Griffon 108th Winter 2023 Edition

PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE 108TH TRAINING COMMAND

108th Training Command (IET)

Commanding General: Maj. Gen. William B. Dyer III

Command Sgt. Maj.: Command Sgt. Maj. Juddiah Mooso

Deputy Commanding General: Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Farris

Command Chief Warrant Officer: CW4 Joseph Sutton

Chief of Staff: Col. Mark Dedrick

Command Executive Officer: Mr. Charles Fairbanks

108th Training Command Public Affairs (IET)

Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Michelle A. Lunato

Public Affairs NCOIC: Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Vine

95th Training Division (IET)

Commander: Brig. Gen. Susie Kuilan

Command Sgt. Maj.: Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Edwards

Public Affairs Officer: Capt. Eli Swaim

Public Affairs NCOIC: (Vacant)

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98th Training Division (IET)

Commanding General: Brig. Gen. David M. Samuelsen

Command Sgt. Maj. : Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Kaim

Public Affairs Officer Capt. Joseph Warren

Public Affairs NCOIC (Vacant)

104th Training Division (LT)

Commander: Col. Ryan Nielsen

Command Sgt. Maj. : Command Sgt. Maj. Neil J. Pierce

Public Affairs Officer: Sgt. Jaren Hanson

Public Affairs NCOIC: (Vacant)

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Deadlines: Winter: Dec. 17th | Spring: March 14th

The Griffon is published four times a year and is an authorized publication for members of the Army. Contents of The Griffon are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the 108th Training Command (IET). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including supplements and inserts, does not in any way constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Knight Communications, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, use or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Griffon is an unofficial publication authorized by AR360-1. Editorial content is prepared, edited, and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 108th Training Command (IET). The Griffon is published by Knight Communications, Inc., 10150 Mallard Creek Road, Suite 201, Charlotte, NC, 28262 — a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with the 108th Training Command (IET). Material for publication may be submitted to: 3600 Arco Corporate Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273

From the COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR TRAINING COMMAND (IET) 108th THE U.S. ARMY DRILL SERGEANT ACADEMY IS HIRING!

This year, I once again had the distinct pleasure of hosting the 108th Training Command’s Annual Command Sergeant Major Forum. The forum provides a unique opportunity for all CSMs of the 108th Training Command to come together in a single location for a few days to meet one another, share challenges and ideas specific to our command, and receive information and guidance from leadership and our partners. It serves as an azimuth check and enables us to move out effectively as a unified team with common goals.

Major General Bill Dyer, 108th TC Commanding General, dropped in on day one to address the group, provide command guidance, and answer questions. CSM Rickey Jackson, Commandant and SGM Melissa Jackson, Deputy Commandant U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy were also in attendance to discuss the priorities, change of culture, and current program of instruction at the Academy.

The Senior Leader Development Office (SLDO) provided MSG Prochaska to inform our leaders about Sergeant Major management, policies, and procedures.

The USARC G-37 team, represented by SGM Stubenvoll and SFC Torres discussed updates and answered questions specific to Senior Professional Military Education school policies and processes. They also spent the weekend working with the Division and Command Quota Source Managers to ensure focus of effort and clear understanding of junior PME assignments.

Perhaps most importantly, during the event, your CSMs are broken down into enduring working groups where they come together to develop solutions, products, and policies to get after a range of challenges. These topics include Drill Sergeant (DS) employment opportunities between AT missions, resourcing, and

validation of DS Preparatory Programs (DSPP), Soldier retention initiatives, enhanced recruitment of qualified DS, and increased awareness for competitive Soldier programs.

I can tell you, without a doubt, your CSM leaders are engaged and invested in our Soldiers at all levels. Their active participation and focused engagement made this very apparent throughout the event- they care about YOU! I’m confident the CSM working groups will develop valuable products and ideas which will have a lasting impact on the entire formation.

First in Training!

Griffon 7

Command Sgt. Maj. Juddiah Mooso CSM, 108th Training Command (IET)

CHANGE IS IN THE WORKS, ARE YOU READY?

As the world’s geopolitical landscape shifts, the Army adjusts. And when the Army adjusts, so does the 108th.

Over the past year, Russia’s aggressiveness in Ukraine threatens to escalate and destabilize Europe. China’s hostile posture in the South China Sea, increasingly pointed rhetoric regarding Taiwan, and brazen intelligence-gathering over our mainland signal a powerful nation no longer fearful of other world powers. At the same time,

what modifications may be made to our role of generating combat-ready Soldiers whose skill and dedication both deter aggression and, when necessary, win decisively on the battlefield. I am in active communication with both TRADOC and USARC to shape our involvement, so we serve our highest and best purpose. As the picture becomes clearer, I will communicate clearly and frequently. But even as a wide range of plans are discussed, our involvement in two major initiatives

they work with nutritionists, fitness instructors, and classroom tutors to work their way into compliance. The program has been a smashing success! And, predictably, Soldiers who join the Army this way have demonstrated high levels of commitment and leadership once they work their way into compliance. This is not surprising because they had to fight to join our ranks. It is likely the FSPC will be expanded beyond Fort Jackson to both Fort Sill and Fort Leonard Wood. When it does, we

of troops is again a reality. As game-planning continues at the highest levels, it is no secret that the skill and professionalism of the Soldiers of the 108th could play an important part in this mission. Again, I am actively engaged in shaping whatever involvement we might have, so rest assured that I will do my best to ensure we will be used for our highest and best purpose.

our Army is shrinking, missing recruiting goals year after year, and failing to retain some of our top talent. At the highest levels of both Army and American political leadership, change is in the works. This Command – your Command – is an important part of those discussions.

As I type this, it is not clear

dominates concept discussion.

First, we may be asked to support the Future Soldier Preparation Course (“FSPC”). This initiative takes recruits who do not meet initial bodyfat, fitness, or academic requirements – young men and women who Recruiters would have turned away last year – and brings to them to Fort Jackson, SC where

may be asked to somehow support this game-changing initiative. Could there be anything cooler than being an important part of an incredibly consequential program that addresses the Army’s primary problem? No!

Second, as worldwide aggression increases, the prospect of having to mobilize and deploy large numbers

Peacetime is fleeting. I have said many times, in many different environments, we are going back to war – we just don’t know when, where, or against who. When we do, we will prevail, as we always have. And it is clear to me, and I hope you too, that we will play an indispensable role in that victory.

First in Training!

Over the past year, Russia’s aggressiveness in Ukraine threatens to escalate and destabilize Europe. China’s hostile posture in the South China Sea, increasingly pointed rhetoric regarding Taiwan, and brazen intelligence-gathering over our mainland signal a powerful nation no longer fearful of other world powers. At the same time, our Army is shrinking, missing recruiting goals year after year, and failing to retain some of our top talent.

Maj. Gen. William B. Dyer III CG, 108th Training Command (IET)

98th TRAINING DIVISION (IET)

From the COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR IMPLEMENTING LSCO INTO TRAINING

As the Army’s focus is shifting to Large-Scale Combat Operations, now is the time for us to adapt the way we plan and execute training for ourselves, as well as IET Soldiers. While our primary mission is to provide drill sergeants, instructors, and support capacity across the ATCs, we also must continue to focus on individual MOS skills

moving and operating across the entire breadth of the battlefield. Meeting the challenges of largescale combat operations will require a shift in the way we not only train initial entry Soldiers, as it is already happening across our maneuver One Station Unit Training Brigades, but also the way we plan and execute training internal to our organization. Infantry and Armor training brigades have already

be continuously contested through defensive probes, indirect fires, air attacks, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear environments. While our primary mission is training IET Soldiers in basic Soldier skills, know that you will be exposed to this training shift during your annual training at our Army Training Centers. We must also be prepared to constantly maintain ourselves and our MOS

across our own formations. The Army’s operational threat assessments are always evolving and our priority in training will need to be addressing our near peer threats. Our paradigm needs to shift in the way we train to meet our threat challenges. The pendulum has swung away from the Army’s and our maneuver forces operating in the COIN dynamic. Training from a Forward Operating Base, going out for missions and then back is no longer the way we operate, and we must be prepared to be a more fluid force that is constantly

