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an edition of ALASKAthe POST The Interior News Connection Vol. 11, No. 49 , December 18, 2020 Fort Wainwright Alaska Installation Team recognized for support in COVID-19 response

Col. Heath Roscoe (center), defense coordinating officer, presents a Certifi- cate of Achievement to Col. Christopher Ruga (left), U.S. Army Garrison Alaska commander, and Jody Mandella (right), USAG Alaska, Fort Wainwright emer- gency manager, for the outstanding sup- port to the Region X Defense Coordinat- ing Element’s Alaska State Emergency Preparedness liaison officer during the COVID-19 response operations Dec. 1. The support from April 20 to June 15 was instrumental in enabling the AK SEPLO to integrate and coordinate with both the installation emergency planner and the joint force land component command- er - Alaska staff, resulting in situational awareness and shared understanding of Alaska’s emerging requirements and subsequent efforts to plan and provide Defense Support to the State. (Photo by Daniel Nelson, USAG Alaska, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

Fort Wainwright Soldier turns top tier DOD releases 2021 real estate agent: A CSP success story Basic Allowance for

Angie Poole Fort Wainwright Career Skills Housing rates Program Department of Defense military housing areas For Soldiers transitioning in the , out of the military, find- The Department of including Alaska and ing success in the civilian Defense has released . An import- workforce can be a daunting the 2021 Basic Al- ant part of the Basic endeavor. Most people don’t lowance for Housing Allowance for Housing know that while still on rates. Basic Allowance process is the coopera- active duty the Army allows for Housing rates will tion from the Services Soldiers up to four months increase an average of and local military of job skills training in their 2.9 percent when the housing offices in the chosen fields by way of the new rates take effect data collection ef- Soldier for Life – Transition on Jan. 1, 2021. An fort. Input from local Assistance Program and Ca- estimated $23 billion commands is used to reer Skills Programs. will be paid to approx- determine in which With over 550,000 unem- imately one million neighborhoods data is ployed veterans nationwide, Service members. collected and to direct it is more important than The 2021 Basic the data collection ever to highlight the trail- Allowance for Hous- effort in those neigh- blazers, to encourage and ing, as part of a robust borhoods towards inspire others to take ad- military compensation adequate apartment vantage of this remarkable him up for life. Nic is now package, continues the complexes and individ- resource. Trailblazers like a top 10 agent out of 300- member out-of-pocket ual housing units. former Capt. Nic Williams, plus agents in the Alaskan expense element at Median current previous commander of the Interior. Within a year of five percent of the na- market rent and Arctic Wolves’ Headquarters graduating the Career Skills tional average housing average utilities and Headquarters Troop, Program, he has built a cost by pay grade. The (including electricity, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry business and reputation that out-of-pocket expense heat, and water/sew- and Bravo, 3rd Battalion, makes him and his services amounts incorporat- er) comprise the total 21st Infantry Regiment, who stand out. ed in the 2021 Basic housing cost for each finished Fort Wainwright’s When asked for comment, Allowance for Housing military housing area Soldier for Life Transition his advice to fellow Soldiers rates vary by grade and are included in the Assistance Program in late transitioning out of the mil- and dependency status Basic Allowance for 2019. itary was as simple as it is and range from $70 to Housing computation. Thanks to battalion com- effective, “Get into a mind- $158 monthly. Even Total housing costs mander Lt. Col. James How- set of using the tools SFL- with the out-of-pocket are developed for six ell’s great leadership and TAP gave you to really sell expense amounts, the housing profiles (based final approval, Williams was yourself. Your Army career is overall military pay on dwelling type and able to become Summit Re- only one of many bullets on do just that. We thank him and benefits package number of bedrooms) alty Group's first ever CSP your resume. Make yourself for his service to this coun- remains competitive in each military hous- – where seasoned agents Joe shine and stand out from a try and congratulate him on and healthy. ing area. Head and Zeb Mabie went crowd in one way or anoth- a job well done. Housing cost data on a limb and gave him an er.” are collected annually See RATES on page 3 opportunity that would set Williams has managed to See CSP on page 2 for approximately 300

WEEKEND WEATHER IN BRIEF Friday Saturday Sunday The Army continues to refine and evaluate an artificial intelligence software prototype for Army intelligence that is designed to quickly identify threats through a range of battlefield data and satellite imagery. Read more on page 4. Mostly sunny. High: Chance of snow High: Chance of snow. High: -14F. -11F. -17F. 2 NEWS December 18, 2020 Nutrition Corner: Nutrition 101 In making your daily a year, that can contribute tities. Rely on your whole for some other options. A and throw in your favorite food selections, you should up to a 25 pound weight fruits, vegetables, lean good natural replacement mix of fruits and vegetables. be particularly mindful gain. Not to mention the 65 proteins, low fat dairy and is fruit infused water. It of your beverage choices? grams of additional sug- whole grains for your vi- is quick, easy and low in Featured Recipes: While your beverage se- ar, about 1/3 cup, per day, tamins and minerals. One calories. A low to moderate Cherry Limeade – Fill lection may seem inconse- which ends up to be about eight-ounce cup of orange intake of diet beverages a pitcher with water and quential, they can impact 118 cups of sugar per year. juice contains 110 calories, (diet cola) and commercial combine with one thinly your total daily caloric in- Imagine the impact that so if you do enjoy a cold zero calorie water flavoring sliced lime and six pitted take, which can contribute has on your dental health glass of juice in the morn- powders are safe and ef- cherries cut in half. Add a to unwanted weight gain as well. This also goes ing ensure it is 100 percent fective for reducing calorie small piece of mint for an and dental caries. It is easy for energy drinks, sports juice and limit yourself to intake, when replacing sug- extra burst of flavor. Best to unknowingly consume drinks, juice and other four to eight ounces per ared beverages, for most when fruit is infused for a 500 to 1,000 calories per sugared drinks such as day. individuals. minimum of four hours. day in beverages alone. lemonade. Don’t be fooled If you are hooked on Cucumber Lemon – Fill For example, one by juice. Just because it drinking sugar sweetened Featured Food: a pitcher with water and 20-ounce bottle of cola contains some vitamins beverages because plain Fruit Infused Water! All add 10 to 14 thinly sliced contains 240 calories. If does not mean it should be water is boring to you, you need to do is make a cucumbers and four slices you drank one per day for consumed in large quan- think outside of the box pitcher or bottle of water of lemon. History Snapshot: Merry Christmas from the 714th Railway Operating Battalion, 1944

