Volume XV Issue 4 April 2012
GUARDIAN the
The official magazine of Multinational Battle Group East
What’s Inside GUARDIAN the
The Guardian is produced for personnel of Multinational Battle Group - East, and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense.
Gate 1 Gets a Facelift Page 5
Contents of the publication are not necessarily the official views of the United Nations, U.S. government, the Department of the Army, Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, or MNBG-E.
ILE Course Teaches Future Leaders Page 7
Bondsteel's Force Protection Exercise Page 8
Commanding Officer Col. Jeffrey J. Liethen Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley J. Shields Public Affairs Officer Capt. Joy Staab 172nd Public Affairs Detachment
Women's History Month Luncheon Page 10
Editor Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner Broadcast Journalists Staff Sgt. Jason Alvarez Spc. Nathan Rivard
KFOR, EULEX, KP Test Riot Control Page 11
Ravens Take Flight Over Kosovo Page 13
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About the Cover Spc. Michael Purslow, an infantryman with the Georgia Army National Guard's 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, launches a Raven UAV in northern Kosovo recently. See more photos and story on Page 13. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner) the GUARDIAN
From the Commander
Communication Leads Us to Mission Success
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ffective communication throughout our deployment will lead to us accomplishing our mission here in Kosovo and maintaining healthy relationships with our loved ones back home.
In an attempt to ensure each member of the Battle Group stays informed, I work with my staff to push out information in as many formats as possible.
However, I understand that proper communication means ensuring messages are not only sent to the recipients, but also received by the intended audience. It is critical that each of you takes the time to review the information you receive and share it with your fellow Soldiers, and when relevant with your families. The Joint Operations Center pushes out a weekly fragmentary order (FRAGO) and a bi-weekly administrative FRAGO to section officers-in-charge (OIC), deputy OICs and Non-Commissioned Officers-in-charge (NCOICs). These FRAGOs include pertinent information about upcoming missions, as well as information about the day-to-day business of the Battle Group.
produced by my office aimed at sharing information concerning the focus, initiatives and other news that I feel is pertinent to Soldiers of the Battle Group. Company level newsletters also provide information on upcoming training and activities.
Effective communication is a two-way street, which I believe is essential to an effective Battle Group.
Col. Jeffrey J. Liethen MNBG E Commander
That is why I recently implemented town hall meetings, which I host on a regular basis. During town hall meetings, I offer Soldiers the opportunity to directly ask me questions and address concerns they may have about our deployment.
"One of the keys to effective communication during deployment is ensuring information makes it down to the lowest level."
Finally, remember that my door is always open. After all, I can’t work to solve problems or clear up rumors if I don’t know about them.
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In addition to the monthly magazine you are reading now, there are other news publications produced within the Battle Group intended to keep you informed. The Multinational Battle Group-East (MNBG-E) “Illuminare” is a new weekly publication
One of the keys to effective communication during deployment is ensuring information makes it down to the lowest level. If you do not currently receive the information I mentioned above, make sure you ask your leadership to share it with you.
KSF Visits Camp Bondsteel Members of Kosovo Security Force (KSF) visited Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, March 19, 2012, to receive a tour of facilities and get an overview of staff roles performed by Multinational Battle Group-East (MNBG-E).
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GUARDIAN the
CSM Corner
US Army Soldier 2012 and Beyond - Are You Ready? We will set the standard and together meet and exceed the standard, and are role models for the Soldiers we lead.
If you have not read the white paper from Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, titled “America’s Profession of Arms,” it is a must for the road ahead. General Dempsey states, “We must renew our commitment to the Profession of Arms. We’re not a profession simply because we say we’re a profession. We must continue to learn, to understand, and to promote the knowledge, skills attributes, and behaviors that define us as a profession.” Army values and our Warrior Ethos are the foundation of our Leadership. Everything we do, every decision we make must be based on those core values.
“Renewing our commitment to the Profession of Arms is essential to ensure we maintain the best led and best-trained force in the world,” General Dempsey goes on to say. Our Soldiers must know what “Right” looks like, and that right must be our NCO’s.
and right limits for our Soldiers. Not some of the time, all of the time. Knowing and maintaining the standard is every Soldiers responsibility. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. How do each of us measure up?
