The Bayonet - June 2015

BAYONET

the

The Official Magazine of the Maine National Guard

Vol 3 // Issue 2

BESTWARRIOR&AIRMENOFTHEYEAR

PART4(Conclusion):ONTHEWAY!

THE HISTORY OF THE 152ND FIELD ARTILLERY

MAINE GUARD TRAINS FOR DISASTER U.S. ARMY REVISES UNIFORM POLICY Operational Camouflage Pattern: Available July 1

SHOULDTHEGUARDSHRINK? Vol 3 // Issue 1

Intro The Maine National Guard office of Public Affairs is pleased to present the June 2015 edition of the Bayonet Magazine.

The Bayonet is the official magazine of the Maine National Guard and is made possible by Soldier and Airmen provided content and feedback.

This quarter’s installment is full of Soldier and Airmen accomplishments, dynamic training coverage and important updates to uniform and policy changes.

You will also find outstanding imagery from contributors from the Maine Air and Army National Guard, health information, and much, much more.

If you enjoy the content that is provided in the Bayonet and would like to see more of it, please consider “liking” the Maine National Guard on Facebook (URL is provided next to Facebook logo on this page) where weekly updates and news are shared with the public.

Thank you for your continued interest and unwaivering support to your National Guard. Always Ready! Always There!

-Public Affairs Officer

Capt. Norman Stickney

the BAYONET Acting Adjutant General BRIG. GEN. GERARD BOLDUC Assistant Adjutant General - Air BRIG. GEN. GERARD BOLDUC Assistant Adjutant General - Army BRIG. GEN. MICHAEL J. BOUCHARD Public Affairs Officers MAJ. DEVIN ROBINSON (AIR) CAPT. NORMAN J. STICKNEY (ARMY) Managing Editor SGT. 1ST CLASS PETER MORRISON Journalists SGT. 1ST CLASS PETER MORRISON STAFF SGT. ANGELA PARADY SPC. SARAH MYRICK Contributors CHAPLAIN (COL.) ANDREW GIBSON 1ST LT. JONATHAN BRATTEN 1ST LT. MATTHEW J. PICARD CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 JON CAMPBELL STAFF SGT. TRAVIS HILL Layout and Design CAPT. NORMAN J. STICKNEY

Questions and feedback: Public Affairs Office, Building 8, Camp Keyes, Augusta, ME 04333 Phone: (207) 430-5759 Email: ng.me.mearng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil Online: www.me.ngb.army.mil Front Cover: Spc. Keagan Cote with Medical Command throws a simulated grenade during the stress shoot at the Maine Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition. The stress shoot tested their ability to shoot at targets down-range after completing tasks like dragging a weighted sled, throwing a simulated grenade and high crawling in the dirt. (National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison / Released) Back Cover: The 11th Weapons of Mass Destruction - Civil Support Team loads a C-17 Globemaster with their trucks and equipment at Stewart Air Force Base, New York, on April 1, 2015.

The civil support team must constantly train on how to load their equipment on various platforms, to include aircraft, in order to ensure the team can deploy wherever is needed.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison /Released)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maine-National-Guard/286347663430 https://twitter.com/mearng https://www.flickr.com/photos/mearng

The Bayonet is produced by the Citizen Soldiers / Airmen of the Maine National Guard, and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense.

Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, nor the Maine National Guard.

All pictures are Maine National Guard photos unless otherwise identified.

The 11th Weapons of Mass Destruction - Civil Support Team conducts training at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA. The team prepares for many hazards including; reacting to, identifying and recovering chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

(National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison / Released)

Spc. Timothy Phadungthin, a combat engineer from the 251st Engineer Company (SAPPER) low crawls during the Maine Army National Guard Soldier of the year competition. Phadungthin won the Maine title, and then went on to win the Region One Best Warrior at Camp Edwards MA. He will represent the region at the National Guard Best Warrior Competition held in Utah this June.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Best Warrior and Airmen of the Year

A Message From

Regional Training Institute

“On the Way” Conclusion

Health Beat

Changes to Army Policy

Maine Guard Prepares

The Adjutant General

A History of the 152nd Field Artillery

The Army Re-evaluated itsTtattoo Policy

The Chaplain’s Word State Marksmanship Team

Earns Highest Accredidation Level

Protect yourself from Dangerous UV Rays CERF-P and CST Training for Disaster

Your Opinion

Do You Think the National Guard Should Shrink?

New Army Combat Uniform Available July 1, 2015

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Vol. 3 // Issue 2

A Message From Brig. Gen. Gerard Bolduc

the aCTING adjutant general “If you sweat the small stuff, big stuff never happens!”

Think about it for a moment in terms of how it applies to all of you in the Maine National Guard, what are some of the small things you can do so that big things never occur? I have some thoughts I’d like to share with you.

Officer Performance Reports (OPRs), Enlisted Performance Reports (EPRs): Some of you have heard me discuss ad nauseam the importance of completing these in a timely manner. I firmly believe that providing our Airmen and Soldiers an on-time appraisal is the most important thing we can do for them. Ratings and feedback often times are considered one of those “must do” items—a sort of annoyance. The implications of not completing them could be catastrophic to our personnel’s future. Consider a Soldier coming up for promotion without an up-to-date appraisal record.

Late appraisals have to be done quickly, possibly in haste, without an accurate account of performance. Furthermore, the new electronic signature system will automatically date the form when it is signed. Will the promotion board notice that four late appraisals were all signed in a two-week period in 2015? I ask all of you in a supervisory capacity to set personal goals to accomplish all ratings for all of your members.

Leadership by Walking Around: For all leaders and supervisors in the National Guard, both Air and Army—get out there! Walk around and talk with your people. Find out what’s going on; what they need. Get a “temperature check” of the small stuff, which—if left unchecked—could blossom. (Caveat: Don’t forget about the chain of command!) I also believe you’ll feel a sense of professional satisfaction from simply being among the Airmen and Soldiers of the State who make you look good every day. Most importantly, thank them. A heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way.

Goal Setting: All members of the Maine National Guard need to set goals. For example, personal goals should be set prior to drill to accomplish all expired ancillary training. Don’t wait for your Training Manager to tell you that you are late. Get a training report and follow it month to month. I know the amount of training is The Bayonet

Vol. 3 // Issue 2

unbearable at times, but it is possible to accomplish. Sweating this small stuff will ensure that associated National Guard Headquarters in Washington, will take note that the State is motivated and “gets it.”

