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The Bayonet is produced for personnel of the Maine Army National Guard, and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the publication are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of the Army,Maine Army National Guard.
Adjutant General of Maine Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Hannibal Public Affairs Officer Maj. Michael Steinbuchel 121st Public Affairs Detachment Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison, NCOIC Managing Editor Sgt. Angela Parady, Photojournalist Layout & Design Spc. Adam Simmler, Photojournalist Contributing Journalist
APR14: What’s Inside: Chaplain’s Corner Maine’s Best Warriors Step Forward Local Law Enforcement Tests Tactics During Active Shooter Exercise Camp Keyes in History Maine Soldiers Overcome Challenges in Arctic Training Exercise Spring is Here: Driving Precautions Getting Your Newborn enrolled in Tricare ID Cards Recruiting and Retention I take this Obligation Freely Colds vs. Allergies Fit to Fight Your Money Matters
Portland, Maine native, Spc. William Schoen, a utilities equipment repairer with the Portland, Maine-based Forward Support Company, 133rd Engineer Battalion readies a heater for being switched out March 24 at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. During their deployment to Afghanistan, troops with the 133rd Eng. Bn. are attached to the Fort Bragg, N.C.-based 82nd Sustainment Brigade-U.S. Central Command Materiel Recovery Element. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tyler C. Frazer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 133rd Engineer Battalion)
Chaplain’s Corner “We tend to look far more fondly upon one who owes us than upon one whom we owe.” Benjamin Franklin Ben Franklin was right, wasn’t he? For some reason, when we lend to other people our time, our money, our truck, whatever, we get a good feeling from helping another. Now, if they don’t pay it back or if they don’t in some way say thank you, yes we might be angry with them. However, this is nothing compared to how we feel when we are on the other end. When we are the borrower, and we see the person we owe, we can feel small and embarrassed and weak. Some have the tendency to try and avoid the person we owe or even say negative things about that person; such as, “Oh he thinks he’s so great,” or “She just lent me that to look good.” Off hand, I would say that these feelings, opposite of what ought to be, are the result of pride. We DO feel better when we loan because we KNOW we are in a better situation then the other person; in other words, we are PROUD that we can help the other. We DO feel worse when we borrow because we KNOW that we couldn’t do it ourselves and our PRIDE is wounded at knowing that. How does that translate to God? Well, if we are so prideful about something so small as a few dollars loaned or a lawn mower borrowed, how prideful can we be about our sin and the price God has paid for it? We owe God our lives! We ran up a huge bill in our sin – one that we could never repay (not any of us). So God, in His love and mercy, forgave that debt and paid it in full. Many people are just too proud to accept that. Many will say, “I can pay my own way – I don’t need charity!” Well, interestingly enough, the word, “charity” in the bible comes from the Greek word, “Agape”, which means LOVE. When we deny another’s help, when we deny God’s gift, we also deny God’s Love. When you owe, try to remember the feeling you had when you lent or even gave something to someone. Remember that good feeling when the person said thank you or merely smiled at the gift? Well, that is all God is asking of you. A thank you, an acknowledgement of what was given, a smile, or even sharing the gift with another is all God ask!
CH Andrew Gibson, JFHQ Chaplain
Maine’s Best Warriors Step Forward Story and Photos by Spc. Adam Simmler
A young soldier waits outside a room making last minute adjustments to his uniform. He’s trying to remember everything he’s learned and anticipate the questions seven Command Sergeants Major could ask. He takes a breath and with three loud knocks the silence is broken. The soldier steps crisply into the quiet room, rendering a salute to the president of the review board; Maine’s Best Warrior competition has begun. Six soldiers from across Maine traveled to Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, VT, to take part in Maine’s Best Warrior Competition. The four-day competition began March 31 and tests the soldier’s physical and mental fortitude. The competition is a yearly event to find the best soldier and non-commissioned officer from within the ranks of the Maine Army National Guard. “The Best Warrior Competition consists of a series of events that are normally skill level one warrior events that we test our soldiers on to try and get the best warrior,” said State Command Sergeant Major, Richard L. Hannibal. “The potential for these guys is unlimited. We have the best soldiers here. We get very little time to spend with the
soldiers that go above and beyond our expectations, and that’s what these soldiers are.“ To get to this phase of competition, the soldiers competed at both the company and battalion levels, and were chosen as the best among their peers. The winners from Maine will move up to a regional competition in May, and if they’re truly the best, could represent the entire Army National Guard in a national competition between 13 different U.S. Army commands. “It means a lot to be here,” said Sgt. Christopher Edgecomb, representing the 251st Sapper Company. “I’m very proud of the unit I’m in, and to be able to represent them and the Maine Army National Guard well is a honor. To progress on to the next level is something that is a sincere goal of mine.” For the first event of the competition each of the six soldiers appeared before a review board of seven Sergeants Major to be judged on appearance, military knowledge and military bearing. The next day, the competitors took the Army Physical
Fitness Test, then after a shower and hot chow, headed to the range through the cold mud and melting snow, where they were tested on the M9 pistol and M16 rifle. The day ended with the stress shoot event to test the competitor’s resilience.