Physical fitness, achieving the standard Command Sgt. Maj. for height and weight, Bradley J. Shields our appearance, should MNBG E CSM be come-to-work items. Each time we put our business suit on, we represent every Soldier, past to present.
The pride each of us feel each day we put our uniform on should be contagious. Our enthusiasm and discipline, as well as our passion for what we do, will be on display every day. Each day we represent the United States of America to our Multi-National partners – what message did we communicate? Getting back to the basics of Soldiering is a big responsibility, but we have the renewed commitment to preserve the customs we are so proud. Not looking the other way when we see deficiencies, and setting the standard for our profession is our inherent responsibility.
Customs and Courtesies, good order and discipline are setting the box and the left
Are you ready to be part of the US Army as we move forward?
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re you ready for the challenge as our Army transitions? Non-Commissioned Officers, it will start with each of us.
http://www.jcs.mil/content/files/2012-02/022312120752 _ Americas _ Military _ POA.pdf
flickr.com/photos/MNBG-E facebook.com/KFOR.MNBG.East
youtube.com/MNBGEast
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Gate 1 COB Gets Facelift story & photos by Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner
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ultinational Battle Group East’s (MNBG E) northernmost outpost is getting muchneeded renovations to improve the living conditions for Soldiers assigned there to help provide safety and security and freedom of movement to Kosovo residents.
The contingency operating base (COB) is called Gate 1 for its proximity to the official crossing point between Serbia and Kosovo manned by customs and border management officials from the European Union Law Enforcement Mission (EULEX).
MNBG E uses the Gate 1 COB as a base to support EULEX and to provide routine safety and security patrols in the region. The U.S.-led unit is comprised of Soldiers from Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Hellas, Turkey and Morocco.
U.S. Army Cpl. Assad Bassue, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, takes advantage of off-duty time to watch a movie in his personal quarters.
“The current Kosovo Force (KFOR) presence in the north expresses a long-term commitment aimed at restoring stability, security and freedom of movement for everyone in Kosovo,” said U.S. Army Col. Jeffrey Liethen, MNBG E commander. “We’re not constructing more permanent camps, but working on improving the living conditions for the soldiers assigned to support the border crossings up there.” During the past month, many of the structures and facilities have received major quality of life improvements like expanded sewage capabilities that allow for showers and bathrooms. Expanded dining facility capacity means up to 60 soldiers can eat their meals in comfort, while communications specialists added Armed Forces Network (AFN) coverage and wi-fi internet to the COB.
Civilian employees work on a guard tower that will soon replace sandbag firing positions around the COB.
Improvements to the COB started in the fall of last year, though a couple of factors prevented officials from large-scale additions until just recently.
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Tensions from last year’s confrontation between United Nations-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) Soldiers and Kosovo Serbians still existed as 2011 ended, with road blocks preventing freedom of movement along the major supply route between Camp Bondsteel and the Gate 1 border crossing. This prevented vehicle convoys from delivering food and water, much less construction materials. Instead, supplies were delivered by helicopter from MNBG E’s UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.
The road blocks were soon removed, but delayed improvements. The challenge, according to U.S. Army Maj. Timothy Skelton, MNBG E logistics chief, has been to train soldiers to work with multinational forces and local contractors to regularly deliver the necessities as well as construction materials to improve the soldiers’ lot up north. “I’m most proud of the ability of the soldiers in the battle group to reconfigure their mind-set from doing one job - possibly an office job or something completely different than they had been previously trained - to operating as an over-the-road trucker,
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The Gate 1 COB has seen many recent quality of life additions in recent months, most notably tons of gravel and heavy duty heating and air conditioning units.
continued from previous Page on the very fluid and potentially dangerous roads of Kosovo,” he stated. “Many had never driven a large truck, or if they had previous experience it was probably not on the types of vehicles we have here at Camp Bondsteel.”
Mother Nature also had a hand in delays to Gate 1 improvements. After one of the worst winters since 1985, according to local residents, more than three feet of snow slowed operations to a crawl except for mission-essential tasks. It wasn’t until the springtime thaw that military planners could begin improvements on a larger scale.
Tons of gravel was laid out last week to keep Soldiers and equipment from becoming mired in mud, an improvement that has a very small window of time to accomplish, according to U.S. Army Maj. James Hohncke, MNBG E engineer. Because the soil is mostly clay, he said, the gravel needed to be placed after the frost left the ground and before the expected spring rain season.
