U.S. ARMY COMMUNICATIONS INFORMATION SYSTEMS ACTIVITY - PACIFIC
1615 UPDATE
Servicing USACISA-Pac’s Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members stationed in the Republic of Korea
Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2015
Volume 1, Issue 4
Team Building at Everland
Good Neighbors Supporting the Community
ULCHI FREEDOM GUARDIAN ‘15
U.S. ARMY COMMUNICATIONS INFORMATION SYSTEMS ACTIVITY - PACIFIC
1615 UPDATE
Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
Servicing USACISA-Pac’s Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members stationed in the Republic of Korea
SPECIAL OFFER
Enabling Mission Success
FREE
in the Korean Cyber Domain
Family Portraits
Saturday November 7, 2015 between 0900 - 1800 USACISA-P’s unclassified mission brief
Table of Contents Topic
Page
UFG 2015
2
Director's Corner
3
From the SEA
3
Coin of Excellence
4
White Water Rafting Unit Photo Album
6, 8 6&7
Wearing New OCP
8
Everland
9
Korean Culture
10
Off the Beaten Path
11
Your Benefits
12
Special Recognitions
12
Find us on Facebook
From the Sea to the DMZ!
Story by Captain Jack C. Glasgow
US Army Communications Information Systems Activity, Pacific (USACISA-P) provided the management and oversight of the primary warfighter communications network during the Computer Assisted Exercise (CAX) in support of Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) 2015 on the Korean Peninsula. Specter Teams comprised of Soldiers, Civilians and contractors deployed throughout Korean peninsula from the sea to the DMZ to provide communications mission support that ranges from help desk operations to tactical firewall configurations. To maintain positive control of the networks, the Network Operations Center (NOC) manages the mission network within a bunker complex where a team of Officers, Enlisted soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians (DAC), and contractors monitoring all network traffic, communication services, outages, and bandwidth utilization. These information technology (IT) professionals performed both technical and operational tasks that enabled mission command for the United States Forces Korea (USFK) and Combined Forces Command (CFC).
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Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
Director’s Corner Soldiers, Army Civilians, and Contractors, We began and ended our quarter with team building events. We started in the water of Inge and ended on the roller coaster at Everland. These efforts didn’t happen by accident, they required commitment, careful planning, and execution.
Lan T. Dalat Lt. Col., Signal Corps Director
Similarly, prudent military planning and flawless mission execution during Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2015 enabled mission success to the US Forces Korea commander and our allies. More importantly, it strengthened the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea on the stance against north Korea's provocation and aggression.
In addition to our mission support, our team strived to enhance the alliance through numerous events to include the monthly US/ROK Alliance Hikes and the Team Building Luncheons. However, Specter Soldiers did not stop there. We supported the community through conducting good neighbors program that greatly enhanced our efforts in building a strong democracy in free nations. We have Soldiers volunteered supporting the Boy Scouts of America during a recent camp out with Troop 88 while others supporting a large multi-schools 5 Km Cross Country race within Yongsan Garrison. We are also very fortunate to have strong leaders who stepped up in my absence and led the organization with great success. I’m grateful for their professionalism and commitment. But I was not the only one with that view. Recently, the 1st Signal Brigade Commander, Col. Arvesta Roberson visited our unit during two events: the Semi Annual Training Brief (SATB) and the Organization Day and provided very positive assessments. He is very pleased with our mission support while maintaining our professionalism. While other units were dealing indiscipline within their ranks, we were developing our team to be an effective force of professional communicators. Thank you for your support and commitment to excellence.
Team,
Michelle Castro Sgt. First Class, U.S. Army Senior Enlisted Advisor
You did a phenomenal job ensuring that the network and Soldiers alike were supported during Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2015 without fail. The cross training that took place between the veteran Soldiers and the new Soldiers was fluid and ensured that this exercise was an improvement from the last. Thank you for
your Leadership! From the Sea to the DMZ!
