Citizen-Soldier Magazine Issue 4 Vol 1
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A Resource for the Soldiers and Families of the Army National Guard Citizen-Soldier CITIZEN-SOLDIERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 4 // VOL 1 Pennsylvania and Tennessee Soldiers Master Qualifications as Joint Members of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment | Page 22 TRICARE Dental BRIDGING THE GAP Take Advantage of Affordable South Carolina Army National Guard Dental Care That Can Help You Keep Champions the New Army National Compliant With Your PHA | Page 44 Guard Patriot Training Program | Page 6 page 6 MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATE HONOR REMEMBER MAY 28, 2018 FEATURES BRIDGING THE GAP 6 The South Carolina Army National Guard’s 263rd Army Air Missile Defense Command is bridging the information gap as they prepare Soldiers for battle with the new Army National Guard Patriot Training Program. A REAL CALL OF DUTY 11 A former Army National Guard Soldier and World War II Veteran uses his action- packed memory from the past to help shape the scenery of a newer generation’s national pastime. (GUARD) MAN’S BEST FRIEND 19 Read one Soldier’s story of how she came to the rescue of a four-legged evacuee, searching for help in the aftermath of a natural disaster. FORTIFIED THROUGH TEAMWORK 22 Soldiers from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment use collaboration ISSUE 4 | VOL 1 and perseverance to complete qualification training in preparation for both NTC and an upcoming deployment to the Middle East. DELTA DELUGE 27 The Arkansas Army National Guard responds with speed and fervor to record-breaking and potentially recurring floods in the Northeast section of the State. FACILITATING EDUCATION – BYPASSING DEBT 39 The Idaho Army National Guard spotlights three Soldiers and how they used the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program to create their own legacy of education – debt-free. A GIFT FOR DRIFT 46 A Florida Army National Guard Soldier uses his “need for speed” to drift into the winner’s circle in a unique sport that is gaining popularity around the globe. NEVER STOP STRIVING 67 A check-in with former Best Ranger Champion CPT Robert Killian reveals high hopes for Olympic glory. citizen-soldiermagazine.com DEPARTMENTS WHAT’S TRENDING 4 An Easy Path to a CDL 5 Army National Guard Selected Reserve Incentive Program LEGACY 16 Bringing the Thunder: The 155mm Howitzer of World War I GEAR + TECH 30 These Boots Were Made for Walking 33 New Modular Handgun System Marks a New Era for Military Sidearms CAREER 35 Masters of the Fitness Universe 37 Army National Guard or Bust BENEFITS SPOTLIGHT 43 MyArmyBenefits 44 TRICARE Dental WELLNESS 63 51 The Journey to Happiness 53 Serving Those Who Serve CYBERSPACE 55 Got Cyber Skills? 35 FAMILY 58 Strong Bonds for a Strong Life 60 5 Myths About Credit Scores GUTS + GLORY 63 Mission: Olympics ALWAYS READY 71 The Soldiers Behind the Ranks PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD 76 Iconic Images of Soldiers at the Ready ON YOUR RADAR 90 Army National Guard Spotlights from Around the Nation 16 HOW DO I... ? 102 Answers to Commonly Asked Questions DOWN THE PIKE 103 In the Next Issue: Forging Bonds at PAMBALA 2017 33 JUST FOR FUN 104 Army National Guard Comic Page Managing Editor Camille Williams Public Relations Specialist Nerita Davis Creative Director Hiyan Sisson Graphic Designers Paula Collins Russell Nemec Luke Sohl Brian White Staff Writers Liam Griffin Rue Emerson Matthew Liptak Ruth Ann Replogle Tatyana White-Jenkins 1LT Frank Greenagel, Pennsylvania Army National Guard Regularly Contributing Writers MAJ Mark Phillips, Tennessee Army National Guard MAJ Darrin Haas, Tennessee Army National Guard Copywriters & Proofreaders Carl Moritz Nancy Leslie Collie Johnson To write a letter to the editor, or submit Extend to general information, send an email to [email protected]. Citizen-Soldier encourages article and photo submissions from Soldiers, Family members, employers and supporting agencies. Defend Content may be submitted on our website, Citizen-Soldiermagazine.com. When submitting, please be sure to include your full contact information. Submissions may also be sent via email to [email protected]. Continue to serve and protect your Nation and retain a If you no longer wish to receive this publication, myriad of benefits for you and your Family including: email [email protected] to be removed from the mail list. • Re-enlistment Extension • Access to Federally Funded All submitted content (photos, articles, video) becomes the property of the Army National Bonus Opportunities Retirement Plans Guard upon submission. While we will make all reasonable attempts to include submitted content, • Money to Earn Your Degree • Low-Cost Health Insurance Citizen-Soldier does not guarantee all submissions or Continue Your Education will be published. • VA Home Loan Eligibility Mission: To celebrate and support the Soldiers and Families of the National Guard. To provide today’s Army National Guard members with information on becoming a