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While Soldiers have up until now had to make do with window-sized units that couldn’t keep up with the harsh winter conditions in tents designed for
MNBG E Soldiers take advantage of the weight room during off-duty time.
groups, heating and air conditioning systems are now in place to provide comfortable living conditions.
Morale items have also found their way up north to occupy offduty soldiers. A Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tent now sports a popcorn machine, video game consoles, large-screen TV, tables and chairs courtesy of the United Service Organizations (USO).
“We want to make the quality of life a lot better for our soldiers, so they can focus on their mission when they’re out, rather than worry about where they’re eating or sleeping,” said U.S. Army Master Sgt. Scott McDonnell, Gate 1 COB deputy mayor. The mayor’s cell is responsible for all life support issues at a camp.
Construction at Gate 1 COB is expected to continue throughout the spring and into summer.
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Skelton stated the goal is to consistently increase the quality of living for soldiers assigned there without building permanent structures since the COB is only temporary. As such, Gate 1 will continue to make temporary arrangements like tents rather than the CHU storage containers for living quarters, fuel tankers rather than a “bag farm” to store fuel.
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Senior Officer Course Graduates
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story & photos by Capt. Joy Staab
group of 16 Multinational Battle Group East officers, with goals of becoming lieutenant colonels, graduated from the first phase of Intermediate Level Education (ILE) at Camp Bondsteel, March 8.
Previously known as Command and General Staff College, ILE is a three phase graduate level course that officers must complete for promotion eligibility to lieutenant colonel. The course prepares officers for senior positions in the Army as a commander and staff officer.
Two instructors from the Army Reserve’s 7th Warrior Training Brigade, Mobile Training Maj. Mark Griggs, MNBG-E Soldier, reviews a scenario during a Team (MTT) based out of Germany traveled classroom practical exercise. to Camp Bondsteel to instruct the two-week course. writing into their curriculum. Hearing, seeing and “The ILE course is designed to enhance junior field doing teaching techniques help ensure students fully grade officers and senior captains in the art of MDMP understand each lesson and prepares them for the (military decision-making process), joint strategic next phases of the course. planning and critical thinking along with creative “It’s a good course to prepare us for phase two and has giving us a broad overview of the current and future missions of the military,” said Maj. Jason McEvers, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota National Guard.
MNBG-E Soldiers work together to solve a problem during a group activity.
thinking,” explained Lt. Col. Vincent Buggs, one of the course instructors. “During each phase they develop operational, tactical and strategic [skills]. Phase one focuses primarily on strategic.”
“It’s been a fairly demanding course with the readings and curriculum, but it’s been interesting,” said Capt. Andrea Nolan, 3274th U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, N.C. “The class has focused a lot on group activities to prepare us to work together like we would in a military staff position.”
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The instructors incorporate hands-on activities, group discussions, oral presentations, reading and
“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to take this class while deployed here in Kosovo,” said McEvers. “It’s been a great opportunity and has allowed us to fulfill our professional development goals.”
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Phase two is offered through distance learning and the two-week long third phase will take place at Camp Bondsteel prior to KFOR 15 redeploying. Students must complete all three phases of the course within 18 months or they will have to retake the entire course.
Students take notes during a class instructed by Lt. Col. Vincent Buggs, 7th Warrior Training Brigade, Germany. the April 2012 GUARDIAN
MNBG E Tests Bondsteel's Reflexes 8
A military policeman helps secure one of the gates leading onto Camp Bondsteel during the force protection exercise held March 21-22. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner)
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ith a plume of smoke and an announcement over the camp speakers, Multinational Battle Group East (MNBG E) began validating its emergency response during a time of crisis, March 21-22.
Fort Apache is a two-day force protection exercise involving every tenant unit and civilian employees on Camp Bondsteel, designed to evaluate whether everyone can work together as an incident occurs. The exercise is held within 120 days of a new Kosovo Force (KFOR) rotation arriving on the camp.
ABOVE: Spc. Stephen Minutolo, left, treats Staff Sgt. Rontaye Butler, for a gunshot wound. RIGHT: Sgt. Mary Malone takes measurements after a bomb blast. April 2012
U.S. Army Spc. Mike Miranda guards access to a road on Camp Bondsteel.