Although the 714th was headquartered at , its mission was to maintain and improve the rail line that enabled the reliable movement of materiel and personnel to Alaska’s interior. Over 1,000 personnel arrived in spring of 1943 from Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, and stayed for over 25 months in order to assist the with backlogged maintenance and to mobilize the need repair materials from their backlog areas in Seward and Whittier. (Cultural Resource Program file photo)

MEDDAC Minute CSP Continued from page 1 Important Phone Numbers https://patientportal.mhsgenesis. health.mil/ As with most milestones in all the difference in the lives of Emergency: 911 life, despite all the personal hard America’s best and bravest. If 24 Hour Nurse Advice Line: work and sacrifice, we know your business would like to be a 1-800-874-2273 Opt. 1 Immunizations Effective immediately, due to we didn’t get there entirely part of this incredible program, Appointment Line: 361-4000 on our own. Powerhouses like supporting the troops while add- Behavioral Health: 361-6059 connectivity issues with MHS GEN- ESIS, no patients will be admitted to HireMilitary, Microsoft, Amazon ing extraordinary talent to your Benefits Advisor: 361-5656 and local partners like Sum- team, please contact your local Immunizations: 361-5456 the COVID-19 testing trailer line af- ter 2:30 pm Monday through Friday. mit Realty Group right here in CSP Office. Information Desk: 361-5172 Fairbanks, Alaska, are making Army Strong. Patient Advocate: 361-5291 Any patient in line at the COVID-19 Pharmacy Refills: 361-5803 testing trailer by 2:30 p.m. will be On-Line: www.tricare- seen before the trailer closes. online.com United Health Care: uhcmili- Save a trip to the ER tarywest.com, 877-988-9378 Not sure if you need to come into the emergency room or make an TRICARE appointment? Beneficiaries can all ALASKA POST our Nurse Advice Line to talk to Open Season a registered nurse 24 hours a day, The Interior Military News Connection Mark your calendars and know seven days a week for advice about EDITORIAL STAFF The ALASKA POST is authorized by Army your options. immediate health care needs. Call Regulation 360-1 and is published by the Changes made during open enroll- 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273.) Garrison Commander Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, a private firm in ment take effect Jan. 1, 2021. no way connected with the U.S. Army, and is Col. Christopher Ruga under exclusive written contract. Contents of the Call TRICARE to enroll or change ALASKA POST are not necessarily the official enrollment at 1-844-866-9378. For Please be patient Fort Wainwright PAO views of, or endorsed by, the Department of the questions, please visit https://www. Do you have a referral to a spe- Army. The editorial content of this publication is cialty provider? We are asking your Grant Sattler the responsibility of the U.S. Army Garrison Ft. TRICARE.mil/openseason20 or call Wainwright Public Affairs Office. The ALASKA the Medical Department Activity – patience as we work through the Command Information/ POST welcomes responsible comments from its challenges of MHS GENESIS, the readers and will publish letters, articles or photos Alaska enrollment manager at 907- New Media submitted at least one week prior to the next 361-5610 military’s new electronic health publication. The ALASKA POST reserves the record. Due to a limited number of right to edit or reject submissions. All submitted Brady Gross material will become official Army property unless appointments in the facility, more otherwise indicated. To advertise call (907) 459- New Patient Portal referrals are being sent for off-post Community Relations/ 7548 Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or TRICARE Secure Messaging is providers. This means less appoint- Media Relations patronage without regard to race, color, religion, GONE! Have you registered yet for ments available to our already limit- gender, national origin, age, marital status, Eve Baker physical handicap, political affiliation or any other the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal so ed access to providers off-post. non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. you can continue to manage appoint- Many of our specialty care services Staff Writer/Editor The Editorial office is located on Ft. Wainwright in ments, check lab results, order pre- are currently booking into December. Building 1047 #1; Mailing address is Public Affairs Daniel Nelson Office, 1060 Gaffney Road, 5900, Ft. Wainwright, scriptions and talk to your provider? We recognize the stress this places on AK 99703. Call 353-6779 or 353-6760, or send Remember if you have a DS login patients and are doing everything we Staff Writer emails to usarmy.wainwright.imcom-pacific.list. you must upgrade to a 'Premium' can to provide care within the access [email protected] Brian Schlumbohm account in order to use the system. to care standards. 3 December 18, 2020 NEWS The Chaplain’s Corner Am I in charge of my happiness?

