FortCST Hunter Liggett, Calif. Xtra 14 June 2011 Combat training begins We welcome you to the home of the 91st Training Division (Operations) and Fort Hunter Liggett. The Combat Support Training Exercise (91 11-01) is designed to address the collective task training needs of your units. ~ Brig. Gen. James T. Cook Photo courtesy of the 91st Training Division Brig. Gen. Cook oversees mission scenarios for the 91st Training Division (Operations) at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

Next, we take those identified tasks and build Our mission is as follows: scenarios for your exercises. The end result is that your units receive the necessary training and 91st Training Division (Operations) conducts evaluation of those specific collective tasks. Finally, Warrior Exercises, Combat Support Training at the conclusion of the exercise, your unit will Exercise rotations and other requirements for receive assessments that will be the basis of your division headquarters, subordinate down trace units training plan for the upcoming year. and staff on collective tasks so they are trained and This is your time to take advantage of all the prepared for deployment. As directed, we provide resources that you need to become proficient on training to joint, combined, and active forces. your collective tasks. Please use this valuable The exercises are tailored to your unit training time to train to standard. commander’s training objectives that were supplied by your commander’s unit readiness assessment. Our unit is here to support your needs. 2 Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. Creating something greater than ourselves It is an honor for me to be and serving as agents of freedom comfortable, serving once again with the soldiers throughout the world. to come of the 91st. People here are nice, This past Sunday, I had the to a new and the work is interesting. Most pleasant task of speaking at FOB place- importantly, these exercises are Schoonover’s Protestant service. Fort another opportunity to serve with (One of the unique characteristics Hunter fellow soldiers. of the Army environment is that, Liggett Throughout my Army career, I every so often, I, as a rabbi, can today, have been blessed with many such serve in this capacity.) At that somewhere opportunities, and I have learned service, I spoke about the Book of else at some to value each one. Serving in the Ruth, in which the heroine makes other time. We come together, Army as a soldier and a chaplain has a stirring declaration: “Do not urge often with people we don’t know, always felt special. In putting on our me to leave you, to turn back and and collectively affirm that we uniforms and assuming our military not follow you. Your people shall be are one another’s people. When I roles, each of us makes a sacred my people...” come to the 91st, for example, your commitment to our nation and to As I said to that congregation of people automatically become my each other. In becoming soldiers, soldiers, what Ruth said and did is people. Through this process, we we have committed ourselves to similar to what we do as soldiers. are able to create something much supporting one another in the work At various times, we each leave our greater than ourselves. of defending our great country homes, the places where we feel Ruth, by taking the the risks she did to leave a place of comfort and take on a new and different life, A not so sunny California became the great-grandmother of David, arguably the greatest king Soldiers dig trenches to of ancient Israel, and certainly a stem the flow of brilliant military leader. In similar water into their fashion, we, by the risks we took in tents during joining the Army to be part of the a rainstorm great community of US soldiers, at Forward Operating Base have taken a hand in ensuring the Tusi on Fort destiny of a most wonderful and Hunter Liggett, blessed nation. Calif. June 5. The Soldiers are part of Chaplain (Colonel) CSTX 91 11-01. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua Risner Barry R. Baron

372nd PUBLIC AFFAIRS Detachment 372nd Public Affairs NCOIC 1st Sgt. Denise A. Shelton 143rd ESC Public Affairs Office Editor/ Layout Designer Maj. John J. Adams Spc. Francesca Stanchi Staff Writers/ Photographers 372nd Public Affairs Commander Sgt. Joshua Risner 1st Lt. Terri L. Hyatt Sgt. Betty Dodd-Rogers Combat Support Training 3 Boots on the ground

The 277th Quartermaster Company from Niagra Falls, N.Y., grab their A member of the 257th Transportation bags in preparation to move out to their living quarters during the Company get off the bus to begin their Combat Support Training Exercise 2011 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. stay at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., and June 5. their participation in the Combat Support Training Exercise 2011, June 5.