Advice from a Retired Member: The late Chief Master Sergeant Gene Frost once told me, “Every day do one thing to make yourself a better Airman, and every day do one thing to make your workplace a better place.” Very wise words. I challenge everyone to learn or do something each duty day to improve your skills, i.e. job, military, leadership, or “followership.” To make our National Guard a better place, consider a small housekeeping task or even something like spreading ice melt on an icy walkway—the list is endless.

Awards: When was the last time you recommended or submitted one of your members for an award? This goes along with my previous “what you can do” advice from Chief Frost. I encourage you to learn how to nominate your personnel for awards using your service’s computer system. It really isn’t that daunting a task. I have seen many members of the Wing without an Air Force Commendation Medal. Even our Air Force Achievement Medal submissions are low.

All of our Airmen and Soldiers have stood up to the task, and deserve a token of recognition. Taking care of this relatively easy task will reap huge benefits; trust me…and trust me that your service’s computer system for awards is user-friendly. All First Sergeants are highly skilled in its use, and can provide you the training and “cheat sheets” to successfully submit a military award nomination.

Customer Service: Every one of us has customers, both internal and external. I ask everyone to think about small incremental changes which could be done to improve customer service. Thinking about the small stuff we can do to improve our customer relationships will pay huge dividends in the future. It’s okay to have a brainstorming session and discuss this with your Airmen and Soldiers. I am thrilled whenever we hear about customer service improvements. Ask the Airmen and Soldiers on the front lines, what can we do to improve?

You’ll be very surprised by their insight.

My thanks are extended to Lt. Col. (Dr.) Charles Belisle (Retired) for the stimulus to write this article. Since our chat in November 2008, I’ve thought often about sweating the small stuff hoping that the big stuff won’t happen. Thanks, Doc!

Secure. Confidential. Anonymous.

safehelpline.org|877-995-5247

“on the way” the history of the

Landings in New Georgia: Map showing the movements of the 43rd Infantry Division on the island of New Georgia. (Courtesy of the Army Center of Military History)

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hen the 152nd Field Artillery Regiment was broken up in 1942, the 2nd Battalion was designated the 152nd Field Artillery Battalion and remained with the 43rd Infantry Division. They were paired with the 103rd Infantry Regiment, also from the Maine National Guard, to form the 103rd Regimental Combat Team. They would fight alongside each other for the duration of the war. That summer, the officers and the NCOs of the 152nd attended the Field Artillery Firing Program at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, followed by joint exercises with the infantry. The 152nd was issued 105mm howitzers to replace their World War I-era 75mm guns. With the 103rd Infantry and the rest of the 43rd Infantry Division, the 152nd was bound for the steamy jungles of the Pacific Theater.

General Douglas MacArthur had begun taking back the Pacific Islands on his way back to the Philippines. As the 43rd Division made its way through New Zealand and, later, New Caledonia, the U.S. Marines were fighting their way onto the island of Guadalcanal. With the 103rd, the 152nd arrived on Guadalcanal in February of 1943 just as the last remaining pockets of Japanese resistance were being wiped out. This did not stop Japanese fighter-bombers from bombing the newly arrived Mainers their first night on the island.

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From Guadalcanal, the 152nd traveled to Banika Island where they set up defensive firing positions. This small island was their staging ground for operations against the Japanese-held island of New Georgia, which contained the strategic Munda Airfield.

The invasion of New Georgia began on June 22, 1943, when elements of the 4th Marine Raider Battalion and the 1st Battalion, 103rd Infantry captured Segi Point on New Georgia. On June 30, Battery A, 152nd Field Artillery Battalion landed on Segi Point and Battery B landed at Wickham Anchorage. Battery C landed on nearby Rendova Island on July 2. From these positions, the guns could fire in support of the infantry. Going was tough for the grunts; the jungle was thick and the enemy well-trained in the art of jungle fighting. Every single battery was heavily engaged, their crews stripped to the waist in the thick jungle heat, trying to keep the infantry safe.

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n July 25, Captain Harold Slager of the 152nd discovered a strong Japanese force trying to sneak up on the division command post. Captain Slager shadowed them, radioing back to headquarters until he was discovered and gunned down.

But his heroic actions bought time for division artillery to open final protective fires on the enemy, driving them off.

The 152nd adapted to the enemy’s tactics in creative ways.

Knowing that when U.S. artillery began firing the Japanese would

152nd field artillery (conclusion) get close to the American lines to escape the bombardment, the 103rd would pull back from their lines when the 152nd started firing. Then, when the Japanese got up close to the old U.S. positions, the 152nd would shift their rounds onto the old positions, destroying the Japanese in the open. When infantry confronted Japanese defensive bunkers made of coral stone, they would call for the high explosives of the 152nd to clear them out. After weeks of furious fighting in terrible jungle conditions, Munda Airfield was taken on August 5.

This would be the unit’s last significant fight. Japan surrendered on August 15.

Both the infantry and the artillery spent a month in occupation duty in Japan, before being relieved and sent home. They reached U.S. soil on October 9, 1945, three years since they left.

Although the men of the 152nd were mustered out in 1945, the Maine Army National Guard was authorized to retain it in 1946. Based out of Aroostook County, its ranks were filled with veterans and new recruits. As in wartime, it was paired with the 103rd Infantry in the 103rd Regimental Combat Team.

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lthough the 152nd was briefly engaged in the New Guinea Campaign in 1944, the next test of their mettle came on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. On January 9, 1945, the 152nd followed the 103rd ashore through the surf of the Lingayan Gulf. From then on it was a rigorous routine: follow the infantry, pound Japanese strongholds into submission, and then move to the next one. Hills 200 and 600 took the 103rd Regimental Combat Team a full month to reduce, in extremely heavy fighting. After thirtyeight days of combat, they came off the front lines. The 152nd had fired 27,223 rounds of high explosive shells and had killed fifty-four enemy personnel during dismounted patrols alone.

On March 9, 1945, they were back in the fight, driving hard against the Japanese Shimbu Line, a series of fortified ridges.

On March 21, they captured the 1,200 foot Mount Tanauan, where, under cover of artillery fire from the 152nd, the infantry scaled steep cliffs to drive off the enemy. The offensive continued, with the units constantly on the move, in nearly daily combat. The gunners of the 152nd used high-angle fire to drop shells into Japanese-held caves, causing massive destruction. On May 15, 1945, the units reached the Ipo Dam, a strategic point because it supplied 30% of the water used by the city of Manila. After days of sharp fighting, where the infantry followed close under the bombardment of the 152nd’s guns, the dam was captured intact.

