New Home
for B F S B
560th
Plus: XCTC Adventures | Pros vs. Joes | GASDF Change of Command & More
CONTENTS ISSUE: September 2013
cover story
w w w. g e o r g i a g u a r d . c o m
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Features 04| YCA graduation
Parents watched with pride as the most recent class sets new records as they begin the next chapter of their liives.
05|XCTC 2013
The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team set high marks for the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program.
13| 560th BFSB gets new home Ceremony marks the opening of the new armory in Cumming, Ga.
16| Our heroic airmen
Four members of the 116th Air Control Wing were responsible for the rescue and lifesaving efforts of seven people in tw different instances – all in the span of a week.
News 03| 283rd returns home
Unit returs home to awards and a change of command.
11| 530th deactivates
Inactivation ceremony leaves unit members with fond memories of their performances together.
14| Ga sdf changes comand
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Brig. Gen. Tom Danielson assumes control of the Georgia State Defense Force.
columns
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07| Historic Battle Review
Our recurring series continures with part two of the Battle of Chickamauga.
10| Book Review
“Generating Buy-in” by Mark S. Walton.
12| mos story Profiling a Cyber Surety Specialist.
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15| NCO Notepad
When stupid becomes criminal.
17| 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 Capt. William Carraway Creative Director Steven Welch Contributors Desiree Bamba Spc. Steven Bennett Tech. Sgt Charles Delano Sgt. Jerry DeAvila Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Greene Capt. Greta Jackson MSgt. Roger Parsons 1st Lt. Ashlie Shrewsbury WO1 Seth Stuck Capt. Mike Thompson Tech. Sgt. Regina Young
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Disclaimer
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.
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. September 2013 | 2
283rd returns home to awards, change of command
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Story by Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense he 283rd Combat Communications Squadron (283rd CCS) had an exceptional day Saturday, Sept. 9, 2013 at their welcome home ceremony which included an awards presentation and Change of Command ceremony. Beginning in December 2012, the 283rd CCS deployed to Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan as a major part of the 445th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The team supported over 5,200 U.S. and coalition forces. “Our team provided many services including wired and wireless telephones, public address systems, handheld radios, and internet and other computer based services,” Lt. Col. Thomas Dixon, 283rd CCS commander stated. “They also volunteered to operate and maintain systems that are typically handled by other organizations. Some examples include the Armed Forces Radio and Television transmitters and airfield navigation and radio systems.” “The mission was originally an Army mission that the Air Force took on,” said Maj. Gen. James Butterworth, Georgia’s Adjutant General. “Our team’s efforts enabled over 50 outside the wire missions, 1,200 pilot training sorties, 200 aerial resupply drops to Marines at isolated fire bases, and 575 medical evacuation missions.” After recounting the collective achievements of the 283rd CCS deserving airmen received individual awards recognizing their exemplary service. The Army Achievement Medal was awarded to Staff Sgt. Johnny Thompson, United States Air Force. Staff Sgt. Thompson distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as a cyber-transport journeyman while deployed to Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 12 Jan. 2013 to 12 July 2013. Army Commendation Medals were awarded to Master Sgt. Eric J. Deveau, Technical Sgt. Daniel L. Cason and Technical Sgt. Eric D. Kamleh, United States Air Force for exceptionally meritorious
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service as radio frequency technician, communication focal point technician and cyber transport journeyman while deployed. “These awards are not given; they are earned,” Col. Mark McGrath noted. The Meritorious Service Medal was awarded to Master Sgt. Linda L. Bordelon for outstanding achievement as superintendent of knowledge operations management, 445th Expeditionary Communication Squadron from 1 Dec. 2011 to 15 July 2013. Captain Chad A. Young, Senior Master Sgt. Richard B. Lewis, Senior Master Sgt. Donavon J. Hale, and Master Sgt. Obadiah Herndon were awarded Bronze Star Medals for exceptionally meritorious service as flight commander, flight chiefs, and first sergeant of the 445th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, while deployed to Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Their outstanding performance, expertise and dedication to duty greatly contributed to the success of the unit’s mission during combat operations between December, 9, 2013 and July 9, 2013 “These actions are an example of the outstanding men and women of the Georgia National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Butterworth. Following the presentation of awards, the 283rd CCS executed a change of command. During the change of command ceremony Lt. Col. Dixon received the Meritorious Service Medal. Mrs. Dixon received flowers from the 283rd CCS as a token of their appreciation for her support and contributions to the squadron. Leadership passed from Lt. Col. Thomas Dixon to Lt. Col. Monica Navarro-Smith. Following symbolic tradition that dates to the 18th century, Dixon passed the 283rd CCS flag on to NavarroSmith, so that all could see and witness the new commander assuming her position. To conclude the change of command ceremony and a day full of remarkable events Lt. Col. Navarro-Smith gave her first salute assuming her role as the new commander of the 283rd CCS leading them forward to continue their mission assignments in state and abroad. Photo by Sgt. Jerry DeAvila | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
YCA graduates get a second chance at their futures Story by 1st Lt. Ashlie Shrewsbury & Steven Welch Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
Families