1st Signal Brigade Commander Col. Arvesta P. (Rob) Roberson Director/Publisher Lt. Col. Lan T. Dalat Deputy Director Mr. Bill Harrah Senior Enlisted Advisor Sgt First Class Michelle Castro Chief of Operations Major Jason Song Chief of Security Captain Dennis Mercado
DISCLOSURE The 1615 UPDATE is a newsletter produced for members of the U.S. Army Communications Information Systems Activity, Pacific. The contents of the 1615 UPDATE are not the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the 1st Signal Brigade. It is published quarterly in accordance with AR 25-30. http://issuu.com/usacisa-pacnewsletter
-Specter 6
From the SEA
The 1615 UPDATE is a quarterly publication published by HQ, USACISA-Pac, 1st Signal Brigade, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Republic of Korea.
We are currently in the season in which we are losing several of our personnel, but we are also receiving outstanding NCOs and Soldiers to replace the voids that they left behind. Continue to remain flexible and resilient during this time. Cold weather is just around the corner, so please ensure that all of you are up to date on our “Cold Weather Training”, dressing properly for the weather, and staying hydrated. Lastly, accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of our Soldiers should remain uppermost in our minds! Keep up the good work! -Specter 7
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Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
COIN OF EXCELLENCE Background: US Army Communications Information Systems Activity, Pacific’s emblem can trace its root to the Joint Command Information Systems Activity’s (JCISA) emblem that was established in 1973 by Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Since 1 October 2010, the US Army assumes the mission and thus changed the symbology. Description: The Army star dominantly featured on the left side of the emblem in front of the globe. To the right of the star are three lighting bolts. On the left side of the stars are emblems of United Nation Command (UNC), Combined Forces Command (CFC), and United States Forces Korea (USFK). Above the star in the center of the globe is the 1st Signal Brigade’s patch. Under the star at the center is the banner with inscription “Pacific”. Under the banner is the Signal Corps insignia. The emblem includes the inscription “U.S. Army Communications Information Systems Activity” Symbolism: The emblem highlights the commitment of USACISA-Pacific in providing three core communication services: Global Command and Control Systems - Joint (GCCS-J), Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System – Korea (CENTRIXS-K) and Theater Secure Video System – Korea (TSVS-K) to the commander, staff, and subordinate commands within UNC, CFC, and USFK. The 1st Signal Brigade’s patch displays prominently in front and center of the emblem represents its hierarchy as the parent organization that provides leadership and resources. The Signal Corps’ crossed flags insignia under the “Pacific” banner represents the professional signalers who are assigned to the organization. Coin of Excellence: The Director’s Coin of Excellence is personally funded and presented by the incumbent Director to the most outstanding Soldier, Department of the Army Civilians, and Contractors who performed above and beyond their normal day to day operations. Motto: “From the Sea to the DMZ” is proudly Front Back said by personnel assigned to USACISA-P to include Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and Contractors as they extend their coverage ranging from supporting ROK and US Forces in the port of Pusan all the way up to the DMZ. Call Sign: Specter represents a phantom ghost within our networks that prevent unwanted intruders who may compromise the mission. Specters are quiet professionals who work behind CENTRIXS-K and GCCS-J networks that enabled mission command to the war fighters.
From the Sea to the DMZ!
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Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
White Water Rafting by Sergeant Kieth J.Venekamp
Photo by: WAQ Staff Team Specter participates in white water rafting as part of the Warrior Adventure Quest (WAQ) program supporting Soldiers.
P
laying hookie! Skipping work!
Shamming out! Taking a sabbatical at times it is necessary to step back and unwind. When that opportunity is coupled with the prospect to nurture team relationships it’s all the more worth it. This opportunity was funded by the United States Army under the Warrior Adventure Quest (WAQ) program.
Whitewater rafting trip at Inge, Gangwon Province.