Aviation, Company C. of the Vermont Army National Guard. It put the competitors through a mock ambush and medical evacuation scenario. The last test of the competition, required the soldiers to call in a medical helicopter.
Hannibal explains, “Each event is a little bit different. The appearance board is more knowledge-based. We look at the military bearing of the soldiers coming in. We inspect their uniforms and things like that. When we get into the stress shoot where they have to drag a 180-pound dummy up and down hills, it puts a lot of pressure on them, then they have to fire rounds, so we can see how they shoot when they’re all stressed out.”
“The mystery event was challenging,” said Staff Sgt. Phillip Dow, from the 152nd Component Repair Company. “It was a unique experience to be thrust into that, realizing that at any point we can be thrust into a similar situation with a very limited amount of notification and planning.”
“The most challenging part would have to be the stress shoot,” said Spc. Tyler Blakney, from the 488th Military Police Company. “It was definitely a difficult situation. Lugging all that weight, carrying the sled, and then having to fire your weapon.” The next day, the soldiers participated in a 10-kilometer road-march and then went on to be drilled on Army warrior tasks; radio operation, first aid procedures, disassembling
and reassembling four different weapons systems.
you, to make sure you get everything done.”
“The training events are definitely top notch, the cadre put a lot of effort in each event,” said Blakney. “They’re willing to work with
On the final day of competition, the soldiers took part in a special mystery event conducted with the cooperation of 3/126th
Even though the soldiers are competing against each other, the attitude of the competitors is like a contest among friends, they’ve approached it with the goal of doing their best, even sharing helpful hints. Blakney commented, “the other competitors are definitely good, they made it here for a reason, and if they win, they will win for a reason.” “Everybody is motivated, which is good to see,” said Edgecomb. “The purpose of this competition is to represent your unit and your battalion the best you can, so they’re coming here
motivated and prepared.”
lot.”
“The support staff has been really good,” said Edgecomb. “The tasks, conditions, and standards have been clearly identified and set in stone, it wasn’t shooting from the hip, everything was prepared and organized. Train and take it seriously, it’s a once in a life time opportunity that can help your career a
Blakney noted,“If you’ve been chosen, train, and train hard. Don’t think that it’s going to be a cake-walk, because it’s stressful and all around tiring.” State Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Hannibal concluded, “to get to this level, they had to go through the
company, they had to get through the battalion and now they’re at the state level. The best warrior is someone who has the desire to be here, they’re the ones that want to be the first to cross that finish line. Whatever trinkets we can give them are well deserved, but I don’t think that’s why they’re here. They’re here to be the number one.
2014 NCO/ Soldier of the Year Winner
2014 Maine Army National Guard NCO of the Year Sgt. Christopher Edgecomb 251st Engineer Company (Sappers)
2014 NCO/ Soldier of the Year Competitors Specialist Britany Carter 521st Troop Command Battalion
Staff Sgt. Phillip Dow 152nd Component Repair Company 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Specialist Tyler Blakney 488th Military Police Company 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
Staff Sgt. Sean Keefe B 3/172nd Infantry Regiment 521st Troop Command Battalion
2014 Maine Army National Guard Soldier of the Year Pfc. Jason Smith 262nd Engineer Company (Horizontal)
Local Law Enforcement Tests Tactics During Active Shooter Exercise Photos and Stories by Sgt. Angela Parady
“If we have our heads in the sand, telling ourselves it will never happen here, then we aren’t prepared,” said the police officer. “If we prepare ourselves by thinking it will happen, if it does happen, we are ready and trained for the situation.” The Maine National Guard in conjunction with the Maine State Police tactical bomb squad, Augusta Fire Department and Augusta Police Department spent March 12 at Camp Keyes in Augusta conducting a simulated active shooter scenario. The day kicked off with a disturbing Facebook message tracked by the personnel office. When the role player, a disgruntled soldier, was discovered heading to the installation, the Augusta
Police Department was notified of the situation. Sgt. 1st Class John Knoblach, the security manager for Camp Keyes, helped plan the exercise. “The Augusta Police would always respond first,” said Knoblach. “We encourage everyone to call 911 first. These are trained emergency responders who know the area, they are out in the community, with their gear staged. They are the most properly prepared to handle this situation.” As part of the scenario two assailants forced their way through the main entrance of Camp Keyes, killing several and causing injury to many others. The Augusta Police Departments Special Response Team arrived and
the sounds of shots and screaming as they cleared the hallways looking for the shooter. One shooter was subdued, while the other eventually surrendered to the police, but not before the intruders back up plan, a bomb in their car, was discovered.
unfamiliar with the area was
“Here, we have people who are trained at a higher level than your typical active shooter suspect, a high school kid or a disgruntled employee,” said Morris. “It puts our heads on a swivel, because we know these guys could know our tactics, or at least know tactics, and could pose a more significant threat to us.”
