Deputy CG Says Goodbye to First Team by Sgt

www.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/ “Telling the First Team’s Story” Friday, July 7, 2006

(Photo by Pfc. Jeffery Ledesma, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) Heave-Ho! Soldiers from Company B, right, pull with all their might during a game of tug-o-war with their fellow 1st Cavalry Division’s 15th Brigade Special Troops Battalion buddies from Company A at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area during their brigade's organizational day July 5. Company A walked away with the win. The brigade, which received deployment orders in November, cased its colors on Cooper’s Field today in preper- ation for departure to Iraq later this year. Deputy CG Says Goodbye to First Team By Sgt. Nicole Kojetin the deputy division commander for sup- 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs port, he's been instrumental in preparing this organization for what lies before us - a Soldiers from every unit within the 1st return to Iraq in the fight for freedom," Fil Cavalry Division stood tall on the divi- said. "He has been a valuable member of sion's parade field on Fort Hood to bid this division's command team for more farewell to their deputy division command- than a year, and invaluable to me since I've er for support in a ceremony June 28. assumed command of this division just After slightly more than a year of serv- seven short months ago." ing the First Team, Brig. Gen William Troy Troy said that he enjoyed his time is moving to Fort Lewis, Wash., to serve as (Photo by Sgt. Nicole Kojetin, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) serving the division. the I Corps deputy commanding general. Brig. Gen. William Troy, the former "The 1st Cavalry Division has such a Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, Jr., the com- 1st Cavalry Division's deputy com- distinguished heritage, such a tremendous manding general of the division, said that mander for support, during his record of service to our country," Troy Troy was a great help to the division in the farewell ceremony on Cooper Field said. "To be any part of it, from a private last year. outside the June 28. mier war-fighters, and in his capacity as "Bill Troy is one of the Army's pre- See Troy Page 3 Page 2 Commentary July 7, 2006 Man on the Street Soldier, Family Readiness What were your first thoughts when you found Key to Deployment Success out about your official By Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Johndrow Soldiers are prepared and cleared for deployment orders? 1st Cav. Div. Command Sergeant Major deployment medically, dentally and have their personal effects in order - like wills Photos by Pfc. Jeffrey Ledesma ate last month, two more 1st and power of attorney. As leaders, we'll 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs Cavalry Division brigades and the ensure that our Soldiers are ready. And as "My initial thought Ldivision headquarters element leaders, we also need to ensure that our was 'Again?' This received their official deployment orders Soldiers' families are ready as well. is my third deploy- to Iraq. For most of us, this came as no First and foremost, take a look at ment.... Preparing surprise. We've known for quite some your own Family Readiness Group. Are for this one is easi- time that our time would come to rejoin the people and the processes in place to er because I know the fight for freedom in Iraq. And we've take of our families in the event of an what to pack, but been leaning forward in the foxhole in emergency? Do you know the family it's still as hard to preparation for that day. members of the Soldiers who work for Warrant Officer leave your family you and do they know how to reach out to Curtis Johnson the third time as it Knowing something will happen the rear detachment leadership? Headquarters was the first." eventually and actually doing it are two Company, 15th different things, though. Deployments I believe that every unit within the Sustainment Brigade are difficult. They are difficult for the First Team has taken the necessary steps troops in the field and they are difficult to make sure that our families will be "We kind of for the families left behind. No one is cared for while we are away, but now is already knew we the time to check and re-check our peo- were going for a immune to the stresses that come with a ple, programs and be proactive in our long time, and long separation and the time spent in FRGs. finally it's cer- harm's way. tain that we're The demands of a deployment can Finally, I'd like to remind all of you going, it's a tax even the best of us. Preparing for to spend quality time with your families relief. Now deployment goes far beyond conducting as each day brings you closer to your departure date. we're just wait- Pfc. Robert Ledford training exercises in the field. It should ing on the 3rd Bn., 8th Cavalry also include preparing your family for the We've conducted the lane training, 'when.'" Regiment, 2nd day when you will say good-bye. the field training, the mission rehearsal Brigade Combat Team For Soldiers, there are obvious things exercises and the live-fires. We're trained to work on, individually and collectively, and ready for the task at hand. With that "I expected (the as we ramp up to leave. Weapons profi- in mind, find time for your loved ones. In deployment ciency ranks high on that list, as does the days ahead, we'll ask that you put orders). I joined heightening your physical fitness level. your First Team family ahead of all else. during a time of All of our troops should be on the top of In the meantime, don't short-change your war, and they were their game and in the best condition of own. no surprise to me. their lives as they roll out to meet the ene- This division has a long, illustrious I'm actually volun- mies of freedom. I urge leaders at all lev- legacy and a rich tradition of superior teering to take part els to challenge their troops to reach new service to our Army and our nation. I am Pvt. Anthony Yates in a Quick heights in physical fitness, which will proud to be your command sergeant 1st Bn., 12th Cavalry Reaction Force and major, and we should all be proud to bear Regiment, 3rd go over earlier." serve them well under the harsh condi- Brigade Combat Team tions we'll encounter. the standards of this great division. It's time, too, to ensure that our Live the legend! First Team!

Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, Jr. Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl Contact Crossed Sabers at 287-6162, 287-9400 or e-mail Command Information Officer: Master Sgt. Dave Larsen [email protected]. Editor: Sgt. Nicole Kojetin Contributing Writers: Staff Sgt. Kap Kim, Sgt. Colby Crossed Sabers is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of Hauser, Sgt. Robert Strain, Sgt. Paula Taylor, By Spc. Alexis Harrison Spc. Joshua Crossed Sabers are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, McPhie, Spc. Nathan Hoskins, Spc. Sheena Reyes, Spc. Beatrice Freeman- Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the First Cavalry Division. All editorial Florescu, Spc. Robert Yde, Spc. L.B. Edgar, Spc. Nathan Hoskins, Pfc. Ben Fox, content of Crossed Sabers is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 1st Cavalry Pfc. Jeffrey Ledesma, Pfc. Ryan Stroud, Pfc. William Hatton, Pvt. Tiffany Mercer Division Public Affairs Office. Page 3 News July 7, 2006 America’s First Team Set to Deploy By Sgt. Colby Hauser Micheal Townsend, a human 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs intelligence specialist with Headquarters Company, Like wildfire, the news Division Special Troops that the Department of Defense Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. had announced the deployment "I joined during a time of war of the 1st Cavalry Division and I understood that. I came in Headquarters element, the 2nd to do something not many Brigade Combat Team, and the Americans get a chance to do. 3rd Brigade Combat Team to "My family members have Iraq spread throughout the divi- served and told their stories and sion's War Fighter site. I feel like it's my turn," he said. Since their return from a The 1st Brigade Combat year long deployment in March Team, located at Fort Hood, of last year, the First Team Texas, and 4th Brigade Combat went through many changes Team, from Fort Bliss, Texas, and faced its share of chal- was not included in the lenges. Humanitarian missions (Photo by Sgt. Colby Hauser, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) announcement. from the hurricane ravaged Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, Jr., commanding general of the 1st "The 1st and 4th Brigades New Orleans, to earthquake Cavalry Division, addresses his Troops during a cere- will continue to train and pre- relief efforts in Pakistan, kept mony on the First Team's Cooper Field. pare themselves to deploy the division busy. While facing good people of Central Texas." stressful." should they be ordered to do these challenges, the division For many troops, this is "This is going to be my so," Fil said. The 1st Air has transformed to the Army's their second deployment to second time in Iraq and the one Cavalry Brigade and the 15th new modularity concept where Iraq, and what concerns or wor- thing I look forward to is see- Support Brigade received individual headquarters and ries they had the first time are ing the progress that has been orders to deploy last November combat brigades can receive replaced by experience. made there," said Lt. Col. Scott and are also scheduled to orders to deploy. "I was worried the first Bleichwehl, the Public Affairs depart for Iraq later this year. "The First Team has been time I deployed," said Spc. Officer for the 1st Cavalry Now with their marching preparing for this announce- Courtney Yeargin, a signals Division. orders, an air of confidence sur- ment and is ready to answer our intelligence analyst with For others, this deploy- rounds the Cav, as the men and nation's call," said Maj. Gen. Headquarters Company, ment offers the opportunity to women of Americas First Team Joseph F. Fil, Jr., Commanding Division Special Troops serve their country in its time draw closer to deployment. General of the 1st Cavalry Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. of need. "I am really excited Division. "They are the best "I'm more comfortable with it "I was fully aware before I because that's what being in the trained, the best equipped, and the second time around because joined the Army there was a Army is about, being deployed they are supported by the best I know what to expect and I possibility of being deployed to and serving your country," people, their loved ones and the guess that makes it not as Iraq or Afghanistan," said Spc. Yeargin said. Cav Says Farewell to Deputy CG for Support said that one of the highlights of his expe- makes me confident in what the division Troy riences here was watching Soldiers go to will do in the future and proud of what all From Page 1 the Joint Readiness Training Center and we have accomplished." the National Training Center and succeed He said that pride will stay with him as Soldier to a general officer, I think, is a after the division's transformation. he makes his way northwest. huge honor, and then to be here as a gener- "To see them go out there and to per- "It is time now to take this patch off al is more than I could have imagined. It form so well in both those places has been my arm, but it will always be in my heart," means that the Army thinks that you're an extremely gratifying experience," Troy Troy said good enough to serve with America's First said. "We really had to take this division Troy is being replaced by Brig. Gen. Team. It has just been a tremendous honor and build it all back up …and it has proved Vincent Brooks, the former chief of U.S. and I have loved every minute of it."He to be a powerful fighting force. To see that Army Public Affairs. Page 4 News July 7, 2006 News of First Team Deployment Orders Followed by Stop Loss By Spc. Joshua McPhie said. Retaining Soldiers lets 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs “Stop Loss affects everyone except the units stay at full strength with- people the Army can’t use in their current out having to introduce new Close on the heels of the medical condition or people the Army Soldiers into the unit right as Department of Defense's needs somewhere else.” they deploy, and keeps the unit announcement that most units together throughout the deploy- from the 1st Cavalry Division Cheif Warrent Officer 4 Richard Litle ment. would be deploying to Iraq Cheif of Enlisted Management and "It allows experienced Personnel Readiness later this year came the notifi- Soldiers to train newer Soldiers cation that several of those instead of replacing them with units would now fall under the S-1," Litle said. "It's not going really needed us," Wilson said. new Soldiers," Wilson said. Stop Loss Program. to be recommended for "I wasn't happy about it, but I "It's not personal," Litle The division's 15th approval unless they have a wasn't mad." said. "It's a strategic option that Sustainment Brigade and 1st really good reason." Being unable to leave the commanders need to fill com- Air Cavalry Brigade have both Stop Loss is something Army turned out to be a good bat operations." been under Stop Loss for sever- Staff Sgt. Joseph Wilson, a thing for Wilson. Spc. Terrance Frye an al months, while 2nd Brigade human resources noncommis- "I realized the Army need- administration specialist with Combat Team and the 1st sioned officer with 3rd ed Soldiers," he said. "It afford- Headquarters and Headquarters Cavalry Division's headquar- Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery ed me the opportunity to step Company, 15th Sustainment ters company have just Regiment, 2nd Brigade up to the plate." Brigade, is one of the Soldiers received stop loss notification. Combat Team, has already had Wilson decided to reenlist whose plans have changed "Stop Loss turns off sepa- first-hand experience. He was and stay in the Army. His cur- because of Stop Loss. ration and allows commanders planning to leave the Army rent enlistment runs through "I'm not able to change my to retain combat power," said until his unit fell under Stop 2010. Stop Loss not only pre- (military occupational special- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Loss during the first Operation vents Soldiers from getting out ty)," Frye said. "To be able to Richard Litle, chief of enlisted Enduring Freedom rotation to of the Army, it also keeps change, I have to go to school, management and personnel Afghanistan. Soldiers from moving to a new and I don't have the luxury of readiness for the division's per- "I felt like the Army did unit or duty station until after sonnel section. what they did because they the deployment ends, Litle See Stop Loss Page 25 Stop Loss lasts for the 12- month deployment as well as 90 days before the deployment and 90 days after the deployment, Litle said. "Stop loss affects everyone except the people the Army can't use in their current medical condition or people the Army needs somewhere else," Litle said. Soldiers aren't without recourse if they think they have a situation that should let them remain unaffected by Stop (Photo by Spc. Joshua McPhie, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) Loss. Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division's headquarters company stand in formation as "Soldiers are always they prepare to go on a run. The company is one of the units recently added to the divi- authorized to request an sion's Stop Loss list. The list also includes the 15th Sustainment Brigade, 1st Air exemption to policy from their Cavalry Brigade, 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams. Page 5 News July 7, 2006