Editor/ Layout Designer Spc. Francesca Stanchi Soldiers load their baggage onto a light medium tactical vehicle (LMTV) Staff Writers/ Photographers before heading to their living U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Joshua Risner Sgt. Joshua Risner quarters during the Combat Support The line for dinner chow extends off into the distance at Forward Operating Sgt. Betty Dodd-Rogers Training Exercise 2011 at Fort Hunter Base Schoonover on Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. The Soldiers have gathered Liggett, Calif. June 5. here for Combat Support Training Exercise 2011. 4 Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. Environmental Awareness Information courtesy of Fort Hunter Liggett Training & The Environment Leader’s Handbook

Fort Hunter Liggett encompasses approximately 161,900 acres and is bordered to the north and west by the Los Padres National Forest. Everyone training at or visiting FHL is responsible for ensuring that all federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are followed to minimize or eliminate environmental disturbances and to preserve Purple Amole - This member the integrity of the installation for future generations of Soldiers to train. of the lily family is federally listed as threatened and endangered in WILDLIFE/HISTORIC PRESERVATION California. It is a small, perennial Endangered species, their habitat and archaeological resources are plant that flowers between May and protected by federal and state law. June. It has narrow, wavy leaves, Do not feed or harass wildlife. which are grouped at the base of Any federally or state-protected animal (e.g. arroyo toad, California a tall, slender stalk (9-16 in. tall). condor, etc.) found dead or injured will be immediately reported to the The flowers are dark blue to deep FHL range officer. purple with bright yellow anthers. Stay away from archaeological and historical sites and report newly- This plant is found in gently sloping discovered sites to Range Control. areas of open grassland, oak savanna and oak woodland in training areas 10, 13, 22, 24, 25, 27, the ASP and VEHICLE MOVEMENT the cantonment area. Stay on established roads and trails except during authorized training maneuvers. Cross rivers and streams only at bridges and designated fords. Arroyo Toad - This is a DO NOT drive off-road within 20 meters of stream beds or in low, federally endangered species wet marshy areas. found in and along the banks of the Do not travel through sensitive natural and cultural resource areas San Antonio River. Adult toads are marked with yellow signs, orange traffic cones or Seifert stakes. 2-3 in. long and are pale and warty, with a pale patch behind the eyes. They lack the white stripe along ENDANGERED SPECIES their backs that is present on other toads. These small toads burrow Santa Lucia Mint - A into the sandy soils along river small (6-9 in. tall), annual banks during a portion of the year. plant, which flowers from May to July and is listed by the state of California as endangered. It has spoon-shaped hairy leaves and small, lavender flowers. The entire plant smells like mint and is found along moist stream banks and pools, usually in dense patches in training areas 17, 18, 19 and 23. Combat Support Training 5

Vernal Pool Fairy HAZARDOUS ANIMALS Shrimp - These seasonally- There are several potentially occurring shrimp are found in dangerous animal species on Fort puddles classified as “vernal Hunter Liggett that training units pools” (a low-lying wet area that could come in contact with. stays puddled for several weeks, Although the potential danger typically in spring) and are an from contact with any of these endangered species under federal species exists, this potential is and California law. They are quite low when compared to approximately 1/8-3/4 in. long, other natural hazards. Generally, translucent, and swim upside these animal species are quiet and San Joaquin Kit Fox -This down. Eggs remain on the dry elusive, and the chances of troops small fox (3-6 lbs.) is an endangered pool bottom through summer, or visitors observing them are low. species under federal law and is a hatching during the rainy season. Should you observe an animal threatened species under California Such pools are typically located in listed, it is important to eliminate law. It is easily recognized by its open areas of flat terrain to rolling or minimize contact with the large ears and small size. It is a pale hills. animal to prevent a threatening buff color with a black-tipped tail. situation to both yourself and the California Condor - Kit foxes inhabit open grasslands animal. This is a federally and state listed and oak woodlands in flat to gently endangered raptor, one of the rolling hills, and prey upon small rarest bird species in the world. mammals, notably the California An adult bird can weigh up to 22 ground squirrel. Kit foxes den in lbs. and have a 9.5 foot wingspan. burrows similar to those used by These birds have a dark body with ground squirrels, but they have also black heads on juveniles and bright been known to den in structures red heads on adults. Roosts and such as culverts, abandoned nests are located on tall trees and pipelines and well casings. cliffs, usually in remote areas.