Knoblach said he felt the event went fairly well. “We had screaming people, we had bleeding victims, we had police running down the hallways,” he said. “They had to ignore the wounded, which no one wants to do, but they have to. They had to communicate with us, with their dispatch, with their team, and the negotiation team that was at a different location. “ This is the first time this type of training has been done at Camp Keyes. Augusta Police Sgt. Vicente Morris, patrol supervisor and team leader for the Special Response Team, said having the whole installation involved made it more real for his team.
actually a training aid, rather than a hindrance. “For us, our intent is to stop the killing,” he said. “We don’t
“They didn’t know what to expect going in,” he said. “What they would encounter or how the scenario would be laid out. They had to follow their instincts and their training.”
swept the building, following
Morris said it is very atypical for these agencies to train on Camp Keyes, but being
movement is direct and in response to the threat. This situation gave us the opportunity to really hone in on that, follow our training and the standard responses.”
need to know the layout. Our
While the exercise provided hands on training for Morris’s team, employees of Camp Keyes got a little bit different type of training. For Camp Keyes, the purpose of the exercise was twofold; to incorporate multiple agencies who will be challenged to find the best ways to work together , and to familiarize people with new procedures following an active shooter threat. “This is a real world problem that we have to address,” said Knoblach. “Here, most of the employees are soldiers and airmen who have seen combat. They are trained to ‘shoot, move, communicate.’ They want to move to the contact and eliminate the threat, but the new standard is to stay safe and stay alive. It is the same standard
wherever you are, school, library, office. You run, you seek cover, you hide and only as a very last resort do you try to be a soldier and take out the threat. It is a hard role change for many, but it is what keeps more people safe.” At the end of the day, the mock shooter was in custody and Maine State troopers mitigated the bomb threat. Everyone has a basis with which to go back, refine and retune their processes. All those involved will be looking at better ways to communicate, the Augusta Police will work on communicating with their emergency center, and Camp Keyes will look at revising their alert systems. The purpose is to keep as many people safe in case this happens. “I think the joint cooperation went well, and I think we should be doing more of it,” said Morris. “This is an area we aren’t familiar with, but we should be. It is a possibility. We had the shooting at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Togus, and no one that thought that would happen, but it did. We got the call, suited up, and headed there. Luckily that one incident was over before it really started. If we don’t train with our military counterparts, we could be caught unprepared for this situation.”
Camp Keyes in History Named for General Erasmus Darwin Keyes, a notable Civil War Union Army Corps Commander, Camp Keyes has been an integral part of Maine’s rich military heritage since the 1860’s and before. Camp Keyes, up to WWII, was also unofficially known to local central Maine residents as “the Muster Ground”. There are many accounts of bivouacking and training at Camp Keyes in the published histories of Maine’s Civil War Regiments. Later, returning soldiers, who were ill, may have been hospitalized here. Additionally, North’s History of Augusta, also discusses the fact that Civil War bound units traditionally stayed at Camp Keyes before or after receiving their “Colors” from the Governor at the State House. The Second Maine Infantry Regiment (later redesignated the 103rd Infantry) was called into active military service
of the United States on several occasions from Camp Keyes. In 1898 the entire Maine National Guard was mobilized but only volunteers were taken. In June 1916 the organization was mobilized for duty on the Mexican Border, then in April 1917, for World War I. In the years between WWI and WWII, Camp Keyes became the principal annual encampment site for the Guard’s 103rd Infantry and the 152nd Field Artillery Regiments. In 1941, the Adjutant General’s Department, an element of State Government, was permanently established at Camp Keyes where the Headquarters for Maine’s military forces has remained. A core of full time state and a few federal employees managed federal and state resources allocated to the Guard from Camp Keyes. During World War II, a small number of Italian and German
prisoners were housed temporarily at Camp Keyes on their way to work harvesting Maine’s forests. There was also a U. S. Army military police battalion stationed here prior to deploying to the European Theater. Additionally, the Maine State Guard operated from Camp Keyes. [They took over as the Governor’s response force for Maine’s natural disaster assistance and civil disturbances in the absence of the mobilized National Guard for World War II.] After World War II, Camp Keyes continued to be the command and control hub for the Army and Air National Guard and their respective Active Component Advisor Staffs’ The daily business of administering, supplying, paying the Guard people and maintaining Guard equipment is directed or happens here. This included selected mobilizations for the Korean Conflict and Operation Desert Shield and Storm.