(Photo by Pfc. Jeffrey Ledesma, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) A column of noncommissioned officers recite the NCO oath during the Division’s Special Troops Battalion induction ceremony into the NCO Corps at the Ironhorse Fitness Center on Fort Hood June 29. First Team’s DSTB Hosts Massive NCO Induction By Pfc. Jeffrey Ledesma ny, added that tradition is a huge part of the thing good, they will strive to do good and 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs induction ceremony. vice versa. As an NCO, I set the example, In upholding the long-lived traditions of and I have to live by that each and every Ordinarily there are only ten to 15 the corps, Soldiers, specialists and below, sat day." inductees in a noncommissioned officer on one side of the gymnasium and noncom- She added that consequently Soldiers induction ceremony, said 1st Sgt. Rodney missioned officers on the other. are a reflection of their leaders. Cooper of the Command Post Detachment, According to Cooper, the physical divi- Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Moses Company A, Division Special Troops sion between the two is to make NCOs said that watching new Soldiers step up to Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. However, understand that they are no longer just a become leaders reminds makes him proud this one was slightly different. Soldier, but a role model with responsibili- to be an NCO. Sixty-seven sergeants were officially ties.Cooper said that the significance of the "It makes me think about the leaders welcomed into the Noncommissioned separation of the NCOs and the lower who mentored me and each of the Soldiers Officer Corps at ceremony in the Ironhorse enlisted is not only to recognize Soldiers I have lead in my career, and it leaves me Fitness Center on Fort Hood June 29. who have proven ready to transition into feeling great to be a part of that passing Cooper explained that because of past the corps, but motivate the lower ranking down of knowledge and pride," Moses deployments, the battalion had many ser- Soldiers to do so themselves. said. geants that needed to be recognized for The guest speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Cooper said that the responsibility to their desire and ability to lead. Some of Mark Joseph advised members of the corps transfer knowledge starts as soon as a these Soldiers have been sergeants for to continue to live the NCO creed and be Soldier pins on the rank of sergeant, and more than a year without being officially aware that they are always being watched this event was a celebration of what it took inducted. and followed by the Soldiers they lead. to get to that point. "These noncommissioned officers are "I understand that all my Soldiers look At the end of the ceremony, tradition here to cross the line and be recognized as up to me, and that everything I do is being continued as flocks of fellow NCOs and the new members of the corps," Cooper watched and has its effects," said Sgt. future NCOs congratulated the new said. "They are no longer just a Soldier, but Jennifer Butka an inductee with the 1st inductees for proving themselves worthy a leader of Soldiers." Cavalry Division Band. "If my Soldiers of becoming a part of the time honored Cooper, the coordinator of the ceremo- see me continuously trying to do some- corps, "The Backbone of the Army." Page 6 Ironhorse July 7, 2006 Iraqi Teaches Cav Soldiers Common Courtesies By Spc. L.B. Edgar 7th MPAD Public Affairs

FORT POLK, La. - The Soldiers of Forward Support Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, are in a class, which might just save their lives one day. However, it does not cover squad tactics, use of their weapons systems or first aid. Rather it focuses on the culture of Iraq. The lesson: cultural awareness, the classroom: the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La., and their teacher: Ismat Al-Shimmary, a former Iraqi citizen now living in the U.S. Bridging the cultural gap between Iraqis and Americans is all in a day's work for Al- Shimmary, he said. "When there is distance (misunder- standing) between Iraqis and Americans, it means they don't understand each other. We have to find a way to make them close (Photo by Spc. L. B. Edgar, 7th MPAD Public Affairs) together," Al-Shimmary said. Ismat Al-Shimmary, a cultural advisor and translator, and Capt. Jason Al-Shimmary, who immigrated to the Kahne, company commander of the Forward Support Company F, 2nd U.S. in 1993 from the Iraqi town of Cut and Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment go over the next day's route for the combat now resides in Michigan, is proud of teach- convoy operations lane at Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La. ing Soldiers and translating for them. So Iraqi people "starts with just being polite - where the people, who we are interacting much so, he travels 24 hours by bus each showing them they matter and they're people with, are coming from and understanding, month to do so, he said. too, instead of just looking at them as every- that the way we conduct ourselves may "I feel like I'm doing something good one being an enemy," Cannon said. "We've change the situation for the better or for the for both sides," Al-Shimmary said. "I'm got to use words like please and words you worse (is important). To understand that (aids doing something for my country and for would use in everyday language with any- the mission), so when we find ourselves in America." one without being pushy. Just being courte- those situations we can do the right things." Cultural awareness training is important ous and talking to them will help a lot." Cultural awareness is one area where for Cav Soldiers because the mission they Cultural awareness training dispels the Soldiers can exercise sensitivity to Iraqis faced last time around is not the same mis- stereotypes Soldiers may have acquired by through respect of their customs and courte- sion they may face this time down range, letting them see a living, breathing Iraqi, sies, Al-Shimmary said. said Capt. Jason Kahne, company com- who is not the enemy, but rather an ally. Other common courtesies include not mander, FSC F, 2nd Bn., 5th Cav. Regt. One part of the cultural awareness train- chewing gum during meetings, taking off "We're going to have to be a little more ing is language based. Al-Shimmary encour- sunglasses to let the listener see one's eyes sensitive to the changes that have taken place ages Soldiers to use what he calls "magic and taking food when offered by a host, in the year-and-a-half since we've been words," When Soldiers speak words like even if one does not intend to eat it, Al- there," Kahne said. hello, please and thank you, in Arabic, they Shimmary said. The changes in Iraq directly affect units' improve cultural understanding between The task for the unit commander is to approaches to accomplishing the mission, Iraqis and Americans. Saying words, like foster good relations toward coalition said 1st Sgt. Joseph Cannon, FSC F, and 2nd excuse me, can change the mind of the Iraqi forces, without making any guarantees to Bn., 5th Cav. Regt. people, Al-Shimmary said. the sheikh or mayor, Al-Shimmary said. "The first time we went over there it Al-Shimmary shares information on the "Having interpreters here is a huge ben- was more battle driven," Cannon said. "This culture of Iraq with the Soldiers, said Kahne. efit. Dealing with someone in a foreign lan- time we have to be a little smarter. Even "The exposure to the culture, to know guage and making the deliberate speech, though we are still at war, it is part humani- that certain things are taboo or things are dif- sentence and question structure to properly tarian… It is part of our job to win the trust ferent from our culture… (is) what will help convey what you need across to someone of and confidence of Iraqi civilians." us when we're actually in those scenarios in another language; actually using an inter- Earning the trust and confidence of the Iraq," Kahne said. "Being able to understand preter helps with that," Kahne said. Page 7 Ironhorse July 7, 2006 Walk the Line Troops Practice Close Quarters Combat By Spc. L.B. Edgar Griffon said. 7th MPAD Public Affairs "It makes us work as a team and makes sure we have FORT POLK, La. - The team chemistry," Blackbird wall stands firm even though said. "I'm a lot more comfort- you lean heavily against it. It able because we work as a holds your entire stack up. You team. It gives me more com- feel your stack leader in front fort, knowing I can trust the of you move. Without thinking guy behind me and they can you follow, your whole team count on me." moving as one into the room. The purpose of the line drill Each member scans their for 2nd Platoon is improved appropriate sector of fire for infantry skills, since they are all threats, ready to react to the trained as tankers, not infantry- unknown waiting inside. men. Since tankers were thrown

