015 | 2
‘ K i n g o f B at t l e ’ i n N e e d o f 13B S o l d i e r s A By: Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard ugusta, Georgia-native Spc. Sampson Anderson joined the Georgia Army National Guard in July 2009 to become a “13B” (cannoneer) in Thomson’s Battery B, 1-214th Field Artillery (FA) Battalion. “I told my recruiter that I wanted to drive a tracked vehicle, and he showed me a picture of the Paladin (M109 self-propelled howitzer),” said Anderson. “Once I saw it, I was hooked.” The U.S. Army’s 13B over view reports that cannon crewmembers work the howitzer cannons that support infantry and tank units during combat and play a crucial role in the Army’s success on the battlefield. “I love the power of a tracked vehicle,” said Anderson. “Where else do you get to sit behind a vehicle like this? And I love range time with these cannons and the time we get with our hand held weapons.” A new 13B recruit goes to basic combat training for 10 weeks and then to seven weeks of advanced individual training at Fort Sill, OK. While there, Soldiers are taught to drive the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer cannon, to fire the cannon and to conduct preventive maintenance checks, among other individual training tasks. “We are the main support for any front-line infantry unit and being mechanized means we can move with the infantry to be their full support,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Holcomb, readiness noncommissioned officer, Battery B, 1-214th FA. “We are the ‘King of Battle’. Nowhere else can you fire a 155 [mm round].” Specialist Anderson is nine days out from his reenlistment
3 | The Georgia Guardsman
window and has decided that for him, the right decision is to stay in. “I love the Guard,” said Anderson. “I have been in for six years and it is where I want to be. It is the field time that makes me want to stay in the Guard, being able to shoot large caliber weapons and enjoy the time with my peers out here [in the field].” The Army National Guard is composed of 85% traditional Guardsmen who seek to serve as “Citizen-Soldiers” while pursing civilian careers. The Army National Guard benefits the nation by retaining the experience and training invested into Soldiers like Anderson and by giving them a part time service option in their state of choice. “The Georgia Army National Guard is growing and we know that is a great opportunity for more people in Georgia,” said Capt. Joseph Latella, North Georgia recruiting task force commander. “One of our biggest needs is in field artillery where we are looking for qualified applicants to serve their community and country as 13B.” The Georgia Army National Guard has two field artillery battalions: the 1-214th FA which fires the Paladin and is headquartered out of Elberton, Georgia, and the 1-118th FA which fires 105mm towed howitzers and is headquartered out of Savannah. Battery A, 1-214th FA is stationed in Hartwell; Battery B, 1-214th is stationed in Thomson; Battery C, 1-214th FA is stationed in Waynesboro; Battery A, 1-118th FA is stationed in both Savannah and Springfield; and Battery B, 1-118th FA is stationed in Brunswick. Photo by: Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
JSTARS provides ground assessment during exercise By: Tech. Sgt. Regina Young | 116th Air Control Wing | Georgia Air National Guard
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he E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System relayed real-time geographic data to ground personnel to safely evacuate citizens during a simulated hurricane in the Vigilant Guard exercise in March. Flying over the skies of South Carolina, JSTARS’ unique wide-area, all-weather, surface surveillance radar and on-board communication suite allowed aircrew to immediately send damaged route, flooding and bridge integrity information to Soldiers and state/local authorities on the ground. “This exercise provided a great opportunity to integrate and build partner relationships with the National Guard and civil authorities,” said a 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron mission crew commander. Flown by Airmen of the Georgia National Guard’s 116th Air Control Wing, along with Soldiers from the 138th Military Intelligence Company, the exercise was the first-time JSTARS
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Regina Young | 1 1 6 th Air Control Wing | Georgia Air National Guard
participated in Vigilant Guard, directly helping the defense support of civil authorities mission. “We have Guardsmen supporting many combatant commands across the globe as well as protecting the homeland here,” said the mission crew commander. “Our participation in Vigilant Guard allowed us to exercise our capabilities and find shortfalls and correct them so JSTARS can be used most effectively in both types of missions.” Vigilant Guard is a U.S. Northern Command and National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise designed to improve emergency coordination, response and recovery management with federal, regional, local, civilian and military partners. “Joint STARS are the ‘eyes’ for the folks on the ground,” said a deputy intelligence oversight officer with the Georgia National Guard. “They provide an interface with industry partners that is beneficial to the mission.”