Chaplain (Capt.) not to be happy. This sponsible for how we to make us happy, Joshua J Barney is not a new concept. respond to any given we will eventually 2nd Battalion, 8th Field We see it in Buddhist situation and there be disappointed. I’m Artillery Regiment philosophy, as well is wisdom in con- sure everyone reading Chaplain as in Stoicism, both trolling our responses this can think of an contending that we are to events in our lives. example. People fail. In the past few not in control of our These suggestions This is a universal weeks, I have had lives and should accept will help us to not truth. So of course the a number of Sol- it. The only thing we simply react to events next conclusion is if I diers I’ve talked to are in control of is our in our lives but start cannot trust others, in passing, express emotions and reac- to be intentional in then I can only trust a certain sentiment tions to the events of any given situation. myself. But this belief as a response to this our lives. For example, But does that give us is also flawed because desires that cannot be Who will rescue me question: “who is the Buddhism says you happiness? Are we we are people too. We escaped. Accordingly, from this body that is only person who can should release yourself truly responsible for also fail. people fail because subject to death?” make you happy?” The from attachment to our own happiness? How often do we they are not perfect. For me, as a Chris- answer is always the things in your life, to Can we be depended fail ourselves let alone People are not com- tian, the answer to same- some variation help minimize their upon for it? Am I truly other people? If we plete; sin has robbed Paul’s question is the of “only me,” which impact. Stoicism the only person I can look solely inward them of their whole- only Man not sub- I think is the wrong contends you should depend on for my own for our happiness we ness. Paul in Romans ject to sin. The only answer. However, foresee these events happiness? Can I actu- will fail. Why do we 7 talks about how he prefect Man. God in this thought that we and plan your emo- ally produce happiness fail? From the Chris- wants to do good but the flesh, Jesus Christ. are in charge of our tional response ahead from within myself? tian perspective, it is he finds that he ends Christians believe own happiness is very of time so you are not Why is it that because we are sin- up doing the very evil true happiness has pervasive throughout surprised, so you can everyone says they ners. We don’t like to thing that he didn’t to come from outside society today. act in the correct way are the only one who talk about it but we want to do. He sees of us, and the only We often see self- instead of being car- can make themselves are flawed creatures. a war going on in person that is outside help books and semi- ried away by emotions. happy? Simply put, it Christian Scripture himself, between what of us that Christian nars that preach the On the one hand is because everyone teaches that sin has he wants to do and Scripture teaches can idea that you are in these ideas in both has been let down by twisted human be- what he actually does. provide that happiness control of your own Buddhism and Sto- someone else at some ings from what they He goes so far as to is Jesus. Because He is life and it’s you that icism are absolutely time in their lives. were supposed to be cry out saying “What the only One who will decides whether or right. We are re- If we look to others into beings full of evil a wretched man I am! not let us down. Inaugural community service Worship Services award presented to former CASA on Fort Wainwright Charles “Chick” Wallace (left), former civilian aid to Good Shepherd Catholic Community the secretary of the Army, Mass: Sundays, 9 a.m., SLC receives the inaugural Brigadier General Marvin Holy Hour Adoration: Thursdays, 6 p.m., “Muktuk” Marston Com- SLC munity Service Award Catholic Women of the Chapel: Wednes- from Maj. Gen. Peter An- days, 9 a.m., SLC drysiak (right), U.S. Army Alaska commander, Dec. St. George Anglican Parish 14 for his distinguished, steadfast and unparal- Holy Communion: Sundays, 11 a.m., SLC leled support of Soldiers, Mid-Week Holy Communion: Wednes- Families and the Army days, noon, BACH community by serving as a conduit to garner sup- Cornerstone Protestant Community port from all facets of the civilian community. The Worship Service: Sundays, 11 a.m., NLC annual award is was cre- Protestant Women of the Chapel, Wednes- ated to honor prominent days, 6 p.m., NLC community leaders for Cornerstone Youth, Sundays, 1 p.m., NLC their support of America's Arctic Warriors in Alaska. Congregación Protestante Piedra An- (Photo by Sgt. Nicholas Vidro, 1st Brigade gular Combat Team, 25th Infan- Servicio de adoración: Domingos, 1 p.m., try Division Public Affairs) SLC Northern Lights Chapel Nov. 22, 2020

Fort Wainwright Religious Support Office, 353-6112 Recognition of 45 years of service 1051 Gaffney, Unit 10 Southern Lights Chapel (SLC), 8th St & Col. Christopher Neely Rd. Ruga (right), U.S. Northern Lights Chapel (NLC), Luzon & Army Garrison Rhineland Avenues Alaska command- er, and Command Sgt. Maj. Rob Pre- usser (left), USAG Alaska command sergeant major, recognize Michael Ferguson (center), USAG Alaska Fort Wainwright Airfield dispatcher, Dec. 15 for his 45 years of government service during the garrison’s Work- force Recognition Ceremony. (Photo by Brian Schlum- bohm, USAG Alas- ka, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

