Warrior Citizen Magazine by U.S. Army Reserve

Volume 59 No. 1 2014

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WARRIOR CITIZEN

the ARMYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BEST Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella

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editor’s note

ARMY RESERVE COMMAND TEAM Lt. Gen. Jeffrey W. Talley Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phyllis Wilson Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Luther Thomas Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserve WARRIOR-CITIZEN MAGAZINE STAFF

taying current on news and happenings around the Army Reserve and the Army can give you the situational awareness you need to ensure you are prepared for any potential changes to programs and entitlements. While the accelerated drawdown and force structure reorganization of the active component will inevitably impact the reserve components, ongoing discussions over specific numbers and details is a painstaking endeavor best

Mr. Franklin Childress Director, Army Reserve Communications

left to Pentagon and congressional staffers. In his role as Chief of Army Reserve, Lt. Gen.

Lt. Col. Laurel Devine Deputy Director, Army Reserve Communications

keep you informed throughout the process.

Melissa Russell Editor-in-Chief, Warrior-Citizen

Talley is working to ensure Army Reserve equities are considered, and Warrior Citizen will As commander, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Lt. Gen. Talley advises his leaders to stay mission-focused. As you will see in the pages ahead, commanders are doing just that, using available resources to maintain training and readiness, and adapting to support the regionally aligned forces with units and commands already in place.

DIGITAL MEDIA Lt. Col. Jefferson Wolfe Branch Chief, Web and Social Media Maj. Adam Jackson Deputy Branch Chief, Web and Social Media Submissions • Warrior-Citizen invites articles, story ideas, photographs and other material of interest to members of the U.S. Army Reserve. Manuscripts and other correspondence to the editor should be addressed to warrior-citizen@usar.army.mil. All articles must be submitted electronically or on disk or CD. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs will not be returned. Change of Address • Do not write the magazine. TPU Soldiers should notify their Unit Administrator or Unit Clerk. Members of the IRR and IMA should contact their Personnel Management Team at U. S. Army Human Resources Command, 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue. Fort Knox, KY 40122. AGRs should contact their PMO/PMNCO. Paid subscribers should forward their address change to the Superintendent of Documents, Attn: Mail List Branch SSOM, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Special military distribution recipients may write the editor directly. Subscriptions • Warrior-Citizen is distributed free of charge to members of the U.S. Army Reserve. Circulation is approximately 320,000. Paid subscriptions are available for $14.00 per year domestic, $19.60 foreign. Single copy price is $5.50 domestic, $7.70 foreign. Mail a personal check or money order payable to the Superintendent of Documents to: New Orders, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 152507954, or fax your order to 202-512-2233. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

In case you missed the subtle cover announcement, please join us in congratulating noncommissioned officer of the year Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella and Spc. Mitchell Fromm, this year’s Department of the Army Best Warrior competitors. Manella is now the Army’s top NCO—and Fromm came in at a close-second in the Soldier category. Find out what it takes to make it to the top, pages 16-23. Also reaching the top of their games were USARC’s Best Warrior runner-up—turned Career Counselor of the Year Sgt. 1st Class Richard Silva, story on page 10, and Drill Sergeant of the Year Sgt. 1st Class Ryan McCaffrey’s winning military and civilian career combination, page 14. The 377th Theater Sustainment Command, regionally aligned with U.S. Army Southern Command recently invited its counterparts to check out its training event, conducted in 96 Hours—pages 24-27. And don’t miss “Globally Engaged: One Commander’s Readiness Plan,” by Maj. Bill Geddes, pages 30-35. The Army Reserve is also engaged in the homeland. Lt. Col. Monica Radtke covers the immediate response bythe 724th Transportation Company in the recent aftermath of the deadly F4 tornado that ripped through Washington, Ill., page 42. How Soldiers train and deploy may change, but the role of the Army Reserve is increasingly important to the combatant commander and nation. The Army is anticipating a right force mix, which is expected to be more than 50 percent reserve at the end of the drawdown. Telling the story of how the Army Reserve continues to support the Army and the combatant commander is top priority of the Secretary of the Army. Public affairs professionals in your commands are working hard to tell your unique story—are you keeping yours in the loop?

Melissa Russell Editor-in-Chief

1st Place winner of the 2011 Thomas Jefferson Award (category N) 1st Place winner of the MG Keith L. Ware Award – 2010 and 2011 (category C)

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contents warrior-citizen

Volume 59 No. 1 2014

in this issue 1 4 8 11 44

Editor’s Note From the Top Blogs + Websites Soldiers Town Hall in memoriam

people 10 walking the walk 12 a ceremony to remember 14 drill sergeant of the year 15 securing the homeland

trained + ready

2013 best warrior competition

They crawled beneath barbed wire, assembled and fired weapons, carried ammo cans across the woods and survived an ambush. But that’s just a small sample of what the Soldiers in the Army’s Best Warrior competition had to endure. And in the end, one Army Reserve Soldier came out on top. By Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 416th Theater Engineer Command

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Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

40 Building Knowledge and Friendship in Kuwait 42 answering the call: homeland tornado response

On the Cover Despite suffering a TBI as a result of multiple IED blasts while deployed, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella, a civil affairs specialist with the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command claimed the title of 2013 Department of the Army’s Best Warrior / Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. After competing—and winning—at four Army Reserve levels, Manella surpassed the Department of the Army’s top finalists. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

96 hours

Before an expeditionary force can deploy, they must be able to respond properly to a natural disaster situation within 96 hours. For Soldiers of 377th Theater Sustainment Command’s Early Entry Command Post the clock was ticking.

By Spc. Charles Thompson, 377th Theater Sustainment Command

Photo by Spc. Isaac Puga, 377th Theater Sustainment Command

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bell, 200th Military Police Command

An Ocean Closer

Photo by Maj. Meritt Phillips, Army Reserve Communications

The forward stationed 7th Civil Support Command has direct responsibility for all disaster response operations or consequence management in the European theater, meaning they are postured to respond quickly to our allies, partners and friends in a time of need. By Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta, 7th CSC Public Affairs

river assault

As the sun burned through the mist of a warm July morning, combat engineers with the assistance of medics, military police, dive specialists and support personnel, came together to construct an Improved Ribbon Bridge across the Arkansas River—a training strategy to help Soldiers hone skills they would likely put to use if deployed overseas.

Globally Engaged

Having been in near-constant rotation for more than 12 years with the active component and National Guard, the 200th Military Police Command continues to look for new and creative ways to keep their more than 13,000 Soldiers trained and ready. By Maj. Bill Geddes, 200th Military Police Command

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

by SPC. Justin Snyder, 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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from the top

regionally aligned

Twice the Citizen

the indispensable

By Lt. Gen Jeffrey W. Talley, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command

Never before has the role of the Citizen-Soldier been more essential to the success of the Total Force and the Nation than in today’s resource-constrained environment.

D Despite having withdrawn from Iraq and significantly reduced our presence in Afghanistan, tensions, instability and acts of terrorism around the world pose an ongoing threat to national security. Forward deployed in nearly 40 countries, the Army Reserve continues to play a vital role in providing critical life-saving and life-sustaining support to combat forces on the ground, with more than 19,000 Soldiers currently deployed in support of combatant commands. Outlined in his Strategic Priorities, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno sees our national security becoming increasingly dependent on the Army’s continued engagement in a broad range of missions around the world. The Army’s critical support—to its sister services and across the entire range of government—is what Gen. Odierno calls “the indispensable foundation of the joint force” that enables these organizations to perform their core missions. That support includes communications networks, and transportation for the food, fuel, ammunition, and

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medical support necessary to conduct nearly any operation by any service—from combat to humanitarian relief. Worldwide support for the full range of missions is enhanced and sustained by the Army Reserve. Some 75 percent of the key capabilities described by the CSA, including logistics, medical, engineering and civil affairs are resident in the Army Reserve. The Army’s Federal Reserve Force also maintains nearly 20 percent of the Army’s organized units, half its combat support and a quarter of its mobilization base expansion capability. Soldiers, leaders and units are seamlessly integrated with, and always responsive to, the needs of the Army as part of the Joint Force, providing the majority of the Total Army’s significant expertise in legal counsel, information support, law enforcement, human resources, finance and training operations. That it does so at just six percent of the Army budget underscores the value of continued operational use of CitizenSoldiers in the face of unprecedented fiscal constraints.

Plan, Prepare and Provide My commanders are executing three basic lines of effort to maintain the readiness of the force. The first, “Plan,” formalizes our support to Army Service Component Command and Combatant Commands as part of the Regional Alignment of Forces. The second line of effort, “Prepare,” is how the Army Reserve trains, assesses and certifies Soldiers, leaders and units for contingency and combat missions. And “Provide” is the actual deployment of Army Reserve Soldiers and units in support of a mission requirement.

BELOW: Citizen-Soldiers are leaders, professionals and tradesmen in cities and communities across the nation. Here, Soldiers of the 143rd Sustainment Command render salutes as the Star Spangled Banner Plays at a Gainsville, Texas annual event.

— Lt. Gen Jeffrey W. Talley, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command

Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143rd ESC

e foundation

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regionally aligned

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Burrell, Joint Public Affairs Support Element

from the top

to Army Reserve Warrior Exercises and Combat Support Training Exercises—and everything in between, we are partnering with FORSCOM, the National Guard and First Army to integrate training and increase efficiencies to improve the readiness of the Total Army.

Ready Forces

Editor’s Note: This Chief of Army Reserve article appeared in the January edition of the Reserve Officers Association’s “The Officer” magazine.

RIGHT: The 824th Transportation Company, Detachment 3, Morehead City, N.C., Soldiers conduct simulated emergency care and life saving procedures while anchored out at sea. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay, 143d Expeditionary Sustainment Command

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regionally aligned At the 2013 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, highlighted the skills, technical and tactical expertise the Army Reserve brings to theater security cooperation plans, combatant command exercises and theater specific requirements. In order to integrate our planning process, and support the Regional Alignment of Forces, the Army Reserve is formalizing historical command relationships and resourcing existing assets embedded in every Army Service Component Command and Combatant Command around the world. Going forward, every ASCC and COCOM will be supported by Army Reserve Engagement Teams and Army Reserve Engagement Cells, with planning and subject matter expertise on Army Reserve capabilities in areas such as medicine, logistics and engineering. These teams will be embedded at each Theater Command to coordinate support and facilitate access to Army Reserve combat support and combat service support capabilities.

Total Army Training We are moving forward with the goal of integrated training between reserve component and active component units. From active component Combat Training Center Exercises

The Army Reserve has emerged from 12 years of war as an integral and proven component and command, having fulfilled every sourcing request with trained and ready Soldiers. My authority as commander allows me to continue to deploy Soldiers for up to 29 days, providing swift response to emerging needs of the nation and combatant commands. The Army Reserve also provides contingency and specialized forces for Defense Support of Civil Authorities not available in the active component. Whether planned to meet a forecasted need by an ASCC or COCOM, or in response to a sudden, unforeseen need, the Army Reserve stands ready to employ Soldiers, leaders and units to support the total force.

