august 2013 bde monthly newsletter

america’s first brigade est 1917devils

aUgUst 2013 editiON

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POc: cPt mike barry240-3515

AUGUST 2013 the devil’s cOrNer 2

NO missiON tOO difficUlt. NO sacrifice tOO great. dUty first. devil 6

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Devil Brigade,

What a great day to be a Soldier in OUR Army’s First Brigade, established back in 1917, founded on our Nations best. I am proud and honored to be part of YOUR formation. We have been conducting platoon level gunnery over the last 45 days, and the Dreadnaughts will close out our summer gunnery. Well done by the entire team, my salute to the BCT top crews! I am proud of you. I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the focus areas of the Brigade. We recently made contact with some of our Soldiers located at our Nation’s hospitals. We certainly enjoyed talking to them and being able to share our experiences and linage. As part of America’s First Brigade, all of us are united in a special bond. In addition, our Brigade is part of the Army’s effort to open positions of specific occupational specialties to our women at the battalion and bri-gade level. To date we have had over 300 women working in the Brigade, helping us win for our nation. One of the first things I pushed is Force Protection. I want to emphasize that we as an Army of professionals, need to take care of ourselves. The dangers of driving vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the potential to cause harm or death are not worth a soldier not making a plan for a designated driver. I also pushed a plan that spoke to a no tolerance for discrimination based off race, gender, ethnicity, or rank. The Army Values provide the foundation. Help me pass the word.

Again, great month at gunnery, bless you all.

Take CareDevil 6John Reynolds

COL John Reynolds


Spiritual Resilience Thoughts from 1st BDE Unit Ministry Team: A study by the National Parent-Teachers Organization (PTO) revealed that in the average public school the ratio of negative comments from teachers to students is about 18:1. Think about that, for every 19 comments from teachers to students, 18 of them were negative. No wonder studies show that when kids start first grade 80% of students feel pretty good about themselves, but by the time they reach 6th grade, only about 10% of kids feel good about themselves. And this is from a profession that is probably above the rest of society in bringing positive into a negative world. But listen to the communication around our homes on a daily basis. In another study of two-year old children researchers estimate that two-year olds hear over 400 negative statements directed at them a day, from teachers, aides, childcare workers, parents and siblings. “Don’t touch that!” “No, it is done this way.” “No, you are not big enough.” Are you a leader of Soldiers? Listen to the words out of your mouth on a daily basis that you direct towards them. I wonder if we even come close to the dismal rate of 18:1 negative comments to every one positive com-ment. We have Soldiers who rarely hear any positive words out of their leader’s mouths about them or their performance. We hear the praise in the media about the heroic actions of our Soldiers, we hear the commanders on high talk about the awesome American Soldier…but ask the average Soldier when was the last time someone gave them some good words…I think we’d surprised at how rarely it happens. Here are a few free phrases lead-ers can use with their Soldiers to infuse some positive energy into the Soldier’s daily routine:

1. Hey Soldier, I like the way you handled that.

2. (Insert name) I appreciate what you did.

3. You are a valuable part of the team.

4. How can we turn this into a positive?

5. I’m proud of you.

Spiritual resilience is when we rely upon a source that strengthens our spirit and sustains us during try-ing times. Positive communication is something that we can do to help others develop their spiritual resilience and by helping others we often find we help our self. Think about it.

Peace, Chaplain Don CarrothersOffice: (785) 239-2513Cell: (785)307-0514

chaPlaiN’s cOrNer

Unit Chaplains Contact Information

BDE CH (MAJ) Carrothers: 785-239-2513BSTB CH (CPT) Ball: 785-279-6836BSB CH (CPT) Adriatico: 785-239-95301-16 CH (CPT) Ball: 785-240-31112-34 CH (CPT) Parks: 785-240-24441-5 CH (CPT) Jung ---- No Number4-4 CH (CPT) Remy ---- No Number1 ENBN CH (1LT) Sanders: 785-240-5972


‘Dreadnaughts’ mortarmen launch into M120 training

Sgt. Kerry Lawson, 1st ABCT

TOP: “Staying fresh and proficient with our skills as mortarmen will enable us to be ready when the unit deploys next year,” 1st Lt. William Osilaja, Mortar Platoon Leader, HHC, 2nd Bn., 34th Armor Regt.BOTTOM: Soldiers with Mortar Platoon, HHC, 2nd Bn, 34th Armor Regt. conduct preventive maintenance and service checks to their M298 cannon tube July 30 during the unit’s three-day-long training exercise at Fort Riley.