RATES Continued from page 1 Basic Allowance for Housing given location will not see his/ force now and in the future. rates are then calculated for her Basic Allowance for Hous- For more information on each pay grade, both with and ing rate decrease. This ensures the Basic Allowance for Hous- without dependents. that members who have made ing, including the 2021 Basic An integral part of the long-term commitments in Allowance for Housing rates Basic Allowance for Housing the form of a lease or contract and 2021 Basic Allowance program is the provision of are not penalized if the area's for Housing rate component individual rate protection to all housing costs decrease. breakdown, visit https://www. members. No matter what hap- The Department is com- defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bah. pens to measured housing costs mitted to the preservation of cfm. Service members can cal- – including the out-of-pocket a compensation and benefit culate their BAH payment by expense adjustment, an indi- structure that provides mem- using the Basic Allowance for vidual member who maintains bers with a suitable and secure Housing calculator at: http:// uninterrupted Basic Allowance standard of living to sustain a www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/ for Housing eligibility in a trained, experienced, and ready bahCalc.cfm. 4 NEWS December 18, 2020 Weekly Tips: Winter Gear According to the Out- azon for deals, however, pon, or LivingSocial and es. There are plenty of ment may rent gear at low door Industry Association, make sure you research even local radio stations ways to save on travel ex- cost. Additionally, check Americans now spend the gear and cost including for discount offers. You’re penses. For the best airline out the Family and MWR almost as much money shipping prior to purchas- also likely to find bargains deals, make your reserva- outdoor recreation center on winter sports as they ing. Consider looking at on third-party websites tions early in the week. at the local military base do accessing the internet. thrift stores, consignment such as Liftopia. Anoth- Consider flying on a Tues- for savings. The one downside to the stores, yard sales or end of er option is to go to the day or Wednesday, which • Take lessons. You will rising popularity of winter season sales to find great mountain at a less expen- will reduce your ticket progress faster and have and snow sports is that the deals. sive time, like weekdays costs. If you are driving to more fun with professional prices of gear are rising • Check out ski swaps and evening. Ask for a your destination, see if you instructions. Lessons are too. It’s always important and ski shows. Fall ski military, student, AAA can carpool by posting an a smart investment, and to save as much as you can swaps and shows are a or other discount. Quite ad on Craigslist or listing there are often “first-tim- when stocking up on your great way to compare deals often, these are available your trip on a website like er” deals. Quite often, equipment, so whether you and find discounts on new for the asking. eRideShare. there are deals for both have never skied before or and used equipment. Most • Saving on other costs. • Consider renting gear. children and adult begin- you’re an expert, look for are held at retail shops, There is no need to dress You can save money on ners, which include rentals avenues to save money. and if not, there is one in the most fashionable ski and snowboard rentals and lift tickets. online call Swappow. This sporting gear on the mar- by planning ahead and Take snacks. You’ll have • Don’t buy new equip- site has boots, outerwear, ket when you are exercis- reserving your equipment more energy and fun if ment. If you live near a snowboards, goggles and ing – especially when you online. You can save even you refuel throughout the popular snow sports area, more for all snow sports. are skiing, snowboarding, more money by renting day. Load up with portable try looking for local deals • Find lift ticket dis- sledding or snow machin- your equipment at a rental power like cheese sticks, on Craigslist, or other counts. Buying a season ing. Buy middle-of-the- shop that is located off granola bars, dried fruit or website that lists things pass early can help you road, quality apparel, and the mountain. If there is a nuts. If your ski resort has for sale in the local area. save money. Also check skip the unneeded extras. local college nearby, their a “picnic” area, take your Check out eBay or Am- daily deal sites like Grou- • Reduce travel expens- outdoor recreation depart- lunch. AI software prototype expedites Army sensor, shooter capabilities

Devon Suits Association of the U.S. partment of Defense, Army News Service Army Annual Meeting intelligence commu- and Exposition on nity, and commercial The Army con- Oct. 15. data, products and tinues to refine and "Our vision for the services." evaluate an artificial space domain is to The APNT CFT, intelligence software ensure the Army can which falls under prototype for Army leverage the entirety Army Futures Com- intelligence that is of space-based [intel- mand, along with the designed to quick- ligence, surveillance Intelligence, Surveil- ly identify threats and reconnaissance]," lance, and Recon- through a range of said Lt. Gen. Laura naissance Task Force battlefield data and Potter, the Army dep- recently evaluated satellite imagery. uty chief of staff, G-2. Prometheus and a TI- "Prometheus" is Providing com- TAN surrogate during a machine learning manders with a tac- Project Convergence capability designed tical or strategic ISR 20, team members to recognize potential advantage will allow said. The demonstra- threats and provide them to see, under- tion considered the The Army continues to refine and evaluate an artificial intelligence software pro- targeting coordinates stand, decide, and act Army's ability to sense totype designed to quickly identify threats through a range of battlefield data and through the rapid faster, thereby reduc- and identify targets satellite imagery. "Prometheus" is a machine learning capability designed to rec- analysis of intelligence ing the decision-mak- at extended ranges ognize potential threats and provide targeting coordinates through the rapid anal- information, said Wil- ing process from through the employ- ysis of intelligence information. (Screenshot image) liam Nelson, director minutes to seconds, ment of space-based of the Assured Posi- Potter added. capabilities and AI software to ensure data, all while scruti- demand, Potter said. tion, Navigation and "TITAN leverages data analytics. targets are properly nizing AI outputs to Doing so will meet the Timing Cross-Func- data, products and Nelson said both identified, said Alex- develop trust, Miller Army's multi-domain tional Team. services" from the systems were capable ander Miller, science said. He added that operational require- The prototype land, air, sea, space, of passing target infor- and technology senior program officials will ments during times of software will integrate and cyber domains, mation to an Extended advisor with the Ar- need to take the nec- competition, crisis, or with the Army's Tacti- Potter said. It provides Range Artillery Can- my’s G-2 office. essary steps to analyze conflict. cal Intelligence Tar- the Army with a "scal- non during the eval- “If I am somehow how AI incorporates "Our strong and geting Access Node, able expeditionary and uation. In the future, seeing a tank on the incoming data and enduring partnerships or TITAN, Nelson tactical ground station program officials plan water … I know that utilizes it during the across the Department said during this year's … that integrates De- to extend Prometheus' is probably wrong,” process. of Defense and the reach, furthering its Miller said. “I have Continued efforts intelligence communi- ability to collect data to make the system by the Army's ISR ty ensure that Army from various ground smart enough to fact and AI task forces intelligence leverag- and air systems. check [the data].” and APNT officials es the power of the The Army is also To prevent spoof- will enable the force's enterprise to support working to imple- ing, officials must ability to detect, the Army's moderniza- ment anti-spoofing ensure the security characterize, and take tion strategy," Potter measures into its AI and fidelity of root action at the speed of added.