These opportunities come along only once a year and it is important that it is utilized. White water rafting is an adventure that would cause some folks to cringe. Well not the 24 brave souls of the USACISAP and CCST who took the challenge head on. The day began at the Moyer Recreation Center with a safety brief and boarding the shuttle bus. Transportation shuttled us to Inge, Gangwon Province, a mountainous region on the east of the peninsula just south of the DMZ. It is famous for water rafting and other recreational activities, such as the Ice Fishing Festival in the winter. Inge is a one hour drive from Seoul that highlights the multiple Mountain Passes and tunnels. Upon arrival to the launch site we changed into our equipment provided by the tour, attended a safety briefing, and received instructions on the basics of white water rafting. The group was put into teams of six for each water craft, with the seventh being a guide. We all paused for a photo at the beginning before any of the “dangerous” activities began. Sgt. Pacheco of USACISA-P was anxious to begin and made sure to pass the message, “Tell my Mom I love her.”
Cont. on Page 11 From the Sea to the DMZ!
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Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
Temporary hired contractors pose with USACISA-Pac’s leadership prior to the execution of Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) exercise.
Team Specter conducts the monthly team building luncheon with Republic of Korea military officers at Suji’s in Itaewon
Sgt. Eric Im scrubs the wheel while Spec. Kionna Bosticks washes car window during the fund raising event in Yongsan.
From the Sea to the DMZ!
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
CP TANGO day crew poses with the director after the successful mission support of the computer assisted exercise in Seoul, Korea.
Brigade Chaplain, Lt. Col. Matthew Wysocki visits Team Specter and provided lessons on “Speed of Trust.”
Capt. Fred Do spearheads the effort in raising fund through washing cars at the Commissary’s parking lot. The fund allows Soldiers to take trips and hosting BBQ events.
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Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
Capt. Dennis Mercado who represents Team Specter organized and executed the successful brigade level hail and farewell event at Camp Morse, Namsan, Seoul on July 9, 2015.
Sgt. Pacheco prepares meal during the UFG Victory BBQ outside building 1572 in Yongsan main post.
Lt. Col. Lan Dalat, Director presents Mr. John Nelligan, a GDiT contractor with a newly designed Director’s Coin of Excellence.
Spec. Barnes and Sgt. First Class Castro enjoy their time at Everland during an off-site training event that focuses on SHARP, suicide prevention, and safety awareness. From the Sea to the DMZ!
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USN Captain (Ret) Mike Grulli donates $150.00 to Soldiers at USACISA-P.
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Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
Adventure Quest: White Water Rafting by Sergeant Kieth J.Venekamp The expedition launched with the raft easing into the winding river so as to calm our nerves. This also gave each team the opportunity to ensure that our neighboring crews received as much water as possible! While at the start, the team leader ensured that all crew understood the commands and the vocal rhythm necessary for the trip down the rapids. Two minutes after entering the launch point we were upon our first rapid. One – Two – One – Two forward and backward, sideways around and back. Rocking the boat was necessary to negotiate many of the obstacles. Members of Team Specters prepare to launch their boat into the Inge river at the beginning of the Warrior Adventure Quest - White Water Rafting event.
Don’t forget to tie in your feet, you will need the balance to shift the weight in the raft. The rapids were in succession and ensured every team member was physically up to the task. We quickly discovered that echoing the commands of the instructor was vital. The river was forgiving, after 20 minutes of learning how to navigate the rapids and the rocks the current was gone. The calm in the river allowed us to take a much needed dip in the water. The break was short lived and we continued again. After 45 exhausting minutes later we reached the end point and carried our rafts to the top of the hill. With a quick rinse and change of clothes we were back on the road heading to lunch. The planned stop had many restaurants to choose from and variety for all tastes.
The outing was exciting and well planned. The opportunity to work as teammates in a different environment was well received. According to Lt. Col. Dalat, "This is a great team building event for USACISAPac and CCST. Working side by side toward the same goal is great when everyone put in the level of effort and synchronization." As a soldier getting to experience an event of this caliber for the first time, I would highly recommend signing up at the next available opportunity.
UNIFORM WEAR GUIDE ACU TRANSITION PERIOD 1 JUL 2015 - 30 SEP 2019 OK
OK
OK
OEF Pattern Coyote Tan T-Shirt
Tan T-Shirt
Coyote Tan Belt
Tan Belt Universal Pattern
New OCP Uniform Coyote Brown 498
OK
OK
Tan Boots Source: ALARACT 085/2015
From the Sea to the DMZ!