bustling about the James Brown Arena weren’t entirely sure what they were in for as they settled into their seats. It was at this moment that 189 graduating teenagers were about to mark the culmination of a second chance at self-betterment, but in the end they accomplished far more than just that. Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 2013-03 set multiple records and certainly raised the bar for others who will come behind them in the program. Eight cadets earned their high school diplomas and 116 earned their GED. Cadet Kaleb Sloan scored 3700, the highest score ever achieved, on the graduation exam in the entire 13-year (26 class) history of the Fort Gordon YCA program. Six cadets earned perfect scores in one of the five subject-area exams, which include: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Class 2013-03’s honor graduate was Kenneth Colquitt. Twenty five cadets total excelled in their performance such that they were awarded $17,250 worth of scholarships, paving the way to even more success in their next leg of life’s journey. The graduates have one year to enter into a college program using their scholarship monies. Countless hours of community service, aspirations for military service and college attendance, as well as a large number of baptisms all add to an already lengthy list of achievements or positive changes that this group of, once troubled, youth accomplished. This is all good and well, but what about after the fact? Do they stick with it? Is it worth the investment for the financiers? The numbers say yes, but more than that so does the product - the kids who take this second chance and use it to their advantage. Almost a year after graduating, Joshua Porter is one of those who has managed to turn things around. “After graduation from YCA I wanted more from my life than I previously did before joining YCA,” Porter said.“Within two weeks after graduation, I enrolled into Lanier Technical College to further expand my education and acquire 15 college credit hours.” When prompted to compare life prior to YCA, Porter realized how much he needed a fresh start to avoid continuing down the path he was on. “Without YCA I would probably be in jail right now. I knew I needed a change in my life and I wanted to change,” Porter said. “YCA was the best thing for me and I’m glad that I went.” Porter has since recommended the program to others and some have even taken his advice. Col. Stephen Elle served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker, telling the crowd of his own challenges he faced in life, and how anyone can overcome them if they make smart decisions and work hard towards their goals. “The decisions and choices you make today build the house you live in tomorrow,” Elle said. “So build yourself an awesome house.” As they move forward, the hope is that these graduates continue working towards a better tomorrow; taking people like Col. Elle’s words and experiences into consideration whenever they start to doubt themselves or their abilities, striving to overcome the obstacles that remain in their paths so the new standards they have set for themselves continue to go uncompromised.
Photos by 1 st Lt. Ashlie Shrewsbury & Steven Welch | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
September 2013 | 4
48th IBCT XCTC exceeds expectations
Story by Capt. Michael Thompson & Spc. Steven Bennett | 124th MPAD | Georgia Army National Guard Georgia National Guard, British reserve, and Canadian reserve soldiers train together as part of the 48th Highlanders alliance.
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he Georgia National Guard 4 8 t h In f a nt r y Brigade Combat Team set high m ar k s for t h e eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) program to provide Soldiers with an experience similar to combat missions overseas. XCTC is a battalion field-training instrument designed to certify company proficiency in coordination with First Army. 2,300 Georgia Guardsmen, as well as Soldiers from Canada and the United Kingdom, have converged on the regional training center at Fort Stewart, minimizing cost and time otherwise spent traveling to one of the Army’s Combat Training Centers in Fort Irwin, Calif. or Fort Polk, La. “This exercise has really exceeded my expectations,” said Lt. Gen. William Ingram, Jr., Army National Guard director. “The Soldiers in the 48th have really been on the money with putting people where
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they need to be in order to get the most out of this exercise. I’m impressed.” As director, Lt. Gen. Ingram guides t he for mu l at i on , d e vel opme nt and implementation of all programs and policies affecting the more than 350,000 citizen Soldiers of the Army National Guard. The 48th IBCT is approaching the ready-year of the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) model for fiscal year 2014. The Army National Guard has aligned itself with the active Army to provide a more flexible brigade-centric force creating units that are more independent in order to enhance unified land operations. The model consists of three distinct stages, reset, trainready and available. The Department of the Army developed the training cycle model in 2006 to maintain readiness, proper equipment needs and meet the growing demand for war-fighting capabilities. Before, National Guard units might require long mobilization timelines in order to build the readiness necessary to respond to a national security threat. The 48th IBCT maintains one of the highest levels of readiness in the nation for Guard
units. During XCTC, senior active-duty Army and National Guard Bureau officials toured ranges and met with Soldiers of the 48th IBCT and fellow Soldiers of the 51st Highlands, 7th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS) and the 32nd Canadian Brigade Group (32 CBG). The 7 SCOTS and 32 CBG are on location to cross train with the 48th IBCT in the XCTC exercises. Senior leaders visibly recognized the hard efforts and level of proficiency reached by Guardsmen. “I think it’s great when your senior leadership is willing to get out in the heat and muck with you and see the troops in action,” said Staff Sgt. Stefan Berry, a squad leader in Charlie Company, 1-121st Infantry Regiment. “Since I’ve come into the National Guard we have been taught our doctrine. It really sparks the brain to work with and learn from other countries.” In a time of fiscal constraint, the reserve component’s inclusion in the Army’s operational force, the active Army, National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve truly reflect the total Army concept.