Proficient stack teams prac- (Photo by Spc. L.B. Edgar, 7th MPAD Public Affairs) into an infantry role, they are tice tirelessly, so when the time trying their best to speed up their comes to move as one, they are Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Griffon, center, platoon sergeant, infantry skills to become more all on the same page, said Sgt. Spc. Josh Kirby, platoon member, and Spc. William effective on the battlefield in Lane, platoon member, all with 2nd Platoon, Company 1st Class Shawn Griffon, pla- close quarter settings, Griffon C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment practice the line toon sergeant, 2nd Platoon, said. Normally the tankers ride drill, moving as a stack along a simulated wall on in an M1A1 or M1A2 Abrams Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Forward Operating Base Anvil, Joint Readiness tank, now 2nd Platoon's Soldiers Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Training Center, Fort Polk, La. Combat Team, 1st Cavalry ride in Humvees, not tanks and Division. Stacks are all about The drill trains Soldiers not to Blackbird said. fire M-4s, not the Abrams' main being coordinated with the man point or pass a weapon over Two-man stacks are used canon, Blackbird said. in front of you, knowing when other Soldiers. for small rooms and three and "We're normally tankers. he is going to move and not, he "It makes us stay alert and four-man stacks are used for This is a big transition for us, said. also stresses muzzle aware- larger rooms. No more than learning these dismounted tac- "We always stay on ness," Blackbird said. four Soldiers ever compose a tics," Blackbird said. stacks," when entering a build- Muzzle awareness is stack. One-man stacks are only ing, Griffon said. important because of the used in training, as a warm-up, To develop the necessary extreme close quarters of clear- skills for missions requiring ing rooms, Griffon said. stack movements, 2nd Platoon Since the space in close executes a line drill. A piece of quarters combat is so limited, it string spread straight across the is essential that Soldiers know ground serves as a line. their sectors of fire. The line "The line represents the drill helps define sectors of fire. wall and the stack team patrols "It teaches us what our sec- down the wall," Spc. Sly tors of fire are," Blackbird said. Blackbird, platoon member, The first Soldier in the 2nd Plt., Co. C, 2-5 Cav., said. stack scans the front because he The drill simultaneously is the first to be engaged. The develops hand and eye coordi- second Soldier covers 45 nation while using the M-4 degrees to the side of the first rifle, which is critical for close Soldier. quarters combat, Griffon said. The third Soldier scans The line drill is also an high and the fourth man scans exercise in muzzle awareness. to the rear of the stack team, Page 8 Ironhorse July 7, 2006 Texan Cultural Advisor Shows Cav Troops the Reality in Role-PPlaying By Spc. Sheena Reyes they are treated during the scenario. forces has spanned into years of hard 1st BCT Public Affairs By playing insurgent's they made work, a countless number of tests and trouble for Soldiers by distracting them months of instruction which is not uncom- FORT POLK, La. - Some 1st Brigade from their mission. mon among these advisors. Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Nizar Salih from Atlanta, Ga., one of "In 1996 the U.S. brought hundreds troopers occasionally thought of home the 11 role-players, understands how of Kurdish and Arabic people to Guam while they trained at the Joint Readiness important his job is to the Army's mission and then to America so that they could Training Center in Fort Polk, La., but they in Iraq. serve as interpreters for the military," probably did not know that there was a lit- "If you are going to a different coun- Saeed said. "I was one of those people tle taste of Texas in Barzan Saeed. This try you have to understand the culture and I had to take several language tests proud Dallas Texan took his job as a cul- there or else the people there might mis- and English classes as well as undergo tural advisor and interpreter at JRTC seri- understand your intentions," Salih said. "I various medical exams and background ously. love my job because I know that my checks." As those Ironhorse troops took JRTC efforts are helping these Soldiers come Saeed was not accepted due to med- by storm last May they came into contact back home safely." ical reasons and went back to Iraq but his with role-players just like Saeed added Though the job had its challenges efforts did not stop there. some authenticity to high speed training. restricting the advisors to the training site During the beginning of Operation "As a role-player I can serve as an 20 days at a time throughout each rota- Iraqi Freedom Saeed decided to take a interpreter that aids units as they enter tion, Saeed explained why he enjoyed more direct approach. towns and villages," Saeed said. "I can making his contribution. "One day I went to the gate of one of also play a civilian that lives in a village, "You meet thousands of people and the U.S. bases in Iraq and I asked if I the mayor of a village or an insurgent." we've made a lot of friends not only in the could be an interpreter. The guard first When units took their convoys to vil- other role players that work here but with asked me where I was from and I told him lages, they could request an interpreter to the Soldiers that we're helping," Saeed Dallas, TX," Saeed said with a laugh. "He communicate their mission to the village's said, while pulling a Soldier's business asked me why I was so far away from mayor and people. card out of his pocket which he received home and I explained everything to him As villagers, these advisors could last rotation. and soon I was an interpreter for the Air give up information to units based on how Saeed's dedication to helping U.S. Force and the Army's Special Forces." Despite some cultural differences, Saeed understands all too well the concept of sacrifice for one's country and the heartbreak of being far from home. Need more news? While he helps prepare Soldiers for an ordeal that will take them farther away from their families then they may ever be, Visit our website he himself serves the U.S. just as far away from his own family. www.cavcountry.net "I have a wife and a daughter that I have not seen in six months," Saeed said. "They are in Iran with the rest of my fam- for our latest ily, but I remember when I first told my father about getting this job. He was so broadcast of the happy. He told me that I should work hard to help the Americans, because they had award winning done so much for us and so many other families in Iraq. I will continue working Cav Country. here as long as they need me because I will never take having this freedom in America lightly." Page 9 Black Jack July 7, 2006 Eyes and Ears of the Battlefield: The Cav Scout By Pfc. William Hatton superhero," said Olson. 7th MPAD Public Affairs "To be a Cav Scout you need to be flexible and ready for anything," said Pvt. FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Just imagine Sherman W. Fort, Troop C, 4-9 Cav. sitting in the hot sun for hours, maybe even "A Cav Scout is a jack of all trades," days. The wind is blowing hard in your said 1st Lt. Jesse G. Prince, Troop C, 4-9 face. All you can taste in your water and in Cav. "He has to have knowledge in so your food is sand. Your mission is to pull many areas to be able to complete the mis- reconnaissance in an unfamiliar land. You sion." strain your mind trying to stay focused on Fort said that he tries to keep his mind the mission at hand, but the elements make clear and focused on the mission at hand, it difficult. adding that if he keeps his mind focused he After watching the enemy for days, is confident that everything will be alright the observations you sent forward save the and safe. lives of hundreds that pass through the ter- "One of the most important things is to rain you scouted. Those lives equal a job pay attention," said Olson. "It's the little well done for the cavalry scouts in the 4th things that really make the difference." Regiment, 9th Battalion, 2nd Brigade "If you're not paying attention, it will Pfc. Brian Ellis, from Troop C, 4th Combat Team. get you in the end," he said. Regiment, 9th Cavalry Battalion, 2nd "Cav Scouts are the eyes and ears of Just as it's important to be aware of Brigade Combat Team searches for the battlefield," said Pfc. Joshua D. Olson, what's going on around you, it's important improvised explosives devices at a scout with Troop C, 4th Squadron, 9th to prepare for the fight. the National Training Center at Fort Cavalry Regiment. "We have to see every- "One of the most important things Irwin, Calif. thing on the battlefield, and not to be seen about my job is making sure all my learned is that all soldiers are trainable. at the same time." Soldiers are trained and ready to fight," Teamwork is an important aspect of He said to be able to do this, a Soldier Prince said. "This is so that everyone can the job. "It's definitely a team effort out needs to be focused, strong, and be able to come home safely." there," said Sgt. Shawn Vadenik, Company hunt, hide, and track the enemy. "Cav Prince said even though some of the C, 4-9 Cav "If the driver isn't doing well, Scouts are the closest thing to being a things Cav Scouts do is hard, one thing he's then I'm not going to be able to get a good firing position." During missions it's important to rely on your battle buddies, Fort said. "It's not just me I have to worry about when I'm out here. My buddies are relying on me for help," Fort added. "I really love the brotherhood and fel- lowship. Everyone just bonds together while we're out here," said Olson. "You really see it throughout the chain of command. You see it from the lowest private to the commander, and you just know we're all working together," Olson added. The connection between Soldiers and leaders is important to the scouts. "I'll follow my leaders anywhere because I have a lot of faith in their leadership. They've taught me the things I need to know to survive," Fort said. "Charley Company, 4-9 Cav is like a second family to me," Fort said. (Photos by Pfc. William Hatton, 7th MPAD Public Affairs) So the next time you go out on a con- Spc. Steven Martinson, Troop C, 4th Regiment, 9th Cavalry Battalion, 2nd voy, just know that somewhere in the train- Brigade Combat Team pulls security for his team during a raid on a mock ing area, the cavalry scouts of 4-9 Cav town at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. might be watching you. Page 10 Black Jack July 7, 2006 Spartan MPs Take Out Target During Raid By Staff Sgt. Kap Kim leader, 2nd Lt. Erin Brantley, the 2nd BCT Public Affairs vehicles slowly crept up to the first set of buildings. Two gun FORT IRWIN, Calif. - trucks, armed with larger caliber Deprived of sleep, hungry and machine guns, provided cover dirty from a previous mission, for the two dismounted, room- the 2nd Brigade Special Troops clearing teams. The two separate Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division's teams took on a bounding over- military policemen showed little watch-type of clearing. On either restrain as they entered their last side of the town, a few other mission in the town of Ain Ghar teams supplied support with their in a room-to-room search for a gun trucks. high-value target, June 9. The teams cleared all the The MP platoon took a team buildings in town until they of approximately 50 soldiers and entered the room with Rasheed, Sgt. Ray Payne (second from the left) and Spc. Kristy about 10 vehicles into the small, a dummy-target. A few shots to Schiavonne (third) scan the room as their military simulated town. As the teams his chest ended his life. police team from the 2nd Brigade Special Troops stormed into the National Afterward, the MPs left the town Battalion, prepares to leave the building. The MPs were Training Center's mock town to in the same fashion as they going through training June 9, at the National Training find insurgent leader Mohammad entered, and with no friendly Center in Fort Irwin, Calif. Rasheed and his security team, casualties. operations tactics learned from those skills as an MP platoon the radio traffic told the story of a In their first after-action current Iraqi theater operations. and build unit cohesion," he swift operation of door-kicking review, Capt. Jason Marquiss, "Approximately 80 to 90 said. "What we are experiencing and quick shooting. the senior MP trainer, told the percent of their Soldiers have is their SRT training is not com- The road leading into the MPs that they were using completed Special Reactions pletely mirroring up with what town was rough and was sprin- Special Reaction Team tactics Team training. So we are trying we would consider a standard kled with grapefruit-sized stones. during their mission, and that to create the environment for urban operation event. So our In a plan laid out by the platoon maybe they should use urban them to continue to practice observations are focusing more on the differences in their spe- cialized training and a standard urban operation training event." Having been an MP company commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, Marquiss added some of his personal deployment experience to the MPs. "Our job, here at the NTC, is to set the conditions in the scenario and to meet the mission objectives," Marquiss said, "We do that with doctrine, TTPs along with deployment experience." After their first iteration's after-action review, the MPs regrouped and rehearsed a new plan which incorporated Marquiss' input. Their new plan proved to be more efficient and met their mission objective of (Photos by Staff Sgt. Kap Kim, 2nd BCT Public Affairs) identifying their target and A military police team from the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, prepares to rush into a building during training at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., June 9. See Raid Page16 Page 11 Black Jack July 7, 2006 Soldiers Take Part in Boxing Challenge By Spc. Robert Yde 2nd BCT Public Affairs