Private-Public Partnership Initiative Beyond the Army Reserve “Plan Prepare and Provide” model, which sets the standard for maintaining trained and

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Burrell, Joint Public Affairs Support Element

TOP LEFT AND CENTER: Lt. Col. Major Bowen, an exercise coordinator assigned to Joint Staff Army Reserve Element and a Bethesda, Md., native, engages enemies in the Virtual Interactive Combat Environment at Camp Pendleton on Nov. 15. Bowen, previously deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division, is no stranger to conflict and said he liked the training.

ready Citizen-Soldiers; I am focusing on a private public partnership initiative that brings together the shared goals and interests of the private and public sector. I believe that by leveraging private sector relationships through privatepublic partnerships we can broaden opportunities for Army Reserve Soldiers, leaders and units, while advancing the Department of Defense and combatant commander

Historically, outdated equipment and uniforms have called attention to reserve component Soldiers—and not always in a good way. An OEF 1 Soldier interviewed in “Twice the Citizen” wryly noted that the green camouflage he and his team deployed in made them stand out like an oasis against the desert camouflage worn by active component. Support for equipping and modernization has allowed the Army Reserve to seamlessly integrate, but it’s the skills of battle-tested Citizen-Soldiers that have all but eradicated the perception of “Reservists” as “weekend warriors.” This year’s Department of the Army Best Warrior competition—which began with 24 Soldiers from 12 Army commands, representing more than 900,000 Soldiers across the globe—demonstrates the strides made over the past generation. Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella, a civil affairs specialist with the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command earned the title of noncommissioned officer of the year, and Spc. Mitchell Fromm, a combat engineer

with the 428th Engineer Company of the 416th Theater Engineer Command, and his counterpart, landed second place in the Soldier category. Maintaining a balance between civilian and military life defines a Warrior Citizen. Manella first began training for BWC while

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 416th Theater Engineer Command

Twice the Citizen

objectives of creating opportunities to build partner capacity and interoperability. Through private public partnerships, we can utilize the Army Reserve’s strength in medical, engineering, logistics and civil affairs to provide strategic depth across the full range of military operations—enhancing the readiness of Soldiers and units that complement vital military capabilities with civilian-acquired skills.

Spc. Mitchell Fromm, with the 428th Engineer Company, navigates across an obstacle course during the Army Best Warrior Competition, Nov. 20.

deployed, and ultimately while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Fromm balances construction work and volunteer firefighting with studies in health promotion and communication.

LEFT: Soldiers work on a signal system connection for 1190th Transportation Brigade, Baton Rouge, La., during realistic training problems and scenarios during TRANSWARRIOR 13 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. TRANSWARRIOR certifies and thoroughly trains Soldiers in their military occupational specialties and gives them challenging scenarios based upon their skill sets to hone those skills by operating in austere environments and performing missions to prepare them for probable deployment or for taskings when they will need to use those skills. Photo by Lt. Col. Earle Bluff, Deployment Support Command

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella and Spc. Fromm represent what I believe to be the greatest strength of the Army Reserve—the complementary skills and professionalism Citizen-Soldiers bring as part of their dual role. Warrior-Citizens are leaders in industry and academia, sharpening the competitive edge of the Army. According to the Army Continuing Education System, Soldiers in the Army Reserve hold nearly 75 percent of the Total Army’s doctorates, and approximately half of its Masters degrees, providing critical depth in today’s rapidly changing, accelerating and evolving global environment. The way ahead requires a force of educated, capable and disciplined Soldiers that retain the technical and tactical competence earned through years of unremitting deployments. Continued investment in the training and readiness of our Army Reserve force is vital to preserving the hard-earned skills and operational proficiency of our battle-tested force. Enhanced by civilian skills that serve as force multipliers, the Army Reserve delivers vital military capabilities essential to the Total Force, providing a cost-effective solution in a resource-constrained environment.

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blogs + websites The Web offers many free, i n t erac t ive resources t o help Warrior-Ci tizens and their Families make informed decisions regarding their health, finances, career and educat ion. Here are some of the latest new and useful online tools for Soldiers.

Congratulations to Maj. Lynette Jones, 311th TSC (FWD), the first place winner in the Army Reserve’s

“Capture your Hooah” contest!

youtube.com Check out the winning entry at the Army Reserve’s official YouTube channel! The Army Reserve YouTube channel highlights the variety of skills and capabilities Army Reserve Soldiers bring to their units and the communities. Army Reserve YouTube welcomes you to share the products you post to DVIDS and other Digital Media outlets so we can highlight the contribution you make in your civilian capacity, and to the Total Army and the Joint Force during your deployments and major training exercises. “What’s YOUR Hooah?!” 8

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www.arfp.org Army Reserve Family Programs Family Programs is a comprehensive blend of quality of life programs in support of Department of Defense activities. Family Programs is a Commander’s force multiplier for mission readiness. Family Programs staff serve as the primary coordinating resource, who provide a multitude of unit and community-based services that foster the growth, development and readiness of Soldiers and Families assigned to the Command.

www.tsp.gov Thrift Savings Plan The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the ready Reserve. It was established by Congress in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 and offers the same types of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans.

www.militaryonesource.mil Military OneSource Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve service members, and their Families. Information includes, but is not limited to, deployment, reunion, relationships, grief, spouse employment and education, parenting and child care, and much more.

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people By Sgt. 1st Class Lacy Kutz, 8th Battalion, Army Reserve Careers Division

career counselor of the year

Walking the Walk Ca r e e r Cou n selor p roves h i s ‘M E T L’

“Your credibility as a leader and a mentor may very well be the deciding factor for Soldiers on the fence about staying in or getting out.” —t. Col Timothy J. Washington, strategic planner for Army Reserve Careers Division

ABOVE: Sgt. 1st Class Richard Silva, Jr., proudly displays his awards for Army Reserve Career Counselor of the Year 2013 and the ARCC Essay Winner. He also placed first in ARCD’s Best Warrior Competition, earning himself the opportunity to compete in the United States Army Reserve Command BWC, where he came in second.

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The ARCC competition consists of an appearance board, the Army Physical Fitness Test, an essay, written exam and mystery events. The competition was steep, with Soldiers who had competed previously, scored more than 300 points on the APFT, all gunning for first place. Army Reserve Careers Division ultimately announced Sgt.1st Class Richard Silva, Jr. as the

Fiscal Year 2014, Secretary of the Army, Army Reserve Career Counselor of the Year. Silva set himself apart by performing consistently well and winning the best essay. The essay was a direct reflection of Silva’s

Photo by Timothy Hale, U.S. Army Reserve Command

Photo by Capt. Michelle Lunato, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT BENNING, Ga. – On an average day (and minus a room full of spectators) the 12 competitors would be assisting Soldiers in career-making decisions. On this day, each of these mentors were anxiously awaiting their own fate. As Army Reserve Career Counselors, they play a crucial role in influencing the life-altering decisions every enlisted Soldier must someday make—will he or she continue to serve, or head back to civilian life? These non-commissioned officers are the guardians of the Army Reserve’s end-strength, and how well they do their job not only affects individual Soldiers, but also mission readiness. Whether competing for the prestigious ARCC of the Year or providing career guidance to transitioning Soldiers, “walking the walk” matters. “Physical fitness, military bearing, professionalism… these things make a difference in how a Soldier perceives you,” said Lt. Col Timothy J. Washington, the strategic planner for Army Reserve Careers Division. “Your credibility as a leader and a mentor may very well be the deciding factor for Soldiers on the fence about staying in or getting out.”

S o l d i e r s

Sgt. 1st Class Richard Silva, Jr., a career counselor representing the Army Reserve Careers Division, competes in the 10 km ruck march event at the 2013 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., June 26, 2013.

Town Hall with Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella, this year’s Department of the Army Best Warrior, talks about his Traumatic Brain Injury and the stigmas he overcame during his deployment to Afghanistan.

Photo Illustration by J.D. Leipold, Army News Service

experience, knowledge, communication skills and general care and concern for Soldiers and Army Reserve Careers Division’s mission. “I love working with Soldiers,” said Silva. “We get to make an impact on the careers of every Soldier we work with.” The Soldiers Silva mentors have a lot to live up to, since winning ARCC of the Year is only his most recent accomplishment. In late January 2013, he placed first in ARCD’s Best Warrior Competition, earning himself the opportunity to compete in the United States Army Reserve Command BWC, where he came in second. “It is an honor to be selected as the ARCD Career Counselor of the Year,” said Silva. “To win both competitions at the ARCD level and be recognized as BWC runner-up at the USARC level is very rewarding.” The BWC tests the limits of a Soldier’s physical and mental toughness. It consists of an APFT, weapons qualification, land navigation, a road march, written exam, essay, appearance board, combatives, first aid and mystery events. Training and preparation inundated Silva’s days and nights. “The two competitions are completely different from each other,” said Silva. “Best Warrior competition takes the competitors back to the basics, while ARCC of the Year was strictly Army Reserve Careers Division mission essential task list (METL) and 79V military occupational specialty.” Silva also recently redeployed from Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he worked as a theater career counselor. Silva expressed gratitude for the support from 11th Bn., his sponsors, wife and son throughout his deployment and competitions, which he felt helped him grow as a leader. “It’s a privilege having a Soldier like Sergeant Silva on our team,” said Washington, “We need our best and brightest guiding and mentoring the next generation of leaders.”

You waited two months to seek help after experiencing symptoms of a traumatic brain injury from multiple IED blasts. What made you put it off? I didn’t want to seek help; I wanted to stay and fight it. I remember getting dizzy and almost falling over one morning as I was putting my equipment on while prepping for a mission. I started to realize that, by not getting help, I may be there with my Soldiers, but I’m not performing at 100 percent—and that’s dangerous, especially in a combat environment. Once you see other noncommissioned officers take that knee and receive the treatment they need to get back in the fight, you realize the sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can get back to helping Soldiers again. I was afraid my leadership would be disappointed, but they were very supportive, which really allowed me to focus on my recovery.

As a Citizen Soldier, what message do you want to share? We’re ready, and we’re relevant. I’m in the Army Reserve right now, and I won the DA Best Warrior competition. There’s an assumption that, at some point, I must have been on active duty. In my experience, a lot of active duty guys don’t always give the Army Reserve or National Guard credit. As a fire security officer, I responded to medical emergencies, which requires attention to detail and the ability to provide first aid. I have work, school, Army deployments, Army schools, all of which give me added depth and experience to pull information from. We all have civilian jobs or occupations and we bring those additional skills to the warfight. It’s all part of the big picture for the Army. I don’t actually like the idea that the title noncommissioned officer of the year implies that I’m a better NCO than anyone else. When I joined the Army, I didn’t have any of these skills or abilities. All of what I have is a reflection of the training and leadership from good Army leaders. So, any of those Soldiers who are ready to go off active duty, hopefully they’ll see Soldiers like myself and be inspired to continue to serve. We’ve come a long way in reducing the “Reservist” stigma. It’s a matter of taking pride in your appearance and wearing your uniform the way you’re supposed to. The Army has regulations we should all be adhering to, but some Soldiers get a little relaxed because they only deal with it one weekend a month, two weeks out of the year. I always take the time before I put the uniform on to get a haircut. If you’re showing up looking like a Soldier and acting like a Soldier, you have every reason to stand tall and take pride in your service, no matter what component you’re in.