Photos by Capt. Michael Thompson & Spc. Steven Bennett | 1 2 4 th MPAD | Georgia Army National Guard
Training with the three Canadian regiments, The 48th Highlanders and the Queen’s Own Rifles at the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s eXportable Combat Training Capabilities (XCTC) exercise provides interoperability amongst services.
“Going forward what you are going to see is a lot more training with partners in the active component and in the Army Reserves,” said Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command. “We are going to go after a much more integrated approach to training and readiness and we want you (Guardsmen) to have access to all components of our force as we train and fight.” The National Guard Bureau operates the XCTC program in conjunction with SRI International giving Soldiers true to life simulations to enhance their training. The SRI International team demonstrated some of its simulation capabilities with a scenario involving actors and high-tech props. Utilizing personnel location and 3D interfaces to conduct after action reviews, the mission of XCTC is to gain better perspective into the actions of platoons in the field environment. “With the XCTC technology, not only does the Soldier get better simulations, but it gives the Soldier better insight into their platoon’s actions,” said James Patterson, tactical analysis center lead for
SRI International. “This is the kind of stuff I wished we had when I was in the Army.” The 188th Infantry Brigade of First Army Division East provide ObserverController-Trainer (OCT) teams to evaluate Soldiers throughout XCTC and review indepth, play-by-play video captured during the training event. At the after action review tent, Soldiers see the critical areas that may have been either a decisive point for success or failure. “It’s really not like grading,” said 48th IBCT Command Sgt. Major Shawn Lewis. “We grade ourselves. They are just bringing their experiences to our training and it always helps to hear different ways to get after a problem.” As ARFORGEN continues, explained Gen. Allyn, it’s going to adapt to preserve the current timelines for active duty twoyear cycles and five-year cycles for a reserve component with Guard and reserve units performing an estimated 50 percent of our regionally aligned force missions. The highest demand capability for forces is enabler capabilities such as combat support and combat service support.
“Some of the future force structure decisions that are out there, if we have to get smaller than 490,000, which we will if sequestration stays in effect through this year, would involve some kind of multicomponent units,” said Gen. Allyn. “So you would have Guard brigades as part of active divisions potentially or Guard battalions as part of active brigades.” Soldiers with the 48th IBCT completed the XCTC rotation at the end of September and will continue to receive the best training available to enhance the Georgia Guard’s ability to react in missions both domestic and global environments. “There is a significantly bright future for the Guard and the XCTC program,” said Lt. Gen. Ingram, “Soldiers in the 48th will be well trained at the end of this exercise.” The 48th IBCT is projected in 2014 to support operations under the newly organized regionally aligned forces mission in support of U.S. Southern Command. Additional elements of the 48th IBCT, including the brigade headquarters, will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
September 2013 | 6
Battle of Chickamauga: Desperate struggle in Georgia
By Capt. William Carraway Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense
Prologue The September edition of the Guardsmen recounted the opening maneuvers of the Chickamauga Campaign from Tullahoma to Chattanooga, and finally to the banks of the Chickamauga River north of Lafayette, Ga. By the evening of September 18, Union forces were arrayed west of the river and the Lafayette Road. Confederate forces had achieved a bridgehead across the Chickamauga River at Reed’s Bridge and Alexander’s Ford, and were building combat power on the west side of the river. Final Positions On the e vening of S eptemb er 18, Uni on commander, Maj. Gen. William Rosecrans, sent Maj. Gen. George Thomas, commander of the 14th Corps, north along the Lafayette Road. His intent was to extend his defensive line and maintain the Union army’s line of retreat north to Chattanooga. By the morning of September 19, Thomas’s men had taken up position in the fields of the Kelly farm. Having received a report from Union Col. Daniel McCook about an isolated rebel brigade trapped on the west side of the river, Thomas dispatched two Union divisions to investigate. The Confederate troops McCook had encountered were cavalr ymen of the 1st Georgia, who had thrown up skirmish lines in the vicinity of Jay’s Mill, approximately ½ mile west of Reed’s Bridge. Having already received orders to withdraw, McCook left the field to the Georgians before reporting his findings to Thomas. Thus, when Thomas’s brigades moved east in search of the isolated Confederate brigade the Georgians were prepared in skirmish order across Reed’s Bridge Road. In the woods, just one quarter mile south of the 1st Georgia, a Union brigade under Col. John Croxton encountered additional cavalry forces of Brig. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest 7 | The Georgia Guardsman
Map of actions on 20 September. Map provided courtesy of the Civil War Trust (civilwar.org).