better Soldier and better citizen. To encourage and assist Guard Soldiers in maximizing Soldiers who extend to serve between two the benefits of their military career, as well as their and five years receive appreciation rewards personal and Family goals. of a commemorative coin and a stainless Published by Schatz Strategy Group steel coffee tumbler. Soldiers who extend for ©2018 Citizen-Soldier magazine six years receive a high-quality gym bag in addition to the coin and tumbler. WHAT’S TRENDING An Easy Path to a CDL BY STAFF WRITER Liam Griffin any jobs in The new law continues to allow all the military qualifying service members to bypass the M seem like a knowledge examination. Additionally, perfect fit for similar it simplifies the process for past and positions in the current service members to obtain the civilian world. required physical from a Department of Undoubtedly, one of Transportation (DOT)-approved physician. the greatest benefits Typically, the physical required from all of the Army National drivers seeking a CDL can only be performed Guard is the hands-on by physicians who are listed on the National training in skills that can Registry of Certified Medical Examiners potentially transfer to the (NRCME). The registry is a Federal Motor civilian workforce. For Soldiers Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) whose MOS involves the operation of program, and all physicians who perform commercial vehicles, that transition of skills DOT physicals must be certified in the is now even easier. A new law has created a FMCSA physical qualification standards seamless path for qualifying Soldiers to easily and listed in the NRCME. This requirement and affordably acquire a commercial driver’s limited the number and availability of license (CDL). medical examiners qualified to conduct In 2015, Congress established the Fixing DOT physicals by a significant number. The America’s Surface Transportation Act, decreased number of authorized physicians, more commonly known as the FAST Act. in turn, often caused delays for CDL Originally, the FAST Act was designed to applicants seeking the required physical. help veterans earn a CDL more quickly With the passing of the Jobs for Our and easily. Heroes Act, that delay has been removed The initial FAST Act allowed qualifying for service members. Now, Soldiers have veterans to forgo the knowledge the option to obtain a DOT-approved examination that is traditionally required physical from a doctor certified by the for licensing, given the prevailing thought U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). and overall assessment among Army leaders This change should help relieve long wait that the training veterans receive while times and curtail the long-distance travel serving demonstrates more than enough necessary for some Soldiers to complete the knowledge of the workings of commercial required physical. vehicles. While this was an immense help Thanks to this new legislation, not only to veterans, it failed to account for service can Soldiers now forgo a lengthy driver’s members who are currently serving. examination, they can also more easily In January of this year, Congress receive a physical by simply using a VA passed a bill into law that aimed to doctor, instead of hunting down an NRCME- correct the noted shortcoming of the approved physician. initial FAST Act. The bi-partisan The Jobs for Our Heroes Act has ensured effort, referred to as the Jobs for Our that, now more than ever, Guard Soldiers Heroes Act, expands the benefits of working in an 88M MOS may have the the FAST Act to include National assurance that the skills they have gained in Guard Soldiers, active duty Soldiers the Guard can work to their advantage when and Reservists. transitioning into a civilian career. l PFC Jessica Kling, a horizontal construction engineer with the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 842nd Engineer Company backs up a dump truck during the Battle of the Blades training exercise in Spearfish, S.D. 4 C-S ISSUE 4 // VOL 1 South Dakota National Guard photo by SGT Patrick Wolfe what’s trending Incentive Bonuses Are In! 2018 Here are just a few of the 2018 incentives offered through SRIP: The 2018 Army National Guard • Re-enlistment/Extension Bonus (REB) Selected Reserve Incentive The REB is available to eligible Army National Guard Soldiers who Program (SRIP) bonus extend or immediately re-enlist. The bonus amounts are $4,000 for a amounts were announced two-year commitment and $12,000 for a six-year commitment. in January. SRIP provides • Officer/Warrant Officer Accession Bonus (OAB/WOAB) Soldiers with incentives in The OAB and WOAB are offered to newly commissioned officers and order to fill critical shortages newly appointed warrant officers who serve in a traditional status in while satisfying readiness the Army National Guard. The 2018 OAB is $10,000 and the WOAB is requirements for the Army $20,000. National Guard. • The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Kicker The MGIB-SR Kicker encourages qualified Soldiers to enlist in high-demand military jobs and units.