FORT IRWIN, Calif - After wrapping up their month-long exercise at the National Training Center, the Fort Irwin's Boxing Challenge June 13 gave 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers a chance to unwind while they waited for their return flights to Fort Hood. "It's a good way to end the rotation," said Lt. Col. Patrick Matlock, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment commander, as he watched while 11 of his Soldiers jumped into the ring. Organized by Fort Irwin's Morale, Welfare and Recreation office, the boxing challenge showcased ten, three-round fights and drew a large audience, as Soldiers filled the bleachers to watch their fellow Soldiers slug it out. "I really like boxing, so its fun to see (Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs) Soldiers in the ring," said Pfc. Lorenzo Pvt. Nicholas Wansten, (right) a cavalry scout with 4th Squadron, 9th Byrd, a light-wheel vehicle mechanic with Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team is the recipient of a fierce 4-9 Cav. blow to the face during Fort Irwin's Boxing Challenge June 13. The event Evidently, Byrd was not the only per- featured ten bouts, and helped "Black Jack" Soldiers, who both participat- son who liked boxing, as there were few ed and attended, unwind before returning to Fort Hood from their month- long National Training Center rotation. empty seats left in the fitness center. "Look up there," said Command Sgt. that his Soldiers were very eager to partic- ized, his love of the sport has not dimin- Major James Daniels, 4-9 Cav's top non- ipate in the fights. ished. commissioned officer, pointing to the "Our guys were motivated when they "A lot of guys have never done it crowd, "The majority of our troops are here heard about the boxing match," Daniels before and I encouraged them to give it a to support them." explained. "They all wanted to get in it." try," Crawford said, "It's a wonderful The first match of the night featured Staff Sgt. Damien Crawford, a cavalry sport." Pfc. Tyler Burdette and Pfc. Jordan scout with Troop C, 4-9 Cav. agreed with While Crawford had little difficulty Wilmes, both from Troop C, 4-9 Cav. Daniels assessment. . with his opponent, other Soldiers were not "It just sounded fun," said Burdette, a "This is just how we are." Crawford so fortunate. Humvee gunner, explaining why he chose said. "We're scouts, we love to do hooah "I got pummeled," Pvt. Nicholas to fight. stuff and here we are." Wansten said after his match. Burdette said the fight was a chance to For Crawford, who began boxing in Wansten, another scout, was on the release a little aggression, and he just hap- Kuwait in 1998, the event offered him a losing end of what was the night's bloodi- pened to be fighting his friend Wilmes, chance to do what he loves. est fight. also a Humvee gunner, because the boxers "I stepped in the ring and fell in love "I think maybe he had a little more were matched up by weight. with it," the Orlando, Fla. native said. experience," Wansten said. "I don't know - Wilmes was declared the winner of the "Once I returned to Fort Hood, I tried out I don't have much." first bout, but according to Daniels, all of for the boxing team and made it, and it's And while the outcome of the fight the participants were winners. been a love of mine ever since." was not what he had hoped for, Wansten "We had a lot of winners and really no At one time, Crawford harbored ambi- said he had fun, and was especially pleased losers, because the guys gave their heart tions of turning his hobby into a career, with the turnout. and their all-and-all," Daniels said. even spending a year training at a pro- "Sport events help bring the communi- Daniels added that Troop C. is the camp. ty together and make Soldiers more moti- most aggressive unit in the brigade, and Although his career never material- vated," Wansten said. Page 12 Black Jack July 7, 2006 Training Inspires Troops to Mass Reenlist By Spc. Robert Yde children and a monthly mort- 2nd BCT Public Affairs gage, said that staying in the Army was in his family's best FORT IRWIN, Calif. - After interest. Some Soldiers just nearly a month of battling heat, like the Army lifestyle. fatigue and opposing forces at "I enjoy what I do," the National Training Center, 14 explained Sgt. Jermaine Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Wisdom, the unit supply ser- Combat Team, 1st Cavalry geant for Co. E. 1-5 Cav. "I Division took part in a mass enjoy the military." reenlistment ceremony June 11, The native of Opelika, Ala. officiated by "Black Jack" com- has spent 12 years in the mili- mander Col. Bryan Roberts. tary - six in the Army and six in "It's a great day," Roberts the Marine Corps, and said that told his Soldiers. "The only he is "going to stick with it thing that could have made it until the end." (Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs) better was if your families A Soldier's decision to reen- could have been here." Col. Bryan Roberts, commander of the 2nd Brigade list is not only a reflection of his Combat Team, states the oath of reenlistment to four- "We appreciate the oppor- beliefs, but also a reflection of teen 2nd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers at the National tunity to do this with you as his respective unit and its leader- Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., June 11. your second family," he added. ship, according to Roberts. The mass reenlistment cer- Cavalry Regiment. Spc. Derek Tucker, a track "What its saying is that the emony was part of a package of The Martinez, Calif. native vehicle mechanic with Co. E. unit is doing the right thing," reenlistment incentives offered added, "He says it's good for me 1-5 Cav., family obligations Roberts said. "That it's doing by the brigade's retention to spend a couple more years in were the main motivation to the right thing for you and for office. Soldiers were also given the Army; see what I can do - I reenlist. your family and that you want a choice between taking a day- might enjoy it and stay." Tucker, who is originally to stay a part of it. It's a great trip to Las Vegas or receiving a For other Soldiers, like from Gary, Ind., and has two day for the Army.” seat on the first flight back to Fort Hood. The idea for the incentives package was borrowed from the 25th Infantry Division, which was rotating out of the NTC when the "Black Jack" Brigade arrived, and had success with a similar package. "It helps the command make its mission and gives something back to the Soldiers," explained Master Sgt. Randy Kuhnau, the brigade's senior career counselor. While the Soldiers acknowledged that they appreciate the incentives, each of them had their own reasons for (Photo by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs) reenlisting, "My brother kind of Welcome Home on Daddy’s Day pushed me to reenlist," said Family, friends and even pets welcome home Soldiers with the 2nd “Black Pfc. Michael Zimmerman, a Jack” Brigade Combat Team on Father’s Day, June 18, after a month-long combat engineer with deployment to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. Company E. 1st Battalion, 5th Page 13 Black Jack July 7, 2006 Don’t Forget, Safety First Safe Brigade Recognized by NTC