March 2015 | 4
Operation Vigilant Guard By: Sgt. Chris Stephens | 124th MPAD | Georgia Army National Guard
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he Southeast has seen it before: A hurricane storms ashore, and the National Guard is called to action to assist those impacted by the disaster. During Exercise Vigilant Guard 2015, a simulated category-four hurricane devastated the coast of South Carolina causing the state to reach out for assistance across state borders. When our sister-state is in need, the Georgia National Guard answers the call. “This exercise is important because we don’t practice (interstate coordination) as much as we need to,” said Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, Georgia’s adjutant general. “Our units are able to put their training into practice, and when a real disaster happens, they’ll be prepared to act.” Vigilant Guard is a joint military-civilian regional training exercise that simulates large-scale emergency scenarios in order to test the ability of the National Guard to support operations. Emergency scenarios included collapsed structures, stranded civilians and public disorder. In addition to the South Carolina
5 | The Georgia Guardsman
Guard, National Guard units from Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky took part in the training. In response to a request by the South Carolina Emergency Management Department, 500 members of the Georgia National Guard’s 201st Regional Support Group mobilized to Florence, S.C. to establish a base of operations. Specialized elements of the 201st were then dispatched to Georgetown, S.C. to respond to a simulated building collapse. The units included the 138th Chemical Company, 179th Military Police Company, 810th Engineer Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 201st Homeland Response Force, and the 116th Medical Company. The units which comprise the Joint Task Force 781 of the Region 4 Homeland Response Force brought specialized expertise to the scenario: from site decontamination and security, medical support, entry-point security and engineering support. The Swainsboro-based 810th Engineer Company was responsible for locating and extracting victims from the collapsed structure. Their work called for breaching and shoring walls, cutting
through metal and using ropes to access the building vertically. “This is the best kind of training our unit can get,” said Staff Sgt. Nick Ives, non-commissioned officer in charge of the company’s operations center. “Any time you can use a real building to put your skills into practice serves to your advantage.” After the engineers removed the simulated casualties from the rubble pile, live actors assumed the casualty role to test the response of the military police, decontamination teams and medical units. The actors appeared at the entry-control point with injuries and makeup like that seen in the movies. Soldiers from the Mariettabased 178th MP Company controlled the entry of victims into the triage area where the Georgia Air National Guardsmen from the Warner Robins-based 116th Medical Group assessed patients to prioritize treatment. “In a significant disaster, we have to be able to decon over 200 people per hour,” said Capt. Randall Boatner, commander of the
138th Chemical Company. “We have three areas that victims can go through—ambulatory, non-ambulatory and technical. Each line is based on what the victims can do, with the ability to also get our own personnel through should something happen to them.” After decontamination, Georgia Air National Guard doctors from the 116th Medical Group treated the patients’ injuries. “This is as realistic as it gets,” Boatner said. “We learned a lot of things during the course of this exercise, but we also saw what our Guardsmen could do and are confident that they can put their skills into practice should they ever need to.” More than 2,000 Guardsmen participated in Vigilant Guard 2015. In addition to the 201st RSG, Air National Guardsmen of the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron and aviation crews of the 2nd Aviation Security and Support Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment represented the Georgia Guard in South Carolina during the exercise.
Photos by: Capt. William Carraway & Sgt. Chris Stephens | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
March 2015 | 6
Georgia Air National G u a r d Change of Command Ceremony
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By: Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Air National Guard
he reins of Georgia Air N a t i o n a l Gu a rd s e n i or leadership were passed from the hands of the outgoing commander to t h e i n c om i ng commander during a multi-faceted ceremony that took place at the 165th Airlift Wing headquarters in Savannah, Ga. Current and former service members from across the state, along with family, friends and community leaders were in attendance to witness the promotion, change of command and retirement ceremony in which Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Moore relinquished command of the Georgia Air National Guard to newlypromoted Brig. Gen. Jesse T. Simmons. Simmons, whose two most recent assignments were as director of staff for the Georgia Air National Guard and commander of the 165th Airlift Wing, was pinned with his new rank by his daughter
7 | The Georgia Guardsman
Stephanie and the adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, Brig. Gen. Joseph Jarrard, who also officiated the ceremony. After the pinning of his first star, the 165th Honor Guard unfurled Simmons’ personal flag for the first time. “I’ve worked with Jesse for more than two years, and I can’t think of a more deserving person for the promotion or the position,” said Jarrard. “I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.” The second phase of the ceremony focused on the change of command sequence in which the Georgia Air National Guard headquarters guidon, kept by Chief Master Sgt. Joe Greene, state command chief and senior enlisted advisor, was passed by Moore to Jarrard, signifying Moore’s relinquishment, and from Jarrard to Simmons, sig nif ying Simmons’s acceptance of command. Simmons then returned the guidon to Greene for safe keeping. “Major General Moore and Paula, thank you for your friendship. Sir, I have always appreciated your mentorship,” said Simmons. “General Jarrard, thank you for
this opportunity and your faith in me. This is a great privilege.” Flowers were presented to Simmons’s wife, daughter and other family members for the support he has received throughout the years. “Without your love and support, I would not be standing up here today,” said Simmons. The final phase of the ceremony honored Moore for almost 34 years of service to the military. In recognition of his 22 years of service with the Georgia Air National Guard Moore was presented with the Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal. In his distinguished career, Moore served in several command positions, including the top position as commander of the 116th Air Control Wing and 165th Airlift Wing. He served as the Georgia Air National Guard chief of staff for nearly two years until his promotion to commander in April 2012. When asked about future plans, Moore replied, “I’m just looking forward to spending more time with my family and getting to know my new granddaughter.”