Maine National Guardsmen in WWI and WWII
Maine Soldiers Overcome Challenges in Arctic Training Exercise Story by Sgt. Angela Parady, Photos courtesy of Staff Sgt. Sean Keefe
In the midst of one of the coldest and harshest winters in years, 13 soldiers from National Guard units in Maine and Vermont packed their bags, and reported to the armory of Les Voltigeurs de Quebec, Canada. The soldiers worked with the 35th Canadian Forces Brigade who ran the training and the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) and the Army Mountain Warfare School to test the tactics and procedures of American cold weather equipment and training from March 1-6.
Army National Guard. “Our ability to fully operate in the arctic has diminished, but it is important that the Mountain Brigade and Mountain school lead the way, and work on building those skills back up.“
conditions. “The room for error in moving, clothing, logistical support, and priorities of work is much less in extreme cold and high winds,” he said. “We discovered that logistical support in the arctic is extremely vital to survive. Surviving becomes the first priority, ahead of operating.”
went out for an hours at a time. 1st Lt. Lane Wiggin, executive officer for the 172nd, said that the Maine soldiers were sent
efficiency in the cold, and for left hand shooters. The shotguns were intended to protect the American’s from the greatest threat, polar bears. Along with learning the tried and tested tactics of the Canadian response teams, the American’s had their own training objectives.
For seven days they camped in Iqaluit, the territorial capital of Nunavut, located on Baffin Island, just north of the Arctic Circle. Some nights the temperatures dropped as low as -76, and the finicky Coleman two-burner stoves they used as heaters often
Called Exercise Guerrier Nordique 2014, the training is an annual late winter event for the Canadian Army Reserve’s Arctic Response companies and aims to build the Canadian military’s operational capacity in arctic and sub-arctic environments. This event took place in the highest latitude for the exercise thus far, and maintains the Canadian’s ability to deploy response companies to the furthest reaches of Canadian territory. “For the past 13 plus years, the United States has been focused on the Global War on Terrorism,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Keefe, a weapons squad leader with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 172d Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Maine
for the purpose of gaining experience in arctic combat
The Canadians taught the Americans how to set up their tent systems, how to move with their sled systems, and most importantly familiarization with the C7 rifle and shotgun, which is similar to the M16 that American soldiers are accustomed to, only customized for better
“A lot of the internal training we did, consisted mostly of testing our medical equipment in these conditions,” said Keefe, who lives in Sanford. “We applied tourniquets and checked to see if it was still possible for them to stop a pulse with all of the winter clothing on, which it did, just after about five twists. We also found that the hypothermia kits were nearly useless as it took three hours for them to activate and give off any sort of heat. We also talked about how we would handle tactical situations, such as a casualty in -50 degree weather.” In addition, the Americans attended classes on Canadian radio and snowmobile maintenance, and gave a class on mountaineering. They employed their skills to overcome ice cliffs and crevasses in icefall areas as they traveled approximately 60 kilometers on foot and snowmobile.
“Our biggest exercise was setting up an airstrip for a twin otter plane on the ice,” said Keefe. “During that time we were at a site located on Frobisher Bay, staying on ocean ice. The ice we stayed on rose and fell 20-25 feet with the tidal changes. We stayed there for 3 days.” A senior arctic advisor with the group said that as international military and political attention increases on this valuable area, the U.S. military is going to have to focus more attention on preparing specific units for such operations. Wiggin, a Waterville native, said training like this helps overall readiness for his soldiers.
“By exposing the maximum amount of personnel to trainings such as this will only increase our operational readiness in cold weather conditions.” Keefe agreed. “We owe it to our country and the Army to be highly proficient in cold weather operations. This past winter has proven that winter can be brutally cold, and we should be fully prepared to operate within our state no matter the conditions at the time. Also, as a state with members of the 86th, it’s important to have leaders who can attend this training exercise and bring the knowledge back to their units to increase their overall combat effectiveness.”