By Spc. Alexis Harrison Marine Corps Logistic Base's 2nd BCT Public Affairs Yermo Annex in Barstow, Calif. After a month-long stay in Maj. Moore said the opera- the dusty desert of Fort Irwin, tions were completed with Calif., the 2nd Brigade Combat almost 100% accuracy and Team, 1st Cavalry Division safety, and the 1-8 Cav. arrived home to high praises of "Mustangs" were incredibly its performance. proud of the daunting task they Recently, the "Black Jack" had accomplished. Brigade was awarded high hon- During operations, every- ors for its successful tour at the one from the brigade com- National Training Center. The mander down to the junior- brigade's rotation through NTC enlisted Soldiers was under the was not only a huge success; it close watch of observer/ con- has also been called the safest trollers. rotation in the last decade. The OC's looked at things (Photos by Spc. Alexis Harrison, 2nd BCT Public Affairs) "The Operations Group like operations during convoy With a little civilian supervision, a Soldier from the 1st Safety Manager at Ft. Irwin movements, performance on Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team guides a said it was the safest rotation improvised explosive device massive M-1 Abrams tank onto a railcar headed for the through NTC he'd seen in 10 training lanes, and over-all per- National Training Center at Fort. Irwin, Calif. The "Black Jack" Brigade was given a safety award for its opera- years," said Wendell Moore, formance. They gauged per- tions during the safest NTC rotation in the last decade. the 2nd BCT safety manager. formance by looking at the "When leaders actively engage standards expected and how briefs, good use of risk assess- "The Observer Controllers in safety and risk management, well the Soldiers perform ments and range operations. or OC's gave lots of compli- accidents don't happen. according to those standards. They saw how well the ments on our performance," Without leadership involve- Mr. Moore said the OC's Soldiers were focused and were said Mr. Moore. "They could ment, the outcome of this rota- praised the brigade's convoy very impressed. see how well focused this tion could've been very differ- group of Soldiers was." ent." Keeping Soldiers focused But it wasn't. is one of the keys to success, The brigade suffered a according to Mr. Moore. below-average amount of "This training develops a minor injuries, and almost no positive habit transfer for when serious injuries, but most we do the real thing," Mr. importantly, no lives were lost Moore said. "Things like buck- during any of the operations ling your seat belt, wearing before, during and after the your flak vest, carrying your rotation through NTC. weapon properly are all part of "Whether they were killing knowing the standard. It's the bad guys or uploading about keeping the Soldiers' trains, our guys were motivated heads in the game." to do the right thing," said Maj. With the Department of Lance Moore, 1st Battalion, 8th Defense announcing "Black Cavalry Regiment's executive Jack's" upcoming deployment officer. A Soldier from the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade overseas Maj. Moore said that The 1-8 Cav. "Mustangs" Combat Team finishes securing an M-1 Abrams tank to success in training operations were tasked with the uploading a railcar headed for the National Training Center at Ft. can translate into confidence and downloading all of the Irwin, Calif. The "Black Jack" Brigade was given a safe- when the brigade goes to do the brigade's equipment at the ty award for its operations during its NTC rotation. real thing later this year. Page 14 Black Jack July 7, 2006 Volunteers Self-SSacrifice Rewarded by the Division By Spc. Robert Yde 2nd BCT Public Affairs

"Her service is invaluable to the families of this company," said Capt. David Price, explaining the role that Simone DePrater, his company's Family Readiness Group Leader has played. "She does great work," added Price, commander of Company B, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. "She gives up a whole lot of her time for the company." For all of the time and effort that she has dedicated to Company B's FRG, DePrater was recognized at the First Team's monthly Distinguished Service and Welcome ceremony, which was held on the division parade field June 27. One Soldier or family member from each of the division's battalions received a plaque recognizing them as that battalion's volunteer of the month. Representing the "Black Jack" Brigade along with Deprater were Capt. John Gilliam from 4th Squadron, 9th (Photos by Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd BCT Public Affairs) Cavalry Regiment, Dawn Golden from Samantha Roberts shakes hands with the 1st Cavalry Division's deputy 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, Jennifer commanding general for maneuver, Brig. Gen. John Campbell, after being Gaspard from 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field presented with a plaque recognizing her as volunteer of the month for 15th Artilley, Becci Rindahl from 1st Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Roberts, the FRG Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment and leader for Co. A., was just one of several Black Jack Brigade volunteers Samantha Roberts from the 15th Brigade recognized during the division's monthly award ceremony on Cooper Field. Support Battalion. important than ever. Like DePrater, most of volunteers who Over the course of the next year, the were recognized are involved in their role of FRG's are going to be critical, said spouses' unit FRG. Roberts, FRG leader for Company A., Golden, the FRG leader for Company 15th BSB. A, 1-8 Cav., organized a successful Roberts said she feels well qualified to fundraiser during the brigade's final days act as the FRG leader having already been of preparation for its National Training through two deployments to Iraq. Center rotation. "I've been through it and know what to While "Black Jack" Soldiers spent expect," explained Roberts. "Right now, days prepping and loading their vehicles one of the main focuses will be to make and equipment at Fort Hood's railhead, sure everyone is legally squared away at Golden and other members of Company home, so there are no problems while A's FRG were there to sell cold drinks and they're [the Soldiers] over there." food. Both Golden and Roberts acknowl- Events such as this are what the FRGs edged that "Black Jack" Soldiers can focus are all about, according to Golden. their attention on the mission before them, Dawn Golden, the Family Readiness "We just want to take care of our assured that their families are being taken Group leader for Company A, 1-8 Soldiers and their families," she said. care of. Cav., 2nd Brigade Combat Team, With the brigade recently receiving "I don't do this for awards," Golden poses with the 1st Cavalry Division's deployment orders for later this year, tak- said. "I do it because I care about these deputy commanding general for ing care of Soldiers' families will be more families." maneuver, Brig. Gen. John Cambell. Page 15 Black Jack July 7, 2006 Mock Terrorist Stomped by Troops

By Pvt. Tiffany Mercer local population as possible. During their ing the town. While carrying out their mis- 7th MPAD Public Affairs training at the National Training Center in sion, the troops encountered many differ- Fort Irwin, Calif., the Soldiers with Battery ent scenarios. A cast of "Iraqi" citizens FORT IRWIN, Calif. - The mission: A, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery were set up in the town to add to the real- capture or kill a terrorist leader known for Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st ism. At times they were cooperative, while his foul treatment of the local residents and Cavalry Division, were given this situation other times they became hostile. planting improvised explosive devices May 30 as a way to prepare them for the "We try to train them everyday to against coalition forces. His two bodyguards realities of Iraq. think, not just to react," said 1st Lt. Daniel should be with him and are also wanted. Battery A convoyed out to a location Gomez, the battery's executive officer. The plan is to move in and accomplish in the middle of the Mojave Desert and "And that's just what they did." the objective with as little disruption to the reviewed their plan briefing before enter- "When they were fired upon, they returned fire; when they were close to a civilian that was unarmed, they responded in the right way," Gomez said. "They used escalation of force properly." Feeling confident about the job and personal reactions is a key factor to com- pleting the mission. "I personally think I reacted well, because I had no hesitation," said Pvt. Joseph A. Riqueros, a Soldier with 1st Platoon, Battery A, 3-82 FA. "All the training we did leading up to this just adds on, it's just a build up so that when you finally get to where you're going to be, which is over there (Iraq), you know exactly what you're doing to a tee," said Riqueros. Gomez said the scenarios at NTC helped the troops better understand what might happen while down range. He said (Photo by Pvt. Tiffany Mercer, 7th MPAD Public Affairs) having Arabic interpreters and Iraqi citi- Two Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade zens in a town makes the training more Combat Team, litter-carry away an injured ally of the Iraqi Army during lane realistic. "It's the best training I've ever training at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. received," Gomez added. Hand-LLaunched UAV Keeps Soldiers Informed By Spc. Beatrice and surveillance tool, transmit- Troop, 4th Squadron, 9th putting anybody in harms way. Freeman-Florescu ting live airborne video images, Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade The Raven's silent 7th MPAD Public Affairs compass headings, and location Combat Team said the Raven's approach on the enemy allows information to a ground control capabilities enable operators to for surveillance without the FORT IRWIN, Calif. - A unit and remote video terminal navigate, search for targets, rec- enemy's knowledge, explained group of 1st Cavalry Division for remote reconnaissance and ognize terrain, and record infor- Pfc. John Hamill, Company C, Soldiers participated in training surveillance, force protection, mation for analysis. 4-9 Cav who launched and and integration for the Raven convoy security, target acquisi- Joe O'Dell, a senior train- piloted a Raven system during Small Unmanned Aerial tion, and battle damage assess- ing and development specialist the flight part of the training. Vehicle while deployed to the ment, according to its opera- with Raytheon, said the sys- Philip Owen, a UAV National Training Center, Fort tor's manual. tems are used to provide infor- Integration Trainer with Raytheon, Irwin, Calif. Pfc. Edward Bielefeldt, a mation to battalion-level units. said the Raven systems in Iraq The Raven SUAV is a field exercise mission com- Down range their mission is to have proven to be extremely hand-launched reconnaissance mander with Headquarters find the "bad guys" without effective in saving lives. Page 16 Black Jack July 7, 2006 Vehicle Maintainers Break Record at NTC By Pfc. William Hatton One of the steps in the process of turn- 7th MPAD Public Affairs ing in the vehicles was returning the training equipment used during the exercise. FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Soldiers from "The second we got back from train- the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry ing, our Soldiers went straight to the Division broke the "Regen" Day Five M.I.L.E.S., Multiple Intergraded Laser record while training at the National Engagement System, return," Thomas said. Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif, in "For as much that needed to be done June. and the amount of hard work that went into The "Regen" Day Five is a record of it all, things went pretty smooth during the time it takes to return 500 or less vehicles (Photo by Pfc. William Hatton, 7th MPAD Public Affairs) turn in," Thomas said. drawn from the NTC. Soldiers and leaders from the 2nd "The record was broken because of the "Soldiers drew vehicles from rail "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Team hard work soldiers put in during the exer- operations, used them during training and responsible for setting the Regen cise, great teamwork and dedicated leader- then returned the vehicles to rail operations Day Five record at the National ship during the return," Farrand said. within the five day timeframe," said Maj. Training Center with a turn-in per- The record was held previously by 1st Dale Farrand, executive officer, 15th centage of 99.38 percent. "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT. tions," said 1st Lt. Ebony Thomas, 15th BSB. Div., and was set in March of 2003. The "Black Jack" Soldiers took out 321 "Each vehicle had to be thoroughly previous record was 99.03 percent. vehicles from the NTC and returned 99.38 inspected and sent out on a road test before "One of the reasons the vehicles were percent of the vehicles in the five days des- giving a final approval to be turned in. If returned so well was because of the great ignated, Farrand said. anything was found wrong with a vehicle, maintenance the soldiers kept on all the "Soldiers worked around the clock they were sent to the mechanics to repair vehicles while at the NTC," said Lt. Col. preparing the vehicles for various inspec- them," Thomas said. Jeffery Vieira, commander, 15th BSB. Military Police Take Out High Value Insurgents in Raid different missions. force. She said that that type of Raid According to Brantley, their mission will require her MPs to From Page 10 mission of entering buildings be both mentally and physically can be tough for many of their conditioned to prepare for that killing him. Soldiers because of situations task. "In the first time around, it where they have to quickly She said training at the wasn't a success - it was a crawl determine the difference of com- NTC was really important and phase," Sgt. LaVan Dawson, an batants and noncombatants. that most of all, it went really MP team leader said. "As we (By Staff Sgt. Kap Kim, 2BCT Public Affairs) "Sometimes, when we enter well. Yet, she added, there are progressed in the second and A military police team homes in Iraq, everyone is calm some things they will work on to third iteration, we stepped it up. from the 1st Cavalry and respectful to us and very improve. In the third iteration, I can hon- Division's 2nd Brigade cooperative, and sometime they "Of course, there are things estly say that I was impressed." Special Troops Battalion, are not," she said. "So, this train- we need to do to improve, but Dawson said he uses his keeps their eyes open for ing helps us identify civilians, other than that, there was good deployment experience to help the enemy as they leave those who are caught up in the communications, good control his Soldiers better understand town. The MPs were train- mix and don't know really what within the squad leaders," the importance of missions like ing at the National is going on, and we can train on Brantley said. this one. Training Center in Fort how to deal with those as well as As Brantley and her "I tell them my experiences, Irwin, Calif., June 9. encountering someone who is a Soldiers prepare to depart from tell them what to expect and let percent, they'll succeed." combatant - how to deal with the NTC, they will take the them know it's all right to mess Overall, Dawson said the them - how to separate who is many lessons learned over the up here because practice makes training event at the NTC was civilian and who is a combatant past two weeks and continue to perfect," he said. "What you do crucial to their platoon since this and how to engage." build upon them at Fort Hood. here is what you'll do down is one of the first times they have According to Brantley, their "I know that I learned a lot," range. So, as long as you contin- all been together. Back at Fort MPs have recently been identi- Dawson added. "So I know my ue to put in a good effort - 110 Hood they are split up between fied to serve as the urban strike Soldiers learned a lot." Page 17 Grey Wolf July 7, 2006