the Chaplain’s Corner
By: Chaplain Lt. Col. Michael Summers | Georgia National Guard
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very day every healthy person makes decisions based on their sense of what is right or wrong and what best benefits themselves, their loved ones, or organizations with which they are affiliated. These decisions may be described also as ethical decisions; the process by which each of us reach our decisions is by negotiating our way through our ethical system. Our personal ethical systems derive from several sources; religious beliefs, family or community values, military regulations, and local, state, or national laws form the foundation for our ethics and inform our conscience (that nagging sense within that what we are about to do is right or wrong). When our decisions violate the ethical standards of the community in which we live or work, the community will hold us accountable. Ignoring ethical guidelines may place oneself at risk or disrupt community cohesion. When military members show disrespect for other cultures or sexually assault their comrades, they create environments of risk and hostility for themselves and others. Ethical systems and the values that form their foundation make it possible for our society, our organizations, and our families to function effectively and efficiently. An American Army Chaplain’s responsibilities include providing “ethical and moral leadership across the full spectrum of operations” and “speak[ing] with a credible and prophetic voice on military procedures and policies that violate the ethical and moral values of the Army or that isolate or unjustly treat individuals or groups” (AR 623-3, C-6, n and b). During FY 15, the Georgia Department of Defense Chaplains have focused on
ethics in our training. Each Chaplain and Chaplain Assistant has been given a copy of the book Ethics, Nationalism, and Just War: Medieval and Contemporary Perspectives to deepen their awareness and understanding of ethical issues that confront military personnel at every level. This book addresses moral issues connected with war such as the killing of people, when war is justified, protection of noncombatants, the responsibility of the bystander who witnesses immoral acts, ethical conduct of war crime prosecution, self-defense at personal and national levels, and ethicality of regime change. Georgia Chaplain sections also have encouraged and assisted with training on sexual assault and harassment, suicide prevention, and equal opportunity, issues with ethical components that are important at the local and personal level. The Georgia Department of Defense Chaplains Annual Training Event will focus on Ethics this April as part of the FY15 theme. A retired Army Chief of Chaplains, Major GeneralRetired Doug Carver will be among the trainers for this event. The training will equip the state’s military Chaplains to perform more effectively their responsibility as advisors on ethics. Chaplain (Brigadier General) David E. Graetz will visit the Georgia Department of Defense Headquarters in April as part of his mission to evaluate JFHQ Chaplain Sections across the nation. He will also observe the Annual State Chaplain Training for Georgia Religious Support Teams. Before assuming his present role as advisor to the U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains for National Guard matters, Chaplain Graetz was the JFHQ Chaplain for the Kentucky National Guard.
March 2015 | 8
Professional Development
reviews of books that teach us about our craft By: Sgt. Shye Stallings | Joint Force Headquarters | Georgia Department of Defense Eve r yone t a ke s change dif ferent ly ; some absolutely love it and need frequent change in their lives, while most are completely terrified o f i t . W h o Mo v e d My Cheese? Written by Spencer Johnson i s a l i g ht - h e a r t e d , fun, easy read that speaks directly to how everyone handles change d i f fe re nt ly. Change is something y o u a r e n’ t a l w a y s ready for and most people would agree the immediate reaction is negative. Though sometimes scary, with a different mindset we can look at it as a new adventure that has potential to lead to positive discoveries about ourselves and our situations. The book begins with a group of friends at a high school reunion reminiscing about who they were in high school and how much change that occurred in their lives that lead them to the people they are today. Most are in agreement that they often had a hard time accepting the changes that life was causing them to make, in most cases they did not want the change and would do whatever they needed to avoid the change. One of the friends then shares the story of ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ with them. Little did they know the story they are about to hear can relate to each of them. And so it begins: Two mice named Sniff and Scurry and two little people named Haw and Hem live in a Maze and run around daily in search of cheese. Sniff and Scurry with their simple mice minds would search like most mice do, by trial and error. Sniff would smell for the direction of the cheese and scurry would run ahead. The little people Haw and Hem searched differently using their complex minds, beliefs and emotions. Instead of searching blindly for cheese they searched with certain plans for the capital C cheese and believed this would make them happy and successful.