engaged Croxton with his cavalry long enough for rebel infantry of Col. Claudius Wilson and the 25th, 29th and 30th Georgia to enter the fight. Over the next two and a half hours, brigades would be sucked into the growing fight at Jay’s Mill. Confusion and Reinforcement The action alarmed both Rosecrans and his Confederate adversary, General Braxton Bragg. Bragg’s battle plan called for 25,000 men to assault Union lines along the Lafayette Road, well south of Jay’s Mill. The unexpected presence of Thomas to the north threatened Bragg’s right flank. Rosecrans, meanwhile, had ordered Thomas into defensive positions, only to have his subordinate launch a twodivision attack. Before launching his Lafayette Road offensive, Bragg determined to secure his flank in the vicinity of Jay’s Mill. He dispatched his reserve corps and five brigades of Maj. Gen. Ben Cheatham’s Division
to reinforce Forrest. Simultaneously, Rosecrans shifted divisions from the 20th and 21st Corps. Both the Union and Confederate commanders were dispatching units without regard to the chain of command, a breakdown in command and control that would be further exacerbated by the terrain and lack of visibility.
of ground, Stewart had insufficient men to maintain his position and was forced to withdraw east of the Lafayette Road.
Georgians Enter the Ditch of Death Intent on finding the enemy flank, Rosecrans met with the improbably named Brig. Gen. Jefferson Davis, and directed him to move his division across The Fighting Moves South the Viniard Field, well south of the engaged forces. Cheatham’s 7,000 Confederates slammed into the Expecting to find the Confederate left flank, Davis Union divisions shortly after noon, in the vicinity instead encountered the main body of Bragg’s waiting of the Brock farm. After committing Cheatham, assault force-25,000 strong. In the next two and a half Bragg dispatched a third division under command hours the most savage combat of the battle would swirl of Maj. Gen. A. P. Stewart and ordered him to move about the Viniard Field until the Union line collapsed “to the sound of the guns.” Stewart arrived south of at 4:30 p.m. and the Northerners were sent streaming Cheatham’s lines shortly before 2:00 p.m. in time to back across the Lafayette Road. Pursuing the fleeing stabilize the faltering Confederate line. Moving with Union troops, the Georgians of Brig. Gen. Henry Stewart were the 4th Georgia Sharpshooters and the Benning poured volley after volley into the backs of 37th Georgia Infantry. The Georgians were able to the retreating Union Soldiers. Sgt. W.R. Houghton of dislodge the stubborn Union defenders of Maj. Gen. the 2nd Georgia recalled the action: Van Cleve’s Division from their positions on the “We stood there… shooting them down… It was Lafayette Road. Having taken a significant amount horrible slaughter.” The slaughter would soon be
September 2013 | 8
visited upon Benning’s men as they advanced into the field of fire of the brigade of Col. John Wilder, whose men were armed with seven shot repeating rifles. Benning’s Georgians were cut to pieces. Of 1,200 Georgians 490 became casualties. A Restless Night By 6:00 p.m., fighting had mostly ended in the Viniard Field where 15 brigades had contended. After nearly 12 hours of continuous combat the fighting was concluded, except for a rare night assault initiated by the division of Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne across the Winfrey field. The men of both armies settled in for a restless night. Despite temperatures that plunged below freezing, Soldiers of both armies were forbidden from starting campfires due to the proximity of enemy forces. With the arrival of Lt. Gen. James Longstreet on the field, Bragg reorganized his army into two wings. Longstreet was given command of the left wing while Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk commanded the right wing. Bragg’s battle plan remained unchanged: attack and drive the Union army south, away from its line of retreat to Chattanooga. On the opposite side of the Lafayette Road, Rosecrans, having gone without sleep, surveyed his lines with the intent of supporting Thomas’ lines to the north. Rosecrans would agree to reinforce Thomas – a decision that would have fateful consequences on the second day of the battle. Action Resumes, The Union North in Peril Although Bragg had intended to attack at dawn, the Confederate assault did not get underway until 9:30 a.m. when the corps of Lt. Gen. D.H. Hill struck Thomas. Though bloodily repulsed on part of their lines, two brigades of Hill’s Corps succeeded in turning Thomas’s left flank. The Confederates drove south down the Lafayette Road into the Kelly Field and threatened the entire Union position. Rosecrans, sensing the threat, shifted forces from the south and by 11:30 a.m., Hill was forced back. Union Disaster Hill’s success worried Rosecrans, who began shifting additional forces north. In the course of redeployment, the Union exposed a division-wide gap in their line. Just as the gap opened, Longstreet launched an assault into the gap. The divisions of Davis 99 || The The Georgia Georgia Guardsman Guardsman