begun to adapt their programs of instruction to incorporate more continuous operations training through the use of situational training exercises and field training exercises. This needs to be accomplished by incorporating a disciplined opposing force in your training scenarios to include enemy uniforms, using enemy tactics, and knowledge of enemy weapons systems to reflect these challenges and combating our advisories. Shifting your training focus from a non-contiguous/non- linear battlefield to a linear one that will

skill sets through large-scale combat operations training at the company, battalion and brigade levels. Training schedules need to reflect quality collective training of Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills. It is more beneficial and less resource cumbersome to introduce realistic collective training than to continue to continuously train on skill level one tasks year after year. Those skill level one tasks need to be combined into notional training exercises to realize the full depth of our capabilities. Leaders need to enforce disciplined training and ensure our Soldiers are prepared. Leader Development should be a top priority, our staffs should also be looking at ways to plan, prepare, and execute operations

using the Military Decision Making Process to prepare for contingency operations in the form of standing up a future Army Training Center, augmenting existing Army Training Center with capacity, or displacing elements at the Army Training Centers with companies, battalions and brigades. How do you accomplish this? Do you dust off the plan on the shelf from 20 years ago? Tabletop Military Decision Making Process exercises at your level to assess where you are in terms or readiness, brining together your formations in field training exercises to identify gaps, weaknesses, and strengths. Implementing a good orders process at echelon in our training planning will enhance all leaders. I ask that you incorporate large-scale combat operations into your planning considerations.

Individually are our Soldiers proficient in their MOS? As subject matter experts in skill level one tasks you must also be proficient and up to date on your individual MOS skills. The talent across our formations is impressive, and value added. Trainees will look to you! Whether you are the personal actions clerk, the instructor on a range or the drill sergeant expected to be the subject matter expert on all things Army regardless of your rank or position.

Command Sgt. Maj. Todd R. Kaim CSM, 98th Training Division (IET)

“The United States Army faces an inflection point.. Our Nation’s adversaries have gained qualitative and quantitative advantages. If the Army does not change, it risks losing deterrence and preservation of the Nation’s most sacred interests.”

– GEN McConville, Army Chief of Staff

TRAINING DIVISION (IET)

From the COMMANDING GENERAL GREETINGS TO ALL OF MY TEAMMATES IN THE 108TH, 95TH, 98TH AND 104TH!

One of the 98th Training Division’s focus areas is building the Warrior Ethos at all echelons. While training divisions generally don’t deploy, building Warrior Ethos with all echelons and ranks builds readiness. As a Military Police Brigade Commander, I mobilized all my

from Training Divisions. Some of our cross-leveled Soldiers had a very short time to get ready with very little AWT type training done. This taught me an important lesson: you never know when you will be the individual “plucked” for a deployment with a different organization that had significantly more time to get ready. I also recognize that the 98th Division

build Warrior skills, I directed all of my units to conduct at least one task per Battle Assembly weekend that includes one of the following: Shoot, Move, Communicate, Medicate, Decontaminate or Sustain. This applies to Soldiers of all ranks, myself included.

Some ideas I have shared with brigades:

Shoot: Conduct weapons PMCS, PMI, EST, qualify with individual weapon, borrow crew served weapons and familiarize, learn how to do a range card, etc.

Move: Mounted and dismounted movement to include driver’s training, borrow tactical vehicles and do a tactical road march. Conduct dismounted movement to contact, actions on contact, hand and arm signals, etc.

Decontaminate: Train in MOPP 1-4, PMCS masks, check fit with PATs system. Train on personal and equipment decontamination, what to do when a victim of nerve agent, etc.

Sustain: Borrow a GP medium and set it up at your Reserve Center, get MREs and do a field feeding with dispersal, explain field sanitation standards, noise and light discipline, 360 security, etc.

battalions and over 2,000 Soldiers during my three-year tenure. The demand for deploying Soldiers always outstripped the supply, forcing a search across USARC to find individuals with needed skills from other units, to include Soldiers

mobilized to conduct an MTT mission in Iraq in 2004. We must be ready as individuals and a unit for any potential mission the Army may have for us.

One of our lines of effort seeks to mitigate this challenge. To help

Communicate: Set up a SINCGARS radio and do 9-line MEDEVAC calls, set up antennas, radio etiquette, etc.

Medicate: Put on a tourniquet, treat a burn, treat a heat casualty; there are so many perishable skills here to choose from.

This is by no means and exhaustive list, just some food for thought. I always think about senior leaders discussing that there are no safe areas in war anymore. Terrorists have hit us right in on our own turf to include Army installations. We see aggression by state actors almost daily on the news as well. I see improving Warrior skills as a crucial skill set and place a great degree of urgency upon it.

Brig. Gen. Dave Samuelsen CG, 98th Training Division (IET)

I see improving Warrior skills as a crucial skill set and place a great degree of urgency upon it.

From the COMMANDING GENERAL

VICTORY THEN! VICTORY ALWAYS!

After almost two years in command, I finally approved a Division motto for us to use.

After receiving numerous ideas from the PAO and submitting them to the HHC for voting, the victory was Victory Then! Victory Always! – a very appropriate motto for a Division that is very in tune with its history and the victories those Ironmen of Metz achieved during World War II but also appropriate for a Division that looks to the present and the future for more victories, albeit maybe not on a battlefield.

As I’m sitting here watching the 2022 Army–Navy game, what does victory mean in the present and future? It could mean beating the Navy – to be determined in a bit more than three quarters but absolutely a victory that counts. But what victory means to me in the present as the Commander of this Division is pretty simple. Are we accomplishing our mission, and are we taking care of people? The 95th Training Division has not failed to accomplish any of the missions that we have been assigned. We

send drill sergeants to Fort Sill, Fort Leonard Wood, and Fort Benning every year. All the commanders at those locations always tell CSM and me that they could not accomplish their BCT missions without us. Ok, so we “win” at accomplishing our mission.

Do we “win” at taking care of people? This past summer, we instituted a New Leader Symposium for all new battalion and brigade leaders to integrate them properly into the 95th Training Division. We believe this effort put these leaders in a better position to lead their units to accomplish the mission. We are deep into preparing for our Division Symposium, where we will bring in brigade and battalion leadership to discuss USARC, command, and division priorities and make sure everyone is moving in the right direction. These two training events are two high-level ways we begin to take care of people.

We take care of people by constantly reminding them of USAR priorities: recruiting, promotions, and PME. We show them what right looks like; we give them tools to help with recruiting,

such as SRRI. We ensure that junior promotion boards are being held. We ensure they understand what it takes to get into PME.

We take care of people by holding family day activities and prayer breakfasts and providing them with resources to take care of their families and themselves – both personally and spiritually – regardless of how a Soldier may define his or her spiritual health. We take care of people by listening to them and their stories.

We take care of people by hosting two annual retirement ceremonies to honor their service and their voluntary sacrifices. This also gives us the opportunity to recognize their families that stood behind them and let their Soldiers serve the Army proudly. We take care of people by giving them the proper honors they deserve as Army veterans.

We take care of people by evaluating them fairly and by rewarding them for a job well done. But we also care for people by holding them to the standards and ensuring they uphold all Army standards. We take care of people by ensuring that we have good

95th TRAINING DIVISION (IET) From the COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

The 95th Training Division has a great history and lineage. First constituted for World War I, the Division did not deploy and see combat until World War II, when it participated in campaigns throughout France and Germany. The Division was inactivated in October 1945 and reactivated in May 1947 as a reserve Infantry unit. It was again inactivated in January 1955 and then predesignated as the

95th Division (Training) in April 1958. The Division has undergone many changes and reorganizations during the intervening years, but we continue our mission to prepare our Nation’s finest for war.

The 95th’s official nickname is the “Victory Division.” This is symbolized and alluded to by the “V” on our shoulder sleeve insignia and our distinctive unit insignia.

We are also known as the “Iron Men of Metz,” a nickname given

to the Division for its defense of the French town of Metz. It was there where they captured forts surrounding the town, repulsed enemy attempts to cross the Moselle River, and eventually captured the city in November 1944.

Over the past year, the CG and I noticed the Division did not have a motto, something we say in formation, meetings, etc. There may have been one before our time, we’re not sure. If there was, it seems to have been lost with turnover and reorganizations. We tried out a couple of ideas, but nothing stuck. So, we set about creating a new motto. We put out a call for suggestions and had the HHC vote on the submissions. The winning motto was “Victory Then! Victory Always!”