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people

honoring a world war II veteran

Left, Brig. Gen. Gracus K. Dunn, Commanding General of the 85th Support Command and Deputy Commanding General for Support of First Army, Division West, with Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Greene, Command Sergeant Major of the 85th Support Command, render applause to World War II veteran Frank Andrews after honoring him with six awards, 68 years after his service in World War II.

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Taylor, 85th Support Command

Frank Andrew was awarded six medals, including the Purple Heart, for his service and actions, including landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day, where he sustained injuries to his leg during an explosion. He also received injuries to his back and head during the Battle of the Bulge campaign, when a V-1 ‘Buzz Bomb’ exploded.

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A Ceremony to Remember WHEATON, Ill. — “You can’t forget. You have to do your job and hope for the best.” Those were the words veteran Frank Andrews, 94 used to describe a long ago war, but the Soldiers of the 85th Support Command took those words to heart and action on Nov. 3, by honoring him with a ceremony to remember, presenting the awards he never received following his service and actions during World War II. “Right now we have a living history, a legacy with us here today,” said Brig. Gen. Gracus Dunn, commanding general of the 85th Support Command, and deputy commanding general for support of First Army, Division West, “It is an honor to sit here and honor one of our own that served 70 years ago.” The pomp and circumstance caught Andrews off guard. “It’s something that I never expected or thought of in all my life,” said Andrews, whose ceremony was attended by nearly 200 guests, “It’s surprising. I wasn’t even thinking of it and my Family was excited about it.” Andrew was awarded six medals, to include the Purple Heart, for his service and actions during

World War II, to include landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day during the Normandy Invasion. He sustained injuries to his leg during an explosion; he also received injuries to his back and head during the Battle of the Bulge campaign where a V-1 “Buzz Bomb” exploded, but he downplayed his role.

“…there are a lot of others that deserve more credit,” Andrews said, “I’m just one past member that’s a part of it. You try to do the best (that) you can.” “I did live Omaha Beach,” said Andrews. “My leg was messed up, but you keep going on.” A desire to move on and put the war behind him may have been why Andrews didn’t immediately follow up on his missing awards when he separated from the Army in 1945. Several Family members said it was something he rarely spoke of. Decades passed before Andrews finally submitted an initial request in 1984—only to be told that, though he was entitled to the six awards, they regrettably were unable to furnish them at that time. The document stated that the medals would be provided to him when they were in stock. The request for the awards was only recently received through the 85th Support Command’s public affairs office.

All those years did little to change Andrews’ feelings. “It’s hard to talk about the war,” said Andrews. “I would rather enjoy my Family than anything else because they’re my whole heart and soul, my wife. We’ve been married (for) 72 years.” When Andrews joined the Army in preparation for the war, his oldest son, James, was three months old. When he returned from the war, his son was three years old. He struggled to find work in Chicago until he received a job working at the U.S. Postal Service. “Thank you. This is an honor for me and an honor for all the people that have served, regardless of branch,” said Andrews. “I thank you for coming out and giving me this honor.”

“It’s hard to talk about the war. I would rather enjoy my Family than anything else, because they’re my whole heart and soul.” — frank andrews, world war II veteran

Photo courtesy frank and mary andrews

AT TOP: World War II veteran Frank Andrews, 94, received the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, EuropeanAfrican-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Andrews was previously awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal in 2010. Created by Napoleon in 1802, it is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those who achieved remarkable deeds for France. ABOVE: World War II veteran Frank Andrews during his days in service. LEFT: Army Reserve Soldiers from the 85th Support Command with Brig. Gen. Gracus K. Dunn, commanding general of the 85th Support Command and deputy commanding general for Support of First Army, Division West, take a group photo with U.S. Army World War II veteran, Frank Andrews, and his wife, Mary Andrews, after the award ceremony honoring his service 68 years after the war. WARRIOR–CITIZEN

people

DRILL SERGEANT OF THE YEAR

By Deborah Williams 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs, and Cpt. Joshua Rivera 108th Training Command

Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrea Smith, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs

(IET) Aide de Camp

“I started a physical fitness plan in order to prepare to work in corrections and to keep up with the students that I train.” —Sgt. 1st Class Ryan McCaffrey, 108th Training Command

Drill Sergeant of the Year competitor Sgt. 1st Class Ryan McCaffrey completes the push-up event of the Army Physical Fitness test portion of the competition held July 15-17 at Fort Jackson, S.C. McCaffrey took top honors as the Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year.

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Sgt. 1st Class Ryan McCaffrey demonstrates enter-and-clear-a-room tactics to Initial Entry recruits during the 2013 Drill Sergeant of the Year selection process, July 15–17 at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Drill Sergeant of the Year CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As mentors, trainers and leaders, drill sergeants are often among the most influential and memorable individuals in a young Soldier’s life, entrusted with the critical task of molding civilians into defenders of our nation. For Sgt. 1st Class Ryan McCaffrey, the 2013 Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year, the discipline, motivation and commitment required to compete and excel among this elite team of noncommissioned officers are the same standards he strives to maintain in his civilian occupation, as a trainer with the S.C. Department of Corrections. Following a 17-month break in service, the 108th Training Command Soldier leveraged his civilian career to his advantage. “I started a physical fitness plan in order to prepare to work in corrections and to keep up with the students that I train,” said McCaffrey, a former active-duty drill instructor. “That alone gave me a good head start in preparation for the physical challenges that took place during the competition. I also used study guides as refreshers to regain some of the training lost since I was a drill sergeant.” An annual training event with a basic training unit on Fort Jackson provided some realistic training opportunities. Mentorship from the 2010 Army Reserve DSOY, Sgt. 1st Class Melissa Solomon was instrumental. “Sergeant 1st Class Solomon gave me a lot of good advice and information to prepare me for the competition,” said McCaffrey. “My biggest challenges were trying to balance my responsibilities,” said McCaffrey. “Between training for the event, my civilian career, Army Reserve responsibilities and college homework, I had a difficult time trying not to feel overwhelmed.”

In order to keep things in perspective, McCaffrey focuses on the positive—a strong Family support system and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of trainees. “What motivates me the most is making my Family proud and having the satisfaction of knowing that I have done everything I could to ensure that others are trained.” An unlikely source of inspiration was the demonstrated skills and professionalism of his competitors. “I was able to learn quite a bit from them,” noted McCaffrey, “and even though we were competing against each other, there was still that camaraderie which enabled us to help each other out when needed.” According to Maj. Gen. Leslie Purser, the 108th Training Command (IET) commanding general, McCaffrey exemplifies the best of the noncommissioned officer corps. “Using his peers as a source of knowledge, McCaffrey learns from their strengths and weaknesses, thus making himself a better NCO, as well as an outstanding drill sergeant.” Those skills come in handy in his career training new corrections officers. According to McCaffrey, his success in the civilian sector is largely due to the training and discipline he developed as a Soldier. “The military has given me incredible work ethics that have paid off greatly in my civilian employment,” said McCaffrey. “My military occupational specialty as a military police (officer) gave me the experience needed to advance in law enforcement, and being a drill sergeant gave me the experience and opportunity to land the job that I really wanted—and the patience needed to work with and train others.”

twice the leader

Photo by Staff Sgt. Diana Anzaldua, 345th Public Affairs Detachment

Maj. Gen. Megan Tatu removes Brig. Gen. Norman B. Green’s rank during his promotion ceremony.

Securing the Homeland by Cpl. Charlotte Fitzgerald, 345th Public Affairs Detachment FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – According to Brig. Gen. Norman Green, he would not be where he is today were it not for the support of the Department of Homeland Security, where he has worked as a special agent since 2007. Green, commander of the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, was speaking from Fort Sam Houston’s historic quadrangle, where he had just been promoted to the rank of brigadier general. The Columbia, S.C. native has served more than 26 years in the Army Reserve, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He has led troops in areas throughout the world in various capacities—all of which took him away from his civilian career with the Department of Homeland Security. “My supervisors have been extremely supportive of my military responsibilities,” said Green. “With the high op-tempo that today’s Army brings, my supervisors have frequently been understanding and supportive when last minute missions call me away from my work.” That support allowed Green to make a difference as a leader for the Army Reserve

and the nation. Maj. Gen. Megan Tatu, the commanding general of the 79th Sustainment Support Command, who officiated at the promotion ceremony, pointed out that of the Army Reserve’s more than 200,000 Soldiers, Green was promoted into the ranks of only 130 general officers. “It took resilience and perseverance,” said Tatu. “… we’re not just recognizing his

sacrifices, his accomplishments, but we’re symbolically recognizing all of his Soldiers that he has led.” Col. Daniel Keller, the ceremony’s commander of troops and the 4th ESC Chief of Staff, noted the significance of the event. “We were able to demonstrate to the local community, to the Soldiers and Families, the respect that is accorded to a brigadier general and what a brigadier general means to the Army, in terms of leadership,” said Keller of the ceremony. “The Army’s purpose in life is to fight and win our nation’s wars, and that rank, that position as the commander of a unit such as the 4th ESC, is absolutely critical to achieving that.” During the ceremony, Green presented Brian Moskowitz, Homeland Security special agent in charge, and Cardell Morant, Homeland Security assistant special agent in charge, the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. Moskowitz said it would be unthinkable for Green’s civilian employer to give anything other than their full support of his Army Reserve career. “I find it hard to fathom how we could be anything but 110 percent supportive of Norm or any other person who give of themselves on two fronts to support their country,” said Moskowitz. “I couldn’t be prouder to call him one of our own, and I was honored to see him receive his star.” The success Green has seen in his Army Reserve career translates well in meeting the challenges of his civilian job. “Being a Homeland Security investigations special agent exposes a person to an incredibly broad array of people, both good and bad, and many challenges,” said Moskowitz. “Green is clearly a leader among his peers; his personality and leadership skills benefit our agency as much as they do the Army.”

Brig. Gen. Norman B. Green, commander of the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, receives his oath of office from Maj. Gen. Megan Tatu, the commanding general of the 79th Sustainment Support Command, during his promotion ceremony held Sept. 14, in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Photo by Cpl. Charlotte Fitzgerald, 345th Public Affairs Detachment

WARRIOR–CITIZEN

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 416th Theater Engineer Command

Melissa Russell,

Army Reserve Communications

According to Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler, III, the Department of the Army Best Warrior competition is about challenging and growing Soldiers to be more agile, adapted, and mentally and physically capable than when they started. “And when you look across the spectrum of the Army,” said Chandler, “their example should serve as a guide for what our Soldiers aspire to be.”