and Maj. Gen. Phillip Sheridan were crushed by 12,000 surging Confederates. In the resulting stampede Rosecrans, his chief of staff and future president, James Garfield, and three corps commanders were driven from the field. One third of the Union army ceased to exist as a fighting force. If not for the determined stand of Maj. Gen. Thomas’s men on Snodgrass Hill the entire Union army might have been destroyed in detail. Thomas held just long enough to preserve the Union army before withdrawing to Rossville to the North. Nevertheless hundreds of Union Soldiers were captured by onrushing Confederates. Aftermath On the morning of September 21, Confederates awoke to find that the Union army had slipped away. Rosecrans would reestablish his base at Chattanooga but his tenure as army commander was drawing to a close. In just over a week Rosecrans would be replaced by a hard fighting western general named Ulysses Grant. Although he was technically the victor, Bragg had failed in his objective of destroying Rosecrans. He would continue to bicker with his subordinate commanders until November when he would challenge the Union army for control of Chattanooga. More than 34,000 of the 125,000 Soldiers engaged at Chickamauga became casualties. But D.H. Hill remembering the battle years later observed that true casualty of Chickamauga was hope. “It seems to me that the élan of the Southern Soldier was never seen after Chickamauga; the brilliant dash which had distinguished him was gone forever. He fought stoutly to the last, but after Chickamauga, with the sullenness of despair, and without the enthusiasm of hope. That ‘barren victory’ sealed the fate of the Southern Confederacy.”
Professional Development Bookshelf: Reviews of books
that teach us about our craft
By: Capt. William Carraway Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense
he premise of Generating Buy In is remarkably simple: People think in terms of stories; therefore, the most influential means of executive communication is to tell stories. Indeed, the first lesson of the book is that effective leaders are those who strategically design, target and deliver stories to key audiences that describe a positive future or outcome. Fundamentally, if you want to effect change, you must describe that change in terms that convey benefit to the individual and the most powerful intuitive means of delivering that message is through the narrative of a story. Author Mark Walton provides a four-step architecture for effective strategic story telling. Step 1: Goal setting. The initial step consists of determining the desired effect. What action do you want to betaken and by whom? Step 2: Establish the strategic story line. What vision of a positive future do you want to generate in your target audience? Step 3: Develop the narrative in three chapters that target your audience’s priorities, values, or agenda. How do you link your positive future with the motivations of those in whom you want to spur action? Give three specific examples of how the audience will benefit from helping to bring the vision to reality. Step 4: Ask for commitment. Once you have communicated a positive vision and a process by which enabling that vision brings about reward, ask for the audience to take the first step towards achieving your desired end state. It quickly becomes obvious that while the end state or vision may be developed in absence of a target audience, no
call to action can be made without a thorough understanding of the audience’s motivations, desires and preexisting reasons to support or reject your vision. Thus, effective messaging cannot be generated without first knowing what effect is to be achieved and understanding the audience that will determine whether your message is successful. The author provides numerous examples of successful communications campaigns that understood their audience and communicated a positive vision for the future. Unfortunately, one of these examples, “The Army of One” campaign, seems to have been less successful than the author initially held. Generating Buy In was first published in 2004, after the Army had seen initial success in recruiting following the start of the Army of One campaign. However, the Army failed to meet its recruiting metrics in 2005 and the Army of One campaign was scrapped in favor of Army Strong. The author suggests in the book that the Army of One slogan brilliantly recognized that its core audience (Generation Y) was not motivated by previous calls to enlist. The desired effect was an increase in enlistments and the vision was one of an organization in which individuals were empowered. The passage of time seems to indicate however that where some of the recruiting population may have appreciated the individualistic message of the campaign, nearly everyone else was either confused or turned off by the mixed message. Indeed, potential recruits were only part of the total audience and the message failed to resonate with older recruits as well as current and former service members. At just over 100 pages, Generating Buy In is an ideal read for a single sitting.