(Photos by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd BCT Public Affairs) Spc. Elijah Majak, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, (center) shows his certifi- cate of naturalization to Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Felt, 3rd BCT's top NCO, (left) and Col. David Sutherland, the brigade's commander, after his naturalization ceremony June 23. (Left) Spc. Elijah Majak, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, prepares to become an American citizen in a ceremony at Howze Theater, June 23. Majak was born in Sudan and arrived in America in June 2001. Troop Now Naturalized American By Pfc. Ben Fox cross and come here," he said. "Being in army and died in combat, he said. 3rd BCT Public Affairs America is like a dream to people in other He wanted to join the United States worlds." Army for the sense of family and wanted to A young man's dream came true when Majak was able to attain his dream do his part in serving the new nation he had he learned he would leave his war-torn when a "good Samaritan" from America come to love, he said. At the time, though, nation to live in the United States in June talked to Sudan's government in 1999 and the Army would not accept him because he 2001. Four years later, a second dream of was granted permission to fly him and 4 did not have a green card, said Majak. his came true when he was accepted into other Sudan citizens to America, he said, However, since the need for linguists the United States Army. making them a part of a group of refugees increased, the Army created a new program Spc. Elijah Majak, a linguist in known as the "Lost Boys of Sudan." four years later that enabled Majak to join Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Majak said he didn't believe he was the armed forces, he said. Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division actually leaving until he saw the airplane that After joining the Army, Majak started achieved yet another goal when he was would take him away. This was the end of the process to become a citizen, which took naturalized along with 31 of his peers in a almost two years of frustration and endless him almost seven months. ceremony at Howze Theater on Fort Hood, paperwork. He wanted to be naturalized because June 23. Finally, Majak made it to America. even though he was part of the Army com- Majak was born in Sudan and raised in When Majak arrived in Minnesota, he munity, he didn't feel entirely part of the the middle of a religious war that has con- was given food stamps, a little money and family, he said. He was a foreigner serving sumed the country for decades, he said. papers from the government stating he was in a foreign armed force. Many people "When we were very young we knew legal to work in the United States. would ask him why he served in the our enemy was coming to kill us," he said. Immediately, the five "Lost Boys" start- American Army even though he was not a As he was growing up, Majak said he ed working to pay rent for the apartment citizen, he said. He told them he wanted to saw America through the media and learned they were sharing. Majak began to attend a help the country that helped him so much. about it in school, which ignited his dream to church and became involved in volunteer After his naturalization ceremony, he said he some day live in the United States. Even work, such as teaching children about the felt part of not just the Army family, but the though Majak desired to leave Sudan, his destructive power of tobacco and drugs. American family as well, since he can now dream seemed unattainable. Despite his great new life, Majak still obtain the rights other citizens share. "It looked impossible because you see dreamed of more. He wanted to be a Soldier. "Being an American is like a dream," the ocean over there. It's a deep ocean to His father had been a Soldier in Sudan's Majak said. Page 18 Long Knife July 7, 2006 New Company Trains for Detainee Ops By Sgt. Paula Taylor 4th BCT Public Affairs

FORT BLISS, Texas - Voices could be heard throughout the camp from atop the guard tower like whispers in church. When simulated mortar rounds began exploding all around them, that whisper turned into a yell. In an instant, the Soldiers began moving into position. Poised high above the compound, the tower guard grabbed his weapon and took cover. The loud-speaker crackled, and the prison yard was locked down as the troops from Company C, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, trained in proper procedures of detainee operations during their mission rehearsal exercise at McGregor Range June 24. "The mission of (Company C) is the operation of a secure facility on the battle- (Photo by Sgt. Paula Taylor, 4th BCT Public Affairs) field," said Capt. Anthony Dean, com- Team members of Company C, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat mander of Company C. "(The 4th BCT Team, handcuff an unruly detainee in the special housing unit during a commander) saw a need for a dedicated forced cell move at a mock prison detainee facility at McGregor Range at Fort force for detainee operations in theatre and Bliss, Texas, June 12. The cell move is used as a last resort when a detainee created (Company C) to handle that mis- is acting aggressively and cannot be controlled using any lesser means of sion," Dean explained. force. The company was created specifically for detainee operations. In order to create the new company, ing Company C. ough procedures to follow for every type Dean said each battalion in the 4th BCT The training included 29 classes, a of situation." was tasked to provide a certain number of two-day situational training exercise and a Sgt. John Dorer, petroleum supply troops in a specific rank structure. mission rehearsal exercise, said Sgt. 1st specialist said he liked the hand-to-hand "We have taken various [military Class Michael Kalabsa, operations ser- combat training the most. occupational specialties] throughout the geant, 1st Brigade, 85th Training Support "We learned how to take down prison- battalions and are teaching them detainee Division. ers with the minimal amount of force need- operations," Dean said. The purpose of the training was to ed to avoid injury to us and the detainees," The mock prison detainee camp at teach Soldiers everything they would need Dorer said. "We also learned how to count- McGregor Range, complete with razor to know about operating a secure facility er attacks. It was an eye-opener. The train- wire and guard towers, is operated primari- from the time the detainee enters the coming is about giving confidence and knowl- ly by Soldiers of the 91st Division, Dean pound to day-to-day operations, Kalabsa edge on how to do the job properly." said. explained. He was not the only one to enjoy the "The Soldiers here are a contingent Some of the classes and hands-on training. that was certified to teach detainee opera- training the troops learned were legal prin- "I like it a lot," said Crowe. "The train- tions through the U.S. Army Military ciples, communication techniques, ing has been hands-on and helpful. I have Police School," Dean said. "USAMPS accountability procedures, unarmed self learned a ton. Having a full mock prison offered a train the trainer course in defense, non-lethal weapons, report writ- helps a lot." response to the abuse allegations from Abu ing, restraint procedures and contraband With four years experience as a cor- Ghraib prison." control procedures, Kalabsa said. rectional officer, and later, a correctional Several members of the U.S. Army "It's been a shock," said Pfc. Michael sergeant for the state of Alabama prior to Reserves' 647th Area Support Group and Crowe, Bradley fighting vehicle system coming back on active duty, Dean felt con- the 1st Brigade, 85th Division were also on maintainer. "I had a different picture of fident his troops would be ready to handle hand to assist the 91st Division with train- what it would be like. There are very thor- their mission professionally and properly. Page 19 Long Knife July 7, 2006 1-99 Cav First to Fire at Doña Ana By Sgt. Paula Taylor 4th BCT Public Affairs