103rd RCT 152FA Gun Firing, 1950s: Soldiers of the 152nd Field Artillery Battalion fire their 105mm howitzer during Annual Training at Camp Drum, 1954.

(Courtesy of Maine National Guard Historical Archives)

M-108 self-propelled 105mm howitzers from Battery C, 1-152nd Field Artillery prepare to fire during Annual Training at Camp Drum, 1960s. Battery C was one of the first units in the country to receive this new technology.

(Courtesy of the 152nd Field Artillery Association)

“ontheway”part4:Conclusion

M-198 155mm howitzers from Battery A, 1-152nd Field Artillery firing at Annual Training, 2003. (Courtesy of the 152nd Field Artillery Association)

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his relationship continued until 1959 when the infantry became armored cavalry. At this time, the 152nd was changed back to the 152nd Field Artillery Regiment, to consist of the 1st Howitzer Battalion.

In 1967, it was reorganized to be the 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery. Over the years the battalion transitioned from their 105mm howitzers to 105mm M37 self-propelled tracked howitzers and 105mm M108 self-propelled tracked howitzers to 155mm howitzers. The battalion was consistently rated as one of the top-performing units within the Maine Army National Guard.

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ue to Army force structure changes, the 1-152nd Field Artillery was inactivated in 2006 and the units were consolidated as the 185th Engineer Support Company.

Many officers and enlisted Soldiers of the Maine Army National Guard retain their connection with their field artillery roots, and the old artillery motto, “On the Way!” brings forth many memories.

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n 2004, the battalion sent a composite company titled the 1-152nd Field Artillery, Forward, to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

From February 2004 to September 2005, the artillerymen filled the role of military police in the notorious prison facility of Abu Ghraib. Arriving after the abuses committed by U.S. military personnel, the Soldiers of the 152nd helped restore the honor of the U.S. military at the prison by treating the prisoners fairly and humanely. Their expertise was recognized by the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Commanding General of Ground Operations in Iraq. Although not performing their military occupational specialty and under constant enemy fire, the artillerymen made a name for themselves for their exceptional service.

1st. Lt. Jonathan Bratten is a contributing editor of the Bayonet and serves as the Maine National Guard Historian.

He is always looking for photos, documents, and stories from past and current deployments.

Contact him at jonathan.d.bratten.mil@mail.mil

The chaplain’s word the ball came down, he swung “To the angel of the church in with all of his might…and Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and missed. “Nice try son,” encouraged his father. With only a little the Last, who died and came look of disappointment, to life again. I know your the boy bent down afflictions and your and picked up poverty – yet you If you let a the ball once are rich! I know again. He the slander of hypocrite stand berepeated the those who tween you and God, than steps, tosssay they are ing the ball a Jews and are the hypocrite is closer to little higher not, but are and swinga synagogue God than you are. ing even of Satan. Do harder…again, not be afraid of he missed. “That’s what you are about okay, son,” said Dad, to suffer. I tell you, “you’ll get it next time.” The boy the devil will put some of you in picked up the ball a third time prison to test you, and you will and repeated again the steps, suffer persecution for ten days. getting the same result. The Be faithful, even to the point of father did not quite know what death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, to say as he looked at his son, obviously disappointed. But then, let him hear what the Spirit says the boy brightened. He looked to the churches. He who overup at his Dad and said, “I told you comes will not be hurt at all by I was the best baseball player the second death.” (Rev 2:8-11) ever!” The father was confused.

“How do you figure that?” he A small boy came running in to asked. The boy smiled and said, his father from outside. “Come “Did you ever see such a great look, Dad! I am the greatest pitcher?” baseball player of all time!” The father followed the boy outside There are many people, not only and watched as his son picked wide-eyed boys, who say they up a bat and ball. are something that they are not.

The boy tossed the ball in the air They twist the truth to their own and took up a batter’s stance. As truth, rather than listening to the

Word of God. As the above scripture points out, such people often succeed in putting us down or persecuting us, even harming us. However, says the author, hang in there anyway. If you stay true to the God who will guide you, you will not be touched, in the long, run by these hypocrites.

Many compromise their own faith in order to avoid these people; I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say that they wouldn’t go to church because of all the hypocrites. Just remember: If you let a hypocrite stand between you and God, than the hypocrite is closer to God than you are. Think about it; it’s true. Hold these truths in your heart and God will see you through.

Chaplain (Col.) Andy Gibson Joint Forces Headquarters Maine, Chaplain

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new england team trains for disaster

Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Angela Parady

Service members from the New Hampshire Army National Guard and Rhode Island Air National Guard work as one unit to decontaminate survivors in a simulated train crash.

Every individual has to be brought through several stations to ensure that any hazardous materials they may have been exposed to are no longer a threat. Individuals, who have been injured and can’t walk, are guided through the process in their medical litters. The team is part of the New England Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package, and are prepared to deploy anywhere within New England within six hours of notification to work with local first responders if such an incident were to happen.

A train full of passengers headed to Providence, Rhode Island is attacked by an unknown terrorist cell. Hundreds of individuals are injured and displaced within the wreckage. First responders notice damage to a chemical warehouse storage facility, and chlorine gas is leaking at the wreckage site. After they survey the area, they report their findings to the incident commander, who determines they need to call in the CERF-P. The CERFP-P or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive, or CBRNE, Enhanced Response Force Package is an additional emergency response force designed to respond when situations are too large or too hazardous for local agencies, especially in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incident, or certain natural disasters that may cause significant strain on the local authorities.

The New England CERF-P team is comprised of National Guard Soldiers from three different states, who came together in Quonset, Rhode Island in May to train on a series of collective exercises meant to test their capabilities and limitations.

Spc. Juan Saucedo, an engineer with the 861st Engineer Company, Rhode Island Army National Guard, is one of the members of the search and extraction team. Once his team is notified that the CERF-P has been activated, they have six hours to arrive and get connected to the local first responders.

As a member of the search and extraction team, Saucedo, who went in with the first recon team to search the train and help identify victims, is prepared for any situation. He and his team have been trained to dig through rubble using jack hammers and shovels and work to rescue anyone who may have still been in a building during its demise. His team’s mission is to go in after all of the potential hazards have been identified and collect all of the survivors.

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“We are designed to respond to a number of things,” said the West Warwick native. “Here in New England we are really centered around anything that could collapse, such as buildings, parking structures, bridges, while also remaining ready to respond to any sort of natural disasters that could require a search element.”

In the fall of 2014, CERF-P teams in Washington were called in to aide with the mudslides. The search and extraction teams had to go in and find people who had been buried alive in mud and sludge. Even though they were covered in mud, the individuals still went through a decontamination process to get them cleaned up and identify any potential injuries, and then treated by the medical teams.