9 | The Georgia Guardsman
One day in their search all four found a huge chunk of cheese. Hem and Haw felt as if they finally found true happiness and established their lives there never needing to search again. Sniff and Scurry would consume some of the cheese but they still continued to search daily for other sources knowing this source would eventually run out. When that day came, Hem and Haw were not prepared for unexpected change. Hem was furious and demanded to know who moved his cheese not believing it could be gone and refusing to leave to find new cheese. Haw, frightened at first, realized the only way to survive was to go back to the hunt for a new source. Sharing his thoughts with Hem, Hem quickly replied “I like it here. It’s comfortable. It’s what I know.” Haw was forced to leave Hem and start the journey alone.
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You can believe that a change will harm you and resist it. Or you can believe that finding new cheese will help you and embrace the change.
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In Haw’s anxiety filled journey he began to realize that “the fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists.” Finally he caught up to Sniff and Scurry who had found another huge cheese source. Haw knew that this change though scary was the right choice “You can believe that a change will harm you and resist it. Or you can believe that finding new cheese will help you and embrace the change. “ The story is a great illustration showing how each of us goes through changes in life and how we all handle them differently. Some will never let themselves be comfortable, always prepared for change if it occurs and be able to act accordingly. Others will shut the idea of change out and live in their comfortable, familiar, day by day routines never thinking that things could ever change. Then you have some who, when forced, will hesitate but eventually make the change out of necessity. The book allows for you to step back and see which character we relate to and evaluate how we take change. Having this knowledge allows us to think of ways to change our mindset and next time when faced with unwanted or unexpected change we can take the route that will be positive and fruitful for your life.
1-118th Field Artillery Goes “Back to the Future”
By: Sgt. Chris Stephens| 124th mpad | Georgia Army National Guard
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o know where you’re going, one must know where you’ve been. For Soldiers in the Georgia National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, times are changing as they are set to re-activate Battery C, while also upgrading their artillery systems to align with the digital age. “We’re excited about moving from the 105 to the 155 (mm) howitzers, as well as standing up a new battery,” said Maj. Rodney Tatum, regimental operations officer. “(Those two things combined) will allow us more flexibility and the ability to reach out 4,000 or 5,000 more meters. We’ll be able to support a wider range of activities.” Re-activating Battery C brings back a portion of the unit that is full of history. Tracing its lineage back to 1751 as part of the Georgia Militia in the district of Savannah, the 118th has been a part of many U.S. conflicts. From defenses in Georgia and Florida from 1776-78 to the War of 1812 to service in the Confederate Army in the battles of Sharpsburg (Antietam), Gettysburg and Manassas (Bull Run), the unit served early and often. Action in World War I, Normandy, the Rhineland and Central Europe in World War II brought continued support for the nation. Again, in Iraq (2005-06) and Afghanistan (2009-10), the unit answered the nation’s call for federal service.
Photos by: Sgt. Thomas Thornton & Staff Sgt. Michael Perry | 1 2 4 th MPAD | Georgia Army National Guard
It was in 2006, after returning from Iraq, the unit de-activated C Battery. “As big Army has changed, so has our unit,” Tatum said. “We’ve always been here to support the Army’s overall mission.” It’s that history of the unit that many of the Soldiers know and love. For Staff Sgt. Dustin Williams, howitzer section chief in A Battery, the way field artillery was done in the past is what he loves. “I love the old school way of field artillery,” he said. “Putting in the numbers and the handson stuff is what I love. Don’t get me wrong, the new systems we have coming in are taking field artillery to the next level, nothing beats doing the equations and coming up with the solution without the aid of a computer.” “As NCOs, we are still going to have to make sure our Soldiers know how to do that in case the computerized system ever goes down. We have to be mission-capable no matter the circumstances.” Williams added. As the unit upgrades to a more digital system, knowing their history will remain an integral part of the unit. “We have so many officers who were enlisted Soldiers in this unit and they wanted to come back here as officers,” Tatum said. “Many of the enlisted guys also grew up and went to high school together. We love what we do and understand where we’ve come from.”