By Sgt. Kerry Lawson, 1st ABCT

Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division conducted a live-fire exercise with their M120 mortar system from July 29 to 31 at Fort Riley. “This training exercise was to register our ’guns‘ as we do with our M4s,” said Sgt. AnthonyGromley, squad leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn., 34th Armor Regt. “We need to ensure that our mortars fire straight and true now, so that there is less of a chance of a mistake later.” On the first day of the exercise, the teams concentrated on crew drills, which build precision, speed and team work. During the second day, the mortarmen fired high-explosive, illumination and full-range training rounds from the dismounted positions with the mortar system. The crews practiced firing a direct lay mission, which is when they fire without using the fire direction center, and the mortars are given a point they can see to shoot the targets. “This is very exciting because the direct lay mission is the only time you get to see what you are shooting at,” said 1st Lt. William Osilaja, mortar platoon leader, HHC, 2nd Bn., 34th Armor Regt. The final day of the exercise, the mortar men cleaned and turned in their equipment, and departed the field. The goal is to shoot once a quarter and to work on crew drills every other quarter, Osilaja said. “The unit had previously conducted dry-fire and live-fire

exercises from late spring to early summer,” Osilaja said. “This included the two-weeklong, battalion-level situational training exercise in May. Last week, the teams completed their written exams. Staying fresh and proficient

with our skills as mortar men will enable us to be ready when the unit deploys next year.”

PaOPOC SSG Lashleyleidner, Bernhard: 785-240-0523


hamiltON’s OwN battaliON

procedures. I am so proud of what our Soldiers are doing every day to prepare for current and future operations. As a battery we completed convoy simulation training at the CCTT focusing on convoy opera-tions, radar and medical training in preparation for EFMB in October of this year. For the month of Au-gust, our biggest focus is to support our sister battalions in executing their Table XII gunnery certification. Also in August, we will have our FRG meeting on 06 Aug and I look forward to seeing our Hellfighters family.

July turned out to be a busy month for members of Alpha Battery. It started with the ASPT and Gunner’s test and ended with Table VI certifications and RRF recertification. Hopefully all the training will pay off when 1st Platoon goes out and shoots the CALFX for 1-16 IN and shows the rest of the brigade what artillery is really made of. The Father’s Day Chili cook off was a positive and successful event. It allowed some Soldiers in Alpha the chance to show off some culinary prowess as well as showcase unknown talents outside of shooting artillery. Everyone that came said the event was great and that future “cook-offs” would prove to be future successes if they were added to the FRG calendar.

July was a great month for our Delta Battery Family. We celebrated many promotions and

July marked our return to field operations as we began to support maneuver platoon training for 4-4 CAV, 1-16 IN, and 2-34 AR this summer. The Soldiers have trained this past month on their artillery proficiencies to enable the outstanding field artillery support we provide from Hamilton’s Own. In July, we also celebrated our Battalion Organizational Day at Milford Lake with Delta Battery taking home the BN ORG DAY streamer for their guidon. Congratulations to the Delta Dogs! It was great to see all the families out enjoying a beautiful day at Milford Lake! During the month of August, we will continue our field training and artillery live fire exercises. We will also celebrate Molly Pitcher Day on August 9th in the Motorpool.

Be safe as you continue to enjoy this summer weather with outdoor activities such as boating and fishing on Milford Lake. I tell all Soldiers to stay hydrated during the summer heat and look out for each other.

Stay Brave, Responsible, and On point! Keep up the great teamwork! I want to thank all Soldiers and families for all you do every day for this great battalion. Hamilton’s Own! --LTC Scott P. Nolan

Last month was a very busy month for Hellfighter battery as we welcome the new Brigade commander’s latest poli- cies and

awards as well as having a Battery and Battalion Organizational Day. During the Battalion ORG day the Dogs showed who the best Battery in the Battalion was by winning the BN ORG Day Streamer. Delta Battery ran away with the competition by winning all but 2 events (Dominos and Corn hole).