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Multinational Battle GroupEast Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, Georgia Army National Guard, and 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Hohenfels, Germany, practice loading troops, equipment and medical patients onto a Task Force Aviation UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, March 3, 2012. The training is conducted regularly to ensure all Soldiers know how to safely load and unload a helicopter with its blades spinning. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Joy Staab)
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Honoring Women in Military According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, women serve in every branch of the military, representing 15 percent of today’s active duty military and nearly 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces. By 2020, they estimate women veterans will constitute 10 percent of the veteran population.
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story & photos by Capt. Joy Staab
he number of female military veterans continues to steadily increase, and in honor of Women’s History Month, soldiers at Camp Bondsteel attended a luncheon to recognize the roles women have played in the military throughout history.
Maj. Wilma King, keynote speaker and a Reservist assigned to the 3274th U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, N.C., spoke about her experiences in the military and shared the following advice.
Col. Jeffrey Liethen, Multinational Battle Group – East commander, hosted the event, March 14.
“Never give up; continue to fight “Our theme, honoring women Col. Jeffrey Liethen, MNBG-E commander, for what is right and stand your who serve, is a tribute to the left, presents Maj. Wilma King, the keynote ground as long as you are doing lesser-known sacrifices women speaker, with a certificate of appreciation everything that is ethical and legal,” following the luncheon. made in the development and said King. “Always enforce educasupport of our nation’s armed tion like my parents did to me and services and the wars we fought,” said Liethen, durmy sister. Always get your education and that will ing his opening comments. continue to take you a long way.” “I think Major King did a phenomenal job and met the objective of observing women’s history month as part of the commander’s larger equal opportunity program,” said 1st Lt. Michelle Zamora, event organizer with the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Wisconsin Army National Guard.
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After discussing the many roles women have played throughout military history, including factory workers, telephone operators and nurses, Liethen went on to say, “now, in the age of unconventional urban warfare, military service women often face the same combat situations their male comrades do.”
New Fitness Test on Fast Track
The plan retains the same five events first considered more than a year ago, but each had significant changes and challenges along the way. The recommendation will be presented this month to Gen. Robert Cone, head of Training and Doctrine Command, and includes:
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• Two-mile run. The initial plan was to cut the run to a mile and a half, which is considered the best measure of
cardiovascular fitness. But the rank and file sounded off and said the extra half-mile measures the heart.
• Push-ups for one minute. This event was nearly replaced with dead-hang pullups, which are a better measure of functional upper body strength. Pull-ups were included in more than 1,000 pilot tests conducted at Fort Bliss, Texas. The scoring discrepancy between men and women was so great that different events would have been required to keep it fair.
• Rower for one minute. Officials looked hard at doubling the rower from one to two minutes. Evaluations showed that April 2012
the shorter version had a steep bell curve with little variation. But the Fort Bliss evaluation showed the two-minute rower brought little change to the results.
• 60-yard shuttle run. The big change is that this event will be pass/fail, for now. The same is true for the fifth and final event. • Standing long jump. Soldiers have been less than enthusiastic about this event and the shuttle run. Officials opted for the pass/fail scoring to allow sufficient time for both events to settle into the ranks.
(Editor's Note: You can read the entire story in the March issue of the Army Times)
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More than 10,000 tests were conducted, mountains of data were compiled, and a few dialogues even devolved into debates — and now your new fitness test is ready for final approval.
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Silver Saber Tests CRC Techniques Crowd and riot control (CRC) forces from Kosovo Police (KP), European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) and Kosovo Force (KFOR) practiced and presented their latest techniques during Silver Saber, held March 13-15, 2012 at Camp Vrelo, Kosovo. The three agencies are all responsible for providing safety and security to Kosovo residents, as part of United Nations Resolution 1244, though each has a different level of involvement. KP, as the local police force, is initially responsible for CRC response in the event of a riot.
If and when the incident esca- Soldiers from the Polish COY establish a defensive perimeter. lates, EULEX and lastly KFOR are called in to provide CRC protection. parties going over the latest tactics, techniques and capabilities they can provide. The third day involves The first two days of the exercise are spent by all a presentation/exercise showcasing their talents. Normally held every quarter, Silver Saber also trains on other areas of expertise outside lawful CRC procedures. UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Multinational Battle Group East’s Task Force Aviation provided aerial support for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) training.