FORT BLISS, Texas - A blast echoed against the mountain range as Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, fired mortar rounds at Doña Ana Range June 1. The goal of the mortar range was to train until the process becomes second nature to the crew members so they can perform under pressure. "The 1-9 CAV is the first to live-fire mortar rounds here in about 15 years," said Sgt. 1st Class Mike Martinez, mortar platoon sergeant, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment. "We're field testing our new equipment," Martinez said. "That way, if anything (Photos by Sgt. Paula Taylor, 4th BCT Public Affairs) goes wrong, we can work on it Pvt. Zachary Tucker, indirect fire infantryman assistant gunner, drops the 120-mm mor- before we get to the National tar round into the smooth-bore barrel during new systems training at Doña Ana Range. Training Center. time," he added. received the call then processed and [advanced individual train- "We're getting these new As a forward observer the call by going through a ing] so they didn't have an crews working with the for- watched the enemy and called series of drills to set up their opportunity to do a live-fire ward observers for the first for fire, his mortar crew gun. exercise," said Sgt. 1st Class "The gunner uses a display Malcolm McKinney, mortar to match up the numbers, and section leader, Troop B, 1st says to the squad leader, 'gun Squadron, 9th Cavalry up,' and then the command to Regiment. "This is definitely fire is given," he said. going to enhance their skills Martinez said before the and gain them confidence in crew could go to the range, performing their wartime mis- they had to take a gunners sion." exam to identify the best gun- McKinney said that by the ners. end of their training period, the "The squad leader admin- platoon sergeants were confi- isters the test and based on the dent their crews will be able to results, he will identify who is successfully accomplish each the strongest, who is the weak- type of mission they could be est and who we need to work called to support and will be an with," he said. "Once they get important asset to the out here, they have to show us squadron. Pvt. Zachary Tucker and Spc. Robert Hurtado take cover that everything they learned "Since they've been prac- after loading a mortar round into the barrel before the from the gunner's exam they ticing, they will be confident in round is fired. The mortar crew uses a series of com- can apply to real life." their ability to do their mission mands to communicate during the loading and firing "A lot of these guys are and process a call for fire," he process to avoid dangerous accidents. straight out of basic training said. Page 20 Long Knife July 7, 2006 New Shadow Sweepes the New Mexico Desert By Sgt. Paula Taylor 4th BCT Public Affairs

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. - The engines wound and kicked up a storm of dust. Over the noise through the headset, the crew chief heard the command, "Five, four, three, two, one, LAUNCH, LAUNCH, LAUNCH." He pushed the button and watched as his unmanned aerial vehicle was catapulted into the air at nine gravitational forces. In less than a minute, his aircraft disappeared over the mountain range. This flight was one of several the UAV Platoon, Company A, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, launched during new (Photos by Sgt. Paula Taylor, 4th BCT Public Affairs) systems training May 18 thru June 16. Sgt. Luis Cortese pushes the tactical unmanned aerial vehical back to the The TUAV, a Shadow 200, is a light- maintenance area after the landing for a post-flight inspection while his weight, rapidly deployable, reconnaissance instructor observes his procedures during new systems training on May 18. system designed to give commander's a and testing office, Fort Huachuca, Ariz. the operator-pilot. day and night, multi-sensor collection sys- "We're the eyes over the battlefield," "We go through preflight checks and tem, said Warrant Officer Randall Wise, said Spc. Jacob Vaughn, UAV operator. "If once we've completed our portion, the oper- UAV technician, new systems integration we have a group Soldiers in danger, we can ators come out to the launcher and do their recon the area faster, more effectively than checks on the bird," McConnaughy said. troops on the ground. We can see over hills Once the aircraft takes flight, the air and around buildings - things that Soldiers vehicle operator/pilot steers the plane to its on the ground would have to put them- targets. selves in danger in order to effectively "We can tap into the tactical opera- complete their mission." tions center and create real-time video for Some of the system components are battle captains so they can see what's going the Shadow 200 TUAV and payload, a on the battlefield," Vaughn said. "We can ground control station, a tactical automated call for fire and work with any kind of air landing system, a launcher, arresting gear, support whether it is Air Force F-16s, and a remote video terminal. At just over bombers or helicopters." 11 feet long with nearly a 13-foot When the Shadow 200 is ready to land wingspan, the Shadow 200 carries the POP and the mission is complete, the system 200 payload, its main surveillance and uses a tactical automated landing system to reconnaissance system. land the plane. The person responsible for operating "We joke that the TALS is the best the POP 200 is the mission payload opera- pilot we have," laughed Johnson. "It's fool- tor. The MPO sits inside a ground control proof and has never crashed." station with the pilot to let him know By the day's end, the UAV Platoon had whether to slow down, speed up or climb successfully launched and landed five to a higher altitude, explained 2nd Lt. birds, each on a different training mission. Pfc. Kevin Mihelich, military intelligence systems maintainer and inte- Malikah Johnson, TUAV platoon leader. This was quite an impressive feat, Johnson grator, takes a fuel sample from the Inside the ground control station the said, because of their lack of experience Shadow200, unmanned aerial vehi- pilot and MPO work together to keep each with UAVs. cle, as part of the preventive mainte- other informed about what's going on with "This is something the company nance checks that are required for the UAV. should be proud of and especially these each aircraft. The checks are con- Before the Shadow 200 can launch, Soldiers because this isn't something ducted daily and between flights several preflight checks have to be com- they've been doing their whole Army before the plane can be flown. pleted by the crew chief, maintainers and careers," Johnson said. Page 21 Warrior July 7, 2006

(Photo by Pfc. William Hatton, 7th MPAD Public Affairs) Sgt. Travis Zielinski, a crew chief with 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, checks the rear blades of a helecopter for any defect such as dents, cracks or scratches. The flight crew is responsible for ensuring that every part of every aircraft is in working order each day. Crew Chiefs Keep Birds in the Sky By Pfc. William Hatton need to be checked and rechecked that you being able to come across new problems 7th MPAD Public Affairs never know what can go wrong," said Sgt. and be able to learn from them. Whether Isidro Alanso, Company B, 4-227th ATK. it's from getting help from more experi- In the Army, many significant jobs Zielinski said most of what a crew enced Soldiers, or just working through involve vital skills towards achieving suc- chiefs job consists of is preparing a heli- and finding the solution on my own, I love cess during missions. One such job is that copter for flight. just being able to overcome," Zielinski of crew chief for Apache and Blackhawk "We are responsible for checking the said. helicopters. helicopter from front to back," he said. "One of the greatest things I have ever For crew chiefs in the 4th Battalion, "Crew chiefs also make sure the bolts are been apart of was when my unit was able to 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry tight, check the blades for chips or dents, provide support for an MP unit that was Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, many prob- and make sure the different wires and fuel under attack during a convoy," Alanso said. lems can arise, like dealing with mechani- lines are intact," Zielinski added. "We worked quickly to get the birds in the cal deficiencies, poor communication, or "One of the biggest problems we face air, and because of it they were able to help." having everyone on the same page. is having everyone involved on the same "The MPs we helped later came and When recognizing the value of crew page. If one person is off it becomes a found us and thanked us for what we did. chiefs, it is helpful to understand what hel- problem," Zielinski said. "When commu- When they thanked us it really hit me that icopters are used for. Sgt. Travis Zielinski, nication is down or when we receive oper- we were doing something important," Company B, 4-227 Cav, said helicopters ation orders late, things can get a little hec- Alanso said. "It was a really great feeling." are used for everything from supportive tic. It's when everyone is working togeth- When different problems arise like, fire to supply runs. er that we run a lot more smoothly." mechanical deficiencies, poor communica- "As far as logistics go, a helicopter "You can't just go to your pilot and tell tion, or when chaos breaks loose, the crew goes a whole lot faster then a truck," him you've checked something when you chiefs of 4-227th ATK work hard and over- Zielinski said. Helicopters can be used in never did. His life is in your hands, and if come to put helicopters are in the air. great capacity when shipping supplies you aren't working hard at inspecting or "When everything goes well and a hel- from one place to another, he added. any other preflight check, then bad things icopter is in the air, it's good to know that "Getting a bird in the air can be very could happen," Alanso said. we've accomplished something," Alanso complex. There are so many little things that "One of the best parts of my job is said. Page 22 Warrior July 7, 2006 First Pitch for Seasoned Cav NCO By Spc. Nathan Hoskins his family. 1st ACB Public Affairs "I am very fortunate to be married to my wife Michelle ARLINGTON, Texas - The Feldman and have three kids, first pitch was high and outside, Vadania, Makye, and Cristiano. but luckily for the Major League It's a blessing to have them Baseball team, the Texas here. When I go home after a Rangers, the current pitcher long day, working 12 hour wouldn't throw anymore for the shifts, it's really comforting to duration of the game. know that I'm doing it for Sgt. Daniel F. Feldman, a them." radio transmission specialist Feldman enjoys some for Company C, 615th Aviation high-tech hobbies and is a self- Support Battalion, 1st Air proclaimed nerd. Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry With an associates degree Division, was picked to throw in computer technology nearly the first pitch of the game complete, Feldman will add between the Chicago White that to his CompTIA A+ Sox and the Texas Rangers on Certification (a computer tech- the Army's birthday, June 14. nician certification), and his Feldman, picked to throw CompTIA Network+ the first pitch on account of his Certification (a computer net- performance in the 1st ACB working technician certifica- Noncommissioned Officer of tion). He is also working on a the Quarter Board, was able to certification as a Microsoft get the ball to the plate with no Certified System Administrator. embarrassments. Although Feldman was Also, before the game supposed to end his enlistment started, the Army's elite para- come the 24th of August he, chute team, The Black Knights, like many other Soldiers, was jumped into the stadium and 30 (Photo by Spc. Nathan Hoskins, 1st ACB Public Affairs) affected by stop loss, but he has recruits cited the Oath of Sgt. Daniel Feldman from Company C, 615th Aviation a positive outlook on the situa- Enlistment, said Feldman. Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, receives his tion. "It was a great way to cel- ball back, signed, after throwing the first pitch at the Being deployed previously ebrate the Army's birthday by Texas Rangers game June 14. for Operation Iraqi Freedom II, throwing the first pitch of a major already knew I won, they had some tough competition Feldman knows that many Rangers game here in the great still gave me a hard time. They though and ended up not win- were down trodden on the state of Texas," said Feldman. had me in there for 45 min- ning, but still gained some thought of being deployed Becoming NCO of the utes," said Feldman. valuable experience from it, again and so soon, said quarter was not something that "At the brigade level, said Feldman. Feldman. Feldman woke up the day of [Command Sgt. Maj. Donald] Feldman knows that "If everyone says, 'Well and decided to do. He had to Sanders is more technical. He boards can be intimidating. somebody has to defend us, but win two other boards before he wants you to actually get into "I know a lot of soldiers it's not me,' then nobody will was considered eligible for the the [technical manuals] and and NCOs are kind of timid go. After being over there and brigade level board: the battal- [field manuals] and not just and don't really want to go to coming back to see my kids ion NCO of the month and study from the study guides. He the board - it's too much effort and enjoying the freedoms that quarter boards, said Feldman. wants you to know AR 670-1 and work, but it pays off divi- they have [after] seeing the The brigade board was not like the back of your hand," dends," said Feldman. freedoms that the Iraqis don't as stressful as Feldman had Feldman said. Although winning the have, it really reinforces that imagined because his competi- After winning Brigade boards and getting to throw that we are doing the right thing - it tion didn't make it past the uni- NCO of the Quarter, Feldman first pitch are both accomplish- helps me get through my job a form inspection, said Feldman. tried his luck in the Fort Hood ments to be proud of, Feldman whole lot easier," said "Although the sergeants NCO of the Quarter Board. He shows more love and pride for Feldman. Page 23 Warrior July 7, 2006