We are delighted with this outcome. “Victory Then! Victory Always!” is a very appropriate motto for the Division. It reflects on our past and sets the standard for our future. It recognizes the great accomplishments of the fighting men in World War II who won that hard fight while reminding our

Army training on the training schedule and that we do not spend all battle assembly weekends doing administrative tasks.

However, we mostly take care of people by being there for them, knowing who they are, and ensuring that we are the leaders they need us to be. Once we ensure that we are taking care of people (in addition to the mission), we’ll have victory in the present and victory in the future that will honor those who gave us victory in the past.

Victory Then! Victory Always!

Ironman 6

PS. Army won in double overtime! GO ARMY!

current Soldiers of their obligation to do everything possible to win the future fight. It is an attitude and ethos. Suppose our Soldiers understand that honorable victory is the only thing that matters. In that case, they do everything possible to ensure our fighting men and women are prepared to fight, survive, and win. They are worthy of calling themselves Iron Men of Metz.

Ironman 7

CSM, 95th Training Division (IET)

Brig. Gen. Susie Kuilan CG, 95th Training Division (IET)

Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle S. Edwards CSM, 95th Training Division (IET)

Timberwolves, S From the COMMANDER TRAINING DIVISION (LT) 104th

oldiers across the 104th Training Division are making final plans for summer missions at ROTC Cadet Summer Training and West Point. Some of our Soldiers are ROTC Adjunct Faculty at more than 100 college campuses, preparing cadets for the next step of their commissioning journey. Many others will stand-up Task Force Wolf, participate in various Cadet Summer Training committees, or facilitate the Sandhurst Exercise or Cadet Summer Training at West Point. Regardless of the role, every Soldier plays a key part in leader development for these future Army leaders.

We focus on training to standard, operating in challenging conditions, and creating a deliberately stressful environment to evaluate cadets’ ability to lead and operate under pressure. One of the most important aspects of our role as

leaders and cadre is to present a professional, calm demeanor in this very same high operational tempo environment.

When we reflect upon great military leaders throughout history, we generally do not envision someone barking orders or moving at a frenetic pace. We picture leaders who found balance and made the right decisions under the most stressful situations imaginable. Despite the implications of the outcome, many of our great military leaders thrived by relying upon the input of their staff and subordinate leaders, critically thinking about the situation, and then making a confident and deliberate decision. Consider General Dwight Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander in June 1944. While the eyes of the world were upon him and the Allied invading force, the historical images we see are of General Eisenhower surrounded

by staff or calmly walking among paratroopers about to load aircraft for the combat jump into France.

Like General Eisenhower and all great leaders throughout history, to successfully help shape the next generation of Army leaders, we must learn to thrive with balance.

As Army Reserve Soldiers, we face unique challenges of balancing many priorities, from family life, civilian jobs, and our military obligations, just to name a few. When we arrive at summer training missions, our presence and our actions are how cadets perceive “what right looks like” from leaders. It is critically important for us to embrace this and prepare ourselves in advance.

A few years ago, I heard a senior leader at my civilian employer make the comment that in a busy environment where there were seemingly countless tasks and priorities, that sometimes we

From the COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR 104th TRAINING DIVISION (LT)

Iwrite this article on the same day as the Army-Navy football game. I tell you this as I am trying to think of what topic I should use to write an article that is not only worth reading but might have some meaning behind it in order to help someone within our ranks.

I want to address the importance of teamwork. It seems cliche to say it, but teamwork has a different

competition that we have amongst the three Divisions under the 108th Training Command. If you were to ask, we all believe that for one reason or another we are better, or more relevant, than the other. The truth is that the way all three of us work together is imperative to the success of each of us. This is something that most Soldiers do not get the opportunity to see, especially at lower levels.

that we could all say at this point in our careers that we have all been part of both great teams and those that we would rather not be a part of at all. I have always thought that instead of dwelling on the bad, we should take those experiences and use them to build our own I idea of what a great leader should be. What I am saying is, do not petty yourself for being in a tough situation but use that to ensure that when you are in charge you will not let those things happen again.

I will close with what I think the best advice I feel like I have ever been given. Try every day to make the people on your team be successful. If you focus on everyone on your team winning you will be

Advance Your Career

need to slow down to speed up. I encourage all Soldiers to strive to find that balance in which they will thrive and where they can bring their best self to their families, civilian career, and military duty. It may mean slowing down now, assessing the situation, properly planning, and then executing our mission at full speed. We cannot operate indefinitely operating at full speed. We need to find balance and pace ourselves accordingly.

First in Training! Timberwolves!

meaning when it comes to what we do in the Army Reserve each day, not just once a month or just two weeks a year.

The Army-Navy football game is the only sporting event where after the completion of the game, the two opposing teams will once again align themselves on the same side. That is something that we must do each day within our ranks, especially if we are to be successful. I relate this to the friendly

I can tell you that after completing the Green Tab Huddle this week, most of our time was spent on how we can cross level Soldiers and work together more in the future. I have seen firsthand how this sets us apart from other units and is key to the success to each of our units.

I believe that being part of the team is one of the most important parts to success You are only going to go so far on you own. I believe

taken care of yourself. I was told this by a business owner that has lived his life this way. I keep this in mind everyday with my team and believe it is a key to success in no matter what you do.

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Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Pierce CSM, 104th Training Division (Leader Training)

Col. Ryan Nielsen Commander, 104th Training Division (Leader Training)

The way all three of us work together is imperative to the success of each of us.

MAJ. GEN. DYER TAKES COMMAND

By Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Vine, 108th Public Affairs NCO

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Maj. Gen. William Dyer III assumed duties as the commander of the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training) from Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis during a Change of Command Ceremony November

20 at the unit’s new headquarters in Charlotte, NC.

A change of command is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. The history, tradition, and accomplishments of the command are embodied in the

want to give up those colors here today, but that’s all a hallmark of a great commander. That command becomes a part of you, and it will

know he’s going to do great things as he takes the reins of one of the Army’s and [Training and Doctrine Command’s] most impactful commands. I can assure you,

leader, mentor, family advocate, top

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Vine, 108th Public Affairs NCO and Lt. Col. Michelle Lunato, 108th Public Affairs OIC

“And that’s our challenge,”

Dyer continued. “How do we turn an excellent command into a command that is somehow better? How do we turn great into greatest? Mission and people.”

Maj. Gen. William Dyer III accepts the 108th Training Command (IET) colors from Maj. Gen. Eugene LeBoeuf, the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Reserve.

Maj. Gen. William B. Dyer III, the new commanding general of the 108th Training Command (IET) speaks to the guests and Soldiers at the 108th Training Command (IET) Change of

the 108th is in great hands, with General Dyer.”

Juknelis also welcomed Dyer to the team as he reflected on his tenure of command and thanked all of the Soldiers who are a part of the mighty 108th.

“General Dyer, this is such a wonderful day,” said Juknelis. “I really wanted you to meet all these excellent teammates to see the great collective effort from across the Army that gets behind the Soldiers, civilians, and families of the 108th, every day.

“Between our unit and our teammates, you and I are literally surrounded by people that care about training the best Army in the world and taking care of each other.”

Juknelis went on to address Dyer directly, “as all the commanders here know, I have the utmost respect for those of you who volunteer to lead and shoulder the risk, and that goes for you, too, Bill. Respect.

Congratulations to you, Jill, and

Soldiers and leaders of the 108th Training Command (IET) salute during the National Anthem.

Command Sgt. Maj. Juddiah Mooso, the Command Sergeant Major for the 108th Training Command (IET), holds the guidon during the November Change of Command Ceremony in Charlotte, NC.

your great Army family on your selection for command. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather see take the reins. Your reputation precedes you and your thoughtful style of positive leadership will be an easy transition to this great formation.”

he said. “The Army didn’t get better over time because of radical transformation that happened in a flash, or because of a few great leaders, who happened on to the scene at a certain time. It happened because of systematic methodical

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Maj. Gen. William B. Dyer III and his wife Jill listen to Maj. Gen. Eugene LeBoeuf, the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Reserve, speak during the Change of Command Ceremony.

Maj. Gen. Eugene LeBoeuf, the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Reserve, bids farewell to Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis and welcomes Maj. Gen. William Dyer III.

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Maj. Gen. William B. Dyer III, the new commanding general of the 108th Training Command (IET) speaks to the guests and Soldiers at the 108th Training Command (IET) Change of Command Ceremony.

Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Kaim presents Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis the Order of Saint Maurice prior to the Change of Command Ceremony.

Col. Mark Dedrick, chief of staff, calls out commands to the 108th Color Guard.

Army Reserve SENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The 108th Training Command has once The 108th Training Command has once again stood out! Command Sgt. Maj. Lombardo hosted the U.S. Army Reserve Senior Executive Council Meeting in Orlando, Florida on December 10, 2022 and four of the six Soldiers invited came out of the Command due to their performance in various competitive Soldier programs. Capt. Christopher Young, the Expert Soldier Badge winner said he was extremely honored and humbled to be invited to the event.

“From what I was told, this is the first time they have allowed outsiders, aka non-command sergeants major to attend and participate. I, the USARC Instructor of the year, a CIOR competitor, the Best Squad Member, and the Best Warrior were invited as guests.”

COUNCIL

108th TRAINING DIVISION (LT)

The conference was organized by Command Sgt. Maj. Lombardo to discuss Lt. Gen. Daniel’s priorities, address issues, and create solutions with committed owners and timelines assigned to them. The event focused on training, retention, and recruitment from command down to the company level. The topics were divided up into groups and select USARC guests were divided into groups to offer their perspectives. After the groups broke down the priorities, they worked together to create actionable solutions and presented them to everyone, including Command Sgt. Maj. Lombardo.

“This event was very productive and an amazing experience because the USARC guests and I were able to offer our perspectives from the company level back to USARC and help discover where some of the disconnects are. I am so thankful and honored for the chance to attend this event along with the other 108th Soldiers to showcase to the force why the 108th is the best Command in USARC,” said Young.

The Army’s future is bright!”

The 108th was represented at this event by (Left to right):

Staff Sgt. Ashley Sedrowski: Winner of 3rd MCDS NCOY and USARC Best Warrior competitor as a 98th Drill Sergeant

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crawford: CISOR competitor (CISOR is a confederation of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers with a similar purpose to CIOR and its relationship to NATO)

Command Sgt. Maj. Juddiah Mooso, Command Sergeant Major of the 108th Training Command (IET)

Capt. Christopher Young: ESB winner (THE FIRST Reserve Officer to earn this award, and ONLY officer here!)

Sgt. Brady Benedict: USARC SOY (and our very own 108th TC SOY)

“This weekend has been a great opportunity for them to shape the USAR by participating in working groups with the MSC CSMs. I can tell you first hand that ALL of them are providing excellent input in their groups. All of the CSMs here find it extremely valuable to have them on the teams. For me, it reminds me of why we continue to do this work. All of us should be proud of the Soldiers our formation produces!

– Sgt. Brady Benedict: USARC Soldier of the Year from the 108th Training Command (IET)

Green-Tab HUDDLE

108th TRAINING DIVISION (LT)

The Green-Tab Huddle is one of the many ways command teams are able to share best practices, increase communication situational awareness up and down the chain, and troubleshoot any difficulties that our units may be dealing with by way of an open discussion.

This Green-Tab Huddle was held at Fort Benning, Georgia, the home of the 98th Training Division Headquarters. After the meetings, the Soldiers and leaders toured some of Fort Benning’s most prominent historical sites.

Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away:

Servicemembers, family and friends gathered together to honor seven Soldiers in a Retirement Ceremony at Queens University of Charlotte on November 19, 2022.

Lt. Col. Timothy Greenway thanks his family during the Retirement Ceremony.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Farris presents Lt. Col. Timothy Greenway his retirement award.

Team, one fight,

Master Sgt. Lanny Smith laughs over a memory he shared during his years of service.

Staff Sgt. Barry Moore is congratulated by Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis.

The retiring Soldiers were: Col. Benjamin Grabski, Lt. Col. Timothy Greenway, Lt. Col. Derrick Charles, 1st Sgt. Eusebio Villamor, Master Sgt. Lanny Smith, 1st Sgt. Ricky McVicker and Staff Sgt. Barry Moore.

Lt. Col. Derrick Charles reflects on his career and family for a moment during the November Retirement Ceremony.

1st Sgt. Eusebio Villamor tells the crowd at the Retirement Ceremony about how wonderful and supportive his family has been of his entire military career.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Farris presents Col. Benjamin Grabski his framed retirement letter during the November Retirement Ceremony.

Sgt. 1st Class Ricky McVicker thanks his family during his speech at the Retirement Ceremony.

VETERAN’S DAY PANTHER SALUTE TO SERVICE GAME November

Master Sgt. Telfair Nixon III, Maj. Cheyenne Walsh, Staff Sgt. Kayla Smith, and Sgt. 1st Class Leon Bush Jr. got the chance to join Lt. Gen. Jodi Daniels at the Veteran’s Day Panther Salute to Service Game on November 10, 2022 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

HOLIDAY ROAD MARCH CONNECTS SOLDIERS TO THE COMMUNITY

By Master Sgt. Shawn R. Morgan, HHD, 2/417

On an unusually warm, early December day in New England, undaunted by the dreary rain, members of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 98th Division, set out on a six-mile foot march through the streets of Hartford, Connecticut. Joined by their Battalion Commander, Command Sergeant Major, and other Soldiers from Headquarters, their rucks were not filled with OCIE, spare boots and “pogey bait,” nor was their first objective some arbitrary turnaround point, ultimately bringing them back to where they began, like most foot marches.

The 24 Soldiers and family members who participated filled their rucks and backpacks with non-perishable food items, and headed for The House of Bread, which sits well within view of downtown Hartford. Led by Bravo Company Led by Bravo Company drill sergeants: Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hopkins and Sgt. 1st Class David DeSalvo, the main body made its way across the city, passing through both residential and commercial areas, and past

WHEREVER YOU SERVE

shuttered buildings and city parks, often to the supportive cheers and enthusiastic beeps of on-lookers and passers-by.

Over the past six years, company leadership has combined their physical training plan with a holiday food drive each December. On this, his third time participating, 1st Sgt. Jason Armano, Bravo Company First Sergeant, attributed the concept of the operation to his previous company commander, Capt. Kenneth Sargavakian, who thought it would be a good idea to give back to the community.

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“Last year we provided about 9,000 meals, so I’m excited to hear how we did this year. That’s the best part of this, is knowing how many meals we help provide,” Armano said. Based on the increased participation, it is anticipated that this year will exceed that number.

The Battalion Commander

of the 2/417th, Lt. Col. Aileen Hermes was pleased with high level of participation, and said she was “reminded why I am proud to serve.” She also expressed her desire that “we build on this opportunity to help” and hoped that this endeavor will “become a longstanding tradition that connects Soldiers and their families with the community.”

Sister Theresa Fonti, CSJ, who with Sister Maureen Faenza, CSJ, co-founded The House of Bread 43 years ago, stated, “We started out just feeding people, and now we help with housing, education and job training. When we started, we didn’t know what we were doing, we just did it and we learned along the way. I love what I’m doing…I love the people I’m serving and working with.” Fonti and Faenza will be stepping down from their key roles in 2023, but staying on to share the wisdom and institutional knowledge that their decades of

1st Sgt. Jason Armano provides safety briefing to Soldiers of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment, as they prepare for Bravo Company’s annual holiday foot march, while Command Sgt. Maj. Carleen Ybarra listens in.

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Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment make their way through the rain as they head toward The House of Bread as part of the company’s annual holiday foot march.

Drill Sergeants, Sergeants First Class Michael Hopkins and David DeSalvo, lead Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment through the streets of Hartford, Connecticut as they make their way toward The House of Bread for Bravo Company’s annual holiday foot march.

Soldiers from Bravo Company and HHD, 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment, walk along the fence line at the Berry Rosenblatt Army Reserve Center in West Hartford, Connecticut, as they step off on Bravo Company’s annual holiday foot march.

98th TRAINING DIVISION (IET)

experience have provided.

Picking up the reins will be Beth Boyle as Director of Development and Tom Porell as Operations Manager. Boyle said that in addition to the obvious benefits of helping the community, “not a lot of people have exposure to people in the military, so we’re happy to have you guys come out here and bring attention to all that you do for us.” Porell echoed this sentiment, stating, “What you all do is incredible, and the fact that you do this for us is truly amazing.” Porell stated that efforts of this magnitude “help us feed about 400-500 people through this kitchen every day.”