Spring is Here? Driving Precautions.... Spring driving is upon us, and this is no time to be relaxing…. Potholes and Frost Heaves are 2 of the biggest issues for us in the Northeast. Just last week I read about a Tractor-Trailer that hit a frost heave so hard that the trailer started to crumple… The driver managed to pull over before the trailer collapsed onto its landing gear. Be Aware of these hazards, slow down and you could save yourself a lot of money in car repairs (at the minimum). Spring Storms are more hazardous than the winter storms. People tend to regard them like winter storms, but they usually are worse due to the temperatures being warmer, which causes the precipitation to fluctuate between snow and rain and freezing rain. Coupled with melting snow on the roads, you end up with a Slush mix that even 4Wheel Drive vehicles can’t command. Speaking of melting…. Snow banks are slowly melting away …..some of the water is running off the road, but some melts across the road….This WILL RE-FREEZE come late afternoon and last thru mid/late morning! Please expect BLACK ICE in areas…especially low areas, shaded areas, bridges and places where the melt crosses the roads! Wildlife is also on the move… for a few weeks now; I have seen deer on the side of the road getting to grass and/or the road salt. Be aware of the potential accident if they are startled and dash across the road. The MEARNG has had too many POV accidents this winter due to Black Ice, and Adverse Weather conditions. STAY ALERT- STAY ALIVE Richard S Hatch State Safety Specialist, OHST, CSHM, COEE Military Bureau, Camp Keyes Augusta, Me. 04333 207-430-6031 ng.me.mearng.list.j3-sso@mail.mil
Getting your Newborn enrolled in Tricare It is important to register newborn child in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to establish their Tricare eligibility. To register a newborn child in DEERS, the service member must present the following to an ID card issuing facility: •Original copy of a birth certificate- father’s name must be on the certificate if they are the sponsor. •If the father’s name is not on the birth certificate a court document or Maine Affidavit of Paternity, http://mainecpms.org/wp/wp-content/ uploads/2013/07/Coluntary-Acknowledgement-of-Paternity.pdf, must be completed. The rules for acknowledgement of paternity can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/dser/paternity/aop.html. •Original social security card Only the sponsor (service member) can add a family member in DEERS.
When Does Tricare cover a newborn child? Tricare Prime - Active Duty/AGR/ADOS/Deployed As long another family member is enrolled in Tricare, a newborn will be covered for 60 days beginning from the date of birth. To continue Tricare Prime coverage past the 60 days, the service member must complete an enrollment for the child within the first 60 days. If your child is not enrolled in Tricare Prime by the 61st day, Tricare will process all future claims under Tricare Standard. If the child is not registered in DEERS within 365 days after birth, the child loses all Tricare eligibility. Tricare Reserve Select - drilling National Guard and Reserve members A newborn will be covered under Tricare Reserve Select retroactively for 60 day back to the date of birth, IF •the service member updates DEERS and • enrollment for the newborn child is received by the Tricare Reserve Wendy J. Moody Transition Assistance Advisor - Maine (207) 430-5778 wendy.j.moody2.ctr@mail.mil
ID Cards Most military benefits for members and dependents such as exchange stores, commissaries, recreation facilities, theaters, and medical care facilities (including TRICARE) require a valid identification card. Military members are issued ID cards (DD Form 2) upon entry on active duty. Dependent ID Cards: DD Form 1172-2 (Application for Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card), is used to apply for issue or reissue of ID cards. The DD Form 1172-2 is automated and generated through DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) either by the member or by an ID card issuing office. Eligible dependents are generally defined as but not limited to: •Lawful spouse •Unmarried children (including adopted or stepchildren) who are: oUnder 21 years of age. oOver 21 but incapable of self-support (Substantiating documentation is required). •Over 21 but under 23 who are attending an approved learning institution as a full time student. Sponsor must provide a letter from the institution registrar’s office on the school’s letterhead stating the student’s enrollment status and anticipated graduation date. Before the ID card is issued to the student, the sponsor must sign on the DD 1172-2 that they are providing as least 50% of the dependent’s living expenses. No documentation is required. •Widow of a deceased eligible service member/retiree/veteran •Unremarried former spouse (One whose final decree of divorce is on or after February 1, 1983, and has been married to a military sponsor for a minimum of 20 years during which time the military member must have served 20 years of creditable service for
retirement purposes). An ID card is generally not issued to a dependent under age 10 unless: 1. The child resides temporarily away from the sponsor and there is no eligible spouse or, 2. The child is of a joint service couple or a single parent or, 3. The child does not reside in the household of an eligible adult family member A dependent ID card may only be issued if the sponsor is with the dependent unless: •the DD 1172-2 is generated by the member and has been notarized. The notarized DD 1172-2 is only acceptable for 90 days from the date it was notarized, or •the DD 1172-2 is generated and signed by an ID card issuing office. The DD 1172-2 is good for 90 days from the date of issuance. Additional documents required are: In addition to the DD 1172-2, two forms of identification must be presented in order for an ID card to be issue. One must be an unexpired picture ID such as a driver’s license, military ID or passport. The second form of ID may be: •An unexpired photo ID - i.e. driver’s license or military ID or passport or •Original birth certificate or, •Original social security card ID cards must be surrendered when they are replaced or expired or when the cardholder becomes ineligible.
Recruiting and Retention Batallion
MEPS: By the Numbers
232
2013 Maine Enlistments
150
Maine MOS Options (Approx.)