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Also supporting the exercise from MNBG E was the Ukrainian Contingent (COY), which participated as the Opposing Forces (OPFOR), while the Polish COY deployed as the Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
Planners brief partcipants of the exercise routes and what's expected during the day's events. Soldiers from Italy advance on an unruly crowd during the Silver Saber exercise. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner)
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The Italian COY storms a barricade put up by protesters during the Silver Saber exercise, March 15, at Camp Vrelo.
Members of KFOR's Multinational Specialized Unit demonstrate the proper use of a water cannon during Silver Saber, March 15, 2012. (U.S. Army video image by Sgt. Nathan Rivard)
A KFOR soldier guides an MNBG-E UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in for landing during a MEDEVAC.
KFOR medics treat an "injured" soldier during the exercise.
Ukrainian COY soldiers playacting as protesters stare down a Polish COY CRC unit during a Silver Saber demonstration.
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Raven Takes Flight Over Kosovo tarting with a buzz like an electric-powered weed eater but quickly fading into the distance, Multinational Battle Group East’s foray into aerial reconnaissance took flight with the launch of the Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) over Kosovo skies earlier this month.
Soldiers from the Georgia Army National Guard’s 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment have spent the past several months training on the small, handlaunched remote control UAVs they brought with them from the United States to deploy in the field.
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interest in a 10-kilometer radius from a safe altitude and distance.
It’s also a time-saver; instead of waiting for Soldiers in a quick reaction force (QRF) to arrive at a location to provide information on road conditions, a quick launch of the Raven confirms that information within minutes.
Raven operators are trained to have the UAV up and in the sky 15 minutes after breaking open the box. Within minutes, the UAV’s separate parts are assembled and GPS base station set up and running. Pre-flight checks of the Raven’s avionics are tested and then it’s just a matter of launching it into the air.
“It’s very fast, you can view multiple spots A typical Raven flight will be conducted by several operators who Weighing less without having to jump can control the UAV using either the remote control console (left) or a than five pounds GPS-enabled laptop. Here, a crew controls a Raven March 8 for the into a truck,” said Staff and looking more Sgt. Brian Murray, a first time in northern Kosovo. like a hobbyists Raven operator with dream than a piece Georgia’s 3/108th CAV. of Army equipment, the “We really need to incorporate it into Raven gives military officials our missions.” another reconnaissance asset to use in its mission to While not very maneuverable, the provide safety and security, Raven is designed to be very useras well as freedom of movefriendly. Its GPS capabilities, driven ment, to Kosovo residents. by software developed by a Georgia university, allows the operator to According to Lt. Col. either fly using the remote control or Joseph Lynch, 3/108th CAV the base station’s laptop. The UAV can commander, the UAVs probe programmed to fly out to a known vides MNBG E commanders coordinate, start a video feed and land with a number of capabiliitself back at the base station. ties, notably with its instant, over-the-horizon visual The embedded camera provides a Staff Sgt. Brian Murray, Raven operaawareness remarkably clear aerial view of the tor, uses a remote to fly the UAV during a environment, allowing officials to night-time flight. “It allows us to conduct see what’s happening on the ground intelligence, surveillance, whether it’s day or night. and reconnaissance (ISR) of areas of interest without committing Soldiers, which means we can monitor The remote control itself looks like an overgrown an area with minimal presence,” he said. “This is portable video game console, with flight controls important for us, as an economy of force asset.” located on either side of the large screen. To a generation that grew up on the Play Station and Xbox, The benefits are immediately apparent for operait’s just as easy to operate as it sounds. tions staff. Rather than relying only on first-hand observations from troops in the field, the Raven UAV “If you play video games, you’ll pick this up provides a real-time aerial video feed of areas of quick,” Murray said with a laugh. April 2012
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story & photos by Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner
GUARDIAN the
Legal Brief
Health & Welfare Inspections 101 bility.
As the weather warms up, and the various critters come out, we need to be cognizant of the condition of our living areas. Health and Welfare inspections are a great tool to ensure the sanitation and cleanliness of the barracks, and the military readiness of the soldiers.
Who may order a health and welfare inspection? Only a commander may order the inspection and the area inspected must belong to the command. Commanders should direct the inspections in writing. An example can be obtained from your local JAG Office, located in 1330C room 3N.