March 2015 | 10
FORT STEADMAN: LEE’S LAST ASSAULT
By: Capt. Will Carraway| Military Historian| 161st Military History Detachment
Confederate Situation: March, 1865 As the American Civil War entered its penultimate month, prospects for the Confederate forces entrenched near Petersburg, Va. were bleak. Against Lt. Gen. Ulysses Grant’s 115,000 men, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under Gen. Robert E. Lee had dwindled to 65,000 weary veterans. Those who remained struggled against disease, starvation and the inevitable mathematics of their situation. Lee’s men defended a 37 mile sector which ran from the old battlefield of Cold Harbor to Hatchers Run southwest of Petersburg. The northern sector of the Confederate line was guarded by Lt. Gen. James Longstreet’s 1st Corps while the center was commanded by Maj. Gen John B. Gordon’s 2nd Corps along with the undersized corps of Lt. Gen. Richard Anderson. The Confederate right was the responsibility of the Confederate 3rd Corps under Lt. Gen. A. P. Hill. Just over 5,000 Confederates faced the 40,000 man Army of the James in the lines facing Richmond. Wherever Lee looked, he was outmanned, outgunned, and rapidly running out of options. With the fall of Savannah, Charleston and Columbia, Lee feared the armies of Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman might attempt a
link up with Grant’s forces. This would spell certain doom for Lee’s army. To remain in place was not an option. Lee must attempt a breakout. Federal Situation: March 1865 In his headquarters at City Point, Va., Grant anticipated Lee’s intent. As he extended his lines west, Grant intended to cut the Southside Railroad, Lee’s final supply line feeding Petersburg and, more importantly, to destroy Lee’s Army. Grant understood that while Richmond was the capitol of the Confederacy, Lee’s army was its lifeblood. As long as the Army of Northern Virginia existed as a capable fighting force, the Confederate cause could go on. The worst case scenario for Grant was the possibility that Lee might effect an escape from the Petersburg trenches and spirit his army off to the mountains of western Virginia. If that came to pass, the war might devolve into an endless guerilla struggle. To prevent this possibility, Grant had ordered constant pressure be put on the lines to fix Lee in place long enough to mount a general offensive along the lines. Grant’s intent was to launch this general offensive March 29, 1865.
Cannon emplacemets at Fort Steadman. (Photo by: Capt. William Carraway | Military Historian | 161st MHD)
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Lee’s Advisor pairs to clear the assault Map courtesy of the Civil War path of obstacles. Posing as Not content to wait for annihilation, Lee deserters, these men would be Trust (civilwar.org) sought the advice of Maj. able to get very near Federal Gen. John B. Gordon of pickets before the attack was Georgia. At 32, Gordon launched. These men were was the youngest of Lee’s immediately followed by corps commanders. three 100 man detachments Gordon had entered the moving for ward with war as a captain in 1861 unloaded muskets at a sprint and quickly rose to the to seize and hold enemy rank of Colonel despite the fortifications long enough lack of any formal military for the decisive effort to pierce training. As commander of through. the 6th Alabama Infantry Gordon’s attack initially Regiment, Gordon fought exceeded all expectations. The with distinction during Confederates overwhelmed a the Seven Days Battles. one-quarter mile section of At Sharpsburg, Gordon’s Federal trenches capturing regiment was charged with three artillery positions in the the defense of the Sunken process. Gordon had ordered Road, a pivotal section of a company of artillerymen to the battlefield. Gordon’s move forward with the main men held against repeated attack. These artillerymen Federal charges. Gordon fell upon captured Federal was wounded four times cannons, turned the artillery but remained at the front pieces, and began shelling until a receiving a fifth Federal positions north and wound to the face that south of the breach. But knocked him unconscious. problems quickly developed. Recovering, Gordon Once the attackers had was promoted to brigadier pierced the main line they general and placed in were uncer t ain how to command of a Georgia proceed. Federal divisions brigade. His Georgians fought fiercely at Gettsyburg and throughout reacted swiftly to close the gap and the Confederates inside Fort the campaigns of 1864. Promoted to divisional command and finally Steadman were subjected to a cross fire from Forts Haskell and corps command, Gordon was recognized as one of Lee’s ablest Battery IX, the Confederates having committed insufficient forces commanders. to widen the breach far enough to silence them. Less than four hours Despite his reputation for aggression, Gordon counseled against after the assault commenced the Federals had retaken the works. an outright assault preferring redeployment away from Petersburg over a frontal assault. Nevertheless, Lee ordered Gordon to make Aftermath plans for a breakout attack. The Confederates gained nothing from the assault. While inflicting just over 1,000 casualties on the Federals, they had suffered Planning the Attack 4,000 irreplaceable casualties, among them Gordon who had been Gordon consulted maps and considered possible attack points. wounded in the leg. Two brigades of Georgia regiments took part After more than two weeks of planning, Gordon presented his in the assault. Both of the brigade commanders were wounded and concept of operations to Lee. of the ten regiments present, four regimental commanders became Gordon recommended attacking a position of the Federal line casualties including three captains who were serving in lieu of anchored by an earthen fort known as Fort Steadman in order to colonels. The colors of the 26th South Carolina were captured inside effect a breach. Once the breach was established, troops would work the works after the color bearer was struck down by a shell. Captain to widen the breach by seizing artillery redoubts to the north and Henry L. Buck attempted to conceal the colors but was captured in south while the main body of the attack would drive east to seize the process. Grant’s supply depot at City Point, Va – more than ten miles away. While noteworthy for the innovations employed by Gordon Nearly half of Lee’s Army would commit to the assault or act in in the planning and execution of the assault, the end result was support. so trivial that a grand parade held nearby for President Abraham Lincoln was merely postponed. Indeed, the failure of the attack Execution would give Grant reason to anticipate success when he launched Gordon’s plan depended on stealth and surprise. Accordingly, his general assault less than a week later. the attack was set to commence at 4:15 on the morning of March 25. Confederate engineers would move forward singly and in in Next month: Peace at Appomattox
March 2015 | 12
So, what exactly is retention? Why is it important to the Georgia National Guard? What opportunities or incentives are there to “re-up”? Many may be quite surprised to find out there are quite a few incentives to benefit Guardsmen. Therefore, here is a guide to what retention is to the Georgia National Guard.