23
Maine Recruiters
2
MEPS Guidance Counselors
Behind the Curtain: MEPS Do you remember your MEPS experience? Maybe it was here in Maine. Maybe you enlisted in another state and moved here…so you would have no fond memories of the Military Entrance Processing Station on Congress Street in Downtown Portland, Maine. But we are willing to bet you’ve heard about it.
Every Maine recruiter has a story to tell; a recruit who almost didn’t get enlisted due to a missed bus, a bad choice at the hotel, forgotten paperwork, undisclosed injuries, disappearing MOS slots, calendar conflicts, typos and much more. For each “almost didn’t get enlisted” there’s also a tale of aMEPS Guidance Counselor saving the day.
Maybe you’ve heard of the rock-star status of the MEARNG’s MEPS Senior Guidance Counselor, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Kritzer. Maybe you’ve heard whispers of the awesome prowess of now retired, Sgt. Maj. Sandra Beauchesne?
Sgt. 1st Class, Kimberly Richardson recounted a recent experience at MEPS when the Guidance Counselors convinced the entire MEPCOM office to extend duty hours and remain open, to allow an applicant to be sworn-in by his father (a retired Navy Lieutenant). With the uncertain timing of testing, medical exams and paperwork, family often comes in later in the day when notified that all previous steps were completed. After everything for this particular applicant was approved the father got on the road, but wouldn’t arrive until after MEPS closed, the entire office made an unusual exception and stayed open to allow this young man to enlist and for his father to administer the Oath of Enlistment.
Applicants cross the doors into the National Guard MEPS office with all kinds of stories, questions, needs and wants. Finding a balance that will work for the applicant and the National Guard requres expertise and patience. Executing everything takes deft skill and no enlistment is simple. On the applicant’s part, it’s a process of knowing what you want and what you’re willing to do to get there. On the Recruiter’s part, they want to make sure they get the best offering for their Applicant. On the MEPS Guidance Counselor’s part, they want to make sure all the paperwork is ready to go, all boxes are checked, and all questions are answered. In addition to enlisting Applicants, MEPS also coordinates the shipping of Enlistees to training (both Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training). This additional duty is done in conjunction with the Recruit Sustainment Program and isn’t a task to be taken lightly. Maine MEPS was recently listed with a 100% Quality Control Accuracy Rate and ranked among the first in the nation.
This is just one example of how our National Guard MEPS Counselors make a difference every day. While we can’t go into all the things they do for the Recruiting & Retention Battalion- due to security, humility or just plain brevity, we can say that our counselors, and the entire staff at MEPS is proud of every soldier that walks out of their door, and they are willing to do whatever they can to ensure they are set up for success.
MEPS: The Process
Arrival & Check In
Medical Briefing
Physical Exam
Job Interview
Enlistment
I Take this Obligation Freely First Lieutenant Jonathan Bratten
“I, Jonathan David Bratten, having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of second lieutenant do solemnly swear...” As much as one trains, prepares, and looks forward to one moment, it can always take you by surprise. I had expected to be nervous as I walked up to take the oath, but I did not expect how the oath itself would effect me.
“...that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion...” Echoing the words of the officer who was reading the oath to me, I was caught up in the very power of the words: “Support and defend.”
“True faith and allegiance.” People don’t really talk like that anymore. Perhaps that is where the strength of the oath comes from, in the lack of every-day parlances.
his successors, until independance was won. An officer cannot be uncertain as to the gravity of his or her assignment, or waver in their dedication.
However, I think that the strength found in the oath comes from the collective memory that is found in it. To support and defend the Constitution means to stand against those who would try to destroy it, even friends and family, as those who fought in the Civil War found out, to their sorrow.
“...and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter...”
It means that the core of the nation is in its founding document, not just in its representatives. To bear true faith and allegiance to that Constitution is to never compromise the principles found therein. “That I take this obligation freely” struck me most of all, especially as I reflected on what this meant during the American Revolution. The oath was different then, as officers swore that they renounced the rule of Britain and pledged to fight King George III, and
The most substantive part of the oath is at the end, with, “I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter.” It is in these eighteen words that the officer’s entire career is summarized. It means to take care of your soldiers above your own needs. It means long days and long nights. It means obeying orders even if they don’t seem to make sense to you. It means setting the example. It means never ceasing to educate yourself in your field. It means always knowing that your platoon sergeant knows your job better than you do, and making it your goal to learn as much as you can from your
NCOs. It means long periods spent away from loved ones. Above all, it means bearing the weight of your soldiers’ lives on your shoulders and still being able to stand tall and make the critical decisions needed in the moment. All of this hit me in the minute that it took for me to be commissioned. I realized that I was standing with so many other strong men and women who have gone before me, from the hardships of Valley Forge, through the terrors of Gettysburg, because of the sacrifices at Normandy, and now to the very moment that I said, “So help me God.” The Army had done its part. It was now up to me to fulfil what I swore to do.