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella, with the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, of Fremont, Calif., pushes through the final stretch of a two-mile run during the first day of the Department of the Army Best Warrior competition outside of Fort Lee, Va., Nov. 20, 2013.

Leaders, staffers and decision makers—from general officers to noncommissioned officers and department of the Army civilians—joined the Chief of Staff of the Army and the SMA on Dec. 12, 2013, to recognize Soldier of the year and noncommissioned officer of the year. “It’s important for us, especially here in the Pentagon, to understand why we do the work we do,” said Gen. Raymond Odierno, CSA. “It’s to support our Soldiers. It’s to make sure that we provide the guidance, the policies, [and] the resources to ensure that our Soldiers are allowed to do their job.” This year’s Soldier of the year is Specialist Adam Christensen, a military policeman from Las Vegas, assigned to the Army’s 42nd MP Company in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella, a civil affairs specialist from Fremont, Calif., took top honors in the noncommissioned officer category. Despite a traumatic brain injury sustained from multiple improvised explosive device blasts while deployed, Manella, assigned to the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, focused on the competition as part of his recovery, earning the NCO of the year title after competing and winning at four Army Reserve levels. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

“Our Army is in great hands. And our future... our future is set by the example that this non-commissioned officer and Solider provides for the nation and for our Army.” III — Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler,

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

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The competition brought together 24 Soldiers from 12 Army commands, representing more than 900,000 Soldiers across the globe—all of whom “did an amazing job,” said Chandler. “[In the end,] only a couple of points separated first from second place.” In the Soldier category, that close second-place competitor was Army Reserve Spc. Mitchell Fromm, a combat engineer with the 428th Engineer Company of the 416th Theater Engineer Command. Fromm and Manella trained together, sharing tips and advice in the two months leading up to the DA competition. Manella said he was inspired by Fromm’s talent and work ethic. “He is easily one of the finest Soldiers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” said Manella. “To be honest, I’d be afraid to compete against him, but would be honored to serve alongside him.”

Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret,

416th Theater Engineer Command

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23 competitors

awoke at 4 a.m. to a brisk November morning, strapping on boots, donning ballistic vests and clipping on helmets. They stepped out into the darkness of the Virginia morning, not knowing their day would last until darkness returned.

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RIGHT: Spc. Mitchell Fromm runs away from gunfire as part of a simulated scenario during the first day of the Department of the Army Best Warrior competition.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 416 th Theater Engineer Command

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

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This was only the first morning of the three-day Army Best Warrior competition, where representatives from 12 Army commands around the world came to claim the titles of Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Two of those competitors were Spc. Mitchell Fromm, a combat engineer from Wausau, Wis., and Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella, a civil affairs specialist from Fremont, Calif. They came to represent the Army Reserve Command in this year's competition, ready to show that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to citizen-Soldiers than meets the eye.

A group of Soldiers kick off the morning with a push-up event during the first day of the Department of the Army Best Warrior competition.

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 416th Theater Engineer Command

WARRIORâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;CITIZEN

To compete at this level, Command Sgt. Maj. Luther Thomas, command Sgt. Maj. of the Army Reserve, emphasized dedication that spans beyond two days a month and 14 days out of the summer. “These Soldiers have committed to compete and committed to be the best Soldier and the best [noncommissioned officer]." “They’ve committed the entire month, the entire year to this competition. There's no way you can just wait until battle assembly and say, “Okay, I'm going to practice these two days,' and the other 28 days you don't do anything," said Thomas. Both Manella and Fromm won the Best Warrior competition at the Army Reserve level in their respective categories in June. Since then, they've done nothing but fill their calendars with training. Cardio in the morning. Strength training in the evening. Study time in between. While their friends urged them to hang out on the weekends, they opted for mockboards and up-hill ruck marches instead.

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This should dispel the rumor that Reserve Soldiers don't train as hard as the active components. “There's definitely a stigma in being a reservist, and some sort of expectation that I'm out of shape, ill-prepared, not as competent as active duty Soldiers, but you know we train just as hard, and we train to the same standards," said Manella, who is with the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion. In August and September, Manella and Fromm were put on active orders for two straight months. They worked with a group of drill sergeants and former PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 416th Theater Engineer Command

in being a “There’s definitely a stigma expectation Reservist, and some sort of ared, not as l-prep that I’m out of shape, il ldiers, but you competent as active duty So d we train , an know we train just as hard 1st Class Jason Manella, to the same standards.” — Sgt.445th Civil Affairs Battalion

Spc. Mitchell Fromm navigates acros s an obstacle course during the first day of the Department of the Army Best Warrior competition. TOP: Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella, with the 445th Civi Affairs Battalion, of Frem l ont, Calif., leads a phys ical readiness training session during the Department of Army Best Warrior competit the ion outside of Fort Lee, Va., Nov. 21. Manella represen ted the U.S. Army Reserve in this year’s competition. 20

WARRIOR–CITIZEN

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella of the U.S Army Reserve Command low crawls through an obs tacle during the Best Warrior com petition in Ft. Lee, Va., Nov . 2013. Manella, along 20th with 11 other Soldiers were eva numerous tasks in the luated in ir of the title of Noncom pursuit missioned Officer of the Year.

competitors, straining every brain cell and muscle to push themselves to their finest. “It was hard to know what to prepare for because there is so much that a Soldier should know at a basic level," said Fromm, who is a combat engineer with the 428th Engineer Company, stationed in Wausau, Wis., which belongs to the 416th Theater Engineer Command, in Darien, Ill. During the government shutdown in October, funding was cut for most Reserve Soldiers and their training, so both Manella and Fromm scrambled for ways to stay sharp without funded support. In fact, Manella trained on his own time and dime, shooting his personal 9mm pistol and a friend's AR15 rifle to stay sharp. As Citizen-Soldiers, their lives were a balancing act between military training, civilian careers and education. Fromm is a firefighter and Manella is working toward a

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class An dy Yoshimura, USACAPOC(A)

bachelor's degree in accounting. As Reserve Soldiers advance in their military career, their Army obligations begin to creep in more and more into their civilian lives. Often, senior NCOs in the Reserve stack countless hours on top of their regular jobs to juggle Army requirements. “The Army Reserve is not a part-time Army. There's a lot of stuff that goes on in between drill weekends: between phone calls, keeping tabs on your Soldiers, setting up training for the next weekend. The two weeks a year is only a minimum," said Manella. Most competitors at this level have trained for more than a year to get Sgt.1st Class Jason Manella, here. In order to get to this stage, with the 445th Civil Affairs each competitor had to first advance Battalion,left, in previous competitions. Each stage and Spc. Mitchell Fromm, with the leading to this was somewhat of a 428th Engineer Company conducts playoff game, where only the winners drills with an M16 rifle during advanced to the next level. Fromm the Best Warrior competition. began his journey at the company level, which means he competed five different times just to make it here: the Super Bowl of Best Warrior Competitions. “It was such a long journey,” said Manella. “And I've put so much effort into it… it's amazing that you really can do anything you put your mind to." The competition tested both mind and body.

Engineer Command photos by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 416th Theater

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of small arms fire. They served as an omen for what may come next. The competitors were kept mostly separated throughout the day, tackling each event alone. Not only was the first day physically grueling, it was psychological challenging as well. Each step they took was a step into the unknown. They had to remain alert the entire time, very much like a deployment overseas.

. 1s by S gt photos

LEFT: Spc. Mitchell Fromm navigates across an obstacle course during the first day of the Department of the Army Best Warrior competition outside of Fort Lee, Va., Nov. 20. RIGHT: Spc. Mitchell Fromm, center, pulls on a rope along with his assigned team members during a challenge in which they had to transport a barrel across a “river” using only a rope, a pole and two pieces of chain.

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6th Theate r Engineer

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photos by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 416th Theater Engineer Command

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

The first event of the day kicked off with the Army Physical Fitness Test held on the pavement of an old air landing strip. As soon as the Soldiers completed their two-mile run, they were given just enough time to change back into their boots and combat gear before they were off again. Each competitor received a destination point. Then, one at a time, they marched away not knowing what to expect next. By the end of the first day, the competitors had navigated at least 12 miles from one point to the next. Along the way, they crawled beneath barbed wire, assembled and fired an M9 pistol, an M4 rifle, an M249 squad automatic weapon, put on a gas mask and chemical protective suit, changed a Humvee tire, carried ammo cans across the woods, assembled a radio, were ambushed, evacuated an amputee from a exploded Humvee, reacted to an explosion inside a village, only to finish off the day with a written test. They marched and reacted Sgt. 1s to events for a solid ten hours without even a lunch t pulls o Class Jason n break. To keep up their energy levels, they snuck in assigne a rope with Manella d overcom team member an e t bites of food along their routes. the Dep an obstacle o a d Best Wa rtment of the uring r During an essay portion held indoors, mortar outside rior competit Army i Nov. 21 of Fort Lee, on . rounds dropped in the distance, followed by bursts the U.S Manella repr Va.,

been very receptive,” said Manella. “We tell stories from overseas. We're all NCOs, so we've been getting along really well. I don't feel that it's hindered me in any way as far as the events themselves." In the end, this competition was not intended to pit one branch against the Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura, USACAPOC(A)

ABOVE: Sgt. 1st Class Jason Manella performs first aid as part of the Army Best Warrior competition.

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“The confusion and the “The confusion and stress always add to it," the stress always said Fromm. “I wasn't sure g adds to it. Not bein what was going to happen able to plan for it,“ [next]. So a lot of it said Fromm. “I wasn’t was just being aware of your surroundings." sure what was going The second day greeted to happen [next]. them with a round-robin So a lot of it was of drill-and-ceremony just being aware of challenges and a leadership your surroundings.” reaction course, where each — Spc. Mitchell Fromm, competitor was assigned a 428th Engineer Company team of Soldiers to navigate obstacles that were more mental than physical. One challenge, for example, was to transport a barrel across a “river" using only a rope, a pole and two pieces of chain. The variety of events leveled the playing field without favoring one Army command over another. The Army Reserve contestants were as well-equipped as any of their fellow competitors. According to Manella, what used to be a prevalent stigma seems to have faded over the years. “I thought that as soon as [the other competitors] found out I was Reserve, I would immediately get outcasted or ostracized, but they've

LEFT: Sgt. 1st Class Jaso n Manella, an Army Reserve civil affa irs Soldier with the 445th Civi l Affairs Battalion decontam inat his M40 Protective mask duri es the Department of the Army ng Best Warrior competition.

other. The goal was to unite, not divide. “That's the biggest difference between this competition and all the other competitions,” said Fromm. “We're not just here to beat each other and have a winner. We're all training together. We're all learning from each other, and regardless who wins, the Army benefits." WARRIOR–CITIZEN

It was a test of three distinct tasks, combined for the first time, mastered over the course of a year… and the clock was ticking.