Special Operations strives to use the power of artificial intelligence

David Vergun Defense.gov

U.S. Special Operations Command hopes to increas- ingly use artificial intelligence and machine learning in all aspects of warfare, its com- mander said. Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke spoke virtually today with Hudson Institute schol- ars. Clarke noted that Proj- ect Maven jump-started the employment of AI. Project Maven was initially executed to automate the processing and exploitation of full-motion video collected by intelligence, Airman 1st Class Andrew County, a tactical air control party apprentice instead of relying on humans assigned to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, marshals an ap- to sort through all of it. proaching Alaska UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter With AI's ability to shift during small unit training, Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, quickly through terabytes of Nov. 18, 2020. (Photo by Alejandro Peña) data to find relevant pieces of intelligence, it allows the hu- It saves money in terms of, for mentioned that his organiza- man to make faster and better example, predicting engine life tion is also working closely informed decisions, he said. or failure on a tank or aircraft. with the military services and AI can also be incredibly And it allows better use of organizations like the Joint effective at monitoring the those assets. Artificial Intelligence Center, information environment, he AI-powered health care can as well as with industry, allies said. predict injuries or point to and partners. During a recent visit with a treatments to get operators Clarke emphasized that it's special operations commander in the fight more quickly, he important that commanders in Afghanistan, Clarke not- mentioned. set the tone and set the condi- ed that the commander said In the realm of mission tions to allow innovation and influencing the population in command, AI will power the encourage people to come up a positive way can mean the Joint All-Domain Command with great ideas. difference between winning and Control system, which will Humans are more import- and losing. allow commanders to better ant than the hardware, he Socom has been using AI for communicate and make deci- said. "It's the talented people logistics, and the maintenance sions, he said. that we have to help foster. piece in particular, for more While Socom is forging You've got to invest the human than two years now, he said. ahead quickly with AI, Clarke capital into this space." 5 December 18, 2020 NEWS Chairman honors WWII Army nurse, others

David Vergun ny. Milley mentioned that Defense.gov Shurer, a Special Forces medic, earned the Medal of Medics, corpsmen, Honor for his heroic ac- pararescuemen, doctors, tions to save the lives of at nurses and other military least seven soldiers, despite medical personnel were being wounded and under honored at a ceremony intense enemy fire, during Tuesday. the Battle of Shok Valley, Chairman of the Joint April 6, 2008, in Afghani- Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. stan's Nuristan province. Mark A. Milley spoke at the "He's an incredible Armed Services YMCA's recent example of an angel 14th annual Angels of the of the battlefield," Milley Battlefield Awards ceremo- added. ny in , D.C. The chairman said Former Army 2nd Lt. both of his parents served Regina Benson, a member during World War II; his of the Army Nurse Corps mother in a Navy hospital during World War II, was in Seattle, Washington, one of those honored at the treating the wounded com- ceremony. She's the oldest ing back from the Pacific military nurse at age 100. Theater. His father was a Benson worked countless Navy corpsman with the hours in Army hospitals in 4th Marine Division on the Pacific Theater from Kwajalein, Saipan, Tini- Army 2nd Lt. Regina Benson, a member of the Army Nurse Corps during World War II, poses for 1944 to 1946, including the a photo, 1944. (Courtesy photo) an and Iwo Jima, "saving Battle of Okinawa and the many lives during some occupation of Japan fol- an otherwise brutal, bloody today," she said. "It saddens together, fought together of the bloodiest battles in lowing the end of the war, battlefield." me to think of how many and served together for our American history." Milley said. Milley then presented lives were lost. But I made nation and for our freedom. Milley also mentioned "She knows that her the Angel of Honor Award sure my patients never died It was a unique time of that his wife Hollyanne has most significant act of mer- to Benson. alone. I was always there American unity and spirit been a nurse for 35 years. cy was simply, in her words, "I was delighted and with them so that I could that sadly may never be "She spent countless hours 'to hold the hand of the jumping for joy when the tell their mothers that they equaled again." comforting the wounded young soldier, sailor, airman war was over and I could go did not die alone. Milley also recounted the and has grieved with the or Marine who's about to back home and get married "I accept this award not history of heroic actions by families of our fallen. She pass so they would not die and go to work as a nurse," for myself but on behalf many other medical per- proudly represents the alone.'" Benson said after accepting of all the medical person- sonnel on the battlefields of faithful service and sac- The chairman mentioned the award. nel who served in World this nation's wars. rifice of all of our family that "war is a terrible thing. "I'm proud that I was War II," she said. "None Retired Army Staff Sgt. members who are heroes in But it's people like Regina part of World War II serv- of us deserved medals. We Ronald J. Shurer II was their own right and a core Benson [and others] who ing our country and ensur- just did what millions of laid to rest a few hours strength of our military's bring a bit of humanity to ing the freedom we have Americans did. We worked before Tuesday's ceremo- resolve and skill."