What is retention?
Retention is the act of keeping someone or something. For the Army, this is done through reenlistment or reclassification, providing Soldiers an opportunity to move into a shortage MOS and improve career development/promotion opportunity consistent with the needs of the Army.
Let us venture down this road to resources about retention by beginning with defining the term retention.
As we cont inue our journey, let’s explore the various incentives for reenlisting in the Georgia National Guard.
Road Map to Resources
By: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 13 | The Georgia Guardsman
-Travel and adventure -Signing bonus ($4,000 for two years;
Inc
$12 six -He -GI -Stu rep
centives
2,000 for years) ealthcare I Bill udent loan payment
The importance of retention
Now that we have an u n d e rs t an d i ng of w h at retention is, let us take a look at why it is important to the Georgia National Guard.
-Ga Hero Scholarship
Retention is important to the Georgia Na t i o n a l G u a r d b e c a u s e r e t a i n i n g quality Soldiers helps to strenghthen the force as a whole. Retention and people are the heart of the Georgia Guard.
1-800-GO-GUARD 1-800-464-8273
Contact Info
March 2015 | 14
2015 Best Warrior Competition By: Maj. Will Cox | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
15 | The Georgia Guardsman
Photos by: Maj. Will Cox & Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
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fter 72 hours and 27 grueling events, two Georgia Army Guardsmen achieved the title of ‘Best Warrior’ at this year’s Soldier and NCO ‘Best Warrior’ competition. Each major subordinate command sent their top Soldier and NCO to compete at the state level, but in the end Sgt. Samuel Shuler and Spc. John Pettas, both of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, won the honor of the state’s ‘Best Warrior’ title. The two will go on to represent Georgia in the regional ‘Best Warrior’ competition to be held in the Virgin Islands later this year. “This is the kind of training that our Guardsmen signed up for,” said State Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield. “The competition was great and our motivated Soldiers pushed each other to the next level. I feel good about winning regionals and going to the Nationals.” The competition started with an Army Physical Fitness Test; an M4 weapons qualification range; a mystery weapons event; a military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) event including 12 additional tasks; a map reading test; a nuclear, biological or chemical (NBC) event and an M9 weapons qualification event. A few hours later day two started at 4 am with land navigation, an individual movement technique (IMT) mystery event, Army Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills testing and an obstacle course. Day three included a military board followed by the awards banquet hosted by Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip Stringfield and Col. Thomas Carden, the Georgia Army National Guard command team. Spc. John Pettas from Atlanta is assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th IBCT and achieved the title of ‘Best Warrior’ in the junior enlisted field. He will represent
more than 11,000 Georgia Army National Guardsmen at the regional event for a chance to compete at the national level. “The competition was grueling, leaving us physically drained with little sleep,” said Pettas. “The comraderie during the event is what kept me going. My peers were amazing, encouraging me through every event.” Sergeant Samuel Shuler from Smyrna, Georgia is assigned to Alpha Troop, 1-108th Calvary Regiment, 48th IBCT and secured the title of Best Warrior in the non-commissioned officer field. He will also represent more than 11,000 Georgia Army National Guardsmen at the regional event for a chance to compete at the national level. “I loved this competition because it is really hard to find a training event at this level of difficulty,” said Shuler. “We had to give it our all and it was a great group of competitors that supported each other throughout the events.” Colonel Thomas Carden, Georgia ARNG commander, was among those praising Sgt. Shuler and Spc. Pettas’ performances over the event’s three days. He celebrated with all of the Guardsmen who competed for this year’s GA ARNG Soldier and NCO ‘Best Warrior’ title. “I am proud of the pace our best warriors set and know each of these warriors pushed their teammates to the next level during this competition,” said Carden. “And I know each of the warriors will go back to their unit taking that same attitude and pursuit of excellence to raise the bar for their peers, subordinates and superiors alike. That competitive spirit pushes us all to the next level and that is what will continue to make the Georgia Army National Guard the best in the nation.”