Commanders must instruct the inspectors on where they may look and what they should look for. The purpose of these inspections is to maintain the health, safety, and military readiness of the unit. The inspection cannot be a cover for an unlawful search. However, any evidence or contraband found during an inspection may be the basis for adverse proceedings to include adverse administrative action, Article 15, or court-martial. Who should conduct the inspections? Commanders should refrain from personally conducting the inspections, if any contraband is found; the commander needs to be available to take action, if warranted. The commander should appoint two trustworthy soldiers, such as NCOs to conduct the inspection. When inspecting a female barracks, at least one inspector should be female.
How do we conduct a Health and Welfare Inspection? To ensure that inspections are conducted in a reasonable manner, commanders should schedule the inspections ahead of time. There is no requirement to notify those being inspected. The inspection should be random, rather than targeting a specific individual or group, a 100% inspection is permissible. Those conducting the inspection should inspect all soldiers regardless of rank or position. This means that all soldiers, from the Battle Group commander down to the lowest ranking soldier, are all subject to the same inspection.
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Inspectors must be respectful toward the soldier’s
property. Inspectors should try to return the searched area to the condition it was found in. Inspectors may only search areas where contraband could reasonably found. For example, if the inspectors are looking for alcohol, they may not open envelopes or other containers too small to contain alcohol, Capt. Melissa Inlow Military Justice/ but may open mouthOperational Law JA wash containers etc. Inspectors may not search the contents of computers and/or portable data devices, e.g. CDs, DVDs, and thumb drives. When inspecting for sanitation and cleanliness, also inspect common areas, electrical outlets, and latrines in each barracks.
During the inspection, direct that all the soldiers under inspection depart their rooms and congregate in a designated area. Then, as inspectors move from room to room, soldiers in the room under inspection should stand by their area. Soldiers can be required to unlock or open their wall lockers, footlockers, and other closed areas subject to inspection.
What happens if the inspectors find contraband? If an inspector finds contraband or evidence of a crime, stop the inspection, do not remove the item(s), and contact the Military Police. The MPs will seize the contraband or evidence. The MPs will also be responsible for storing the contraband until directed to destroy or return it.
The inspectors should document the discovery of the contraband or evidence of a crime on a DA Form 2823 – Sworn Statement. The statement should include the following information: the time and date of the inspection, a detailed description of the location where the item(s) was found, and in whose area the item(s) were discovered.
Remember, the evidence or contraband may be the basis for adverse proceedings to include adverse administrative action, Article 15, or court-martial. As always, if you have questions or would like more information, contact the JAG Office, located in Admin Alley , Bldg. 1330C Room 3N, DSN 4575.
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ach commander is responsible for the health, safety, and military readiness of his or her unit. The health and welfare inspection is an effective tool for maintaining this responsi-
GUARDIAN the
Safety Roundup
Personal Hygiene Not Just An Option
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ersonal hygiene is one of the most important things that Soldiers can do to keep themselves and their buddies safe. Here in Kosovo we have Soldiers spending time at a number of varying locations. In some of those locations hygiene can take a back seat due to living conditions and mission requirements. Many infections Soldiers contract are caused by direct person-to-person contact, others are caused by germs found on surfaces (sinks, toilets, tables, etc.).
water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs. If hands are visibly soiled, wash with liquid soap and water before using gel sanitizers.
Remember to wash your hands before and after eating and using the latrine. When washing your hands use warm water, use soap and lather for about 20 seconds and rinse and dry well with a clean towel.
An additional precaution you can all take is to keep your living area clean. Food wrappers and open food containers are magnets for insects and rodents.
When soap and water are not available, alcoholbased hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands (to include the backs of your hands) together until dry. The gel does not need
Take out your trash regularly to remove the temptation for critters to come pay you a visit. Keep yourself and your living area clean and you will avoid contracting many easily transmitted infections. Stay clean, stay safe.
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Hands are probably the biggest causes of crosscontamination and cross-infection. Good hand washing practices are key to minimize spreading harmful germs. Coughing or sneezing into your hands allows the spread of germs to other parts of the body (eyes, skin breaks, etc.) or to other individuals. Using a tissue or shirt sleeve to interrupt these droplets are effective ways to prevent transmission.