“This week we are focusing on threats to rail systems and ports,” said Saucedo. “Being that we have a lot of coastal areas, and a lot of rail transit, these are likely places for a disaster to potentially take place. It is good for us to learn and train for the environment we may face.”

Cpt. Todd Abbott, with the 521st Troop Command, Maine Army National Guard serves as a branch chief for the CERF-P team. Currently the 521st provides the CERF-P with their command and control element.

“All the CERFP’s are designed to be multi-agency,” said Abbott, who lives in Arundel, Maine. “But we are the only I know of that is multistate as well. Being spread across three states gives us access to additional resources, as well as improving our timed response. Because we have people coming from all over, we are able to respond to any situation in all of our area, within six hours of being notified.”

Each CERF-P is comprised of a mission command team, a medical team, a search and extraction/recovery team and a decontamination team.

“All of the teams conduct training that is geared towards their core

skills year-round,” said Abbott. “At least twice a year we come together as a region, as a collective issue to work through whole scenarios. We want to be trained and ready, always up to date and prepared in all of our skills, as individuals and as a whole.”

Each team has a role to play in the scenario, just as if it were a real event. Working through the rail yard where the train was derailed, each team was able to see their training put to practice and make smooth transitions as they moved through the different processes. The search and rescue team works closely with the decontamination team, who then works closely with the medical team; and they all have to communicate information back to the command center.

assigned to the task of CERF-P and said that while it has had its challenges, the event has provided him with useful information.

“This is a good use of our time overall,” said Wallace, who is also a graduate student living in Portland. “It helps to work with units that aren’t in your day-to-day sphere, better than being your own customer. You can’t anticipate what someone is going to ask of you. So we are trying to get out of the box in our own training, it is nice to have someone from the outside ask us for something and help us find what we are or were missing.”

Abbott said that the joint exercises help the different teams develop relationships with one another and build trust and rapport.

While the New England CERF-P has not been called for an active situation, other CERF-P’s have been deployed to aid in hurricane recovery, blizzard clean up, and most recently, mudslides. While Abbott said that he hopes New England never finds themselves in a crisis that would require the support of the CERF-P, he is confident that his team is ready and prepared to respond if they ever do get that call.

Many of the servicemembers said they were happy to be taking part in the larger exercise. Staff Sgt. Raymond Chan is a fire protection specialist with the 143rd Civil Engineer Squadron, Rhode Island Air National Guard and serves as a member of the decontamination team along with soldiers from the New Hampshire Army National Guard.

“This is great refresher training for people who haven’t done this recently, or to this scale, or at all,” said Chan, who monitored individuals coming through the decontamination tents after they had been washed and scrubbed to make sure they no longer showed any signs of the chemical hazards.

“We get very proficient on our piece of the puzzle that we forget how to work with the other pieces. We are being reminded of that here today and how important that communication piece really is. We will be back up to speed quickly.”

The search and extraction team received new suits for their mission recently, suits that the decontamination team wasn’t familiar with. In this training environment, they had the chance to work together to learn about the new suits and how it affects some of the standard procedures for everyone, said Chan who lives and works in Boston.

Not only were there new suits, but the 521st brought along a Joint Interoperability Site Communications team that helps with the communication needs of the mission. A six man team comprised of members from the 265th Combat Communications Squadron, Maine Air National Guard, they help establish radio frequencies, set up infrastructure and manage cyber communications.

Michael Wallace recently joined the team

Members of the New England Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive, or CBRNE, Enhanced Response Force Package (CERF-P) Search and Extraction team respond to a simulated train crash in Quonset Point, R.I., May 6. They provide immediate care while triaging patients and preparing them for decontamination and treatment.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Randlett and Security Forces personnel attend baton training during a unit training assembly at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, ME, May 3, 2015 (Air National Guard Photo

by Staff Sgt. Travis Hill/Released)

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Two aircraft from 1st of the 126th Aviation conducted over water training off the coast of Maine over the weekend. Crews prepared their over water survival gear and helicopters for flight over the ocean as the water temperatures were near 40 degrees. The training requires crews to wear anti-exposure suits along with other cold water survival gear as part of their mission. Also, this training prepares flight crew to conduct flight in a low contrast and limited visibility environment safely and efficiently. (Courtesy photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4, Jon Campbell)

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The 11th Weapons of Mass Destruction - Civil Support Team loads a C-17 Globemaster with their trucks and equipment at Stewart Air Force Base, New York, on April 1, 2015.

The civil support team must constantly train on how to load their equipment on various platforms, to include aircraft, in order to ensure the team can deploy wherever is needed.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Pete Morrison /Released)

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By Sgt. First Class Peter D. Morrison, Maine Army National Guard

Maine National Guard Schoolhouse Earns Highest Accreditation level

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fter three years of hard work a Maine National Guard school house was awarded the rating of “Institution of Excellence” by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and the U.S. Army Engineer School. This is the highest accreditation level possible.

The 240th Regiment Regional Training Institute is located in Bangor, Maine, in a state of the art facility that was completed in October 2012. The 240 RTI has multiple classrooms, a large auditorium and the ability to house nearly 100 students.

Currently, the 240th Regiment teaches the 12W carpentry and masonry course which is a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command course, as well as combat medic classes and combat lifesaver courses.

Getting the school accredited has been a lengthy process, as TRADOC wants to make sure that soldiers are receiving the highest quality of training possible.

There is no difference in the quality of instruction for 18 inMagazine/ January, 2012

active duty, or the Reserve components. It is all one standard.

“The key to this success was the commander, Lt. Col. Sean Harmon, he set the bar really high,” said Master Sgt. Kenneth Oiler, the 12W course manager for the 240 RTI. “He said, ‘We aren’t going to settle for an accreditation score of 84. We want a score in the high 90’s in order to achieve the Institute of Excellence rating’ and the staff here all went for it.”

Oiler said that they put in a lot of long days to ensure they got the accreditation, knowing that it would give them full funding and allow them to get all the required items to run their programs correctly.

The institute as a whole has been awarded the IOE, therefore allowing the 240th Regiment to conduct more courses like Warrior Leadership Course, the Raven unmanned Aerial Vehicle Course and several others.

“We want people to see our schoolhouse as the place to go, a five star institution,” said Oiler.

“We have a great team here, it’s a great place to work and we want everyone who comes here to have the best experience and training possible and recommend it to someone else.”