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W Chief Master Sgt. Oliver Gill Contracting Officer Joint Force Headquarters
NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another
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o m e n’s h i s t o r y i s a c k n o w l e d g e d nationwide during the month of March, so it is fitting to discuss the roles women play in the military. Women have been part of the American military from the birth of our nation. In those earlier times, they may not have been allowed to serve in uniform, but they were still heavily involved. Throughout history, a few women have actually concealed their identities to serve alongside the men. Prior to World Wars I & II, if the pressures of society and family allowed, women were able to serve only as clerks, secretaries and nurses – positions that allowed more men to serve in combat roles. The second world war saw the roles of women increased to include serving as test pilots, mechanics and engineers, which allowed more men to go overseas. As society changed and progressed, so did the functions of women in the military. Women were admitted into the nation’s military academies, which were traditionally all-male institutions. In 1980, General Janet Wolfenbarger was one of the first females to graduate from the Air Force Academy. She is in charge of Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and became the first female general in the Air Force and the second in the U.S. military in August of 2012. Set to retire this summer, her potential replacement is a female threestar. In the Georgia National Guard’s own recent history, Major General Maria Britt, a 1983 West Point Academy graduate, was the commanding general of the Army National Guard from 2007 until her retirement in 2011. She was the leader of 11,000 of this state’s part-time Soldiers. Although women were able to serve as combat and cargo pilots during the Gulf War, none have served in front line combat positions. There have been many women deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Many of the forward support positions are held by women and that support has taken them outside the wire in the AOR, making it necessary for them to go through the same pre-deployment training as their male counterparts. With the 2013 Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff announcement that women can now serve in traditional combat positions, measures are being put in place to allow for that integration. Just recently, five female Army officers completed the Army National Guard Ranger Training and Assessment Course at Fort Benning, earning them the right to attend the Ranger Training Course in April. With the constantly changing global military environment, the roles of our nation’s military women must be allowed to change and evolve with it. Without those changes, we would not be able to remain viable as a force. Our military women are important to the war fight. If we are to be in a constant state of readiness, we must facilitate the acceptance of women into every area and at all levels.
Jordan Partnership Exercise
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS
By: Maj. Janet Herrick | United States Central Command
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ordanian Armed Forces of the 12th “Al- Yarmuk” Brigade worked alongside Guardsmen of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard to reinforce their partnered commitment to security and stability in the region during Exercise ‘Eager Light’ 15 at the Jordanian Simulations Center March 8-12, 2015. “Our mission supports an overall U.S. goal of enhancing partnership capacity with the Jordanian Army,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Corley, executive officer for the 560th BFSB. ‘Eager Light’ is an annual bilateral command post exercise led by U.S. Army Central personnel and the Jordanian Armed Forces. “The basic scenario was preparing the 12th to respond to insurgents conducting cross border operations into Jordan,” said Corley. Conducted annually since 1998, Exercise Eager Light is designed to increase interoperability and responsiveness between the U.S. and Jordanian Armed Forces, and demonstrates the robust partnership between the two countries. “The exercising of the military decision making process is integral for combined training with our JAF partners,” said LT. Col. Derek Mixon, U.S. Army Central Exercise Director. “It is Photo by: Maj. Janet Herrick | United States Central Command
important to maintain a high level of proficiency on key tasks while exercising different scenarios. Exercising with our JAF partners is an important component of readiness and is fundamental to sustaining and strengthening military relationships.” JAF and U.S. forces met the week prior for academic and simulation training to standardize and refine command and control operations, logistics, communications and administration processes using the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulations System (JCATS). The exchange of knowledge and experience of JAF and U.S. leaders fostered an understanding of each other’s forces, said Brig. Gen. Mohammed Jaradat, Jordanian Armed Forces Chairmen Chief of Staff Joint Training. He added, that practicing operations processes enabled commands to decentralize missions and provided opportunities for junior leaders to take initiative to become more prepared to respond to the threats being faced in the regions. Training exercises such as Eager Light highlight the longstanding partnership and enduring friendship between Jordan and U.S. forces, promote cooperation and interoperability, build functional capacity, practice crisis management and enhance readiness.