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September 2013 | 10
And the band will not play on
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Story by Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
any shed bittersweet tears as the commander of the 530th Air Force Band relinquished command to the Georgia Air National Guard C ommander, during an inactivation ceremony at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Georgia on September 14, 2013. After he, and members of the band (which included three retired members), were recognized for their service, Maj. Alan McConnell relinquished command of the Air National Guard Band of the South to Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Moore, the Georgia Air National Guard Commander. “It’s never a happy occasion when a unit completes its mission and goes inactive,” Moore said. “The good thing is that there’s the possibility it can be reactivated at some point in the future.” The band was started nearly seven decades ago. The band performed for both military and civilian audiences around the southeast region of the United States. It was not uncommon for the nearly 40-member band to break down into specialized ensemble groups, making it possible to perform at multiple venues simultaneously. The band has had only four commanders in its 67-year history, because the length of command averaged approximately 16 years. With the typical command tour lasting three to five years, it is virtually unheard of to have a 16-year command. To have four
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such command tenures within the same unit is nothing short of extraordinary. With an emotion-filled voice, McConnell addressed the 530th for the last time as commander. “When you work with people this long, they become more like family than anything,” McConnell said. “Although the 530th is being inactivated, the name will live on.” On October 1, 2013, the trademark name and logo will be carried on by the 572nd Air Force Band from Tennessee. The 572nd attended the deactivation ceremony and played music in honor of the 530th. The 572nd, known as The Air National Guard Band of the Smoky Mountain, will adopt the title of Air National Guard Band of the South, with an expanded area of coverage to also include: Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Virginia. Eight members of the 530th band were able to find a place with the 572nd. Most of the remaining members of the 530th joined other units of the Georgia Air National Guard, though one member joined the Georgia Army National Guard band. The 530th Air National Guard Band of the South has performed at various engagements from parades and ribbon cuttings. They have performed for families at state fairs as well as dignitaries and presidents at state dinners. These goodwill ambassadors are now a part of history and their rich sounds will no longer be heard. They will surely be missed, but the memories will linger for a long time – particularly for the band members.
Photo by Capt. Greta Jackson | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
Defenders of the digital realm
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By: Tech. Sgt. Charles Delano | 165th AW | Georgia Air National Guard n era of cyber warfare has started and the A i r m e n t a s ke d t o prevent cyber attacks are Cyber Surety Specialists (Air Force Specialty Code 3D0x3). “We are engaged with the adversary every day,” said Maj. Will Newson, 165th Communications Flight Commander. “It is all too easy to not take cyber warfare seriously because we do not see actual bullets, bombs, or aircraft. Nonetheless, cyber warfare is here and it is here to stay.” Read the headlines of any major news organization and you will quickly find a story of a cyber attack that resulted in compromised personal information, financial records or loss of control of a website. The Air Force understands that a cyber attack on the Air Force infrastructure would compromise our ability to securely communicate with friendly forces so Space Command is increasing resources to defending the cyber realm. “The Air Force expects to add more than 1,000 cyber jobs between 2014 and 2016, although the final number has not been approved,” said Gen. William Shelton, commander, Air Force Space Command, in an email to Air Force Times. One of the fields to be expanded is Cyber Surety Specialists. These defenders of the digital realm are tasked to detect and repel cyber attacks on computer systems and infrastructure by programming hardware and software to thwart unauthorized access at the base level. One of the ways they guard the digital gateway is to administer and manage the Information Assurance program, which ensures local users understand Communications Security and Computer Security protocols. For many of us, this requirement is in the form of computer based training modules that must be accomplished
annually. In order to keep current with the latest threats, Cyber Surety Technicians collaborate with the Air National Guard Network Operations and Security Center (ANG NOSC) to implement patches and virus definitions to computers and network systems. As the cyber mission grows exponentially, the question that begs to be answered is “What does it take to be a Cyber Security Specialist?” Newson identifies three abilities that Cyber defenders
Photo by Tech. Sgt Charles Delano | 1 6 5 th AW | Georgia Air National Guard
require: aptitude, multi-tasking and a warfighter’s mentality. First, cyber warriors must have the aptitude to grasp the concepts behind what makes technology work, its vulnerabilities and threats and how to compensate for each. Second, they must have the ability to keep track of multiple projects, tasks, and demands on their time simultaneously. Finally, the ability to think as a warfighter is imperative; we must defend and assure secure operations within our cyber domain.