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he schoolhouse benefits both TRADOC and the Maine National Guard, but Oiler is quick to point out that the students and faculty buy local, which brings revenue to the Bangor area.

“We use local catering, lumberyards, hardware and any local place we can buy food or shop for supplies.

The students go out and bring money to the area,” Oiler said. “It’s a great thing, for us and a great thing for Bangor; it’s a win-win.”

Harmon said he was very happy though not surprised at the outcome and having been awarded the Institute Of Excellence.

“The Soldiers in the Regiment performed incredibly well,” said Harmon. “They put forth an outstanding effort and dedication as instructors and support staff. This was recognized by TRADOC and US Army Engineer School evaluators. The people of Maine should be very proud of their Soldiers, who proved once again that they are among the best in the Army.”

Soldiers are learning a new skill at the carpentry and masonry course held at the Regional Training Institute in Bangor, Maine.

The institute recently went through a validation process to become an accredited school.

Joshua M. Munoz, 315th Engineers, Vertical Construction Company, California Army National Guard is one of the students to participate in the 12W carpentry and masonry course held at the 240th Regiment Regional Training Institute located in Bangor, Maine.

Concrete mixers are available to the students of the 12W carpentry and masonry course held at the 240th Regiment Regional Training Institute is located in Bangor, Maine, in a state of the art facility that was completed in October 2012.

The 240 RTI has multiple classrooms, a large auditorium and the ability to house nearly 100 students.

inMagazine/ January, 2012

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AIRMEN ACCOLADES Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Sinclair, Photos by Staff Sgt. Travis Hill, 101st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

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he Maine Air National Guard recog- The dining in event featured a full catered nizes their Airmen for their outstand- lunch, a toasting ceremony, the singing ing accomplishments. of the Air Force song, and a 101st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs video producLeadership held the 2015 Airman of the tion encompassing the Airmen and their Year ceremony March 8th, where 110 accomplishments reminding families that commanders, supervisors, subordinates service before self is more than just an Air and family members the yearly recogni- Force core value…it’s a way of life. tion of excellence.

“It’s a huge, really important job,” said AirCapt. Michele Pampinella, Senior Master man Borer’s mother Kathy. “It’s a dangerSgt. Howard Gooldrup, Senior Master Sgt. ous job, so of course as a mom that makes Jeremiah Jordan, Technical Sgt. Joel Crow- me worried but I’m glad that I raised a son ley, Technical Sgt. Zachary Taylor, and that was willing to stand and up and say, Senior Airman Samuel Borer went above ‘take me’.” and beyond the normal call of duty and were selected by leadership to receive the The distinguished Airmen and their famiaward in front of peers and family. lies welcomed a special guest during the event, The Honorable Paul LePage. The “I’m very proud. I don’t really have the governor expressed his deepest gratitude words to articulate how proud I am of and appreciation to the Airmen of the Michelle and what she does,” said Capt. year and their families, and said he was Pampinella’s spouse Jacqueline. “She’s re- humbled to be a part of their accolades. ally passionate about her job. She loves it, and I think that translates in what she “Its super-human work,” LePage said. “It’s does, and I think that was the reason she a great honor to be around those that give was recognized, because she absolutely their all.” loves it.”

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The Airmen of the Year will continue to fly into the wild blue yonder by competing at the national level against other Air Force units.

Above: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Samuel Borer is presented the Maine’s 2015 Outstanding Airman of the Year award by Staff Sgt. Taubner at the Senator Inn in Augusta, Maine.

Below: The Governor of Maine, The Honorable Paul LePage, speaks to attendees at the 2015 Airman of the Year Ceremony

maine national guard marksmanship team Story and Photos by staff sgt. angela parady

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ver 40 Maine Servicemembers spent the weekend of May 16th at Gardiner Training Area displaying their expertise with military weapons.

They were all trying to earn their way on to the Maine National Guard Marksmanship Team.

They represented the top shooters from more than 15 different Army National Guard companies, the Air National Guard, Army Reserve and Coast Guard.

During the two day event the Servicemembers competed in a total of six events, three with a rifle and three with a pistol. The event lets shooters see where they rank against others in the state, gain exposure to advanced marksmanship techniques, and the potential to represent the state in future events.

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Holmes, who has been the state marksmanship coordinator for the past twelve years, said that the national event has been taking place for 44 years, and that the state programs have been in place nearly as long, if not longer, than the national competition.

“The Maine National Guard State Marksmanship Matches were established to provide both Soldiers and Airmen an event that encourages friendly competition and familiarize them with advanced techniques,” said Holmes. “The program adds to their skill sets.”

Holmes said that every year Maine’s program has grown. After this competition which invites both novice and experienced shooters to compete, they will The Bayonet

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pick teams who will continue to practice their skill and compete at the next level.

to invade us, because we were so good with our rifles.”

Staff Sgt. Keith Paul, the marksmanship program coordinator said that newer shooters are ranked against others who have never shot competitively before.

Regardless the reason, more Servicememembers are working to excel on the

“There shouldn’t be a fear of coming out here,” said Paul. “We are all out here for the same reason. It is fun opportunity to really hone in your marksmanship skills and learn from your fellow Servicmembers.”

Last year the team the regional competition was held in Jericho, Vermont. Maine soldiers represented well, taking at least a top five position in four of six categories. Staff Sgt. Kyle Bartman placed second out of 108 competitors for overall best score.

Holmes said that the competition is only the tip of the iceberg, an encouraging and rewarding way to get soldiers to improve their own basic skills.

“Maybe I am unique in my belief, but marksmanship is the most basic soldier skill, and it is the most important to me,” said Holmes. “There is nothing more important than knowing how to shoot.

Starting before the Revolutionary War, civilian militiamen have been outstanding marksman. The British, they were better at formations, of standing in line, but we were better with weapons. Roosevelt was the first president to start a civilian program which I think was part of our success there as well. You know that is why foreign countries didn’t want

range. This training goes above and beyond the typical basic rifle marksmanship qualifications that National Guardsmen go through. Each day is broken into three parts. The first day focuses on combat rifle qualifications, and the second day focuses on combat pistol skills. For each weapon, they are tested in four different positions, standing, kneeling, sitting and prone. They have a certain amount of rounds to shoot within a predetermined time, often known as speed shooting, said Paul. For example, one of the last tables on the pistol range requires them to fire 10 rounds in 15 seconds, including one magazine change during that time. Competitors are scored based on their accuracy and aim.

At the end of the two day match, all of the points are added up, and winners are determined based on the highest scores. Every event is scored as a separate event, with winners for all six.