(Photo by Sgt. Robert Strain, 1st ACB Public Affairs) Spc. Josh Brewer, a Black Hawk helicopter crew chief with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, demonstrates hand-and-arm signals to land a Black Hawk during the Non-rated Crewmember Instructor Course here at Fort Hood. During the NCIC class, Brewer and five other crew chiefs from the battalion learn how to be instructors and evaluators for the rest of the crew chiefs in the battalion. Air Cav Crews Get Training as Instructors By Sgt. Robert Strain flight, hands-on training. 227th students have class everyday for 21 1st ACB Public Affairs He said, as a new battalion, the 3- days. 227th needed to train several crew chiefs to The students have to know how to per- A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter races be flight instructors or standardization form, and teach others how to perform, next to the trees, only 30 feet above the instructors before their upcoming rotation many of the tasks conducted before and ground. Not able to stay hidden behind the to the National Training Center at Fort during every flight. trees forever, the right side is exposed to Irwin, Calif., in July, as well as the "You're great crew chiefs, but you're the enemy. Almost immediately the heli- brigade's deployment to Iraq later this year. not here to be crew chiefs - you're here to copter starts taking small arms fire but So the course was compressed to 21 be instructors and evaluators," Cook said. before it's able to return fire, one of the days and brought to Fort Hood at the Sgt. Jon Dillenberg, a NCIC student engines is hit. request of the 3-227th. with the 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation If you are this helicopter's crew chief, McCormick explained that although Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, said what do you do next? the course has been compressed, the stan- that crew chiefs are responsible for main- For six crew chiefs of the 3rd dards the Soldiers must achieve are the taining avoidance of traffic and obstacles Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment of the same as they would be if the course was by keeping the pilots informed. They are 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry taught at Fort Rucker. also responsible for the safety and security Division, going through the Non-rated Staff Sgt. Lonnie Cook, an NCIC of the helicopter's passengers and equip- Crewmember Instructor Course, or NCIC, instructor, said that with the course com- ment, he added. this was just one of many situations they pressed more material is thrown at the stu- McCormick said when the students are teaching to the new crew chiefs. dents faster, with less time for the material finish the course, which started June 12 Sgt. 1st Class Paul McCormick, the to sink in. and runs thru July 2, they will be certified lead NCIC instructor, said the NCIC class, Cook said, normally students at Fort as flight instructors, able to train and eval- normally taught at Fort Rucker, Ala., con- Rucker have the weekends off to unwind, uate the current crew chiefs as well as crew sists of almost five weeks of intense train- study and let the material sink in, but with chiefs fresh from advanced individual ing, both classroom instruction and in- the compressed course schedule, the 3- training. Page 24 Warrior July 7, 2006 Training at Joint Readiness Training Center Reminds Pilots to Think Before They Fire By Sgt. Robert Strain gration missions with the U.S. a pilot,] you are the last person more tailored to Iraq and the 1st ACB Public Affairs Air Force, this exercise was a in the chain of events that can established FOBs, or forward critical training and team build- make a strategic level decision, operating bases. Soldiers from "First ing opportunity for the good or bad, before pulling the Now they just get the air- Attack," the 1st Battalion, Soldiers, said Walach. trigger." craft flying to support the 227th Aviation Regiment of the To add to the realism, the As a result, the pilots were ground brigades, said 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st unit's pilots and crews were fly- asking more questions about Wilgeroth. "A true 'train as you Cavalry Division, returned to ing missions and hours compa- what they could and could not fight' mission." Fort Hood recently after a rable to Longbow helicopter do, said Walach.The training at Spc. Charles Baggett, an month-long training exercise at units currently serving in Iraq, the JRTC has changed over the armament and electrical sys- the Joint Readiness Training according to Walach. years to adapt to the environ- tems technician with D Center at Fort Polk, La. Walach explained that this ment experienced in Iraq. Company, has been to Iraq with The rotation to JRTC gave rotation also focused more on The senior noncommis- the battalion before, but not to the First Attack Soldiers the the rules of engagement and sioned officer for Company B JRTC, until now. opportunity to fully exercise how the individual pilot must of the 1-227 1st Sgt. Joseph He said the training was their "go-to-war tasks" in a bat- think twice before pulling the Wilgeroth said the last time he close to what he experienced in tlefield environment that is trigger. was at the Joint Readiness Iraq the first time, and although very similar to the combat The pilots had to think Training Center they had to he is unsure of the conditions environment of Iraq, said Lt. about what else, such as civil- occupy a site, dig foxholes and there now, he feels more pre- Col. Christopher Walach, the ians or other friendly forces, set up their tents before going pared for the upcoming deploy- commander of the 1-227th. might be affected by their deci- to work. ment. From battle staff proce- sion to fire their weapons. "That's not how we fight," First Attack and the rest of dures and air-to-ground inte- "It causes the pilots really said Wilgeroth. the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade are gration to convoy training mis- to look a lot closer at pulling Now the living conditions scheduled to deploy to Iraq sions and joint air-to-air inte- the trigger," said Walach. "[As and work environment are sometime in late summer.

(Photo by 1st Lt. Laura Parunak, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment) Aircraft crew chiefs from the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, conduct maintenance while preparing their aircraft at Forward Operating Base Forge in support of the First Team's 3rd Brigade Combat Team at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. Page 25 Feature July 7, 2006 Cav Newborns Receive Warm Welcome By Pfc. Jeffrey Ledesma there for each other in the bad 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs times." Taylor said when he escorts "Sometimes there are only the general into the hospital two, some days we have eight or rooms to meet with the new par- ten and it all depends on who is ents and their new addition to ready to come into this world on the First Team he feels like each particular day at Darnell," Santa Claus on Christmas day said Staff Sgt. Wallace Taylor delivering gifts. with the headquarters company "New parents really get of the Division Special Troops excited when they find out the Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. command sergeant major or Through the Layette pro- commanding general is on his gram Soldiers gain a sense of way I can almost smell the sense pride in the First Team by having of pride in being 1st Cav build their newborn babies officially (Photo by Pfc. Jeffery Ledesma, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) up," Taylor said. welcomed into the 1st Cavalry The Layette program welcomes newborns of 1st Cavalry Taylor explained it's Division with a gift bag. Division Soldiers with a gift bag full useful baby items. because no one expects a gener- Included in the gift bag are appearance. going to be visiting them, they al to get so involved in their a junior trooper gown, a yellow "In all my years of service still end up shocked with that Soldiers' personal lives. cap and a set of matching I've never seen something like 'deer caught in the headlights' And when people so busy booties, a lullaby audio cas- this," Taylor said. "For a general look plastered onto their faces and high in rank take time to sette, a letter of congratulations to take time out of his busy when he walks through their meet with their Soldiers it can from the division commander schedule to get up close and per- hospital room door. only trickle down to the chain of and a variety of pamphlets sonal with not only the Soldiers "We call this the 'First command, setting an example from helpful organizations but the family members behind Team,' but we really are a fami- for all leaders in the command, related to infants and child the Soldiers is something ly," said the division's he said. care. extremely rare." Command Sgt. Maj. Philip "I don't go there to visit And for some lucky fami- Taylor said that even after Johndrow. "My wife Vickie and troops in the hospital as the divi- lies the division's commanding he tells the new parents that the I enjoy going to see the new sion command sergeant major," general or command sergeant division's commanding general babies. It's important that we Johndrow said. "I go there as major themselves make an or command sergeant major is share in the good times and be someone who cares, a friend." 1st Cavalry Division Stop Lossed terms with Stop Loss. Stop Loss "I've gotten used to it now, and I'm just From Page 4 waiting until I get back so I can get a chance to go to school," Frye said. "Going that because of Stop Loss." to school and changing my MOS is impor- Frye, who wants to be an electrical tant to me because then I will have a skill technician, said he first found out he fell to use if I decide to get out of the military. under Stop Loss in March I still want to try again when we get back "When I first heard, I didn't think any- from Iraq." thing, because I was still finding out what When Wilson first heard about the it meant to be on Stop Loss," he said. "I newest round of Stop Loss orders, he was didn't really know what Stop Loss was concerned about how it would affect the until I went to a briefing and found out I Soldiers he knew who were close to get- was Stop Lossed. It affected me when I ting out of the Army. found out that I had to wait to go to school "I thought that a lot of Soldiers caught until I came back from Iraq." up in Stop Loss would be disappointed," When he first found out, he wasn't Wilson said. "Stop Loss won't last forever. happy, but now Fry said he has come to Soldiers should drive on."