Photo by Spc. Isaac Puga, 377th Theater Sustainment Command

Soldiers of 377th Theater Sustainment Command’s Early Entry Command Post faced a natural disaster situation that would test their ability to deploy, set up camp and establish critical communications—all within the 96 hour timeframe required of an expeditionary force.

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HOURS By Spc. Charles Thompson 377th Theater Sustainment Command

The 377th Theater Sustainment Command Soldiers pause after helping to load an ELAMS Tactical Operations Center onto a C-17 for transport from NAS JRB New Orleans to Camp Shelby, Miss. The effort was in support of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command Early Entry Command Post Deployment, which tested the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to deploy, set up and establish communications with the main command post within 96 hours of alert.

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Photo by Spc. Isaac Puga, 377th Theater Sustainment Command

Photo by Spc. Charles Thompson, 377th Theater Sustainment Command

ABOVE: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy Harris, a network technician assigned to the 377th Theater Sustainment Command, sets up a secure and non-secure Internet Protocol Router Access Point Very Small Aperture Terminal satellite system at Camp Shelby, Miss. Harris is part of the team that helped establish communication within two hours of receiving the equipment. ABOVE RIGHT: Soldiers with the 377th Theater Sustainment Command Early Entry Command Post set up a tent within their operations area at Camp Shelby, Miss.

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he 377th TSC, which is regionally aligned with U.S. Army South and U.S. Southern Command, constitutes 46 percent of the Army’s sustainment capability—making it an essential part of the total force. Should the Caribbean be hit by a natural disaster, this team of Soldiers must be prepared to rapidly set up the logistics of a humanitarian relief effort in support of ARSOUTH, the Army Service Component Command of SOUTHCOM. Regionally aligned forces enable the Army to support combatant commanders with greater versatility, faster responsiveness and focused commitment to their commands. According to Sgt. Maj. Jefferey Bishop, noncommissioned officer in charge of the EECP, meeting the established training guidelines within the given timeframe is crucial to their relevance. “In order for us to augment (the combatant commander), we have to be able to be expeditionary.”

The clock started ticking when the EECP arrived at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans after being alerted the night before. The exercise took them from NAS JRB to Camp Shelby, Miss., which notionally served as Guatemala. Col. Theresa Baginski, officer in charge of the 377th TSC EECP, was striving to create a realistic scenario that would provide the team with opportunities to adapt and overcome unanticipated challenges and changing circumstances. “We have tried to replicate reality to the fullest extent, and I think yesterday really helped us with that,” Baginski said, referring to a heavy downpour that started just in time to interfere with their itinerary. “We were diverted from Camp Shelby Airfield to the airport in Hattiesburg, about 25 minutes away. There were a number of logistical matters, problem solving and mission analysis that had to be addressed; this all took place very rapidly.” Despite the change in plans, Baginski added, all members of the team were able to resume their assigned responsibilities and hit the ground running. The EECP met all three training objectives, including establishing communications with the main command post at home station within two hours of being on the ground. The EECP acts as the eyes and the ears of the MCP, facilitating timely logistics planning to get supplies to the area in need. Maj. Gen. Peter S. Lennon, commanding general of the 377th TSC, was pleased with the progress his team has made. “I would sum up this week as a tremendous step forward, it is a culmination of a very positive year for the EECP and MCP,” said Lennon. “Are we there yet? No, but as you look around and see the faces of these Soldiers, they feel like we are going in the right direction, that we are on a road to engagement. That’s what they are seeing, and they all have a part.”

“There were a number of logistical matters, problem solving and mission analysis that had to be addressed; this all took place very rapidly.” — Col. Theresa Baginski, 377th TSC EECP

the 377tth EECP nested within our CCP and support one of those exercises, so we can start to see where we can take away and add things to strengthen us.” The two separate command posts follow the same training guidelines and adhere to the same set of standard operating procedures for pre-deployment and deployment operations. As requirements arise, the established protocol will allow them to effectively function as one cohesive unit. “I think relevance means that we have to be part of a team. We have to be almost seamless between all components in today’s Army,” said Lennon. “We have to be small, agile and adaptable. What we are doing with ARSOUTH is making sure that this small force punches above its weight class.”

Photo by Spc. Charles Thompson, 377th Theater Sustainment Command

As a regional partner, ARSOUTH also has a vested interest in the viability of the team. ARSOUTH representatives travelled to the training area to watch them in action. “We came here to see the 377th EECP, how they set up and what sequence they go through,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Ruzicka, ARSOUTH contingency command post chief. “We have found procedures we like and will take back with us, and we have also made some suggestions. This is why we are here, working together.” “We do multiple exercises throughout the year with various partnership nations in U.S. Army Southern Command’s footprint,” said Maj. Danny Robinson, a logistics planner with ARSOUTH. “I know that discussions are going on right now to see where we can get

Soldiers with the 377th Theater Sustainment Command Early Entry Command Post unload equipment for set up on Camp Shelby, Miss.

WARRIOR–CITIZEN

Photo by Sgt. Frank Sanchez, 21st Theater Sustainment Command

ABOVE LEFT: A sampling team comprised of Soldiers from the Emergency Management Assessment Team, U.S. Army Garrison Heidelberg; the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 12th Chemical Company from Schweinfurt, Germany; and the 773rd Civil Support Team, 7th Civil Support Command, check for possible nerve agents from a simulated suspected chemical laboratory during a field training exercise at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Aug. 5, 2013. The exercise tested the 7th CSC’s capability of providing consequence management command and control during a crisis situation and brought the units together to train and function as one coherent unit. ABOVE RIGHT: A Soldier assigned to the 7th Civil Support Command’s 773rd Civil Support Team decontaminates after entering a simulated contamination area during a joint training exercise Sept. 25, 2013, on Panzer Kaserne, Böblingen, Germany. 28

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KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany

unique capability to maintain relationships with allies and partners, as well as the necessary proximity to provide immediate response to crises. As the only unit in the Army Reserve focused on foreign consequence management, the 7th Civil Support Command has direct responsibility for all disaster response operations or consequence management in the European theater.

An Ocean Closer By Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta, 7th civil support command Public Affairs

Encompassing chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear events or accidental spills, along with humanitarian assistance and emergency preparedness, this responsibility means that the 7th CSC must remain ready to assist host nations and anyone in the European theater who may need the support of the United States government. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey W. Talley, Chief of the Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command, commented on the significance of a recent visit by Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, the commander of U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, at a 7th CSC foreign consequence management capabilities demonstration. “It’s very impressive that you have a combatant commander, General Breedlove, take the time to come down and spend most of the day with the Soldiers of the 7th,” said Talley. “It shows he really

understands the contributions and importance of the Army Reserve to the active component in terms of meeting mission requirements, especially in Europe.” While not the typical regionally aligned force, the 7th CSC’s forward stationing does support the Chief of Army Reserve’s concept of providing the combatant commander with trained and ready Army Reserve forces that are versatile, responsive and consistently available to provide mission command of U.S. forces responding to a wide range of disaster contingencies. “We are unique because, first, as an Army Reserve unit we are an operational headquarters tasked to provide a deployable task force headquarters, which is rare in the Army Reserve,” said Col. Russell A. Henderson, Deputy Commanding Officer, 7th Civil Support Command. “Second, we received this task force mission because of our stationing in Europe. We are the only Army

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta, 7th CSC, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Regionally aligned and forward-stationed Army forces provide a

Photo by Maj. Meritt Phillips, Army Reserve Communications

Photo by Scott Childress, Visual Information Services Europe

Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Burnett, 21st Theater Sustainment Command Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta, 7th CSC, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Reserve general officer headquarters located outside the continental United States and its territories. This forward stationing means we are postured to respond quickly to our allies, partners and friends in a time of need.” This relationship supports the Total Force Policy of providing combatant commanders with mission-trained and regionally focused forces and capabilities that are responsive to all requirements, including operational missions, bilateral and multilateral military exercises and theater security cooperation activities. As the Joint Task Force headquarters during a humanitarian or disaster relief emergency, the 7th CSC provides a coordinated Department of Defense disaster response to the requesting nation by exercising mission command for designated DoD forces to the host nation to save lives, preventing further injury and providing critical support to enable disaster recovery. When approved by the president, the U.S. government may provide foreign consequence management support to a host nation to the extent allowed by law, either at the request of the host nation or upon the host nation’s acceptance of the U.S. government’s offer of assistance. The DoD must be fully prepared to support foreign consequence management operations when directed by the president and the secretary of defense. According to Brig. Gen. Paul M. Benenati, commanding general of the 7th CSC, its units are

designed to provide support based upon contingency plans that the combatant commander thinks are the most likely to occur. “The Reserve has gotten to a point now where we’re a vital and critical part of the whole defense strategy,” said Benenati. “Having folks who are already pre-stationed, as we say in our slogan, ‘An Ocean Closer,’ saves a whole bunch of time and gives the Army the capability it needs to support the — Brig. Gen. Paul M. Benenati, commanding general, European Command.” 7th Civil Support Command During Breedlove’s visit, Benenati went ABOVE LEFT: 773rd Civil Support Team, over his strategy for supporting the COCOM’s 7th CSC Soldiers enter a “contaminated” site during the 2012 NATO Euro-Atlantic Disaster mission requirements. Response Coordination Centre partnership “What we want to show or want to illustrate is foreign consequence management exercise the fact that the joint task force… is ready and able at the Georgia National Training site, Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 25, 2013. to deploy, really at a moment’s notice, to places where General Breedlove needs us,” said Lt. Col. ABOVE RIGHT: Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, David Spess, operations officer, 361st Civil Affairs commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command and Gen. Philip Brigade, 7th CSC, “to provide him the eyes and Breedlove, commander, U.S. European ears and that liaison capability so that we can Command and Supreme Allied Commander, provide the right U.S. response, at the right time, Europe, attend a demonstration of the 7th CSC’s foreign consequence management to help fix a problem.” capabilities in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The efforts of the 7th CSC to plan, prepare Soldiers with the 7th CSC are capable and provide the EUCOM commander a scalable of providing assistance to a host nation, upon request by the Department of State, force to execute mission command are critical in to mitigate the effects of a deliberate or the 21st century global security environment. inadvertent chemical, biological, radiological, 7th CSC’s assignment to U.S. Army Europe enables or nuclear attack or event, and to restore essential operations and services. the command to respond quickly, save lives and stabilize a potentially vulnerable nation. LEFT: Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie Clark “You never know when a large-scale disaster (right), medical healthcare specialist, 196th Medical Support Unit, 7th CSC, might occur, and when one does happen, the listens to Bosnia-Herzegovina Armed response must be swift and effective, because the Forces 2nd Lt. Rubil Pinjo, physician, and dangers of loss of life and prolonged property Bosnia-Herzegovina Armed Forces Pvt. Nihad Kurtovic, medical technician, damage can be catastrophic if not dealt with during exercise Shared Resilience 2012 quickly,” Benenati said.