The overall winners of both days, and all six events were Staff Sgt. Kyle Bartman (Maine Army National Guard), Lt. Scott McCann (U.S. Coast Guard) and Sgt. Max Nickerson (Maine Army National Guard).

The teams have yet to be finalized, but the next match will be held towards the end of August at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

Things of Common Interest

Attention Veterans IF YOU ARE COMBAT WOUNDED YOU ARE INVITED TO BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE

Military Order of the

Purple Heart

of the United States of America

Incorporated by an Act of the U.S. Congress in 1958 Our Major Objective is to Work in Your Interest in Every Way We Can Toward the Care and Assistance of Our Fellow Combat Wounded and their Families.

THERE IS A LOCAL CHAPTER LOCATED AT: Chapter # 4570 Winslow, Maine

Chapter # 0716 South Portland, Maine www.purpleheart.org

For Further Information – Email or Write: Friedrich “Fred” T. Biermann (10) CFO CH 4570 NN 14 Gilman Street Waterville, Maine 04901-5434

Email: fab1@roadrunner.com

This is the Only Veterans’ Group in which Membership Automatically Denotes Combat Service.

Disclaimer: None of the events or organizations listed are endorsed by the United States or the State of Maine. Their inclusion in this publication is for purposes of informing the military community of events and organizations that may be of common interest to the military community and for no other purpose.

Recruit sustainment program

Soldier of the quarter

What are your goals?

I want to earn a college degree and receive a commission as an officer in the Maine Army National Guard.

What are your future plans?

Study Parks and Recreation and join the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at UMaine. I want to apply this education and my military training to serve the public as a state police officer or Maine Warden.

Did you know: Pvt. Kenton Ernst is a captain on his high school lacrosse team? He is also active in hockey and runs cross country.

He has served as the platoon guide in the recruit sustainment program based on his leadership experience and potential.

Name: Kenton Ernst Rank: Private E-2 Military Occupational Skill: 31B, Military Police Unit: 488th Military Police Company in Waterville, Maine Basic Training Location: Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri Hometown: Born in Buffalo, NY. Now resides in Auburn, Maine.

High School: St. Dominick Academy Interests: Hunting, Hiking, and Dirt Bikes

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Ernst has completed Basic Combat Training and provides mentorship to new recruits before they depart for the demanding training regimen.

The best advice he has for fellow Soldiers before shipping out to Basic Training: “Keep an open mind,” Ernst said. “Everyone’s experiences are different.”

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Revised uniform policy changes rules

Defense Media Activity - Army, Story by Lisa Ferdinando A Soldier displays his tattoos grandfathered in under the current Army Regulation 670-1. The number and size of tattoos on the arms and legs will be less restrictive under an updated policy, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno says will soon take effect. Photos by Staff Sgt. Xaime Hernandez

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he Army published the revised uniform and appearance regulation, AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1, April 10. The new regulation lifts restrictions on the size and number of tattoos authorized for Soldiers, and changes the rules for the wear of the Army Combat Uniform during commercial travel.

The new language allows Soldiers to have as many tattoos on their arms, legs and body as they want.

Additionally, there are no longer any size restrictions on those tattoos.

However, Soldiers are still prohibited from having tattoos above the T-shirt neckline - meaning anywhere on the neck, face and head.

Additionally, Soldiers are limited to no more than one “ring tattoo” on each hand, below the wrist line.

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What has not changed in the re- At the same time, revisions to the vised policy is the ban on extrem- policy had to ensure that Soldiers ist, indecent, sexist or racist tattoos. maintain an appearance that is both professional and aligned with An Army G-1 spokesperson said how the American taxpayer views the change to Army tattoo policy is their military. not tied to what is or is not visible while wearing any particular Army The changes in tattoo policy apply uniform. Instead, the policy spells also to civilians, who want to enlist out locations on the body where in the Army. Civilians contemplattattoos are prohibited. ing an Army career will be held to the same standards regarding The same Army spokesperson said tattoos as Soldiers already in the the revision of Army policies “are Army. not taken lightly.” Such policies and regulations are under “perpetual review.” The recent changes to AR 670-1 came after much feedback from the force and an extensive nder the new AR 670-1, Solreview of the September 2014 verdiers traveling commercialsion of the regulation. ly on official business are authorized to wear the Army ComArmy leadership wanted AR 670-1 bat Uniform, or ACU. to better represent the perspective of Soldiers, the spokesperson said. Previously, Soldiers were directed

OTHER UNIFORM UPDATES

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for tattoos, wear of combat uniform to wear their dress uniform during commercial travel.

They could wear the ACU when deploying, on rest and recuperation leave to and from the combat theater, or if their commander authorized the wear for emergency leave or casualty assistance duties.

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ew language in AR 670-1 also clarifies the wear of Army uniforms at off-post establishments that sell alcohol. Soldiers wearing their uniform may enter a liquor store to purchase package liquor, for instance. They may not, however, wear their uniform while drinking in a bar.

The G-1 spokesperson said the new policy does not prevent a uniformed Soldier from having dinner with his family or lunch with his coworkers at a restaurant that also serves alcohol. But the policy does prevent that same uniformed Soldier from having a drink in an establishment whose primary business is selling alcohol.

“The intent of the policy is for Soldiers to not wear their uniform in an establishment where consumption of alcohol is the primary activity,” the spokesperson said.

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he revised AR 670-1 also updates wear-guidance of shoulder-sleeve insignia for wartime service during Operation Enduring Freedom; adds wear guidance of shoulder-sleeve insignia for former wartime service during Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel; updates wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation

Enduring Freedom; adds wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation Inherent Resolve; adds wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation Freedom’s Sentinel; and clarifies approval of distinctive unit insignia.

The updated AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1, and training package can be found online at: http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/uniform.

Maine army national guardsmen compete

in best warrior competition

Story by Spc. Sarah Myrick, Photos by Sgt. Adam Simmler

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even Maine Army National Guard Soldiers participated in a state competition to find the best Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the year held at the Augusta Armory and Gardiner Training Area April, 1012 2015.

The best warrior competition tests Army skills and general military knowledge as well as physical and mental endurance.

“The competition gives everyone a chance of being a wellrounded Soldier, which makes the National Guard more combat ready,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Laliberte, a combat engineer with the 133rd Engineer Battalion and an instructor at Saturday’s events.

The Best Warrior Competition started Friday with the M-16 marksmanship event and the Stress Shoot, which tested the soldier’s abilities to shoot under duress. Both events were held at the Gardiner Training Area. After the range, the soldiers appeared before three sergeants major to be quizzed on their general military knowledge at the AugusThe Bayonet

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ta Armory to finish the day’s events.