Army expands command assessment program to senior enlisted leaders

Army Talent Manage- ment Task Force

The Army Talent Management Task Force will conduct a prototype of the Ser- geants Major Assess- ment Program from November 14 – 18, 2020 at Fort Knox, Ky. In conjunction with the Battalion Commander Assess- ment Program for Fiscal Year 2022, 32 sergeants major will participate in the pro- totype program. The participants are under con- sideration in the Command Sergeant Major/Sergeant Major Evaluation Board for selection to battalion command sergeant major positions. The prototype program is voluntary and the Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus Robles (right), command sergeant major of 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade results are non-bind- Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, greets Col. Scott Knight, commander of 2SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., following a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 16, 2020 at Fort Carson, Colo. (Photo by Sgt. Gabrielle Pena) ing. BCAP FY21, which collection of self, peer, which selected officers er Assessment Pro- the Centralized Selec- command and strate- debuted earlier this and subordinate feed- who will command gram at Fort Knox in tion List board rank- gic potential among year, assessed 750 back, an APFT, cog- brigades and fill key January 2020. The ing and their perfor- officers eligible for officers who were nitive and non-cog- general staff positions. principals identified mance at the BCAP. O-6 level command competing for battal- nitive assessments, By the end of through the BCAP When compared to and general staff po- ion command and key and an interview BCAP FY22, more represent officers who the legacy Centralized sitions. Results from billets. The program with an operational than 1,800 majors, possess higher po- Select List process, the CCAP are forth- incorporated a series psychologist. The lieutenant colonels, tential for continued the BCAP resulted in coming. of assessments, peer prototype will culmi- and colonels will have service and are more a 34 percent change Since the Army and subordinate feed- nate in a double-blind gone through one physically fit, better in officers chosen for began adopting back, an interview interview between of the three com- communicators and command and key transformational with an operational sergeants major mand assessment less toxic. A board billets. Out of the changes to the man- psychologist, and a participants and a programs. This year, of senior officers, 436 officers chosen agement of the Offi- double-blind panel panel consisting of BCAP will include brigadier generals for command and cers Corps, there has interview. The results nominative command officers from the and colonels, deter- key billets, 26 legacy been a demand to of BCAP helped the sergeants major and Army Acquisition mined whether each principals declined to apply lessons learned Army determine senior commissioned Corps. The Air Force officer was ready for participate in BCAP, to new talent man- which officers demon- officers. and the Navy will also command or not yet 25 legacy principals agement programs strated readiness BCAP FY22, is set send officers to the ready. During the first were found not ready for the NCO Corps. for battalion com- to select officers for program to help de- BCAP, 90 officers were for command, and Other talent man- mand. battalion command termine the suitabil- determined not yet 99 legacy alternates agement initiatives The sergeant ma- and key lieutenant ity of a command ready for command moved up to become in the preliminary jor participants will colonel billets in fiscal assessment program and 660 officers were principals. stages of development take a series of as- year 2022. This is the for their respective slated as principals In September 2020, for NCOs include the sessments in line with second BCAP and services. and alternates. the Army conduct- Army Talent Align- the officer experience comes two months The Army Talent An officer’s selec- ed the first Colonels ment Process and the during the Command after the Army’s first Management Task tion as a principal or Command Assess- First Sergeant Talent Assessment Program. Colonels Command Force held the first alternate for battalion ment Program to de- Alignment Assess- This includes the Assessment Program Battalion Command- command is based on termine readiness for ment. 6 NEWS December 18, 2020

1 April 15, 2016 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Fort Wainwright Family & MWR

Weekly Events December 19 - 26 B.O.S.S. Ice Fishing at Birch Lake Registration Deadline: December 19 19 Event: December 26, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Come out with B.O.S.S. on an ice fishing trip! We will provide transportation, rod & reel, bait, ice fishing hut with wood stove, and the know-how to get you started. *Alaska State Fishing License is required. B.O.S.S., Bldg 1045 Call 353-7648, registration required

Winter Camp: Winter Adventure 21 December 21 - 22 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join Youth Sports and Fitness is hosting a Winter Adventure camp for ages 7 through 18 years old. Winter Adventure Camp includes a variety of activities like sledding, cross country skiing, and more!