Boyle explained that the agency provides more than just meals, helping nearly 1,000 people on a daily basis through all of their different programs. “People think that we’re just a ‘soup kitchen,’ but we also have affordable housing, we’re feeding kids through our

Kids

Soldiers and family members from Bravo Company and HHD, 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment, are joined by staff from The House of Bread in Hartford, Connecticut. Their annual holiday foot march, where they carried food items, reportedly brought nearly 9,000 meals to the community.

Drill sergeants, Sergeants 1st Class Michael Hopkins and David DeSalvo, lead Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment through the streets of Hartford, Connecticut as they make their way toward The House of Bread for Bravo Company’s annual holiday foot march.

Café program, and we’re teaching English as a Second Language to immigrants and refugees. There’s a lot of good work going on.”

Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Carleen Ybarra highlighted the link between “serving our country and serving our community,” further

stating that “service is innate to who we are as Soldiers. I was proud to be a part of this today.” Spc. Kevin Rivadeneira who participated in the march agreed with Ybarra’s assertion, stating that “whatever good you do for your community, also benefits your country.”

2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment, Lt. Col. Aileen Hermes shares a laugh with Bravo Company First Sergeant, 1st Sgt. Jason Armano, as they head for The House of Bread for Bravo Company’s annual holiday foot march.

Drill sergeants, Sergeants 1st Class Michael Hopkins and David DeSalvo, and Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment, are joined by Command Sgt. Maj. Carleen Ybarra as they pass Pope Park in Hartford, Connecticut on their way to The House of Bread for Bravo Company’s annual holiday foot march.

Finally out of the rain, Soldiers from Bravo Company and HHD, 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment, unpack their rucks full of food items that they carried to The House of Bread in Hartford, Connecticut, as part of Bravo Company’s annual holiday foot march.

Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 417th Regiment make their way through the rain as they head toward The House of Bread as part of the company’s annual holiday foot march.

104th TRAINING DIVISION (LT)

4-399TH BN SUPPORTS SPARTAN RANGER CHALLENGE

By Maj. Mary Ensminger,

ot everyone knows what the Spartan Ranger Challenge is, but once you’ve participated in it, you’ll not soon forget it! This past October, 120 Soldiers from 4-399th Cadet Summer Training (CST)

Battalion supported U.S. Army Cadet Command’s 1st Brigade in conducting what amounts to a Superbowl for 16 elite ROTC teams from eight ROTC Battalions gathering at Fort Knox from across the Nation.

What makes the Spartan Ranger Challenge so tough? It is specifically designed to test each team’s ability to complete a taxing series of mental, tactical, and physical tasks in conditions of little sleep with back-to-back movements and no outside assistance allowed. Add to this, the competing Cadets have no knowledge of the events to come, a test of itself to remain flexible and sharp during the unknown.

Alpha and Bravo Companies out of Fort Knox, KY, and Fort Campbell, KY, respectively, set up lanes and served as certified instructors and graders for 17 events spread across 3 days. (Alpha Company

also provided Combat Life Saving personnel which was critical to the mission’s overall safety).

Soldiers manned each event no matter if it was day or night as the Cadets’ fortitude and teamwork was duly tested. Events ran the gamut from timed team runs, ruck marching, knowledge of military doctrine, weapons assembly, and obstacle courses to rifle and pistol marksmanship, land navigation, the use of hand grenades, and even a Zodiac boat race.

Through time spent coaching, evaluating, and even just simply interfacing at the lanes or ranges, 4-399th CST Soldiers directly helped develop these top-notch Cadets’ leadership, professionalism, Warrior Ethos, and Winning Spirit. It is always time well spent.

This year’s top two qualifying teams, Virginia Military Institute and Texas A&M, will go on to represent Cadet Command’s 1st Brigade Spartans in the renowned Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the United States

Partnering with Cadet Command has been an invaluable opportunity for this Battalion year after year, enabling us to represent both 1st Brigade and the 104th Training Division well. However, what is most humbling is this final observation:

208 motivated Cadets successfully completed an undisputedly rigorous training experience to develop themselves as future Leaders of the World’s Greatest Military.

Military Academy at West Point in the Spring.

BN S-3, OIG 4th Battalion, 399th Regiment, 1st Brigade

A Cadet contemplates his life decisions during the Day Land Navigation Course.

A Renegade Soldier from Bravo Company, 4-399th, serves as Range Safety.

Bravo Company Soldiers, 4-399th, instruct ROTC teams at the M17 Range on Day 2.

Cadets conduct Zodiac Challenge at Fort Knox, KY, in ideal fall weather conditions.

4-399th Soldiers instruct ROTC teams at the Team Challenge event.

Cadets familiarize themselves with the Sig Sauer M17 Pistol.

Cadets grab a quick nap at the Land Navigation site that was supported by Alpha Company, 4-399th Soldiers.

A cadet zeroes on the M4.

104TH DIVISION (LT) INSPECTORS GENERAL BUILD TEAM COHESION THROUGH PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

By Maj. Chloe Chung Inspector General 104th Division (Leader Training)

One of the guiding principles for the Army Inspector General (IG) is to promote readiness for the Commander. The 104th Training Division’s IG Office accomplishes this through inspections, teaching and training, and assistance visits with a cohesive team built through shared experiences. The teambuilding avenue of choice for this IG Squad is fun physical challenges (outside of lunches during BA to enjoy our favorite chicken sandwich). In September 2022, the IG team participated in the March of Diekirch, embarked on a hiking excursion, and developed a physical training regimen for the 104th Division’s Green Tab Huddle.

The March of Diekirch is an

annual occasion organized by the Luxembourg Army where civilians and military personnel across the world can participate in a one-totwo-day march in honor of John of Luxembourg, a.k.a. John the Blind (1296-1346). The march was first held in 1968 in the town of

Diekirch. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the march has been conducted virtually in the past three years. Its requirements range from 1x20km over the course of one day to 2x40km over the course of two days.

During the 40km march that

spanned almost seven hours, the IG Squad formulated their FY23 inspection plan, discussed best practices for assistance, cheered as distance milestones were accomplished, and encouraged each other to cross the finish line. It is through this type of experience (and the sharing of post-march-feet photos) that trust and commitment are built, solidifying the foundation for a cohesive team.

Similarly, the IG Squad completed a six-mile hike within Mount Rainier National Park. This outdoor event removed barriers of the workplace, allowing a mental reset while inspiring more organic interactions between team members. This in turn allows the squad to know each other on a more personal level to build relationships.

The March of Diekirch certificate of completion was awarded to Master Sgt. Craig Thibault and Maj. Chloe Chung.

The intent is to create more effective teams through activities designed to increase motivation and cooperation.

Following the IG Office’s internal team building model, the squad volunteered to develop a physical training plan for the 104th Division’s FY23 Green Tab Huddle. The product was an obstacle course emphasizing buddyteam tasks for division command teams and staff. The intent is to create more effective teams through activities designed to increase motivation and cooperation.

All in all, building team cohesion is one of many ways the 104th

Division IG promotes readiness for the Commander. Additionally, the IG acts as the eyes, ears, voice, and conscience of the Commander. As personal staff of the Commander, the IG determines and reports on the economy, efficiency, discipline, morale, esprit de corps, readiness, and resources of the command. To become an IG in the Army Reserve, visit: https://xtranet/usarc/ InspectorGeneral/Pages/Becomean-IG.aspx (ARNet required).

From left, Master Sgt. Craig Thibault, Lt. Col. Gerardo Rodriguez, and Maj. Chloe Chung, reached their hiking destination of Mount Fremont Lookout in Mount Rainier National Park.

Lt. Col. Gerardo Rodriguez testing the 104 Division Green Tab Huddle obstacle course developed by Master Sgt. Thibault.

104th TRAINING DIVISION (LT)

NEW PAO NCO RETURNS FROM SCHOOL AS A NEW DAD

By Sgt. Jaren

JOINT BASE LEWISMCCHORD, Wash.--

After backing the UHaul trailer into the driveway, my wife and I breathed a sigh of relief, we were finally back home in the pacific northwest.

My name is Sgt. Jaren Hanson, and I am the new Public Affairs NCO for the 104th Training Division.

For the last six months, my wife Alexis, and I have been living in Fort George G. Meade Maryland, while I have attended the Defense

police officer until December of 2020 when I decided that I wanted to pursue other career opportunities.