September 2013 | 12
560th BFSb gets new home
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Story by Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense undreds of residents of Forsyth County welcomed the more than 300 Georgia Guardsmen of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade (BFSB) to the community at a ceremony marking the dedication of the Cumming Regional Readiness Center. More than five years in the making, the CRRC represents a cooperative effort between the Georgia Guard and the people of Georgia. “Your commitment and your service to our country is admirable,” said Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt during his opening ceremony address. “This is a great facility. The City of Cumming in conjunction with the State and Federal Government is very grateful that you are here.” Lieutenant Col. (P) Ray Bossert, commander of the 560th BFSB complimented the Mayor’s message of cooperation. “I look forward to becoming a valuable asset and friend to this region,” said Bossert. “This is YOUR armory. Come have fellowship with us. Come see us during drill weekend.” The readiness center was a flurry of activity starting well before sunrise as Soldiers and vendors set up displays in the chill morning air. Soldiers of the 3-108th Cavalry demonstrated sniper equipment and vehicle weapons systems. The 230th Brigade Support Company set up a mobile kitchen and distributed MREs and conversed with Cumming residents. Soldiers of HHC 560th BFSB demonstrated satellite equipment capabilities. A particularly popular attraction was the “night vision challenge,” where young and old alike were able to use night vision goggles to negotiate obstacles in a dark room. Representatives from local law enforcement, fire departments and the American Legion brought displays and equipment and added
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to the sense of community present at the CRRC. Several dedication ceremonies were held throughout the day. Lieutenant Col. (P) Bossert joined Mayor Gravitt and the Cumming City Council in dedicating the drill hall in the name of Col. William Cumming, a life-long Georgia resident and veteran of the War of 1812. The readiness center auditorium was dedicated to the memory of Brig. Gen. Terrell Reddick, former deputy commander of the Georgia Army National Guard. The 560th BFSB’s Command Sgt. Major Roy Marchert presided over roll call of fallen warriors and dedicated a tree to fallen warriors. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, representatives of the Georgia Guard leadership and community leaders noted the significance of the day. “What an incredible day,” said Georgia’s Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth. “The 560th has an incredible history of service around the world. It is going to continue from right here. You have literally the best Guard community coming here building a house in Cumming.” State Senator Jack Murphy noted the economic benefit of having such a large Guard presence in North Georgia. “When I look around and see what this will do for the community I am truly impressed,” said Sen. Murphy. “It is going to bring in thousands of dollars to the community. The State committed six million dollars and that contribution survived two presidents and two governors. That is amazing.” Sen. Murphy, Maj. Gen. Butterworth and Mayor Gravitt all noted that the new 106,000 square foot facility is projected to return more than $500,000 in revenue to the city and county annually. Photo by Capt. William Carraway | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Department of Defense
Georgia’s state defense force changes command
Story by WO1 Seth Stuck | 411th MPAD | Georgia State Defese Force
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he Georgia Department of Defense held a ceremony marking the promotion of Colonel Tom Danielson to the rank of brigadier general and his subsequent assumption of command of the Georgia State Defense Force. Danielson assumes command from Brig. Gen. Jerry Bradford, who retires after four years as Commanding General of the GSDF. As a veteran of more than 30 years of active and reserve Army service, Bradford served two tours in Vietnam and retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel. He has served more than 11 years in the GSDF. As the incoming Commanding General of the GSDF, Danielson will oversee the 670 volunteers of the Force as they support the Georgia Department of Defense by providing search and rescue, medical support and disaster relief assistance throughout the state. “When I assumed command at Fort Stewart those years ago,” said Bradford, “I promised you – not change – but challenge and opportunity. I hope I have lived up to that promise to your Photos by 4 1 1 th MPAD ( PAO) Team | Georgia State Defese Force
satisfaction. In all my years of military service, it has been my pleasure to serve with some of the best in the country. I can think of no other group of troops with whom I would want to spend my last few years in uniform.” “Starting this very weekend,” said Danielson, “we have the opportunity to build upon the solid foundation that General Bradford has created the last four years. I am confident that we as members of the SDF possess the resourcefulness to lead the change that is required in a rapidly changing world.” “We all know in this room,” said Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth, Georgia’s Adjutant General, ”as you pass the colors, you don’t necessarily pass the role. General Bradford, we will continue to lean on you and your experience in the future. General Danielson and I have had several conversations about the future of the Georgia State Defense Force. We talked a lot about the potential for an expanded role for the State Defense Force. And I’m going to challenge Danielson to raise the bar of an already great team even higher. He has some very big shoes to fill.”
September 2013 | 14
When Stupid becomes criminal
By Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Greene Senior Enlisted Advisor Georgia Air National Guard
NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another
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n any large organization, there may exist predators, liars and thieves whose very presence destroys trust and morale, damages lives and reduces mission readiness and effectiveness. These individuals need to be held accountable for their actions and need to be quickly removed from our organization. My comments are not aimed at them, but rather the Airman or Soldier whose noteworthy career is sidetracked by a night of drinking, followed by a poor decision, coupled with bad behavior. Too many promising careers have been ruined when a lapse in judgment leads to inappropriate action. In other words, when stupid becomes criminal, the end result is UCMJ action or a verdict by a jury of your peers. Whether it is DUI or pushing an unwanted sexual advance, your once-stellar career is now nothing but regret of what could have been. Way too many of these lapses in judgment are fueled by excessive alcohol. What begins as a night of fun with friends or co-workers deteriorates into a chain of bad choices that conclude with you in handcuffs. Forbes Magazine highlighted a quote from the 1960s movie The Apartment as a Top 100 business movie quote, “Normally, it takes years to work your way up to the twenty-seventh floor. But it takes 30 seconds to be out on the street again.” It takes years to work your way up the ladder from the mailroom to management and only a few seconds to undo a stellar career and find yourself fired for unprofessional conduct. Although we are not a one-mistake military, there are zero tolerance lines that must never be crossed, and to do so will be fatal to your career. It is imperative that we, as Citizen Soldiers/Airmen hold ourselves to the highest standards as demanded in our profession of arms. Have a plan, have a wingman or battle buddy, and never start a sentence with, “Hold my beer and watch this.” These words are usually the precursor of a bad ending. There are no excuses – only consequences when stupid becomes criminal. Choose wisely… Your family, friends, unit members and your career depend on it.