Bald Eagle - The bald eagle is the United States National bird and is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Violin Spiders - This group Golden Eagle Protection Act. The of poisonous spiders including the adult bird has a dark body with brown recluse, is tan to yellowish a white head and tail, weighs up brown with a “violin” or “fiddle” to 14 lbs. and can have up to a 7- marking on their thoraxes. A bite foot wingspan. Juvenile birds do from one of these spiders causes not have a distinct white head or tissue death (necrosis) of the tail. These birds typically hunt bite area. Usually, within 30-60 near streams and ponds; they eat minutes, the person bitten will fish, waterfowl, small mammals feel a burning sensation and within and carrion. Bald eagles build eight hours a pustule will develop. large stick nests in trees and cliffs In rare cases, a systematic reaction overlooking water or in remote can develop and is characterized areas. by fever, nausea and vomiting. • Continued on, Page 6 6 Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. HAZARDOUS ANIMALS Deer Tick - These tiny ticks are responsible for transmitting Lyme’s • Continued from, Page 5 disease bacteria to humans. Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but tend to gravitate toward hidden and hairy areas, such as the Black Widow - This poisonous groin, armpit and scalp. Contact with ticks can occur when walking spider is glossy black and marked through grass and shrubs. Therefore, it’s important to periodically check with a characteristic red hourglass your body for ticks. Early stages of Lyme’s disease include symptoms on the underside of its abdomen. such as fatigue, fever and chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen The bite of a black widow can lymph nodes and a characteristic skin rash. cause muscle spasms and breathing difficulty and can be fatal in some cases. Mountain Lions - Mountain lions are Bats - There are several species known to inhabit the of bats occurring in the Fort area. If you encounter Hunter Liggett area. Never handle a mountain lion, do not a wounded or sick bat; they are crouch or run from it as known to carry rabies. this will make you look like prey. Raise your Rattlesnakes - The Pacific arms to make yourself rattlesnake is the only species look bigger and more of venomous snakes found on imposing, and slowly Fort Hunter Liggett. Snakebites back away. If attacked are rare, but caution should be by a mountain lion, exercised when walking in training fight back loudly and areas or climbing in rocky areas. aggressively; this will Rattlesnakes are typically active discourage the predator, between May and October during and in most instances, the warmer periods of the year. it will back off. Most rattlesnakes, when disturbed, will attempt to flee to safety. If Bobcats, Bears, Coyotes, Foxes, Badgers and other cornered or surprised, rattlesnakes Carnivores - Several carnivore species occur on Fort Hunter will buzz their rattles as a warning. Liggett. Avoid all contact with carnivores, and keep trash contained and If bitten, immobilize the bite area, unburied to avoid attracting them. Do not approach or feed carnivores. calm the victim and seek immediate Travel in groups to minimize contact with these predators. medical aid. Combat Support Training 7

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua Risner Seibert stakes such as these cordon off sensitive areas such as enviromental and archaeological sites. Soldiers are not allowed to enter these areas. Be safe out there! • Always obey posted speed limits. Dining Hours • Always wear a helmet when operating tactical vehicles. for FOBs Tusi & Schoonover • Do not let trash accumulate in living areas. Breakfast 0600-0730 MRE Pick-up at breakfast • Do not feed the wildlife. Dinner 1700-1830 • Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. FOB Milpitas Breakfast 0530-0730 • Fire is a big concern in this MRE Pick-up at breakfast environment, only smoke in Dinner 1730-1930 designated areas. 8 Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

Liggett Legends Hey! lets catch that thing.

The moral of the story...... Leave the critters alone! Follow us on The Facebook at My 143rd ESC, 143rd ESC PAO and 372nd MPAD on www.dvidshub.net at 143rd ESC and 372nd MPAD PX hours for FOB’s Milpitas & Schoonover 1100-1700 1-800-273-TALK mission depending