When I left the military, I never imagined that I would go back, but after a two-year break in service, I determined that going back in the military was just what I needed to move forward to my goals. I came back to gain more skills, and take advantage of some of the benefits that I didn’t take full advantage of the first time around.

I researched every job (literally) that the military had to offer, and determined that to be trained as a

Information School (DINFOS).

Between a new job, new school, new place to live, and a new baby, we have been quite busy.

My military career started in March 2013 when I arrived at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. I served in the Marine Corps Reserve for six and a half years in combat logistics, and Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO).

In 2019 I was hired as a police officer at an agency in the greater Seattle metro area. I worked as a

public affairs mass communication specialist, best matched the goals that I had for my future. The Army was willing to give me the job.

Shortly after joining the Army, I took advantage of tuition assistance and started working on a bachelor’s degree in political science while I waited to be sent to DINFOS.

After a long year of waiting, and a lot of help from the staff at the 104th division HHC, I was finally accepted into a class at DINFOS. My pregnant wife and I packed

I consider myself a history buff, and being so close to our Nation’s capital for six months was something I took full advantage of. Alexis and I enjoyed art museums, monuments, and historical sites, such as the private residence of George Washington, just to name a few. We also made a trip to Hershey Park, in Hershey Pennsylvania.

visiting family along the way so they could meet our new baby.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/KtbxLvhGJNgvDPSHjjTCLFRgbhSvtFpQQq?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

The whole experience was amazing. I would encourage anyone reading this to take full advantage of the opportunities presented in the military, and enjoy the benefits of travel and education when they are offered.

In early September our daughter Jael was born. The staff at Kimbrough Medical Center on Fort Meade, and at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Howard County were incredibly helpful and supportive through the whole experience.

I am excited to be working as the Public Affairs NCO for the 104th Division (LT) and look forward to meeting you, if I haven’t met you already.

If you have any questions related to public affairs you can reach me at my email jaren.l.hanson.mil@army.mil

Hanson, Public Affairs NCO, 104th Division (Leader Training)

Sgt. Jaren Hanson, the new Public Affairs NCO for the 104th Training Division, in Washington, DC.

I would encourage anyone reading this to take full advantage of the opportunities presented in the military, and enjoy the benefits of travel and education when they are offered.

TIMBERWOLF SOLDIER GIVES VETERAN’S DAY SPEECH AT HIS LAW SCHOOL

Thank you for being here tonight. As Hadley mentioned, I have served in the Army as a Paralegal for 17 years in a variety of assignments. One would assume that my experience as a Paralegal in the Army would provide a leg up on other incoming 1L’s in law school in terms of my legal knowledge. But I did not necessarily find that to be the case. Although there were fundamental legal concepts that were transferrable, much of the rules and procedural aspects of the Uniform Code of Military Justice were different than civilian practice. The entire concept of civil litigation was essentially foreign to me.

Though the Army did not teach me the specifics about the law I would be required to know as a 1L, it has taught me plenty of skills that have allowed me to succeed as one. One of the skills you must master to succeed as an enlisted in the Army is discipline. You must rise at the same time every morning. You must be at formation at a specified time every day. You must maintain your physical fitness (though I am finding that increasingly difficult with age). This discipline has allowed me to prioritize and complete the multitude of assignments and reading expected of me in law school.

The military also taught me how to deal with and overcome stress. During Advanced Leaders Course, the final week consisted of “stress training.” I remember hearing about that and wondering what stress training could be. I quickly discovered stress training was simply a denial of sleep. I need not tell you how transferable a scenario that has been for me at law school. But this sleep deprivation taught me how to perform my tasks under pressure. How to control my emotions. Mental resiliency. Perhaps most important, that experience (and many others in the Army) taught me that we are all capable of much more than we believe.

One of the biggest takeaways I have learned from the Army is that you can endure almost anything… so long as you know how long you must endure it. Knowing what you need to do allows the strength of will to see it done. This skill has been incredibly useful as we

approach the end of the semester, with me still having to complete my Legal Writing II Appellate Brief, take the MPRE, study for finals, sign up for classes for next semester, and applying for externship and internship opportunities for next summer, all while balancing my duties in the Army Reserve and my family.

Despite all these upcoming tasks, I know they will all get done. I know this not because of my confidence in myself, but because of my confidence in others. Which brings me to the most important skill I learned in the Army: Teamwork. Anyone who has served in the military knows the importance of teamwork. Mission accomplishment requires many people striving towards a common goal, each willing to sacrifice and help to see that goal achieved.

To all my fellow students and anyone who has attended law school, I know you have all sacrificed. Know that those around you have as well. Whether it is your family, your friends, or even your employer. I say that not to make you feel guilty, but so that you know how many around you want you to succeed and are willing to help you do so. Rely on them. I would not have made it through my 1L year without the help from my family, friends, and fellow students. Know that we are all in this journey together.

Law School has not been easy. At times it has been overwhelming. It requires a tremendous amount of discipline, mental resiliency, and teamwork to complete. For my fellow students, I feel your pain. But I promise, if you have the discipline to plan what you need to get done, put in the work to complete it, and rely on those around you to help you through this journey, you will graduate. To everyone else, thank you all for help and sacrifice.”

1st Sgt. Nicholas Valade, with the Headquarters and Headquarters company 104th Division (Leader Training) goes to law school full time at the Seattle University School of Law and is the current President of the Veteran’s Law Society, an Executive Board Member of the Moot Court Board and the National and Regional Competition Committee Co-Chair.

RAMBLER BATTALION CADETS EARN NORWEGIAN FOOT MARCH BADGE

By Capt. Jonathan Reeder Assistant Professor of Military Science Loyola University Chicago 4th Battalion, 414th Regiment Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps 1st Brigade, 104th Division (LT)

As a member of the 4/414 BN (SROTC), I am privileged to be in a position to work directly with cadets support training events and provide Military Science instruction. My TPU colleagues and I fill in critical gaps to support the program, which only has a small number of Active-Duty cadre and is spread across five universities on the Northside of Chicago and its suburbs. One recent event that I had the chance to participate in along with Cadets was the Marsjmerket or Norwegian Foot March.

The event was held on November 11, 2022, at a nearby U.S. Reserve Center in Fort Sheridan, IL. The cool and overcast conditions on that Veterans’ Day morning made for ideal weather for a long ruck march.

The Norwegian Foot March began as a standard event in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for Norwegian soldiers at the end of infantry training. It has grown in popularity in the last few years, along with many other foot-marchbased decentralized foreign awards. The Norwegian Foot March consists of a 30km (18.6 miles) ruck march with a dry ruck weight of 11kg (24 lbs), making it longer but lighter than a traditional Army 12-mile ruck that requires 35 lbs. Although the time standards differ for age and gender, the 4-hour and 30-minute requirement for men under 35 means a pace of roughly 14.5 minutes per mile, faster than the 15 minutes per mile Army standard. So, it is a faster ruck, too, if completed to the required

standard. In other words, you probably must run to make it. Organized by a Libertyville, IL-based U.S. Army Recruiting Company in conjunction with the Norwegian Defense Attaché, the event provided participants a chance to earn the Norwegian Foot March Badge. The first completed ruck earns the participant a bronze badge, the second a silver, and the fifth a gold. It was our first attempt for all of us from the Rambler Battalion, so bronze was the goal. After learning about the event at the start of the Fall Semester, 32 Rambler Battalion Cadets and I jumped at the opportunity to join. We made up roughly a third of all event participants. The Rambler Battalion cadet leadership, with CDT Maraget Roou as OIC, devised a training plan and

encouraged the participation of fellow cadets. Rambler Battalion Senior Military Instructor Master Sergeant Cory Plunk remarked, “Veterans’ Day is a federal holiday, and none of these Cadets were required to show up. That we had such a high participation rate speaks volumes about the Rambler Battalion.”

We joined some Active-Duty recruiters, while the rest of the participants came from U.S. Army Reserve units in the Chicagoland area. After the march, I was admittedly sore but proud to have earned the Bronze Badge along with 24 Rambler Battalion cadets, who made up nearly half of the badge earners. The Cdets are already looking forward to earning the Silver Badge next year!

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Rambler Battalion leadership and Cadets celebrated Veterans’ Day by participating in the The Norwegian Foot March.