Heroes abound at Air National Guard unit
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Story by Tech. Sgt. Regina Young and Master Sgt. Roger Parsons | 116th ACW | Georgia Air National Guard n two separate incidents, four members of the 116th Air Control Wing were responsible for the rescue and lifesaving efforts of seven people – all in the span of a week. On August 15, Senior Airman Joey DeFore helped rescue six children from an overturned school bus after it slid into a ditch and rolled onto its side in Warner Robins. “It was chaotic,” said DeFore, a 116th Air Control Wing member. “The children were screaming and crying as they hung from their seats.” Defore, who has two children of his own, said, “I just stopped [at the scene] ... my first thought was about the kids.” DeFore credits his military training as the reason he was able to remain calm while he unbuckled the children from their seats. After he led the children to an emergency exit, two bystanders retrieved the children from the bus and moved them to safety. “Airman Defore displayed the essence of a citizen Airman.” said Chief Master Sgt. Emory (last name withheld for security reasons), 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron superintendent. “We are Airmen dedicated to defending our nation with a deeprooted responsibility to protect our citizens because they are dear to us.” Defore is a Georgia native and a graduate of Northside High School in Warner Robins. He was recently selected for a civil service position within the 116th Air Control Wing. Exactly one week after DeFore’s actions, three Airmen from the same unit answered the call to heroic service. On August 22, what should have been a routine flight to McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nev., turned into a lifesaving opportunity for three members of the 116th Security Forces Squadron headed to a pre-deployment training exercise at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. Security forces personnel were traveling on a commercial flight when a passenger passed out and showed no signs of life. As the daughter of the passenger frantically tried to revive her mother, the Airmen stepped into action. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgts. Tim White and Dominick Andrews, with the 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, immediately began performing CPR on the mother. At the same time, Master Sgt. Richard Ross assisted a flight attendant in retrieving an oxygen tank and ensured the Airmen performing CPR had everything they needed. “I have not seen or heard such clear authority in action since I was in the Army a number of years ago,” said Allen Jones, son-inlaw of the passenger being treated. Shortly after starting CPR procedures, the mother responded to the treatment and regained consciousness. White and Andrews continued to monitor their patient and traded seats with other passengers so they could remain in close proximity for the remainder of the flight.
“If it had not been for the action and determination of these troops it would have been a terrible situation for our family,” said Jones. Unbeknownst to the Airmen performing CPR, a doctor on board the flight stood by, observed their actions and saw no need to inject or take any action of his own. “This is a testament to the background and training of our personnel,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Cotter, commander of the 116th SFS. Cotter went on to share how the three traditional Guardsmen, who were involved with saving the passenger’s life, came to the Air National Guard from the U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. “These Airmen came together from different backgrounds and worked together flawlessly to save this woman’s life,” shared Cotter. “The synergistic efforts of these three are a representative of what our unit is about.” The 116th SFS is the security arm of the nation’s sole E-8C Joint STARS flying operation. Flying out of Robins Air Force Base, Ga., the JSTARS wing provides joint airborne command and control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and combat support forces to meet state and national objectives.
Photos by Tech. Sgt. Regina Young and Master Sgt. Roger Parsons | 1 1 6 th ACW | Georgia Air National Guard
August 2013 | 16
Around the Georgia Guard GEORGIA TAG ATTENDS RESPONDER LUNCHEON
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Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth, Adjutant General, Georgia National Guard, greets former congressman Bobb Barr during a luncheon honoring Cobb County first responders and law enforcement.
NASCAR TROOPS TO TRACKS Georgia Guardsmen gather for a group shot on pit road prior to race day during their visit to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Great Clips/Grit Chips 300, Saturday August 31 2013.
ATLANTA FALCON GEORGIA GUARD
TAKE
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Members of the Atlanta Falcons took part in the Pros versus Joes tournament at Clay National Guard Center, playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 with Guardsmen stationed overseas in Afghanistan.
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1-108TH CAVALRY RECONNAISANCE SOLDIERS COMPLETE NIGHT TRAINING Georgia National Guard 1-108th Cavalry reconnaisance Soldiers prepare to depart into enemy terroritory as part of the four day war that culminates all the training events of the eXportable Combat Training Capabilities (XCTC) rotation at Fort Stewart
STARBASE STUDENTS EXPLORE HELICOPTORS Maj. Chris Buck, 122nd Regional Training Institute introduces Peach State Starbase students to the UH-60 Blackhawk.
September 2013 | 18
Happy Birthday Air Force United States Air Foce turns 66
Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060