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Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
EVERLAND, SEOUL - Soldiers and family members from the U.S. Army Communications Information Systems Activity - Pacific, took their game faces to a new height at Everland - a Korean amusement park on the outskirt of Seoul. “We rode the roller coaster twice that day.” Sgt. First Class Michelle Castro commented. Meanwhile, some were not thrilled of the ride. “I’ll never get on that roller coaster again.” Pvt. Ferguson said as he left the ride. “The primary focus for the event is to build a strong team with special emphasis on safety, suicide prevention, and SHARP.” Capt. Fred Do said. For months, Soldiers conducted several fund raising events within the Yongsan area to generate the necessary funds to conduct this team building event.
From the Sea to the DMZ!
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Issue No. 4
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
Korean Culture
Photos by L. Dalat Since its inception in 2009, the annual Seoul Lantern Festival has managed to put on remarkable displays of lanterns on the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul. The event took place between Nov 7 - Nov 23, 2014.
W
inter in Korea is filled with festivities and activities ranging from the annual Seoul Lantern Festival to Holiday light displays at all major shopping centers to ice fishing on a frozen lake to skiing down the Winter Olympics slopes. These opportunities allow Soldiers and family members to experience the culture and to enjoy the festivities of the host country.
Last year, many members of Team Specter enjoyed the winter sports through MWR and BOSS programs. Additionally, many Soldiers attended an annual Korean Friendship concert at the prestigious Seoul Performing Arts Center. Likewise, this year, there are many opportunities for Soldiers and their family members to enjoy while living and working in Seoul. To find out more information about activities around Seoul and the near by areas, please visit your MWR oďŹƒce, USO, and your BOSS representative. Additionally, your KATUSA soldiers may assist in translating and getting directions.
Ice Fishing Festival in Pyong Chang
From the Sea to the DMZ!
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Issue No. 3
USACISA-Pacific
4th Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
OFF DUTY
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO GO WHILE SERVING IN KOREA
Heugsan-do
Black Mountain Island
Photos by L. Dalat
Heugsan-do Island
Introduction Heuksando Island is located at the southern end of Korea about 92.7 km away from Mokpo. It is composed of 11 uninhabited islands and 89 inhabited islands. Because of its natural beauty, it has been designated as part of Dadohae National Marine Park along with the nearby islands. Heuksando Island has a circular road that can take you all the way around the island along the seashore. Following this road, you can see almost all of the beautiful natural and cultural treasures of the island. The Choryeongmok Tree, once designated as Natural Monument, is said to have the ability to conjur up spirits when its branch is broken and placed on a Buddhist altar. Nearby are Sangroksurim and Seonghwangdang. Also on
From the Sea to the DMZ!
Heuksando Island are designated Cultural Treasures such as the Jiseokmyogun, Samcheungseokdeung, Samcheungseoktap, and Banwolseong. Mt. Heuksan on the island has eight especially beautiful sceneries, which are called Mt. Heuksan Eight Sceneries. Among them, Munamchangsong, Songjeonmangwol, and Myeongsasipri are especially famous. Munamchangsong refers to evergreen trees covering the sky of Mt. Munamsan, and Songjeonmangwol refers to watching the moon in front of an evergreen at harvest full moon. Myeongsasipri refers to a large white sandy beach spread out in front of Jinri Village. The Eight Sceneries of Mt. Heuksan are must-see places for those who visit the island of Heuksando. Source: english.visitkorea.or.kr
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Issue No. 3
USACISA-Pacific
AER Loans More Accessible
3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
SPECTER'S OUTPOST
Show your pride!
USACISA-P Badge
As of September 15, 2015, most Soldiers with more than 12 months of service can request for financial assistance through the Army Emergency Relief (AER) program without getting an approval from their chain of command.