Looking forward to August we will have an opportunity to get back out to the field and support the maneuver units with fires. Starting the first week of August, 2nd platoon will support 4-4 CAV’s STX lanes and at the end of the month 1st platoon will be supporting 2-34 AR. This will allow soldiers to get back to their Artillery tasks and enable us to keep our skills honed and practice for next years Yuma shoot.

POC 1LT Brown, Carl: 678-994-3608


irON raNgers battaliON

Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team spent August 6-16 in the field during the recent Gunnery Table XII and Platoon Situational Training Exercise (STX). The “Iron Ranger” Battalion conducted the exercise incorporating A-10’s, OH-58s, 155mm Artillery, 120mm Mortars, Shadow UAV and sapper squads. Infantry and armor platoons conducted a Live fire Exercise (LFX) while companies controlled and integrated indirect fires. The battalion exercised mission command from the TOC and TAC while the field and combat trains sustained operations over the 11 day period. The TBL XII Gunnery gives each platoon in the Line Company (supported by HHC, scouts, and E Company FSC) the time and resource to stress all aspects of the Battalions War fighting functions. This type of training is essential to Further enhancing the Soldiers’ abilities to perform as an effective fighting unit. Unique training was developed for the Infantry and Armor platoons. Each Table XII scenario was developed to enhance and develop skills needed for each platoon to perform their perspective jobs. “We have defiantly stressed all systems (OF the Battalion). Everybody is involved in the fight from the Battalion Commander down to the lowest Private everybody has to do their part” Said 1LT Jackson 1st PLT Charlie 1-16th IN. The use of close combat aviation (OH-58 Kiowa’s, A-10 Thunderbolt), mortars, and field artillery throughout the exercise enabled platoons to effectively manage multiple assets in a full spectrum operation setting.

TOP: C31 from 3rd Platoon, Company C, 1-16th IN “Iron Rangers” engages targets during a defensive engagement of Gunnery Table XII. The “Iron Rangers” conducted Gunnery Table XII from 06 – 16 August.BOTTOM: D11 from 1st Platoon, Company D, 1-16th Infantry egages targets during GT XII

warning signs, resources available, and to encourage intervention. These areas highlight the importance of fellow soldiers in the effort to maintain combat power. This type of training is essential in the Battalions train up for an NTC rotation next spring. It allows the Soldiers to perform realistic training and helps Soldiers grow greater confidence in their equipment, but improves the Battalions ability to employ direct fire. This increases the Battalions combat power and increases its ability to close with and destroy the enemy. “Iron Rangers” Semper Paratus (always ready)

In the second half of August the Battalion focused on recovery which included cleaning and repairing equipment, and conducting Annual services ensuring its vehicles are always ready to perform their war fighting function. The Battalion also maintained combat power by fo-cusing on Force Protection, CSF2 and fellow soldiers. Leaders focused on barracks checks, helping maintain a safe and secure environment for soldiers. Battle buddy teams reinforce giving soldiers a support system, on and off duty. The BN closed out the month with ACE training to increase awareness of risk factors,

POC 1LT Liebrenz, James: 785-240-2432


Pale rider sqUadrON

1LT Dirks, third from left, leads Apache Troop to victory during Operation Beltran as part of 4-4 CAV’s Org Day, August 16.

To the Friends, Families, and Troopers of the Pale Riders, We’re finally back and finishing our services from seven weeks of hard training and I could not be more proud of the way everyone performed. Very well done! The Pale Riders spent the month of July conducting Bradley and Wheeled Gunnery, a Platoon Maneuver Training Exercise, and Platoon Live Fires. These training events proved to be very challenging and very rewarding. Comanche Troop defended its place of honor earning the highest overall Troop score, repeating their strong performance from the winter gunnery. Platoon Gunnery tested our skills at an even higher level, and our Troopers performed well, employing direct fires in complement with mortar, artillery, and aviation fires. Following our extensive field training, the Pale Riders conducted recovery operations through the month of August. The attention to detail and long hours spent servicing, repairing, and accounting for our equipment and ourselves will ensure we are ready for future challenges. As part of our recovery period, we conducted a Squadron Organizational Day. Troopers spent time with their Families and with each other to strengthen the Pale Rider Team. It was the perfect time to initiate our inaugural Memorial Physical Training Event to honor fallen Pale Riders. The first event honored SGT Beltran of Blackheart