Spc. Fabio O’Donnell, an intelligence analyst with the 120th Regional Support Group liked the challenge of the board appearance. “It forced Soldiers to learn knowledge important to being a Soldier,” said O’Donnell.

The three day competition continued on Saturday with a non-standard Army Physical Fitness Test, which replaced the standard two-mile run with a three-mile run. It was conducted at the Augusta armory and the Kennebec River Rail Trail. The soldiers also conducted day and night land navigation courses at the Gardiner Training Area and took a written exam on general military knowledge.

“Land navigation is a basic warrior skill that is perishable if not practiced,” said Spc. O’ Donnell. “The competition is a good way to utilize training since we only get to train once a month.”

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n Saturday the competitors were tested on Army warrior tasks at the Gardiner Training Area. This event included: performing voice communications, a medical treatment lane, reacting to an improvised explosive device, reacting to chemical/biological hazard or attack, searching a person or vehicle, and a weapons assembly and functions check.

Sunday’s events started with a 10k Ruck March along the Kennebec River Rail Trail, ending at the Augusta armory. The final event, kept a mystery until Sunday morning required the competitors to deploy a Claymore mine.

“Everybody did a great job,” said Laliberte, “you can see they all studied and took pride in what they were doing.”

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Taylor with the 1136 Transportation Company was named the best Noncommissioned officer of the year and Spc. Timothy Phadungthin, a combat engineer with the 133rd Engineer Battalion was named the best soldier of the year.

The best warrior from the state competition is slated to compete at the regional level Best Warrior Competition at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts in May.

YOUR OPINION

FEEDBACK FROM THE FIELD DO WE NEED TO GROW THE GUARD? Government officials have stated that former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel recommended drastic cuts of billions of dollars that would take American military forces to its lowest level since before World War II. “We’re still going to have a very significant-sized Army,” said a senior Pentagon official during a New York Times interview. “But it’s going to be agile. It will be capable. It will be modern. It will be trained.”

The Guard and Reserves, which proved capable in their wartime deployments, would face similar reductions.

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The Bayonet took to the streets to ask a few service members what they thought of THE PLAN TO DOWNSIZE THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Maj. Bradley G. Kelso Maine Army National Guard 11th Civil Support Team - Weapons of Mass Destruction

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he restricted spending environment for all areas of the federal government make it necessary to offset active duty with more economic National Guard forces. We need to analyze global concerns to ensure the forces we have can confront potential threats.

The highest risks are expanding terrorist groups and states like China and Russia fighting to gain territory for resources.

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he potential US military role is to support other national or regional forces in a coalition. After an initial insertion of active duty forces, the National Guard has proven that we can mobilize and deploy quickly and effectively to those conflicts. The US military needs to be prepared for and respond to Homeland Defense incidences such as major disasters, emergencies, and terrorist attacks. The National Guard is already trained, equipped, and conducting these Defense Support of Civil Authorities missions.

Staff Sgt. Anthony R. Sturgis Maine Army National Guard 11th Civil Support Team - Weapons of Mass Destruction

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iscally, I think it’s an easy argument to grow the National Guard over the Active Duty Components. It’s been proven through the last 14 or so years that the Guard is equally proficient in their respective skills and that comes at a fraction of the cost. Growing the Guard would also bolster our domestic defense as well as rapid response to natural or manmade disasters. If the National Guard activation process was expedited and activation to deployment time was decreased the National Guard would be able to fill the gaps of a decreased Active component.

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ational Defense and International Stability heavily effect the personnel strength of our military and based on the current climate and legitimate threats its harder to move one direction over the other, because downsizing doesn’t seem like a good option.

A clearer picture of what our role will be on an international scale would make it easier, but I think as a whole the National Guard has equal capabilities to carry out air or ground missions as the Active Duty forces. We have to train harder at every available opportunity to make sure we’re ready when our numbers called.

Staff Sgt. Lawrence Misiaszek Maine Air National Guard 11th Civil Support Team - Weapons of Mass Destruction

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he national and global climate has changed and due to that change so has the mission of our military here and abroad. I understand that the military is a supply and demand organization. When we are not in a conflict we typically don’t need as many assets to complete our missions, but when something else critical happens we seem to bolster the organization up again, which includes the increasing of the military budget. It seems to me that this is a cycle.

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o I like the idea of members losing jobs because of this?

No, but I cannot think of any other option. I will keep doing my job as I have been trained, and continue to represent this organization with the same professionalism as always.

Fun in the Sun

Safety Tips for combatting harmful uv exposure

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s we sit in our offices after many recent snowstorms, it is hard to believe that we may actually see the Sun and enjoy a decent Maine summer.

The Sun is roughly 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and the energy produced in its core is 27 million times greater than that of our best nuclear reactors. It would take 100 billion tons of dynamite exploded every second to equal the Sun’s current energy production (NASA). Thankfully we are 92,960,000 miles from this reactor and we have a safe protective blanket made up of ozone (O3) in our atmosphere to shield us. This combination of ozone and greenhouse gases creates a buffer that works to both keep heat in, and absorb a significant amount of radiation from the Sun. This balance, in turn, allows for life on Earth.

health beat

But this isn’t a science lecture; the goal is to learn how the Sun’s power can also promote health. Besides a cntinuous flow of energy, how does the Sun improve our health and what are the risks associated with Sun exposure?

The Bayonet

In 1903 during World War One, Niels Finsen, a French physician, discovered that direct Sunlight could be used to clean bacteria out of battle wounds. He later won a Noble Prize for this discovery. Today, there are a number of studies that demonstrate the multiple benefits to Sun exposure. Healthy Sun exposure reduces rates of depression, improves bone health, reduces the risk of cancer, reduces brain aging, reduces obesity, and even strengthens teeth (greenhealth). The University of Edinburgh published a study in 2013 demonstrating how direct Sun exposure on skin caused the body to releases a compound called nitric oxide. This compound reduces blood pressure and dilates our vessels (Medical news).

This benefit is likely the underlying cause for a notable reduction in heart disease and stroke rates when people are exposed to sunlight. In addition to blood pressure and heart disease reduction, we know that Sun exposure plays a direct role in vitamin D production.

Vitamin D has been called an anti-cancer agent, anti-aging medication, first line depression treatment, and has been shown to improve bone health. Studies demonstrate that vitamin D may reduce falls in elderly as well as improve kidney function (AGS). Extreme deficiencies of vitamin D can result in rickets, which is a disease of the bones which cause them to be weakened and bend.