3 in. dia. pewter
$5.00
According to AER officials, the move designed to attract more service members to apply for grants and interest-free loans instead of going through the loan sharks and pawn shops. Five changes to the AER: 1. $46 million in loans and grants disbursed last year to active duty Soldiers
Thermos Double Wall 16 oz 18/8 Stainless Steel
$20.00 Reg. $25.00
2. E-4 and below with less than 12 months must go through Chain of Command to access AER 3. Red Flag: Credit score less than 619 - a FICA score.
Klean Kanteen
4. Prepare your Packet: http://www.aerhq.org/
$25.00 Reg. $28.50
5. Command referral continues: Zero interest loan up to $1500.00
40 oz 18/8 Stainless Steel
All proceeds support Soldiers assigned to USACISA-P
your benefits Servicemembers Civil Relief Act for Overseas Soldiers Under the provisions of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) of 1940, you may qualify for any or all of the following: Reduced interest rate on mortgage payments. Reduced interest rate on credit card debt. ★ Protection from eviction if your rent is $1,200 or less. ★ Delay of all civil court actions, such as bankruptcy, foreclosure or divorce proceedings. ★ ★
Your orders bringing you here to Korea will ensure you will get a lower interest rate on your credit card and all foreign transactions fees will be waived. If you haven’t contact your credit card company about this SCRA, you need to do it soon. Some companies will only back dated for 8 months from the time of filing. Actual Example: American Express charges 9.75% APR with SCRA it reduces to Zero % APR. All Fees Waived From the Sea to the DMZ!
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Issue No. 3
USACISA-Pacific
3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
CONGRATULATIONS Eric Im Sergeant, US Army 25 B, NetOps NCO
For outstanding UFG 15 Mission support
Michael Allmond US Army Civilian Chief of C2
For 30 years of service to the U.S. Army Col. Arvesta Roberson, 1st Signal Brigade Commander visits USACISA-P during a scheduled SATB where he recognizes some Soldiers for their outstanding mission support during UFG 15.
Michael Hagen US Army Civilian Chief of Cyber Security
For 20 years of service to the U.S. Army
The following personnel received the coin of excellence from the 1st Signal Brigade Commander: • Sgt. Eric King • Spec. Joshua Minchew • Pfc. Tyler Terry • Mr. Michael Allmond • Mr. Michael Hagen • Mr. Raymond Koshi
Raymond Koshi US Army Civilian Contracting Officer Representative (COR) For providing outstanding contracting action support
HAIL & FAREWELL This quarter, we bid farewell to the following personnel: Maj. Paul (Tim) Barber, 1st Lt. Moon Kim, Sgt First Class Christina Cabral, Staff Sgt. Anthony McCoy, Sgt. Warrine Malbrough, Spec. Ronnie Banks, Spec. Gene Gilbert, Spec. Brian Wellinger, Pvt. Timothy Jenkins, and Mr. Kason Ko, Mr. Ricky Thomas, Ms. Su Jin Chong, Mr. Curtis Vice, and Mr. Hyun Guk Yang. Thank you for your service and From the Sea to the DMZ!
contribution to team Specter! During the same period, we welcomed the new Soldiers and their families: Major Jason Song, Sgt First Class George Dalrymple, Staff Sgt. Brandon Wollett, Staff Sgt. Shannon Bottom, Staff Sgt. Jose Ruiz, Spec Kionna Bostick, and Mrs. King and son. Welcome to Team Specters!
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Issue No. 3
USACISA-Pacific
3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2015
DIRECTOR HQ, US ARMY COMMUNICATIONS INFORMATION SYSTEMS ACTIVITY - PACIFIC PSC 303 BOX 24 APO AP 96204
Specialist Joshua Minchew and his wife Krystal enjoy their “Zombie Wedding” at the Zombie parade inside Everland amusement park on the outskirt of Seoul, Korea.
UPCOMING EVENTS
DATE
USACISA-Pac’s 5th Birthday
1 Oct
100% Weigh in/Class As Inspection
2 Oct
Columbus Holiday
11 Oct
Thanksgiving
25-26 Nov
1st Signal Bde Holiday Social
11 Dec
Photo courtesy of From the Sea to the DMZ!
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Josh Minchew
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