“Having folks who are already pre-stationed, as we say in our slogan, ‘An Ocean Closer,’ saves a whole bunch of time and gives the Army the capability it needs to support the European Command.”

in Capljina, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

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PhotoS by Sgt. 1st Class Tony Lindback, public affairs operations, 205th Press Camp Headquarters

200th MPCOM TOP LEFT: Sgt. Rian Short, resident of Broken Arrow, Okla., and military police officer with 1st Platoon, 366th Military Police Company out of Stillwater, Okla., searches an enemy combatant role player found shooting at the MPs as they conducted a buildingby-building search of Little Chicago for enemy combatants, improvised explosive devices and weapons caches.

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Globally Engage By Maj. Bill Geddes

200th Mil ita r y Po lic e C o mm a nd

Relying on training, trust and instinct, the team executed the near-flawless mission that ended with Spc. Franvi Franco’s weapon trained on a would-be terrorist’s chest—all in less than five minutes.

In the scenario just described, the terrorist was simulated by an observer-controller-trainer, and the four-person military police team from the 443rd MP Company of Owings Mills, Md., were afforded the opportunity to hone their skills in a realistic training environment. Long battle assembly weekends spent conducting this kind of realistic training pays off in the numerous missions that take 200th Military Police Command Soldiers like Franco around the globe and into harm’s way. Specialist Sean Gladden, who joined Franco and the other team members for O-C-T feedback, considers the training invaluable. “It gives us the experience we need and develops our muscle memory so when we do it in live situations, we know what to do,” said. “Practice makes perfect.”

LEFT: Sgt. David Findley, resident of Lawton, Okla., and a military police officer with 2nd Platoon, 366th Military Police Company out of Stillwater, Okla., removes a weapon from a opposing forces role player, Cpl. Ryan Metzger, who was notionally killed during a firefight at Little Chicago, Fort Sill, Okla., June 27. Ensuring Metzger was not playing possum, Findley removed Metzger’s weapon and searched him for remaining possible threats and intelligence.

BELOW: Military Police Soldiers fire shotguns as they train using non-lethal weapons, at Camp McGregor, N.M., during the 200th Military Police Command’s Operation Guardian Justice.

One commander’s readiness plan

new ways to stay trained and ready

The 200th Military Police Command is building on more than 12 years of experience, having been in near-constant rotation with the active component and National Guard. Its more than 13,000 Soldiers make up more than a third of the total Army MP force and almost 25 percent of the CID agents in the Total Army. While the consistent demand for military police capabilities currently makes the execution of their military occupational specialty second-nature, the drawdown of troops and significant budget cuts to the military means the Army will have to continue to look for new and creative ways to keep Soldiers as trained and ready as they are today.

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Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan, 200th military police command

ged

The half-generation of war and ongoing real-life missions that produced some of the best-trained Soldiers in history is winding down. The implementation of the Army’s Force Generation model and the Regional Alignment of Forces will ensure Army Reserve Soldiers, leaders and units are trained, ready and accessible for missions at home and abroad. The ARFORGEN model provides predictability and increasing levels of readiness for Soldiers and units throughout the five-year cycle, allowing the Army to focus its resources on units in their available year. Additionally, by aligning forces to Geographic Combatant Commands, the RAF is intended to provide the combatant commanders with scalable, tailored capabilities to support operational missions, military exercises and theater security cooperation activities. The Army is making the most of available training dollars by using RAF as an opportunity to better integrate training and ensure a common standard between components. “The continued engagement of reserve component forces is essential to meeting our national security objectives,” said Maj. Gen. Sanford Holman, commanding general of the 200th MPCOM. “The fact is, maintaining the current capabilities of the Army is far less costly than allowing the battle-tested skills we’ve gained fall by the wayside — where the cost could ultimately be measured not just in dollars, but in the lives of America’s sons and daughters.” The RAF also enhances training by focusing on the unique needs of the GCC. This includes developing an understanding of the cultures, geography, languages, and the militaries of the countries where they are most likely to be employed, as well as the expertise in how to impart military knowledge and skills to others.

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tony Lindback, public affairs operations, 205th Press Camp Headquarters

RIGHT: 1st Lt. Clinton Roberts, 2nd Platoon leader, 366th Military Police Company, runs from the concealment of colored smoke across the street at Little Chicago, a training lane, on Fort Sill, Okla., June 27. Little Chicago is a training lane at Fort Sill, Okla., and was the stage for a culiminating training event of the unit’s annual training that enabled the Soldiers to practice many of the warrior tasks they had trained for over the last year. OPPOSITE TOP: Theater Internment Facility Operations trainer Cpl. Joshua Alves, 96th Military Police Battalion, trains a group of Soldiers in the tactics of controlling riotous detainees at Camp McGregor, N.M. The Soldiers are among about 1,000 Soldiers of the 200th Military Police command from across the nation and Puerto Rico participating in Guardian Justice, an Annual Training and Mobilization Training exercise at the desert post.

“global all”

“MPs have a lot of different major platforms to stay sharp on,” said Holman. “We need to get our warfighters out there behind the controls of our Armored Security Vehicles, up-armored HMMWVs and our Raven unmanned aerial vehicles, so when the time comes to execute the mission, they can. “In the last two years, we’ve deployed almost 4,000 Soldiers into harm’s way, and have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from combatant commanders,” said Holman. “The 200th MP Command is ‘Global All,’ meaning we could deploy to any of the different regions, and units in our downtrace are each aligned with a different region or different regions.” Holman said his formations continue to demonstrate value around the world — from the remote outposts of Korea and the arctic plains of Canada to the heart of Africa — all while providing forces in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Participation in the Pacific Command region through exercises like Key Resolve and Ulchi Freedom Guardian in Korea provide opportunities to develop a cultural aptitude transferrable to many different regions. “Deploying to austere conditions, working with other nations —these are all skills that the South Korean missions have reinforced for our warfighters,” said Holman.

harnessing experience

The Army relies on 200th MPCOM capabilities like CID to keep up with their current caseloads. In addition to approximately 100 deployed Army Reserve CID agents, the 200th MPCOM provided more than 14,100 man days of support to active duty CID missions, everything from VIP protective services missions to investigative support that runs the gamut from sexual assault cases to death cases to corruption, both stateside and overseas. The value and know-how the 200th MPCOM provides hasn’t gone unnoticed. “The 200th MP Command has been a valuable force multiplier while augmenting some of our extensive Military Police Corps requirements around the World,” said Maj. Gen. David E. Quantock, Provost Marshal General of the Army. “The support our Reserve Military Police teammates provides is critical to meeting the demands of our COCOMs.”

That know-how is something Holman is relying on to maintain the warfighting skills of his brigades, battalions, companies and detachments throughout the ARFORGEN cycle. “We, as leaders, must harness the experience, talents and knowledge of both officers and enlisted Soldiers,” he said. “Our units were a part of the Iraq drawdown and the transfer of authority to the Iraq Security Force. We have the 333rd MP Brigade who just participated in the drawdown in Afghanistan and the transfer to the Afghan National Army, and even now we have units and Soldiers in Guantanamo. “These are the subject matter experts who will train our forces on how to be successful while deployed down range. “Throughout my career, one saying stands the test of time — train as you fight,” said Holman. “Leaders at all levels must continue to deliver accurate, carefully-planned training events to give our troops the best foot forward when they are called to deploy down range.”

the 200th at a Glance Mans the force through Reserve centers in 33 states, with Soldiers, civilians, and Families living in 44 states.

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Consists of four MP brigades, three criminal investigative division battalions and four public affairs detachments

Provides combat support, internment and resettlement, law & order, CID and public affairs

Extends beyond military police operations to other critical skillsets such as public affairs, chaplaincy, medical and legal operations

the Guardian Series of Annual Training Exercises Guardian Justice

Photos by Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan, 200th military police command

Exercise Guardian Justice, based at McGregor Range Complex in New Mexico, focuses on training for handling of detainees and Prisoners of War, which is historically a military police task. The Army’s Regionally Aligned Forces training concept was put into action by including National Guard and Air Force military intelligence units. Additionally, integrating soldiers from other nations allowed the 200th MPCOM to share some of the past decade’s hard-learned lessons as foreign militaries develop their training and standards. Staff Sgt. Grant Caldwell, the observer controller noncommissioned officer in charge with the 414th Military Police Company out of Joplin, Mo., said many of classes were created by the OCTs, and included personal experiences from previous deployments and assignments. “We developed these classes alongside Army doctrine, civilian experience as well as Army experience from the ground up,” said Caldwell. “This is to make sure that all the bases are covered and that we are getting the information about humane care and care, custody and control to the Soldiers.”

Guardian Shield

More than 230 agents from all three components joined with agents from around the world to train at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers in Glynco, Ga. The Guardian Shield 2013 training program, initiated for 200th MPCOM’s CID Special Agents, engages employers and communities — something Holman believes is essential to maintaining Soldier support. Guardian Shield provides a first-hand look at the quality training Citizen-Soldiers bring back to their offices. “We’re working with FLETC to get and provide world-class law enforcement training, and we’re bringing in representatives from sheriffs offices and police departments from across the country to observe the training,” said Holman. “Seeing the investigative training — the burn scenes, robbery and other scenes — it was all realistic stuff they’d really be doing,” said Army Reserve Ambassador Fred Fair, the ARA for Pennsylvania. Law enforcement training and techniques included driving, weapons, crime scene investigation, drug enforcement and protective service operations. Guardian Shield provides a rare opportunity for people from all over the world to share experiences and learn new law enforcement skills, strengthening international bonds. International counterpart-agents from Australia, Canada, Italy, Belgium and the United Kingdom came to practice and train.

344th MP Company’s Pfc. Gabriel Otero (left) discharges any remaining electrical charge after firing tasers at Camp McGregor, N.M., during the 200th MP Command’s Operation Guardian Justice.

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photo by Pfc. Ian Valley, public affairs journalist, 205th Press Camp Headquarters

“Leaders at all levels must continue to deliver accurate, carefully-planned training events to give our troops the best foot forward when they are called to deploy down range.”

“Taking advantage of these opportunities to get my staff and my brigade’s staffs great training lets us leverage the support we’re already providing to a combatant commander to maintain our staffs edge too,” said Holman. “The experience we get here allows us to better provide support to any region, any combatant commander.”

— Maj. Gen. Sanford Holman, commanding general of the 200th MPCOM

Guardian Warrior

The 200th MPCOM is working to grow the combat support route stability operations exercise conducted at Fort Knox, Ky., and Fort McCoy, Wis. this summer into an exercise that tests the viability of multi-compo training in order to prepare for operations in a hostile environment. The primary participants in the exercise, the Tampa, Fla.-based 810th MP Company and the Owings Mills, Md.-based 443rd MP Company, focused training on Maneuver Mobility Support, Area Security and Police Intelligence Operations. Guardian Warrior ended with a live-fire scenario based on lessons learned from Afghanistan to add realism to the simulated combat environment.