Many studies show a direct correlation between Sunlight and improved bone health. In addition there have been reports that populations with limited Sun exposure have Vol. 3 // Issue 2

increased cancer rates, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.

The question is, are these medical benefits directly from Sun exposure, improved Vitamin D levels or elevated nitrous oxide levels? Or are increased outdoor activities related to an increase in Sun exposure and it’s purely the increased activity that improves our health. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, one could presume those with elevated Sun levels may have a variation in their diet and the ability to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

The answer is unclear, but Sun exposure improves health and possibly reduces death.

We also know that seasonal changes directly affect symptoms of depression. Depression during winter months is the hallmark for seasonal affective disorder, and perhaps this symptoms can be made better by taking Vitamin D. So the Sun has multiple possible benefits; but what about potential harms? Certainly too much Sun exposure can causes dehydration, sunburns, gene mutations, skin cancer and even Sun poisoning. These can be serious and life threatening. So why is the Sun dangerous?

The Sun emits very high levels of UVA and UVB light.

These are high frequency wave lengths in the color of ultraviolet light. These waves of light are very high energy. High energy increases body temperature so dehydration and fatigue occurs. With prolonged exposure it can cook things, much like a microwave oven. What gets cooked is your skin, specifically a layer of cells and genetic imprinting we use for waterproofing and protection. So the solution has been to put Sunscreen on, right? Well, sort of.

Sunscreen is a chemical cream, often containing oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene or zinc oxide. These absorb UV rays from the Sun and help protect your skin from burning. UV (ultraviolet) is known as a carcinogen and UVA is suspected to play a role in melanoma, squamous cell, and basal cell skin cancer. Recent studies have shown that burns from UVA exposure likely increases the release of free radicals which can lead to oxidative stress, disruption of cell membranes and even degradation of vitamin D. This is a new theory for underlying cause of melanoma. Basal cell and squamous skin cancer are also related to burn frequency and UV exposure. A recent study showed individuals who continuously wear sunscreen have a

By 1st Lt. Matthew J. Picard, P.A. reduction only in squamous cell cancer, but not basal or melanoma skin cancers (JABFM).

even though your skin is covered, you are still setting yourself up for burns. Recurrent burns may lead to skin cancer.

That being said, if worn correctly sunscreen reduces the risk of burning. This has a direct reduction in risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Interestingly, a low grade exposure to Sun without Sunscreen actually reduced risk the of melanoma (JABFM).

This is a very controversial finding. Individuals also assume a false sense of security with sunscreen and stay in the Sun longer, thinking they are protected from harmful rays. We often forget to apply sunscreen on regular intervals and ultimately burn more frequently (JABFM).

So what does this all mean, we’ve heard so much about skin cancer?

Our bodies are not set up (living in Maine) to have an adequate level of protection from Sun and we often rely on sunscreen and clothing for more protection, instead of limiting our overall exposure. An SPF 30-50 sunscreen reduces UVA A and B exposure by 1/30 or 1/50 of the normal amount without protection (Skincancer.org). You still receive a fraction of the ultra violet (UV) light exposure but it is limited. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours otherwise it is no longer as protective. Guess what the army issued tan T-shirt has for SPF protection against UVA on a sunny day? Its SPF score is 5, and goes down to 3 when wet. So remember,

o what does this all mean? Getting out in the Sun has wonderful health benefits. The Sun itself plays an important role in overall health, heart disease, bone strength, kidney and brain function. It may even improve mood.

However, you need to protect yourself from too much Sun exposure.

Your cotton T-shirt is a poor blocker of radiation.

The key to Sun exposure is moderation. Decreasing duration of direct Sun exposure and applying Sunscreen frequently will reduce your risk of some types of skin cancer. Use good SPF clothing, re-apply your Sunscreen and wear hats to prevent direct Sun exposure especially over your ears, nose, back, lips and face.

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If you end up with a new or rapidly growing spot or lesion go see your doctor. They are very easy to remove and virtually painless. What is a concerning lesion? Think of the ABCDEs of melanoma (glow-MD.com). Enjoy the summer and have fun in the Sun! MEDCOM.

U.S. Army Press Release, 01 June 2015

Operational Camouflage Pattern

Army Combat Uniforms available July 1

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he Army announced today the release of the Operational Camouflage Pattern in Soldier uniforms. The Operational Camouflage Pattern will be available for purchase in select military clothing sales stores beginning, July 1.

Stores will receive the uniforms over a period of six months from July to November, and new Soldiers will receive Operational Camouflage Pattern Army Combat Uniforms, or ACUs, beginning in January 2016. The Operational Camouflage Pattern was selected following the most comprehensive uniform camouflage testing effort ever undertaken by the Army, reflecting the Army’s paramount commitment to force protection.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey encouraged enlisted Soldiers to purchase new uniforms with their annual clothing allowance. “All enlisted Soldiers receive an annual stipend for the purchase of uniforms and accessories. I myself will wait until I am issued my clothing allowance before purchasing a uniform with the Operational Camouflage Pattern. I encourage all Soldiers and leaders to do the same by budgeting for a new uniform, belt, boots, and T-shirts as you receive your clothing allowance over the next 2-3 years.”

The cost of the uniform in the Operational Camouflage Pattern will be similar to the cost of the uniform in the Universal Camouflage Pattern. Enlisted Soldiers will continue to receive a clothing allowance to replace their worn uniforms.

34 inMagazine/ January, 2012

Uniforms and equipment in the Operational Camouflage Pattern will be available for U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps during summer 2016.

Soldiers are authorized to mix and match T-shirts, belts, and boots with either the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern or the Operational Camouflage Pattern during the transition period - expected to run through Oct. 1, 2019. To further ease the change, Soldiers, who already have Flame Resistant ACUs in the Operational Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern, will be authorized to wear them during the transition.

“I have asked noncommissioned officers to ensure their Soldiers understand that during this transition period, several uniforms and variations will be authorized in our formations,” Dailey said. “Presenting a professional appearance is very important to Soldiers. But, we will not inconvenience or burden our troops. We will still be the most lethal fighting force the world has even known even if our belts don’t match for the next few years.”

In addition to the camouflage change, the Operational Camouflage Pattern ACUs will incorporate minor design changes. These include redesigned shoulder sleeve pockets with a zipper opening, no trouser drawstring, a button on the lower calf pocket, two pen pockets on the sleeve instead of three, and the elimination of the elbow and knee patch hook and loop.

inMagazine/ January, 2012

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