Veterans’ Day is a federal holiday, and none of these Cadets were required to show up. That we had such a high participation rate speaks volumes about the Rambler Battalion.

DOING THE RIGHT THING DURING DIFFICULT TIMES

On a relatively cool Iraqi day on January 5, 2007 an M1114 up armored HMWWV maneuvered to assist a U.S. Marine Corps Abrams tank that was damaged by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during operations in the vicinity of Fallujah, Iraq. The M1114 belonged to Military Training Team (MiTT) 0121 “Corsairs,” an eleven-member team that had been deployed since July of 2006 to advising 1st Battalion or “Kandak” of 2d Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division. As the HMWWV continued to approach the damaged tank another IED detonated off to the right of the vehicle, penetrating the cabin of the vehicle and causing multiple traumatic injuries, wounding four crew members and killing the vehicle commander, Maj. Mike Mundell.

Recently I was honored to participate in a memorial service for Maj. Mundell. Fifteen years after his sacrifice, The Commonwealth of Kentucky dedicated a portion of Kentucky Highway 1638 near his home as the Maj. Michael Mundell Memorial Bypass. The majority of his family still lives in the area, and now includes grandchildren that he never got to meet. I didn’t know

Maj. Mundell personally, but others who still work at Fort Knox did, and they all characterize him as a dutiful Soldier who always found the best in all situations regardless of circumstance.

At the time the 108th was a Training Division and was

designated as the administrative headquarters for USAR Soldiers forming advisor teams. Maj. Mundell had spent most of his reserve time with the 100th Division at Fort Knox and reported to Fort Hood to integrate with his new team in May of 2006 as a new member of the Golden Griffon Division, forming with the MiTT Team that would take the callsign

“Corsairs.” Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I), the newly formed command to oversee these efforts, awaited these newly sourced teams of advisors. In keeping with our military’s fondness for acronyms, the teams were originally labeled according to their function, such as Military Transition Team, Coalition Military Assistance Transition

Team (CMATT) or National Police Transition Team (NPTT) before all being referred to as Security Force Advisor Teams (SFATs) nearly half a decade later. The 108th eventually deployed over 350 Soldiers in support of MNSTCI’s training mission. Training for these various teams lasted for six weeks followed by deployment to Kuwait, with follow on movement into their respective parts of Iraq. After the memory of the first Gulf War, deploying as advisors to a country whose military we had recently overcome was probably not in the front of most Soldier’s minds, let alone Army Reservists that were called to do so. The rapidity at which this mission was organized coupled with the lack of unity among simply what to call the advisor teams highlights both a strength and challenge of the advising effort. There were no clear-cut answers or paths forward in 2006, and that is likely true in any potential operations today. His story should serve as an example to everyone in the 108th, and the Army Reserve. Many of us in the 108th served on advisor teams as Maj. Mundell did, and we can empathize with how chaotic the advising effort seemed in early 2006 and 2007. Teams of Reserve Soldiers, National Guardsmen and others deployed answering the call of their nation, being told that the most important thing they could do for the Army was report

to Iraq or Afghanistan and train our host nation partners to fight an insurgency. He didn’t say he had other things to do when the Army Reserve was called to provide Combat Advisors to stabilize an ambiguous situation. Corsair 3 didn’t ensure he planned operations so that the team advised from the rear, they were out in the field with their Iraqi partners. Maj. Mundell didn’t say that his job was only to advise, not directly participate in combat actions. He was told fellow Americans, US Marines, were in potential jeopardy, and he led his vehicle to assist, paying the highest price to do what was right at that moment.

The Army Reserve asks a lot from all of us. It has asked for even more in the past. The Army doesn’t expect that all Reservists will be experts in every task. But what all of us should expect from one another, is that we will answer the call of duty even under difficult conditions, conditions that are not expected, because that is what our country needs, and our fellow Soldiers are counting on. It does not always follow what we may expect to encounter in our careers. Maj. Mundell probably never thought he’d operate on an independent small team advising foreign forces. Up until September 11, 2001 he probably thought if he were ever deployed it would be in a conventional role. But when that call came, he and thousands like

him answered it. And did the best they could during difficult times. Similarly, none of us that serve can accurately predict the future. There are tensions in the world that could lead to any number of contingencies requiring Reserve forces, many of which are a far cry from whatever it is you think you may be doing with your unit in the event of a conflict. Conflicts in eastern Europe could require a specific type of unit not yet dreamed of, but potentially staffed with Reserve Soldiers. Or just as likely in the current geopolitical environment, our Soldiers could find themselves in some kind

of logistics chain role on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, passing supplies along to the US Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. But as Reserve Soldiers, we can demonstrate that we bring training, dedication and tenacity to meet any challenge. That is what Maj. Mike Mundell demonstrated that day, along with literally thousands of other Reserve Soldiers. Doing the right thing in the most difficult of circumstances. That is a legacy all of us should strive to honor and uphold.

MEMORIES ARE MADE ON ALABAMA’S BEACHES

Family vacations are all about making lasting memories, and on Alabama’s beaches, you’ll encounter extraordinary experiences that you’ll fondly remember for years to come. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, the perfect backdrop for a fantastic family vacation. You’ll discover thrilling outdoor adventures, oneof-a-kind attractions, and delicious cuisine. Whether your family prefers relaxation or excitement, they’ll have a blast on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Coastal Alabama offers plenty of water activities like boating, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. If you're searching for a unique experience, try parasailing above the waves or go searching for dolphins on a kayak dolphin cruise. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to find a special way to make new memories. Reconnect with the natural beauty that surrounds you. The

Alabama Gulf Coast is ready for exploration, and so many opportunities to discover the area await you. Gulf State Park is the ultimate destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Inside the

about its environment.

You'll also find endless entertainment in the area with unique attractions, both indoors and outdoors. Meet our furry friends at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo with an animal encounter, or discover the

Family Fun Park. Alabama's beaches are filled with one-of-a-kind spots that have something for everyone. Our area is brimming with arts and culture and provides guests with plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in its uniqueness. Visit the Coastal Arts Center and browse the fabulous art or get your artistic juices flowing at the Hot Shop and Clay Studio and create your d piece to take home. Travel back in time at Historic Fort Morgan and discover the location of a pivotal part of history. Stroll the grounds and explore the tunnels and barracks of this remarkable site, then head to The Wharf in Orange Beach for a day of dining, shopping and lots of fun. This entertainment district is filled with fabulous restaurants, local stores, and the second-tallest Ferris wheel in the southeast.

park, you'll find over 28 miles of trails perfect for biking, hiking, and birding. Guided Segway tours are also available and provide a unique way to explore the park and learn

rich history of our two beach towns at one of the area's museums. If you’re searching for excitement, make a splash at Waterville USA or fulfill your need for speed at The Track

You’ll work up an appetite after a day of fun, and thankfully, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to incredible coastal cuisine. While here, you'll also enjoy the excellent

Our area is brimming with arts and culture and provides guests with plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in its uniqueness.

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meals, delectable desserts and novelty drinks that make up the unique taste of the Alabama Gulf Coast at any of the area's more than 200 restaurants. Fresh Gulf seafood, mouthwatering burgers and irresistible desserts are just a few of the delicious eats you'll find. Complement your meal with a locally brewed beer, hand-crafted cocktail or our coastal specialty, the bushwhacker. Not only are the food and drinks incredible, but so is the dining atmosphere. With waterfront dining, live music, and amazing views of the Gulf, dining out here is unparalleled. The ideal vacation also requires the perfect accommodation that will fit the entire family. Rewind and refresh in one of the many lodging options in the area. Choose from spacious beach homes and

TRAVEL RESOURCES

waterfront condos to full-service resorts and friendly hotels.

Imagine feeling the waves wash over your feet, biting into a delicious meal as you overlook the

water, or watching your children build sandcastles. Memories like these are waiting to be made on Alabama's beaches. Start planning your next trip to Gulf Shores and

Orange Beach and experience the stunning white-sand beaches of Alabama's Gulf Coast.

GulfShores.com | OrangeBeach.com

2023 YEAR OF THE TRAIL IN THE HEART OF NC EVENT ROUND UP

We invite you to join trail enthusiasts and lovers in each city and town throughout Randolph County as we celebrate their special outdoor amenities with ribbon cutting events and activities in honor of 2023’s Year of the Trail in North Carolina.

