:: Commander COL David G. Cotter :: Command Sergeant Major CSM Michael D. Howard :: Deputy Commander LTC Scott S. Naelitz :: Public Affairs Coordinator Lakia Clarke-Brown :: Public Affairs Specialist Dustin Senger :: Visual Information Manager Devin Butler :: Photographer Ding Alcayde :: Desert Mesh Contributors Col. Doug Castle Capt. Thomas Crane Sgt. 1st Class Adam Shaw Staff Sgt. Matthew Holly Spc. Elayseah Woodard-Hinton Pfc. Jonathan Sucgang Lance Cpl. Jesse Leger Chris Elmore Sharon Foster William Wilson Your feedback is important to us. See the back cover for details. CONTENTS DM60: NCO Leadership THE WIRE n Mind over matter in weight loss 3 n Troops teach basic self defense using military training 8 n Baseball legends visit Qatar base 9 n Hollywood ambassadors start overseas tour in Qatar 10 n Qatar military dog show enhances bilateral relations 12 n Hollywood honors troops serving overseas 13 Commander’s corner n Medal of honor recipients meet war fighters overseas 14 n USARCENT 4-5 n n ASG-QA 6-7 Top enlisted war fighters tackle troop concerns 16 n NCO induction 18 NCOs teach self n ‘Sex Signals’ tour reaches military overseas 20 defense tactics 8 n Basketball legends at Camp As Sayliyah 21 n Qatar site repairs 200th Stryker 22 Senior enlisted n ‘Christmas in May’ awaits deployed troops 24 leaders meet n 16 Wrestling divas visit troops in Qatar 25 n Spiritual fitness: God’s witness protection program 26 n MWR events and AAFES movies schedules 27 Edition 60 FITNESS This Army magazine is an authorized pub- n Soldier Strong: Fitness Q&A 28 lication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Mesh are not n Go green for performance 30 necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Department of the n CAS obstacle course 32 Army. The editorial content is the responsibil- 34 ity of the Area Support Group Qatar public n Premier fitness challenge (Commander’s Cup) affairs office. General comments should be addressed to [email protected] or call 011- CULTURE 974-450-2714 (DSN: 318-432-2572). n Troops explore Qatar traditions during ‘Arabian Nights’ 36 Desert Mesh layout and design by Dustin Senger. Comments should be ad- dressed to [email protected] or DOHA LIFE call 011-974-450-2714 (DSN 318-432-2800). n Marines participate in Eastern Maverick 38 n A taste of civilization 40 COVER PAGE: (Top) U.S. Army n Sustainment Soldiers enjoy fun and sun in Qatar 41 Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, n Soldiers reveal motorcycle safety trainer in Qatar 42 Central Command, speaks during a senior enlisted leaders’ conference n Rules for Qatar roundabouts 44 at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, March 29. (Bottom) A German shepherd SAFETY locates a Qatar army military n Slips, trips and falls 46 police canine trainer by following nearly 200 meters of tracks during n Electrical safety 47 a working dog exhibition for U.S servicemembers at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, April 13. (Cover Photo-illustration by Dustin Senger) Desert Mesh : 2 : April/May 2009 CONTENTS Camp profile: Mind over matter in weight loss Soto redeploys from in other areas of his life. outside for about an hour at a time. I went from not running at all, to Camp As Sayliyah “I was able to start college for the taking other Soldiers out for a run 100 pounds lighter. first time while I was out here,” who need help.” said Soto. “I’ve earned 24 college By Spc. ELAYSEAH credits, which I’ve never did. A lot Soto is happy to help and give WOODARD-HINTON of it was me holding myself back. tips to Soldiers who are looking 20th Public Affairs Detachment Right now I have the attitude to lose weight or improve like nothing’s going their physical fitness; but ultimately, the desire and CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – Many to stop me. I want will to do this has to come people will begin the new year to do everything.” from within. with resolutions dealing with their health and wellness. However, for Soto admits that it “It’s mental and it’s one Soldier, it did not take a new was his leaders and a complete lifestyle year to make this resolution, but family who pushed change,” said Soto. a desire within to improve himself him to make the initial “Once you get there and to become a better leader for steps to change his you can’t stop, either his Soldiers. lifestyle and continue to do better. you maintain or you push harder.” “I found myself playing with my kids outside a lot before we deployed “First sergeant George and I was getting