Troop, who died recently after a long recovery following wounds he suffered while serving in Afghanistan. Operation Beltran was a team based physical training event that was physically tough for the teams competing. Operation Beltran was the first of nine memorial events planned in honor of fallen Pale Riders. Overall, our Organizational Day was a great time to relax after a stressful month of training out in the Field. Upcoming events to put on your calendar are: 27 SEP will be the next Pale Rider Triathlon. We need you to come out and show your support to the Troopers as they negotiate this arduous event. The best place to watch is at the lake as they exit the swim. 05 OCT Ft Riley Fall

Festival – 4-4 CAV will be doing the setup and running the static displays. We will be selling corn dogs and chicken nuggets and could always use some motivated volunteers. 19 OCT Spurette Ride. This is going to be a great event and we welcome all spouses to come earn their spurs. Lastly, it’s with a heavy heart that we must bid farewell to CSM Kenny. He was selected to a Brigade Level Command Sergeant Major position in Kuwait and will be leaving us in the next two weeks! Talk about short notice. Please come show your support at the 05 SEP Change of Responsibility Ceremony to say goodbye to him and to welcome SGM Whetstone. Smile and stay motivated – Pale Rider 6.

POC 1LT Nelson, Jeffrey: 785-240-4646


dreadNaUghts battaliON

Anyone who has ever been stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas could tell you the weather can be unpredictable. This day was no different. A record rainfall fell on Fort Riley and neighboring com-munities on Thursday, 15 August 2013, the same day the Dread-naught Battalion began the execu-tion of their biggest field exercise since redeploying from Afghanistan in the Spring of 2012. For weeks the Dreadnaughts have been diligently preparing for the culminating training event of their summer, Gunnery Table XII, and the Kansas weather was not go-ing to extinguish the fire inside the mighty Dreadnaughts. Table XII Gunnery was designed to validate platoon live fire proficiency and to prepare maneuver platoon leaders for live-fire decisive action operations. What does that mean exactly? Alpha Company Commander, CPT James Cerrone explains; “Gunnery Table XII (Platoon Live Fire) was the first time Platoon Leaders, even their drivers and dismounted soldiers, were able to see the combat power they bring to bear as a platoon. It allowed the individual soldier all the way through Company Commander and Battalion Staff to train their systems, identify shortcomings, and provide the ruthless repetition necessary to fix those shortcomings without leaving training.” This two-week long, all encompassing training event, included TOC operations,

concurrent training, Troop Leading Procedures, Dry Fire, and Live Fire Days in which companies incorporated a variety of assets not organic to their companies during the tactical portion of the exercise. The use of close combat aviation (OH-58 Kiowas), mortars, and field artillery throughout the exercise enabled platoons to effectively manage multiple assets in a full spectrum operation setting. “Table XII enabled me as a PL to see and execute a platoon mission in which Company and Battalion level assets were utilized and maximized. Being able to see the synchronization of these assets was beneficial not just to me, but to the

soldiers in the platoon as well. The soldiers identified and executed their task and purpose during the platoon mission…they were able to see their piece of the pie.” Said 1LT Michael Benoit, Platoon Leader for 1/B/2-34AR. The Dreadnaughts concluded this two week exercise having expended 126 rounds of 155mm, 125 rounds of 120mm, and countless small arms and direct fire rounds. The Dreadnaught Battalion exits Gunnery Table XII a stronger, more capable and better prepared force ready to fight and win America’s wars as a true team of teams. Fear God..Dreadnaught!