An example of how quickly an infection can spread was evident during the 2009-2010 swine flu scare. According to Pentagon data, swine flu infected 3,849 Maj. Peter Kitzhaber members of the military Safety Officer between April 2009 and July 2010. Infections like this can spread quickly, especially in the military where Soldiers work and live very close to each other.
Spc. Daniel Fritsch, left, fingerprints Spc. Michael Stevens, during biometric training in Pristina, Kosovo, recently. Multinational Battle Group-East Soldiers from Task Force Military Police and the Joint Law Enforcement Liaison Team participated in biometric training at the Kosovo Police Academy, Feb. 28-March 9. Trainers from European Command and the FBI provided instruction on the system's use and maintenance to capture fingerprints, photos, iris scans and records queries. The system links Kosovo with worldwide law enforcement agencies like the FBI, Department of Defense and Interpol. (Courtesy photo)
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Chaplain’s Corner
Soldier Life, Priesthood Share Similarities
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s an adolescent bent on studying marine biology and with a girlfriend by my side, I swore to myself by everything that was holy to me that there would be two things in this Universe that I would never, ever, get myself into. I would never be a Catholic priest and I would never be a member of the armed services.
The fact that now I’m both shows two profound theological truths: that sometimes God listens to your prayers backwards, and that He has a slightly unusual sense of humor. I was never even an altar server; at the time I was busy placing snakes in girls’ purses, and I hated wearing uniforms. What was God thinking? Perhaps I digress.
The fact remains that I have never regretted answering either one of my vocations. Every single day (even the 'bad' ones) has been a blessing to me, because I know that I can live what is, ultimately, the only call: the one to holiness. To be another Christ, and being such to serve God, and to serve my brothers and sisters in Him. It is only in that context that my life makes sense. That vocation to holiness is universal, because it implies attaining the only true destiny for every person: to share in God’s own goodness and enjoy it for eternity.
others, to God. Men and women wearing the uniform are called by our nation to be mindless of any desires, plans, and aspirations of ours which are not strictly legitimate and subordinate them to the needs of others.
Perhaps no secular vocation like that of a service member lends itself so pointedly to forget oneself and to live for others, instead.
Chap. (Lt. Col.) Alejandro Sanchez MNBG E Chaplain
I, for one, feel privileged to work in the company of the outstanding men and women – military and civilian – of Multinational Battle Group-East. You have been an example of honor, hard work and integrity to me. You have made me a better man already and I will forever carry with me the blessings that the Lord has granted me through you. We have reached the mid point of our mission and perhaps some of us may occasionally feel the routine bearing down on us.
While it is legitimate to look forward to the reunion with our loved ones back home, we should not forget that we are not there yet. The only moment we are given love the Lord and serve others is now.
There is a deep yet often overlooked similarity between a strictly religious vocation and the call to be a service member.
The End
Just as a priest is a No task that we are Bishop F. Richard Spencer, center, meets with Kosovo clergy priest only to die to called to fulfill here in and Chap. (Lt. Col.) Alejandro Sanchez, MNBG-E chaplain, himself and live for Kosovo – or wherever we during a visit to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, March 7. (U.S. the Church, a service Army photo by Capt. Joy Staab) serve – is little or insigmember is such only nificant to anyone who because he has a asks from God the grace of nation to serve. "Selfless service," one of the values seeing Creation and its end, God Himself, with superof the Army, orients us to experience a form of death natural eyes. which, well understood becomes a religious experience. He still has His sense of humor, and the fruits of the smallest act of selfless service will amaze The very root of the term, from the Latin “re ligmen and angels. Perhaps not always in this life, but are,” implies a mission to “unite again”, oneself and certainly in the next.
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April 2012
GUARDIAN the
PAO is looking for photos of your experiences in Kosovo for possible inclusion in The Guardian. Email your submissions to SFC Jim Wagner in Global or call x5204 along with the name & rank of the photographer and caption.
Members of Kosovo Force (KFOR) and Kosovo Police (KP) inventory weapons seized as evidence in criminal trials throughout Kosovo the last several years. The weapons were destroyed to render them inoperable. (Photo courtesy U.S. Army Sgt. Alexander Henninger)
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One of the two Korporata Energjetike e Kosoves (KEK) energy plants serving Kosovo pumps smoke into the sunset. (Photo courtesy U.S. Army Capt. Joy Staab) the April 2012 GUARDIAN