Guardian Reach

Training leaders is a key part of maintaining readiness of the force. The 200th MPCOM’s Guardian Reach exercise is conducted at home station and provides realistic opportunities to engage command and brigade leadership in conjunction with Key Resolve and Ulchi Focus Guardian in Korea.

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Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan, 200th military police command

ABOVE: From left to right, Army 1st Lt. Clinton Roberts, Sgt. David Findley, and Spc. Joshua Lawrence of the 366th Military Police Company talk to Soldiers playing Iraqi Police Officers during a training exercise at Ft. Sill, Okla., June 27, 2013. Part of the training at Little Chicago was dealing with civilians and non-combatants while executing an urban assault mission.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tony Lindback, public affairs operations noncommissioned officer, 205th Press Camp Headquarters

— Maj. Gen. Sanford Holman, commanding general of the 200th MPCOM

Guardian Media

Guardian Media exercise was developed to give the 205th Press Camp Headquarters from San Antonio, Texas, the capabilities to command and control public affairs units. Engaging 200th MPCOM public affairs operators and providing training opportunities that allow them to develop and hone their craft is a high priority for Holman. Secretary of the Army John McHugh emphasized the value of public affairs, in his priorities, stating the long-term health of the Army depends upon its relationship with the public it serves. “Public affairs operators bring an incredibly large non-lethal toolbox to the fight,” said Holman. “These small units have some of the best non-lethal effects for combatant commanders, and we must ensure they are just as trained and ready and regionally aware as our military police formations.” Currently, the 200th MPCOM has four public affairs units and more than 100 print and broadcast operations Soldiers, technicians and officers capable of deploying at a moment’s noticed to tell the public the story of the American and international forces.

TOP LEFT: Spc. Aaron Strohmeyer, a military police officer with 2nd Platoon, 366th Military Police Company, provides forward security as his team members provide rear security and prepare to breach a door in Little Chicago—a training lane at Fort Sill, Okla., June 27.

photo by Spc. Hector Corea, 366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

“Throughout my career, one saying stands the test of time—train as we fight.”

Spc. Thomas McAllister, left, a military policeman with the 443rd Military Police Company, 400th MP Battalion, monitors a detainee while conducting detainee operations at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, April 22, 2013. The 443rd MP Co. assisted Canadian forces during exercise Promethean Ram by providing rear support, including detainee operations, convoy security, and force protection.

LEFT: Pfc. Janice Pierce, 344th MP Company, gathers up taser wires after firing tasers at targets, June 22, at Camp McGregor, N.M., during the 200th Military Police Command’s Operation Guardian Justice.

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Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Hoang Tran could hardly wait to get started. Wet from an early morning storm, a little bit cold and with mud caking his combat boots, he eagerly directed each Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck toward the shoreline in the early morning hours of July 24, 2013. Just as fast as the Arkansas sun began rising through the clouds, Soldiers all around him enthusiastically began moving vehicles, preparing Army engineer boats and dropping large Army green bridge sections into the river.

Soldiers with the 671st Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), work to assemble bridge sections on the Arkansas River during Operation River Assault at Fort Chaffee, Ark., July 24, 2013. Bridge-building units with the 671st Engineer Company (MRB), of Clackamas, Ore.; 459th Engineer Company (MRB), of Bridgeport, W.Va.; and 74th Engineer Company (MRB), of Fort Hood, Texas, worked together to assemble a floating bridge and provide support during the exercise. 36

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Fort Chaffee, Arkansas

Staring out into darkness,

SPC. Justin Snyder

354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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photo by Sgt. Dalton Smith, 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Combat engineers of the 671st Engineer Company (MRB), 74th Engineer Company (MRB) and 459th Engineer Company (MRB) merge bridge sections together to create a barge to transport vehicles on the Arkansas River during Operation River Assault at Fort Chaffee, Ark., July 24, 2013.

hat began as only an idea and a goal became a reality as engineers from the 459th Engineer Company (MRB), 671st Engineer Company (MRB), and 74th Engineer Company (MRB) came together with the assistance of medics, military police, dive specialists and support personnel, to construct an Improved Ribbon Bridge across the Arkansas River. Each of the engineer units took care of unloading a quarter of the bridging sections,

“These guys deserve to be happy and should be proud of what they just did,” said Krajewski. “They’ve been out here training and rehearsing for over a week now. This is like their Super Bowl. I can’t stress how well they did.”

PREPARATION FOR FUTURE DEPLOYMENTS While River Assault was just an exercise, it provided Soldiers with an invaluable opportunity to hone skills they would likely put to use if deployed overseas.

“This is part of the Army Reserve training strategy and is one of the building blocks of the progressive readiness model that we use to ensure our units are ready to deploy at any time.” — Maj. Gen. William Buckler, commanding general of the 412th Theater Engineer Command

with the final section coming from Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters. When the last of 44 bridge sections hit the water, Soldiers high-fived and praised each other enthusiastically as if they had just won a sporting event. “Heck of a job guys!” said Tran, a native of Portland, Ore. “We were on a tight schedule, but we got it done faster than we expected.” Lt. Col. Keith Krajewski, 389th Engineer Battalion crossing area commander, watched the scene unfold.

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Every river, stream and lake presents an obstacle to reaching the sometimes desolate towns and areas bordering water sources in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. And while the words dry, desert, snow and mountain may come to mind when describing the terrain of these countries, they also contain large water sources such as the Helmland and Kabul rivers in Afghanistan and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq.

It’s not uncommon for terrorists to take cover in small riverside towns, where they are more likely to go un-noticed. Engineers play a significant role when a presence is required in these hard-to reach areas. They provide the boats needed when creating four-way ramp rafts, also known as six-floats, and shore-to-shore full-enclosure floating roadways, giving Soldiers and vehicles the ability to cross water sources. The nearly 800 Soldiers who participated in Operation River Assault had vigorously trained in preparation for the bridge crossing. The engineers familiarized themselves with their boats and vehicles, while continuing to brush up on their Soldier skills, such as land navigation, marksmanship and demolition. They also made the best of the limited training time allowed on the bridging elements. It made for long days in the field. For the engineers of the 671st Engineer Company (MRB), it allowed Soldiers to familiarize themselves with their boats and equipment on various lakes and rivers. The exercise culminated with a large-scale wet gap crossing exercise on the Arkansas River, where they would construct a full-enclosure floating roadway on a fast water river.

photo by 1st Sgt. D. Keith Johnson, 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

It also served as a first for many engineers to work together as a unified force. “I’m very new to the engineer field and this was my first annual training exercise,” said Spc. Israel Sanchez, a bridge team member with the 671st Engineer Company (MRB). “The familiarity and trust you gain from working alongside people is something you can’t duplicate without actually doing it. I think this exercise is great for team building and that can go a long way overseas.” When deployed, the ability to swiftly and successfully execute your mission can mean

the difference between life and death. “In a real-life scenario, we only get one chance to make this happen,” said Krajewski. “It’s a good feeling knowing they took theirs, ran with it and I think they are better Soldiers because of it.”

The Army Corps of Engineers controls the locks and dams upstream, enabling control over the water levels and traffic on the river, so Soldiers can train under conditions that maximize the exercise’s potential. Fort Chaffee offers three ideal crossing points across the Arkansas River; the chosen point for this exercise was 300 meters wide. “Fort Chaffee is an outstanding place to do this because you’ve got a great river to cross, wider than any other river available for this sort of training,” said Maj. Gen. William Buckler, commanding general of the 412th Theater Engineer Command.

building a bridge and a team Executed under the careful watch of the safety and support element, 511th Engineer Dive Detachment, 30th Engineer Battalion, along with security personnel and Army medics, the engineers completed the water bridge in roughly three hours. The bridge was immediately put to use, transporting security elements and Soldiers to the opposite side of the river. While some of the Soldiers on ground have deployed before, for many it was their first chance to put together a full-enclosure bridge.

ABOVE LEFT: Spc. Kimberly Anderson, a bridge crewman with the 671st Engineer Company (MRB), checks on boats while preforming safety duties. ABOVE RIGHT: Soldiers from the 671st Engineer Company (MRB) work to assemble bridge sections together.

A convoy of High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles and M113 armored personnel carriers cross over the newly constructed bridge on the Arkansas River during Operation River Assault 2013.

photo by Sgt. Dalton Smith, 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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trained + ready

combined training in kuwait

Cpl. Sara Manning, a military police officer with Detachment 1, 450th Military Police Company, and Moyock, N.C., native, deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, tests the balance of a Kuwaiti soldier serving with the 94th Al-Yarmouk Mechanized Brigade Oct. 29, 2013.

Building Knowledge and Friendship in Kuwait Story and photos By Sgt. Jennifer Spradlin, U.S. Army Central Public Affairs Cpl. Tyrus Cato, a military police officer with the 450th Military Police Company and Tampa, Fla., native, deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, participates in crowd control training with the Kuwaiti soldiers from the 94th Al-Yarmouk Mechanized Brigade Oct. 29, 2013.

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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait—Army Reserve Soldiers of the 450th Military Police Company recently partnered with Kuwaiti soldiers for combined training on law enforcement tasks. The training is part of a 10-day exercise between the Army Reserve MPs and the 94th Al-Yarmouk Mechanized Brigade. Leadership from both units agreed to a training schedule that highlighted both basic soldiering skills, such as unarmed self defense and urban operations, and law enforcement-specific skills, such as crowd control techniques and arrest procedures. The first class of the morning, taught by Cpl. Tyler Saro, was on the use of flexible cuffs, similar to zip-ties, to quickly detain someone during a crowd control situation. Saro emphasized the best methods for maintaining control of the individual while minimizing injuries. “I have trained with the Afghan National Army and the Iraqi Army, and now I have trained with Kuwaiti

Army,” said Saro, a Tampa, Fla. native. “It’s nice to see how other armies learn and train.” Saro said that working on common tasks, despite some of the difficulties of working through a translator, helped them bond on a soldier-to-soldier level. His enthusiasm was reciprocated by the Kuwaiti soldiers. “[My soldiers] are excited,” said Warrant Officer Mohammed Al-Duraibi, 94th Al-Yarmouk Mechanized Brigade, whose warrant officer rank in the Kuwaiti military is similar to a brigade sergeant major in the U.S. military. “They showed a lot of enthusiasm for the training. The knowledge they get is thorough. The method of teaching is simple and right to the point.” “Warfare always gets more technical as the enemy changes methods,” he added. “What better way is there than to learn from people who have experienced [warfare]?” Al-Duraibi has overseen combined training with U.S. troops for five years. He said the key to

successful training is built at an interpersonal level, starting with respect. “Mutual respect is always good. Once you have it, you’ll have a good partnership—and the situation in the region needs good partnership,” said Al-Duraibi, who feels friendship establishes the conditions for shared knowledge and experience. Experience building is a key aspect of the training for the U.S. and Kuwaitis. On the American side, this is the first trip to Kuwait or the first overseas deployment for some Soldiers. With a large majority of corporals within the unit ranks, it is also a key professional development milestone: teaching combined-military classes.