“So help me God.”
Colds Vs. Allergies Cold and allergies share many symptoms, so it may be tricky to know what’s causing those sneezy, sleepy, stuffed up feelings.
sneeze fest (gesundheit!) usually points to pollen.
Luckily, there are some key signs that help determine a diagnosis to help get on the right road to recovery. Just remember: We’re no doctors, so if something just doesn’t feel right, see a medical professional to get everything sorted out.
Feeling under-the-weather? Here’s a guide to help decipher between the two pesty illnesses:
One Of These Things Is Not Like the Other — Why It Matters Sure, they may share some symptoms, but colds and allergies are like apples to oranges: While the common cold is caused by a virus, allergy symptoms are immune system responses to allergens like pollen, dust, or Fluffy’s hair. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is how long they last — which unfortunately doesn’t help when symptoms first strike! A common cold usually lasts no longer than ten days, while allergies can pester people for months on end. Seasonal allergies usually bloom the same time every year (hellloo, spring!) while colds are more prominent in the winter and fall. No surprise there! Still, each sickness has its main contenders to win worst symptom ever. With a cold, coughing and congestion are almost always evident, whereas itchiness of the mouth, eyes, and throat are easy indicators of allergies. The type of mucus associated with each is particular, too. (Gross, we know. Just hold onto those tissues!) A yellowy mucus usually accompanies a cold, while people with allergies deal with thin, watery snot. Other symptoms unique to the common cold include muscle aches, fatigue, and fever, whereas an all day
Sneaky Sickness — Your Action Plan
The Common Cold: • ◦Common: Cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, sneezing ◦Sometimes: Fatigue, aches/pains ◦Rarely: Fever, itchy eyes Allergies: • ◦Common: Itchy eyes, runny/stuffy nose, sneezing ◦Sometimes: Cough, sore throat, fatigue ◦Never: Fever, aches/pains Figuring out what’s causing us to stay under the covers is only half the battle, though! To help prevent a cold, remember to frequently wash those hands and stay away from others who are sick — colds are contagious! (Unlike allergies.) If it’s too late and the sniffles are already a-comin’, get plenty of rest and fluids, try an over-the-counter cold medicine, and yes — chicken noodle soup with a side of zinc — could help. As for allergies, staying away from allergens is the best bet for staying sneeze-free: Shut the windows and turn up the AC to avoid pollen coming into the house, and rinse off after dog-sitting! Try taking some over-the counter antihistamines and decongestants as well, and check pollen rates before heading outdoors. Remember: It’s always best to check with a doctor to figure out what’s causing those sniffles and sneezes, too. If a fever just won’t go away, a
cold lasts longer than ten days, or if those allergy symptoms never seem to go away, it may be more complicated than cold vs. allergies. Getting better is key to continuing that half-marathon training plan and enjoying those first spring bar-b-ques!
Fit to Fight Article Courtesy of GX Magazine
Your PT test is coming up and you know you’re going to be hurting, but you just got done working all day, and you really don’t feel like going to the gym for the third time this week. The thought of going through your same old workout is crushing your will to live—never mind your will to exercise. If that sounds like you, fight the gym monotony melancholy by adding a little variety to your routine. Not only will you be more likely to work out, but your body will thank you for it. Doing the same old exercises strengthens only the same old muscles. But a varied approach to fitness will give you a more “functional fitness”—the kind of combination of strength, agility and cardiovascular that will not just improve your score on every part of the APFT, but make you more fit. Consider these four options. TABATA METHOD Perfect for the Guard Soldier who’s trying to squeeze in workouts before/after/ between the rest of your real life, the Tabata method isn’t a style of exercise so much as a way to pace your exercise. Tabata is a form of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) that involves bursts of strenuous exercises like sprints, followed by short
rest periods. Typically, the workouts are accomplished with 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest time. You can also combine multiple exercises into one Tabata workout and perform them in different intervals. Recent studies have shown that, no matter your current fitness level, you can achieve major gains in surprisingly short amounts of time. (We are talking as little as four minutes.) And, if done properly, the HIITstyle workout will improve anaerobic, aerobic and muscular fitness, making it great for Guard Soldiers who want to achieve big fitness goals without investing a lot of time. Why Tabata method? —Cram a lot of fitness benefit into short workouts
—You can use it with exercises you’re already comfortable with —Fat-burning, aerobic and anaerobic benefits
—You can easily do yoga (or Pilates workouts) at home, or take classes at your local gym —Relieve stress while you work out
YOGA Yoga improves balance, flexibility and strength, decreases stress, and might even help prevent depression, pain and anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic. With all those benefits, plus the fact that a high-intensity yoga workout will shred your core in ways that crunches never will, yoga’s worth a try. Sure, sit-ups are one way to get ready for the APFT. But they work only the muscles on the outside of your abdomen (your rectus abdominis); they don’t engage the muscles closer to your ribs and intestines (transverse abdominis). Working out your entire core muscles through exercises like yoga (or Pilates) will not only improve your sit-up score and your run time, but will lead to a more aligned spine and balanced muscle strength. Which means you will feel less pain whenever you do need to use those areas. If you’ve ever experienced chronic back pain, yoga has too many benefits to be overlooked.