EARLY SPRING (MARCH & APRIL)

Healthy Communities invites you to join their Sunday Hike Adventures on March 12 – Spring into Action – Hike from Mundo Vista at Camp Caraway to Slip Rock Mountain and April 16 – Celebrate Trails – Hike to the top of Mount Shepherd, the highest elevation in Randolph County.

• The City of Archdale will host a ribbon cutting event at the Creekside Greenway – Outer Loop.

• The City of Randleman will hold a ribbon cutting at the Worthville Blueway.

• The Town of Seagrove will host a trek through town along their Downtown sidewalks.

LATE SPRING (MAY & JUNE)

Healthy Communities hosts their Sunday Hike Adventures on May 21 – Explore NC – Hike to Russell Gold Mine in the Uwharrie National Forest and June 3 –National Trail Day – Celebrate at the North Carolina Zoo’s event. Join the team from Piedmont Land Conservancy as they hold a ribbon cutting at Caraway Creek Preserve.

• The City of Asheboro will host trail lovers to explore the newly opened Zoo City Sportsplex facility.

• The North Carolina Zoo celebrates National Trail Day on June 3rd with a ribbon cutting of the Purgatory Mountain Spring Trail.

SUMMER (JULY & AUGUST)

Healthy Communities continues Sunday Hike Adventures on July 16 – Celebrate NC Parks – Hike the newly opened trails at Piedmont Land Conservancy’s Caraway Creek Preserve with a view of Mount Shepherd and Caraway Mountain and August 13 – Wellness and Trails –Hike to Cooper Mountain Cemetery from Robbins Branch Trailhead in the Birkhead Wilderness of the Uwharrie

National Forest.

• The Town of Ramseur will host a ribbon cutting for a trail extension and trailhead.

• The Town of Liberty will showcase improvements at Freedom Park to celebrate their trails.

• The City of Randleman will hold a ribbon cutting event at Phase III of their Greenway.

FALL (SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER)

Healthy Communities invites you to join their Fall Sunday Hike Adventures on September 10 –Achieve a Trail Goal – Hike to Cooler’s Knob, the highest point in the Birkhead Wilderness and Colonel Balfour Grave Site from Tot Hill Farm Trailhead and the entire month of October is filled with Mayor’s Fitness Challenge events from all municipalities across Randolph County – Wellness Walks on Saturdays and Hikes on Sundays.

• The Town of Franklinville will host a ribbon cutting at Sandy Creek Bridge.

• Enjoy a Uwharrie Trail Thru Hike

with beginner and advanced hikers – learn about our natural beauty and history of the Uwharrie National Forest.

LATE FALL & EARLY WINTER (NOVEMBER & DECEMBER)

Mayor’s Fitness Challenge events continue in November with walks on November 4 & 11 and a hike on November 5, there are no planned hikes in the month of December – find your outdoor adventure.

• The Town of Franklinville will host a ribbon cutting event from the center of Franklinville to Sapona.

*NOTE: All Healthy Communities Hikes begin at 2 pm at the site. Some dates and sites may be subject to change pending any weather or scheduling issues. Please check with Mary Joan Pugh, Randolph County Trails Coordinator – maryjoan. pugh@randolphcountync.gov

When can we expect you? Visit HeartofNorthCarolina.com for places to stay and special military discount offers! Order a FREE travel guide and check out the listing of annual events on our bit. ly/HNCVBCalendar . We look forward to following along on your visit. Tag us at #theHeartofNC.

ON YOUR NEXT LEAVE, LEAVE REALITY BEHIND.

Take Your Time Off to New Levels at Universal Orlando Resort.

When you’re off-duty, you want to make every second of your vacation count. You want new adventures and alternate realities. Incredible thrills along with fabulous entertainment and exceptional dining. You want amazing experiences and an epic vacation. It’s all at Universal Orlando Resort. Now you can experience all the jaw-dropping moments with a special ticket offer for military members, family and friends.

Enjoy Universal again and again through December 24, 2023 for only $199.99.*

That includes Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This ticket is available exclusively at your authorized military ticket and travel office. A 3-park option is also available that incudes Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park for $234.99.

Universal Orlando is the only place where you can experience the magic and excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ in two unique lands. With your park-to-park ticket, from Islands of Adventure you can climb aboard the Hogwarts™ Express in Hogsmeade™ and

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Universal’sResortCabana Bay Beach Resort

Jurassic World VelociCoaster - Now Open

Universal’s Mardi Gras

emerge in London’s King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios (additional restrictions apply). Just around a corner and through a secret brick archway is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ –Diagon Alley™. Here you can dine at the Leaky Cauldron™, see a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders™ wand shop, and travel deep below Gringotts™ bank on a multi-dimensional thrill ride. In Hogsmeade™ you can explore the corridors and classrooms of Hogwarts™ castle and brave the wilds of the Forbidden Forest on the thrilling roller coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™.

At Islands of Adventure you’ll discover amazing experiences based on blockbusters like Jurassic World, including Jurassic World VelociCoaster, plus even more excitement based on Super Heroes like Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk. Universal Studios is home to awesome attractions based on the TRANSFORMERS™ robots, Illumination’s Minions, Men In Black™ and many more.

And if you come to Universal Studios in the spring, get ready for the good times at Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, February 4–April 16, 2023 (blockout dates apply). This party features NOLA favorites and the best of Carnaval celebrations

from around the world. Try flavors from the bayou to Brazil to Belgium and beyond. Check out parades (on select nights) featuring our fleet of floats. Plus, enjoy live music all around, concerts on select nights, catch some beads and a whole lot more.

When you’re ready to enjoy a water theme park like no other, Universal’s Volcano Bay combines unmatched thrills with tropical relaxation. It’s a day-long adventure that will leave you breathless, elated and ready for a good night’s sleep.

That’s where Universal’s spectacular hotels come in. All of Universal’s hotels come with exclusive perks like breezing into one of the parks up to an hour early^ (select attractions, just need valid theme park admission), a location super close to the parks, complimentary transportation to the parks and the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex, plus more. Check out Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a vibrant, retro-style retreat, and get 40%** off your stay. You’ll find perfectly appointed standard rooms plus two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six for families of any size. Every day comes with fun for all ages with two massive pools, a winding river and more.

On your next leave, take a vacation that really feels like a vacation.

YOUR R&R

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s23)

*The 2-Park Military “2023 Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to BOTH Universal Studios Florida, AND Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks on the same day. Ticket is valid for use November 10, 2022 through and including December 24, 2023. Blockout dates apply: December 26, 2022 through and including January 1, 2023; April 3, 2023 through and including April 9, 2023. Ticket expires in full December 24, 2023. The 3-Park Military “2023 Freedom Pass” Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay theme parks on the same day. Ticket is valid for use November 10, 2022 through and including December 24, 2023. Blockout dates apply: December 26, 2022 through and including January 1, 2023; April 3, 2023 through and including April 9, 2023. Ticket expires in full December 24, 2023. Both the 2-Park and 3-Park Military “2023 Freedom Pass” Promotional Tickets exclude separately ticketed events. Guest must present a valid Military ID at time of purchase, at time of the exchange at either Universal Studios Florida, or Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park ticket sales window, and upon redemption at both Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks. Unused days shall be forfeited. Additional restrictions may apply. The above Admission Media is non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be used by the same person on all days. Standard entry includes biometric scan. Valid only during normal operating hours. Parks, attractions, or entertainment may: close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather or special events; change operating hours; and otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of Universal Orlando Resort (‘Universal’). Unless otherwise stated, does not include admission to separately ticketed events at any of the Universal theme

ADD THIS TO YOUR LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT:

Are you an effective leader?

The answer is that what you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you say.

Effective leaders have many positive traits and habits. One trait is they look out for the welfare of their Soldiers. That means they have solutions in their leader tool kit for problems if they arise.

One problem is when a current or former service member, who is no longer on active duty, experiences financial hardship as a result of an injury incurred in the line of duty. Have you ever had to navigate the Army Reserve’s incapacitation pay claim process or the VA disability claim process? It is not something that happens overnight. So, how do you solve for that problem?

The answer is the 108th Griffon Association.

We provide financial grants up to $500 to help current and former service members if they experience a financial hardship as a result of an injury incurred in the line of duty. Grants are made based on the availability of funds and based on supporting documentation that can be reviewed and approved by the association board of directors.