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Outdoor Recreation Center, Bldg 4050 Call 361-6349 or 361-6350, registration required

No ‘easy-button’ in Army modernization, says G-8

Thomas Brading opportunity, and it's against Army News Service a valid requirement. “Russia and China aren't The Army’s G-8 said he going anywhere,” he added, has high hopes for mod- underscoring the impor- ernization efforts heading tance of modernization. He into the next year, despite said Army officials believe potential budget cuts that near-peer competitors “will could impact them as well continue going the wrong as future end strength and direction” regarding diplo- force readiness. matic relations. “We’re on the path to In addition to having deliver the capabilities our support from senior leaders, Soldiers require to fight another helpful source for and win,” said Lt. Gen. modernization programs has James Pasquarette during been the U.S. Army Futures an Association of the U.S. Command. Established in Army Noon Report webinar 2018 with a sharp focus Wednesday. on meeting modernization In previous years, Army goals, he said this centralized modernization has come effort has brought a stream- with its share of hold-ups lined approach to moderniza- Lt. Gen. James Pasquarette, Army deputy chief of staff for resources and plans, addresses virtual and headaches. But this tion. And having a four-star audience Nov. 18, 2020, during a webinar hosted by the Association of the . time, Pasquarette believes general “intimately involved (Photo by Thomas Brading) the force’s current efforts are in the modernization effort” much more promising than has assured its success. whatever was left over after Russia, he said. And if it ernization priority, the long- past attempts. “Since the end of the Cold that, we put into readiness to comes time to cut spending range precision fires portfo- The general, who has PLEASEWar, whenVISIT theWAINWRIGHT.ARMYMWR.COM Army has ensure we had the ability FOR toA COMPLETE“I believe we’ll EVENT continue CALENDAR to lio, is on track to deliver the now served two years in been faced with a significant fight.” fully resource top priority” force’s long-range hypersonic his role as G-8, said he was downturn in the top line, To him, hitting “the easy efforts like Army Futures weapon, he said. Earlier this confident that if topline cuts the easy button has been@WainwrightMWR button” is just the easy way Command’s #WainwrightMWR cross functional year, in a joint effort with were required, leaders would modernization,” he said. In out for that moment in time, teams. the Navy, the Army success- continue funding top mod- other words, when previous he said. Now things are Despite challenges, “we’re fully test fired a hypersonic ernization capabilities. budgets have taken a hit, different: there is no easy on a path to deliver the missile and plan to have a “[The Army secretary modernization was the first way out. next-generation capabilities battery of prototype hyper- and Army chief of staff] to be cut. “The equipment we have our Soldiers require, and if sonic weapons fielded by have both stated that we “[Army leaders] have today is what we need to necessary, to fight and win fiscal year 2023. must modernize the Army,” turned down the moderniza- deter, and if necessary, fight against near-peer adversar- Pasquarette said. This is tion dial in order to preserve and win against high-end ies in the future,” he said. a “once-in-every-40-years end strength,” he said. “And adversaries” like China and The Army’s No. 1 mod- See EASY on page 7 7 December 18, 2020 NEWS Learn to handle holiday stress effectively

Tiz Arnold Ed.D. lems, like calling someone are meant to be felt and Emotional Intelligence right now? Army Resilience Directorate a name and putting them they provide useful infor- How can we deal with • Might this emotion be on the defensive, trigger- mation. If we pay atten- emotions as effectively as telling you to take some The holidays can be ing an angry reaction. tion and are willing to feel possible so we don’t just action so that you feel this stressful, maybe this year Another unhelpful the emotion, they tell us survive through the holi- way less in the future? more than ever. From reaction to unpleasant the state we’re in, inside days but truly enjoy them? For example, if you’re deciding whether to stay emotions is numbing or and out, and that we need • First, recognize when feeling lonely, you could home or attend holiday using some strategy to to take some action to deal an emotion arises and try feel less lonely by calling a gatherings, to interacting numb ourselves to the with the circumstances to name it as accurately friend or Family member with Family members who emotion so we don’t have that are resulting in us and clearly as possible. you haven’t talked to in a potentially push your but- to fully feel it. However, feeling the way we do. Our • Second, avoid the de- while. If you’re frustrat- tons, to missing lost loved just because we don’t let emotions can also provide sire to evaluate the emo- ed with your spouse, the ones, the holidays can stir ourselves feel an emo- us with information about tion. Don’t think of it as frustration may be telling up a lot of emotions. tion does NOT mean the what is important to us. good or bad. Instead, think you that there’s a tough emotion goes away. Only Emotionally intelligent of the emotion as being conversation that you need Unhelpful Reactions feeling it can do that. Un- people can discern the val- just a source of informa- to have. to Emotions fortunately, we can’t pick ue being signaled by the tion, much like the num- When emotions feel The first instinct we and choose the emotions emotion they are experi- ber on a thermometer. uncomfortable, it’s for a may have when we feel we don’t want to feel. If encing. For example, the • Third, instead of reason: they’re telling us certain emotions, especial- we numb one emotion, we anger I feel toward a Fam- trying to avoid feeling the we need to do something ly unpleasant ones, is to numb ourselves from feel- ily member who fails to let emotion, lean into it with and give us some indi- react in unhelpful ways. ing all emotions, including me know they planned to curiosity. Consider these cation of what action we For example, when we feel pleasant emotions like love travel for the holidays may questions: should take. By allowing sadness, that emotion may and joy. signal that an important • Why are you feeling ourselves to experience cause us to withdraw from value has been violated this way? the emotion rather than others. When we feel an- Emotions = Data (e.g., the importance of • What are you telling avoid feeling it, we can gry, we may get aggressive Our emotions are data. communication in our yourself about the circum- handle it more effectively and say or do things that When we ignore emotions, relationship or the impor- stances that are resulting and efficiently, leading to a cause us additional prob- we can’t adapt. Emotions tance of caution). in you feeling this emotion merrier holiday season. R2 Performance Centers look to strengthen overall health of Soldiers