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Sullens Competition By: Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
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he second-annual Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition was held February 27 to March 1, 2015 at the Georgia Garrison Training Center on Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition, named after Georgia Army National Guardsman Andrew Sullens, is a premier marksmanship event hosted by the Georgia National Guard Marksmanship Team. The competition goes beyond the traditional weapons qualification by integrating additional weapons systems and incorporating a simulated battlefield shooting scenario.
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Photos by: Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith | Public Affiars Office | Georgia Department of Defense
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he purpose of the competition is to provide members of the Georgia Department of Defense with the opportunity to train marksmanship skills in a realistic battle environment. Ten four-shooter teams and two sniper teams competed collectively, and as individuals, for team recognition and the right to wear Georgia’s newly created Governor’s Twenty Tab. The tab takes its design and inspiration from the President’s Hundred Tab, which recognizes the 100 top-scoring military and civilian shooters in the President’s Pistol and Rifle Matches. “The path to the President’s Hundred starts here,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jakob Raven, one of the organizers of the Sullens Competition. To get the coveted tab, shooters would have to negotiate a series of shooting challenges using several weapons systems in complex battle-focused shooting scenarios over two days of intense competition. Teams first competed with the M-9 pistol on the known-distance range, engaging a series of targets from the prone, kneeling and standing positions. Next, the teams engaged targets while moving under combat load. Transitioning to the rifle, teams engaged targets during rapid-fire scenarios of varying distances. In the final scenario, participants conducted a timed shooting scenario simulating target engagements with the rifle, pistol, shotgun and sniper rifle. Following a half-mile run to the small arms range, participants engaged targets with the M11 doubleaction shotgun, while adhering to strict safety standards and utilizing covered firing positions. After safely clearing the M11, participants engaged targets with the rifle while behind cover, first from the right shoulder and then from the left, challenging them to shoot with their non-dominant eye, off-shoulder in keeping with possible battlefield terrain restrictions. After safely clearing the rifle, shooters engaged targets with the M9 pistol, placing shots as prescribed before moving to the M24 sniper rifle challenge to hit long distance targets.
In addition to the innovations in shooting scenarios, the 2015 Sullens Competition featured an expanded roster incorporating teams from the Georgia Army and Air National Guards. Volunteers of the State Defense Force assisted in the administration of the shooting competition, thus the 2015 competition featured all components of the Georgia Department of Defense. Retired Specialist Andrew Sullens was on hand providing motivation and assistance. Wounded in Afghanistan in 2009, Sullens continues to inspire through service. During the competition Sullens assisted with ammunition inventory and target set up for the marksmanship event that bears his name; He also directly mentored shooters and discussed his life experience. For the second year in a row, the four-person team from the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team finished first overall. The team, composed of 2nd Lt. Barrett Sathianathan, Cpl. Ashton Sanford, Sgt. Daniel Gonzalez and Sgt. Samuel Huston were congratulated by Sullens, who also congratulated the recipients of the Governor’s Twenty. Colonel Thomas Carden, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard congratulated the competitors and praised competition as an innovative training tool. “Programs like these move the readiness needle,” said Carden. “We want to enable you to reach your full potential and we congratulate our Georgia Guardsmen for wanting to continue with their career mission.” The Sullens Competition offers service members the ability to train on weapon systems they might not normally use and share experiences with marksmen in other service components. Participants come away with new skills to share with their home units as well as a sense of camaraderie borne of shared interest and service. “Our hope is to see the competition grow year after year by, fostering an environment of common mentorship and marksmanship,” said Sgt. 1st Class Raven.
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Around the Georgia Guard COMMANDER’S PT CHALLENGE Two hundred cadets with the Georgia National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy (YCA) at Fort Stewart were joined at morning PT by Col. Thomas Carden, Georgia Army National Guard commander.
NCO AND SOLDIER OF THE YEAR After 72 hours and 26 Best Warrior Competition events, Sgt. Samuel Shuler (middle left) and Spc. John Pettas (middle right), both of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, were named Georgia National Guard NCO and Soldier of the Year.
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OPERATION SKYFALL Paratroopers with the Georgia Army National Guard perform airborne operations at Plantation Airpark, Sylvania, Ga., March 20, 2015. Operation Skyfall is a joint training event focused on Airborne Operations hosted by 982nd Combat Camera Company where German, Italian and U.S. Soldiers jumped out of Georgia Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters.
LINGUISTGS AND OPERATION EAGER LIGHT Major James Corbin (left), 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade advisor, discusses ongoing operations with Lt. Col. Anwar Al-Bashabsh (center), Jordanian Armed Forces 26th Battalion Commander, with the assistance of linguist, Staff Sgt. Mohammed Boudissa (right), during exercise Eager Light.
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Georgia National Guard Half Marathon and Ruck Run Guardsmen run to benefit the GNGFSF and Homes for Heroes Foundation.
Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060