POC 1LT Sheffield, Ryan: 785-240-2080


gUardiaNs battaliON

Guardians,

The Battalion continues to work and train hard for success during our upcoming rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA in April 2014 and deployment to Kuwait next summer. It’s an action packed summer, executing another round of Convoy Protection Platform Gunnery (CPPG) consisting of three Gates to success. Gate I began early this summer with Guardian Soldiers qualifying on their assigned M2 and the M240B crew served machine guns. In June each Company created vehicle crew assignments and completed Gate II, with simulated crew and convoy training. Gate III in August was the culminating event, executed in three phases; Static Shoot, Shoot on the Move, and Convoy Situational Exercises. Phase I of Gate III qualified individual crews to fire live rounds with their machine guns from stationary platform at 1000 meter targets. That is over 10 football fields long! Gate III, Shoot on the Move Gunnery, consisted of each crew driving through a course and engaging targets that would pop up. An evaluation criteri-on is based on their timely ability to use the proper commands to identify and engage targets as they maneuver. The last phase of Gate III was the culminating event syncing all the crews’ skills to execute a mounted patrol. Lieutenants patrol consisting of four gun trucks, wrecker and ambulance. Each leader negotiated improvised explosive devises, obstacles, mortar fire; recovered battle damaged non-mission capable vehicles, treated and evacuated wounded Warriors. Top Gun went to a Bravo Company crew two years running. Highly motivated Soldiers, with ample resources and ambitious leaders developed qualified Guardian crews capable of mission execution with outstanding results. Remember, for information on all the great Family and Solider friendly events in the Flint Hills area and on Fort Riley, don’t forget to check out (and please ‘Like’) the GUARDIAN and DEVIL Brigade Facebook pages at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/101st-Brigade-Support-Battalion-Guardians/167611785766?sk=wall (Guardians) and https://www.facebook.com/1HBCTDevilBrigade?v=wall&ref-sgm (Devil Brigade). Continue to have safe summer as we transition to the fall. Remember to practice solid Force Protection, se-cure yourself and Family first and continue to be BRAVE; Be RESPONSIBLE and Be ON POINT (BRO- Big Red One) for our nation. Thanks for all you do to Carry the Burden and provide uncompromised support to the Devil Brigade. GUARDIANS!

Guardian 6

POC SFC Say, Adrian: 785-239-4233


defiaNt battaliON

August provided another exceptional month of training for Team Defiant as its Soldiers continued to hone their collective and individual skills while integrating the Devil Brigade’s critical enablers into a full month of gunnery and combined arms training. Looking beyond the horizon toward the National Training Center, our warriors already demonstrate their ability as combat multipliers. Maximizing a steady stream of training opportunities, Defiant Soldiers continue their ever-increasing levels of proficiency and confidence on their Military Intelligence, Signal, Combat Engineer, and area security systems and lethal capabilities. This month Team Defiant increased its focus on Force Protection, while strengthening trust and teamwork through a mix of fun/challenging Family Readiness, community support, and competitive events. Looking ahead to next month, Team Defiant will continue its high pace of training as it prepares and postures for next quarter’s Engineer Qualification Tables, WIN-T Certification, and a month-long Integrated Intelligence Training event, a first on Fort Riley. Team Defiant began the month of August with the integration of Signal, Military Intelligence and Engineer assets in support of 4-4 CAV, 1-16 IN, 2-34 AR, and 101 BSB as they conducted Gunnery Table XII and multiple Situational Training Exercises (STX). In parallel, twenty-nine Defiant Soldiers completed valuable Combat Life Saver training in order to help ensure the safety and well being of fellow Soldiers. Chaos Company completed recovery, following their highly successful July gunnery, which included an FRG Family Day followed by some well deserved leave. The last week of August culminated with completion of Un-stabi-lized gunnery for all Defiant Military Police and NBC Recon Crews; a challenging two week training event. Upcoming Events - 3 Sep, Battalion Hosted Fort Riley Red Cross Blood Drive in building 7270- 20 Sep, Combined Federal Campaign Begins- 21 Sep, Topeka KS Tough Mudder - Save the Date: 6 December 2013, Defiant Holiday Ball

POC SPC Fields, Sarah: 785-240-3804


s-1 / reteNtiON

Congratulations to SFC Glenn J. Schneider and SFC Henry B. Favre for being promoted to the rank of

Sergeant 1st Class, effective August 1, 2013.