Thomas Brading Army News Service

Maintaining physi- cal readiness for many Soldiers is as easy as stopping by the gym, but when it comes to mental health things aren’t always as sim- ple. From individual Soldiers to entire units, Ready & Re- silient Performance Centers, or R2PCs, are at the ready for Soldiers by providing specialized training to help sustain personal readiness, enhance resilience, optimize human performance, and build unit cohe- sion. “Soldiers need to build their mental strength like they do their physical strength,” said Master Sgt. Kevin Edmond- son, Ready and Resil- ient Integration and Training Division non- commissioned officer (Screenshot image) in charge. Their mission is er Course, Soldiers can always call one of degrees and doctorates experts’ backgrounds cide prevention and part of the Army’s undergo an 80-hour, the performance cen- in an array of back- are, so are the read- awareness training, new health approach 10-day course to better ters that are closer to grounds, Olson said, iness opportunities among other options to overall readiness, help Soldiers, Fami- them to get a virtual like sport and perfor- they offer. for military families. said Casey Olson, ly Readiness Group assistant or potential- mance psychology, ki- Both individual The Army’s Child chief of training for spouses, and Army ly plan on support and nesiology, counseling, and organizational and Youth Services the Army Resilience civilians. a planned timeframe,” education, and more. assistance with the personnel have also Directorate. Over time, units Olson said. “We pull from some Army Combat Fitness been specially trained “Our intent going with qualified MRTs of the top programs Test, competition by R2 Performance forward is to align em- have seen notably Resilience trainers across the country to and promotion board experts to facilitate bedded performance lower rates of drug These centers staff ensure that we have guidance, and help resilience training experts [and] cognitive and alcohol abuse and experts “similar to the best of the best with mastery badges, to adolescents. The enhancement special- mental health issues people in the field of when it comes to the lethality training, training sessions are ists to support the like anxiety, depres- sports and perfor- performance experts.” and more is available, meant to empower Holistic Health and sion and post-trau- mance psychology,” However, they are Edmondson said. individual Soldiers, Fitness initiative,” she matic stress disorder, Edmondson said. On not clinical doctors To ensure overall families, and civilians, added. compared to units par with, for example, offering diagnoses, readiness and deploy- Edmondson said. In the last 10 without MRTs, Ed- performance experts Edmondson said. ability, the centers “We are attempting years, more than 30 mondson said. in the NFL, NBA, “They are there to be also offer bystander to provide our Sol- performance centers “We also see that MLB, and their sole a force multiplier to intervention and diers, family mem- across the Army have [Soldiers] who go to mission is helping support the Soldiers stress management bers, and civilians equipped upwards our bystander in- Soldiers. in continuing to grow training, he said. In with more tools in of 49,000 master tervention training “We know that our and strengthen their addition, the centers their kitbag, so they resilience trainers, are more likely to Soldiers are essential- skills.” offer academic help, can not only become or MRTs, with tools intervene – and have ly athletes,” he added. These services are not only to Soldiers more self-aware and needed to conduct re- intervened – in the “But unlike athletes, available to individual but also to their fam- self-regulatory but silience training at the following months after they are not on a sea- Soldiers who walk-in, ilies. also identify different unit level, and serve as taking our interven- sonal basis. Our ath- or entire groups who Other types of things in their bat- advisers to command- tion training,” Olson letes are professionals need various training. training include En- tle buddies and offer ers, Edmondson said. said. on a 365-day basis.” gage training for fam- help and assistance Through the Mas- For Soldiers without In addition, the Types of training ily members, which is to each other,” Olson ter Resilience Train- a local R2PC, “they experts have master’s As diverse as the Army-approved sui- said.

EASY Continued from page 6 When it comes to mid- follow-on variant with an we fight where it matters spring under COVID-19 $10 billion and eliminated range capabilities, the auto-loader is in the works, most -- at the squad and conditions, helped leaders 80 legacy programs. Tomahawk, a low-flying too. platoon levels.” realign billions of dollars, Last year “we received subsonic missile, and SM-6, Other modernization But modernization is he said. the resources needed to a supersonic, high-altitude programs are also in var- not cheap, especially when Pasquarette, who manag- grow the Army, increase the missile, are both capable of ious stages of implemen- facing a flat budget. es the night court process, readiness of the Army, and “striking maritime and land tation. For example, next For the third year in a did not disclose an exact invest in the future read- targets at range,” he said, month the Army plans to row, senior leaders have dollar amount or how many iness of the United States adding they are on track to release a request for pro- conducted “night court” programs were cut during Army,” the general said. be fielded by fiscal 2023. posal for the Optionally processes across Army the 2022 program review, Even though the future The Extended Range Manned Fighting Vehicle. portfolios to realign funds but he said this year’s of the Army’s spending is Cannon Artillery, or ERCA, Pasquarette assured the to modernization efforts, he findings were comparable to “a bit hazy,” he said, Army which is capable of fir- virtual audience “we’re on said. last year’s deep-dive. leaders and lawmakers are ing rounds more than 40 a positive path” to modern- The budgetary review During last year’s bud- making the right choices to miles, is also on the hori- ization as the Army contin- strategy, which was most get review for 2021, senior keep modernization efforts zon, he said, adding that a ues to “revolutionize how recently conducted in the leaders realigned roughly on track.