KICKBOXING/MMA One of the fastest-growing fitness crazes, kickboxing classes have been popping up at gyms around the country, and MMA gyms are quickly becoming available in most urban areas. Whether you’re training on boxing, Muay Thai (classic kickboxing) or jiujitsu (a popular grappling martial art), or you’re attending a class like Tae Bo, you’re going to get a high-intensity, fullbody workout. You’re also going to have fun doing it. Plus, the social aspect of a group fitness class encourages regular participation and keeps you more accountable to your workouts, and we shouldn’t even have to mention how combatives can make you a better Soldier.
Why yoga? —Improve your APFT score and potentially ease muscle pain while you do it
Why kickboxing/MMA? —No matter your MOS, combatives training will make you a more well-rounded Soldier —Extreme fun factor, with stress-release benefits from competition —Functional fitness, which means more muscles used and higher agility gains CLIMBING
You might think of indoor rock climbing as just a hobby. But try it once and the fitness aspect will take you by surprise. This fullbody workout is so taxing that you probably won’t last long enough for a full workout at first, considering that it requires a lot of strength from muscles that are often forgotten (like the forearms). Experienced climbers benefit from increased core strength, improved flexibility and lean, strong muscles. Climbing also has the added benefit of tracking improvements easily. As you’re able to climb higher and at increased difficulty, that positive reinforcement will encourage continued participation. Why climbing? —Combination of fat burning and full-body strength
—Core and leg strength will improve sit-up and run scores on the APFT —Built-in positive reinforcement for those willing to stick it out
Your Money Matters Money and Adult Children Every child is different. One will be great with their money management and a sibling may be always financially challenged. I hear from parents of adult children that they are giving/lending their adult children money on regular basis to help them make ends meet or to address an emergency need. During these tough financial times it has been happening more often. The most important piece of this dynamic is that you -the parent - do not compromise your financial health by helping your adult child. Your children have more time and energy to recover from financial troubles than you. In order to understand the financial impact of your generosity you need to identify your true cost of living. This can be done by writing
down and adding up all your monthly expenses plus your non-monthly expenses (divided by 12 months) such as: gifts, car maintenance, car registration, oil, propane, wood, medical deductibles and co pays, house maintenance, house taxes, and clothes. Then add in money you are saving or investing each month. If you have debt payments you need to include them in your total amount. The sum of these expenses will be your true cost of living. Once you know your true cost of living you will have a better understanding of the impact your gifts are having on your finances. If these gifts or loans are having a negative affect then you need to cut back on your expenses or increase your income to accommodate helping your adult child.
One way to increase your awareness and your control over your generosity is to open an account “helping children.” It will only have your name on it. Put an identified amount of money into that account that you can afford to give to your children (or lend them). This will help you and your child gauge how much you’re giving. This account can be replenished with money repaid. Another way to address financial concerns your adult children have is to use their circumstances as a teachable moment -be careful not to preach. It’s best to start by being a good listener then state the problem and verify you clearly understand the situation. It is very important to acknowledge how uncomfortable, scary or stressful it must be for them. Then ask, “What
Military OneSource Consultants provide information and make referrals on a wide range of issues, including personal financial management. Free face-to-face counseling sessions (and their equivalent by phone or online) are also available. Call 1-800-3429647 or go to www.militaryonesource. mil to learn more.
ideas have you thought to resolve your concerns?” You could help them generate ideas but it is most effective if the ideas come from them. If one of the ideas is to go to you for help, it could be expanded with ideas on how to repay you, or how to avoid this from happening again. You can also offer to pay for a financial counseling session, but perhaps they can get this FREE from the JFSAP financial counselor who serves all military branches and their family members, or go through Military One Source, or a local agency. Money management is a developmental process. If you allow your children to rescue themselves or take some responsibility for their financial situation then you are helping them grow into being financially independent.
Gayle Rose Martinez JFSAP Personal Financial Counselor 207-274-3987 grmartinez@ mflc.zeiders.com
VeteransPlus provides free, confidential financial education counseling to service members and veterans. Their resources can help you better manage your finances, get control of any debt that you may have and learn how to save and invest for your future. For more information: www. veteransplus.org or call 888-488-8767.
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