“It’s going to be important for American Soldiers to continue to learn about and grasp new cultures and different ways of life,” said Maj. J. Martin Plumlee, executive officer of DET 1, 450th MP Co. “In America, we have a lot of great traditions and a lot of great values, but the world is a big place.” Plumlee worked with Al-Duraibi to plan and execute the training. “People are people,” he said, “They want to be cherished and respected.” Plumlee said he was pleased that his Soldiers were humble and receptive to learning from their Kuwaiti counterparts. “In the end, we all can learn from each other,” said Plumlee.

“…The knowledge they get is thorough. The method of teaching is simple and right to the point.” — Warrant Officer Mohammed Al-Duraibi, 94th Al-Yarmouk Mechanized Brigade

Cpl. Tyler Saro assists with subduing an individual during crowd control training with the Kuwaiti soldiers from the 94th Al-Yarmouk Mechanized Brigade on Oct. 29, 2013. Saro also had the opportunity to work with Iraqi and Afghan military police officers during previous deployments.

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trained + ready

Immediate Response Authority

Answering the Call: Homela By Lt. Col. Monica Radtke,

WASHINGTON, Ill.—Soldiers from the 724th

103rd Sustainment

Transportation Company were among the first to assist with recovery efforts in the aftermath of the deadly F4 tornado that recently ripped through Washington, Ill., arriving on the scene within hours of the call for assistance. “There were downed power lines and gas leaks and local authorities wanted to prevent traffic from going into those areas,” said 1st Lt. La’Darrian Smith, commander of the 724th Transportation Company. “We were shocked when we arrived on site,” said Smith. “The town was devastated.” The 724th, located in Bartonville, Ill., used Immediate Response Authority on Nov. 17, to respond to a request from Washington Fire Chief John Meyers to help police with setting up blockades on roads leading in and out of the town. The Stafford Act and DOD Directive 3025.18 authorize military commanders to use their Soldiers at the request of local authorities to aid in the

Photo by Lt. Col. Christopher Morgret, commander, 419th Movement Control Battalion.

Command (Expeditionary)

ABOVE: The initial view as the 724th Transportation Company entered Washington, Ill., on Nov. 17. The Soldiers were among the first to respond to recovery efforts after an F4 tornado ripped through the town.

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recovery from a domestic natural disaster for up to 72 hours without an official mobilization order. The primary purpose of this response must be to save lives, prevent human suffering and mitigate serious property damage. The unit quickly notified the chain of command and received approval to send a convoy of vehicles to Washington, which is located 15 miles northeast of Bartonville. “I was impressed with the speed of communication to gain approval for this mission and our ability to pass updates up and down the chain of command,” said Col. Jennifer Ryan, commander of the 206th Regional Support Group, Springfield, Ill. Ryan, along with leadership from the 419th Movement Control Battalion from Bartonville, was also on site. The 724th Soldiers used bobtail trucks and humvees to set up blockades at four locations around Washington. Smith worked with first responders inside the Emergency Operation Center on site and his team

eland Tornado Response

— 1st Lt. La’Darrian Smith, 724th Transportation Company

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Photo courtesy istock /getty images

“We were shocked when we arrived on site. The town was devastated.”

of 23 Soldiers supported local law enforcement until civil services arrived later in the evening and the 724th’s help was deemed no longer needed. “I honestly believe the 724th helped save lives,” said Brig. Gen. Arlan DeBlieck, commanding general of the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Des Moines, Iowa. “They helped keep people off the roads in dangerous areas.” “Our Soldiers stepped up to fill a need for the town of Washington after a category four tornado went through causing extensive damage to the town,” said Ryan. “The Soldiers were very excited to contribute and help those in need. I couldn't be more proud of the leadership’s response and their ability to organize a 24-person team to support the mission.”

Dedicated to the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve who made the supreme sacrifice in the global war on terror.

WE WILL N

in memoriam SGT Kevin D. Akins SPC Omar M. Albrak SSG Ahmed K. Altaie SPC Paul E. Andersen MAJ Stuart M. Anderson SGT Roberto Arizola, Jr. CPL Raphael R. Arruda SPC Farid El Azzouzi CSM Edward C. Barnhill SPC Jacob D. Barton SGT Gregory A. Belanger SPC Alexander J. Bennett CPL Mark A. Bibby SPC Steven J. Bishop MSG Kelly M. L. Bolor SGT Federico G. Borjas SPC Roy Buckley SPC Dustin R. Brisky MSG Thomas L. Bruner CPT Brian M. Bunting SPC Charles E. Bush, Jr. CPT Paul J. Cassidy PFC Thomas D. Caughman SPC Doron N. Chan SPC Jonathan M. Cheatham SSG Thomas W. Christensen

SSG Lillian L. Clamens SGT Ross A. Clevenger 1SG Christopher D. Coffin SPC Christopher J. Coffland SPC Gavin J. Colburn SGT James S. Collins, Jr. MAJ David S. Connolly SSG Todd R. Cornell SPC Richard M. Crane 1SG Jose S. Crisostomo LTC Terrence K. Crowe SSG Donald N. Davis SFC Coater B. Debose SPC Lauro G. DeLeon, Jr. SFC Robert V. Derenda SSG Christopher W. Dill SGT Catalin D. Dima SPC Jeremy M. Dimaranan SSG Carlos Dominguez SPC Spencer C. Duncan SSG Richard S. Eaton, Jr. SGT Gary A. Eckert, Jr. SPC Daniel L. Elliott MAJ Michael S. Evarts SSG Jeffrey J. Farrow MAJ Gregory J. Fester

SGT Nathan R. Field SSG Ryan D. Foraker SPC Kendell K. Frederick CPT Brian S. Freeman SGT Bryan L. Freeman SGT David T. Friedrich SPC Luke P. Frist SPC Nichole M. Frye SFC Dan H. Gabrielson SSG Loleni W. Gandy MAJ Jason E. George SGT David J. Goldberg SPC Michael L. Gonzalez PFC Gregory R. Goodrich SGT Brett E. Gornewicz PFC Devin J. Grella CPL Kelly B. Grothe MAJ Scott A. Hagerty SPC David E. Hall SPC Robert E. Hall, Jr. SGT James W. Harlan SSG Darren Harmon SGT Kenneth W. Harris, Jr. SFC David A. Hartman SSG Stephen C. Hattamer SPC Joshua T. Hazlewood

SSG Robert Hernandez SGT Edward R. Heselton SPC Julie R. Hickey SGT Anton J. Hiett SPC Joshua L. Hill SPC Casey L. Hills SPC Benjamin D. Hoeffner SGT James J. Holtom MAJ Matthew P. Houseal SFC Merideth L. Howard SPC Bert E. Hoyer CPL Rachael L. Hugo SGT Eric R. Hull CPL Derence W. Jack SPC Dustin C. Jackson CPT Benjamin D. Jansky SPC Ryan P. Jayne SPC Joseph A. Jeffries MAJ Alan R. Johnson SPC Robert T. Johnson SFC Matthew R. Kading MSG Paul D. Karpowich SPC Chancellor A. Keesling MAJ Dwayne M. Kelley LTC Paul W. Kimbrough SPC Adam G. Kinser

We honor the lives of these Warrior-Citizens for their service and sacrifice to our

NEVER FORGET As of february 2014

SSG Charles A. Kiser SGT Charles B. Kitowski, III SPC Adam L. Knox SGT Elmer C. Krause SGT Kurt E. Kruize CSM John K. Laborde SSG Mark A. Lawton SSG Wilgene T. Lieto CPT Shane R. Mahaffee SFC Curtis Mancini SGT Myla L. Maravillosa LTC Ralph J. Marino SSG Stephen G. Martin SGT Arthur S. Mastrapa SSG Matthew Maupin MSG Danny E. Maybin SPC Christopher D. McCarthy CPT Joshua M. McClimans SSG James D. McNaughton SFC Otie J. McVey 1SG Tobias C. Meister SPC Christopher T. Monroe MAJ Evan J. Mooldyk SGT Melvin Y. Mora SSG Richard L. Morgan, Jr.

m/New Dawn.

SFC Lawrence E. Morrison SSG James D. Mowris MAJ Michael L. Mundell SGT Rodney A. Murray SGT Paul T. Nakamura MSG Robb G. Needham SPC Charles L. Neeley SSG Clinton T. Newman PFC Alan H. Newton, Jr. CW2 Bryan J. Nichols SPC Allen D. Nolan SGT Joseph C. Nurre SGT Larry W. Pankey, Jr. SGT Evan S. Parker SSG Robert J. Paul SSG Ronald L. Paulsen SPC Samuel F. Pearson PFC Luis A. Perez SSG James L. Pettaway LTC Mark P. Phelan MAJ John P. Pryor SGT Jaror C. Puello-Coronado SGT Miguel A. Ramos SSG Joseph R. Ray SGT Pierre A. Raymond

SPC Brandon M. Read SGT Regina C. Reali SPC Ramon Reyes-Torres SGT Lawrence A. Roukey 1SG Blue C. Rowe 1SG Carlos N. Saenz SSG Cameron B. Sarno SGT Joshua A. Schmit SSG Coby G. Schwab COL Stephen K. Scott SGT Danton K. Seitsinger CPL Stephen D. Shannon SFC Michael P. Shannon LTC Anthony L. Sherman SSG Russell K. Shoemaker CPT Benjamin A. Sklaver SSG Benjamin J. Slaven LTC Albert E. Smart MAJ Charles R. Soltes, Jr. SPC Carla J. Stewart SFC Douglas C. Stone SGT Michael R. Sturdivant SGT Joshua A. Terando SGT Steve Theobald SGT Daniel J. Thompson

SGT Jarret B. Thompson SSG Frank F. Tiai SGT Tina S. Time SFC John J. Tobiason SPC Brandon Tobler SGT Nicholas A. Tomko SPC Juan M. Torres SPC Teodoro Torres SSG Nathan J. Vacho SGT Thomas E. Vandling, Jr. SGT Jose M. Velez SSG Dain T. Venne SGT Chirasak Vidhyarkorn SGT Brandon L. Wallace SGT Brad A. Wentz PFC Raymond M. Werner SPC Marc C. Whisenant SGT Cheyenne C. Willey LTC James L. Wiley SGT James Witkowski MAJ Stuart A. Wolfer LTC Thomas A. Wren CPT Darrick D. Wright SPC James C. Young

Editor Warrior-Citizen 6075 Road Building 1908, Ofc 302 Fort Belvoir, Va 22060-5231

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