Congratulations to the 27 1LT’s who were recently viewed and selected to the rank of CPT for the Fiscal Year

2014 AMEDD and Army Competitive Category Selection Board.

Congratulations to the 15 SPC’s that were promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Congratulations to the 7 SGT’s that were promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Retention:

There were 19 Soldiers that re-enlisted with the Devil Brigade.

POC SSG Keith, Phonique: 785-239-6047


frsa/frg

Army Community Service: 785-239-9435Military & Family Lie Consultants:

785-329-1883 / 785-213-1627

EmergencyHealth Care Pets

Legal

Financial

POC Mrs. Day, Helen: 785-240-4818

Fire Department911

785-239-4257

Military Police785-239-6767

Victim Advocate Page24 Hour Response

785-307-1373

American Red Cross785-239-1887

1-877-272-7337

Suicide & Crisis Hotline1-800-784-2433

1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Poison Control1-800-222-1222

Post Operator785-239-3911

Military Operator

IACHAppointment Line

785-239-3627 (DOCS)

IACH Nurse Advice Line

785-239-3627 (DOCS)

IACH Patient Representative785-239-7739 / 7103

IACH Chaplain

785-239-7872 / 7871

Dental CareUnited Concordia

www.ucci.com

Dental Clinic (IACH)785-239-7955

Dental Command Human Resource

785-239-7226

Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH)Information Line

785-239-7000

Immunization Clinic785-239-7972

Alcohol Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)785-239-7311

Mental Health785-239-7291

Social Work Services (SWS)785-240-7471 / 7472

Family Advocacy Program in IACH785-239-7060

TRICARE1-888-874-9378 (TRIWEST)


Sexual AssaultPrevention / Response

785-239-2991 / 6086 / 9435

Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS)

Junction City 785-762-5445Manhattan 785-776-7722

Veterinary Needs785-239-3868 / 2732

MWR Websitewww.rileymwr.com


Basic Needs

Abuse / Neglect

DEERSID Cards and AG ID Cards

785-239-3654

1st ID Websitewww.1id.army.mil

Newcomers Sponsorshipwww.riley.army.mil/

Newcomers/Sponsorship.aspx

Animal Poison Control Center1-888-426-4435

Legal Assistance785-239-3117

Staff Judge Advocate785-239-2217

Immigration and Naturalization785-239-3117

Administration785-239-2217

Claims785-239-3830 / 2633

Army Emergency Relief (AER)785-239-9450

Financial Questions ACS

785-239-5775

Financial Resilience EducationEnrichment Program

785-239-5744

Finance Office785-239-6189

Thrift Savings Plan FAQ1-877-968-3778


stay cONNected with america’s bestcall yOUr UNit frg’s aNd s-1’s

1-5 FA FRSABarb Stanley785-239-9288

[email protected]

1ABCT FRSAHelen Day

[email protected]

1-1 BSTB FRSAHelen Day

[email protected]

1st ENG FRSABarb Stanley785-239-4783

[email protected]

4-4 CAV FRSAHelen Day

[email protected]

101st BSB FRSABarb Stanley785-239-1772

[email protected]

1-16 IN FRSAHelen Day

[email protected]

2-34 AR FRSAHelen Day

[email protected]

frsa/frg

1ABCT S-1MAJ Hopkins, Michael D

MSG Fraser, Michel785-239-6827 / 6833

[email protected]@mail..mil

1st ENG S-1CPT Tipado, Rose

SSG Commander, Verner785-240-3250 /239-8753


1-1 BSTB S-1CPT Deters, Heather SFC Austin, Derek


1-5 FA S-1CPT Nuusa, Solomona SSG Garza, Eduardo785-240-1079 / 6184


101st BSB S-1CPT Burdin, Mianah

SFC Say, Adrian785-240-9046 / 6057

[email protected]@mail.mil

2-34 AR S-1CPT Williams, Danella

SFC Mejia, Iliana785-240-1642 / 1789


4-4 CAV S-1CPT Woolery, Timothy

SFC Rever, Bryan785-240-6671 / 2431


1-16 IN S-1CPT Leverett, David SSG Figueroa, Teresa785-239-6827 / 4566


august 2013 bde monthly newsletter

News & Politics