tired, physically,” was a big part of that. said Army Staff Sgt. Hector Soto, If it was not for him here supply sergeant, D Battery, 2nd and my wife at home, Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery. I probably wouldn’t be “I got tired of being that guy. I got where I am at right now,” added tired of being tired.” Soto. Before deploying to Qatar, Soto’s Although, Soto has always had doctor suggested he lose 25 pounds, a passion for his job and pride in which would possibly add five years being a non-commissioned officer, to his life. he has become even more focused on trying to motivate Soldiers who “My goal was to come here and lose may be struggling in the same areas 20 pounds,” said Soto. “I ended up he has overcome. doing that and I figured why not try and lose 40, why not try to lose 50 “I am really good at what I do, I am and now I am trying to lose 100 out passionate about what I do, I love here.” my Soldiers,” said Soto. “I got tired of them running back for me at the U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hector Soto weighed 319 pounds when he end of formations when I should be running back for them.” Soto at Camp As Sayliyah, deployed in January 2008. Eleven Qatar, Nov. 1, 2008. Soto months later, Soto was 238 pounds Understanding that he has sucessfully lost over 80 and continues to work towards his pounds and was promoted to goal of losing weight and inches. challenges he still must overcome, Soto continues to take action and staff sergeant over the course of 11 months, something he “I was 13 percent over body fat lead by example. did not think was possible with a 52 inch waist – I was really until he made some healthy embarrassed about it,” said Soto. “You have to be realistic with your “Now I’m 3 percent under body goals,” said Soto. “To be honest, lifestyle changes during his fat and I’m not finished yet.” Since I couldn’t do 10 minutes on the deployment. (Top) Soto at losing the weight, Soto has used this treadmill without falling out and Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Feb. new found determination and drive losing my breath. Now I am running 1, 2008 (Courtesy Photos) Desert Mesh : 3 : April/May 2009 James J. Lovelace Lieutenant General Commanding General USARCENT n the Army, we must have a culture lip service. It’s about setting an I where Soldiers take care of each expectation that Soldiers must other 24 hours a day… 7 days a look out for one another. It’s about week… 365 days a year. This can enforcing a standard in which be done by creating an environment Soldiers, male or female, do not where our Warrior Ethos and Army walk around in dimly lit areas at night Core Values guide Soldiers to make by themselves. responsible decisions that keep themselves and each other safe It’s about training our Soldiers to and healthy. identify the warning signs associated Taking care of with suicide and PTSD… and having Soldiers... The “Battle Buddy” concept is and the courage to raise problems to the The battle buddy has always been an important part chain of command or the appropriate of our Army culture. From initial entry agency if a red flag is raised. It’s training, each Soldier is assigned a about increasing our area of battle buddy and taught this concept interest and area of influence in for a reason. Just as Soldiers watch a way that ensures our Soldiers their buddy’s back in combat… are afforded the opportunity to they must also watch their buddy’s live and work in a safe and secure back in seemingly less dangerous environment. situations. The Soldier’s Creed reminds us: We have had a number of sexual “I will Never Leave a Fallen assaults recently… many of these Comrade.” We would additionally took place at night, in dimly lit areas, tell you that neither should we leave while Soldiers were walking alone. a falling comrade. A falling comrade Utilizing the battle buddy concept can is not only found on the battlefield, go a long way towards preventing but can be found all around us. these unfortunate incidents. Soldiers don’t leave their buddies when they need help, and they Effective battle buddies look out are there to catch them before the for each other, help and encourage falling comrade becomes the fallen each other, provide an extra set comrade. of eyes and ears, and in many cases a much needed sanity check. We must empower our Soldiers to Many potential problems can be positively influence the safety and prevented by simply encouraging behavior of their battle buddies… Soldiers to watch over one another. both on and off duty.