NEW AVIATORS TO INCUR 10-YEAR SERVICE OBLIGATION – SEE PAGE 10

SERVING THE U.S. ARMY AVIATION AND THE FORT RUCKER COMMUNITY SINCE 1956 VOLUME 70 • NUMBER 15 • AUGUST 20, 2020 NEW LEADER USAACE welcomes incoming deputy commanding general PAGE 2 SECURITY UPGRADE Post moves to new installation access system in September PAGE 3 DIGGING DEEP USAACE honors NCO, Soldier winners of Best Warrior PAGE 4 TEAM EFFORT Food services team rises to challenge PAGE 6

PHOTO BY SGT. SARAH D. SANGSTER ARMY OUTREACH DUSTOFF pilots and flight crew train on air-to-ground patient transfers and report requirements during a multi-ship joint training mission with Tripler Army GEMS makes real-world impact Medical Center and the 8th Forward Surgical Team recently in Hawaii. The crew provided sustained medical care and transportation en route to medical facilities through each role of care, while 8th FRST provided surgical field care, and TAMC provided trauma and patient care. C Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation on youth through virtual setting Regiment is the only MEDEVAC company in the 25th Infantry Division. The company trains daily for critical missions in order to be prepared for real-world missions. PAGE 8 2 ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 Fort Rucker welcomes USAACE deputy commanding general By Kelly Morris family and me. But as an American, practi- USAACE Public Affairs cally every day is a great day, and having the honor to serve each day in the greatest, most The Fort Rucker community welcomed pivots from 20 years of Counterinsurgency lethal and most powerful Army in the histo- Brig. Gen. Stanley E. Budraitis as the in- Operations to Large Scale Combat ry of mankind is a great privilege. coming deputy commanding general, U.S. Operations against near-peer and potentially “By whatever standard you measure our Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort peer competitors. great nation, whether economic power and Rucker, in a virtual ceremony conducted on The largest post-Vietnam modernization individual opportunity, military might, or Howze Field Aug. 14. effort is currently under way, with Future our nation’s benevolence to the world pro- The deputy commanding general serves Vertical Lift among the top Army modern- moting peace, democracy, and freedoms as the principal assistant to the USAACE ization priorities, Francis explained. around the globe--though not perfect, commanding general. He is responsible for “These aircraft – the Future Attack America is without a doubt the greatest na- functional training management and organic Reconnaissance Aircraft and the Future tion that has ever existed,” he said. units assigned across Fort Rucker, and tenant Long Range Assault Aircraft – and their Budraitis said he is passionate about ser- units based at , Arizona, and enabling capabilities such as Future Tactical vice. Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Air Launched “I love being a Soldier and being around In this role, Budraitis advises the com- Effects, Modular Open System Architecture, Soldiers. It’s truly inspiring,” Budraitis said. manding general and principal staff mem- Long Range Precision Munitions and more, “Joining the Army is in the top three deci- bers on all Aviation training and is responsi- is all funded and coming at record speed,” sions of my life, and I can’t be more proud ble for synchronizing the Aviation Enterprise Francis said. than to be called a Soldier in the United to ensure the best trained, best equipped These modernization programs will bring States Army.” and ready aviation warfighters are available “leap-ahead technology, the likes of which He thanked the commanding general for across the Aviation Branch. we have never seen in our Army,” he said. his leadership and vision, and for supporting Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, USAACE and The path forward includes changes to the branch across all components. Fort Rucker commanding general welcomed leader development, to include “career long “Major General Francis, sir, thanks for the Budraitis family. assessments that enable us to develop lead- giving me the privilege to lead and devel- “This day has been a long time in coming. ers with the knowledge, skills and behaviors op America’s most complex, most resilient, In fact, it’s been almost a decade since we’ve that will enable them to lead, fight and win PHOTO BY KELLY MORRIS and most lethal weapon system – our avia- tion Soldiers. All of our Soldiers are critical had a brigadier general that held the post in complex, ambiguous environments of the Budraitis of deputy commanding general here at Fort future,” Francis said. whether they are in a control tower, a com- Rucker. And I can’t think of a better choice Large Scale Combat Operations will lead Army Aviation into the future,” Francis mand post, an Army aircraft, or maintaining than Stan Budraitis to take this challenge on,” require the total force — active, National said. our complex aircraft,” he said. Francis said. Guard and Reserve – to be successful, ac- Budraitis, who hails from Mississippi, is Budraitis described Army Aviation as a Budraitis has commanded aviation and cording to Francis. a master Army aviator with more than 2,000 “finite maneuver force with infinite mission ground units, served as adviser to the U.S. “Stan has operated in active duty and flight hours in the UH-1, OH-58 and UH-60 requirements,” and he emphasized the prior- Army Aviation and Missile Command com- National Guard positions and brings a helicopters, and has served at every com- ities of people, readiness and modernization mander, and assistant adjutant general of the wealth of experience and perspective that mand level from lieutenant to brigadier gen- for the Army and Army Aviation. Mississippi National Guard leading through will benefit the total aviation force, 51 per- eral. He most recently commanded the 66th “What we do here at Fort Rucker is multiple natural disasters and other domes- cent of which resides in the National Guard Troop Command where he provided mission critical for our Army and our nation as we tic challenges, Francis explained. and Reserves,” Francis said. command to 2,600 Soldiers. prepare for Large Scale Combat Operations Budraitis arrives at Fort Rucker at “yet “So Stan, as we bring you on active duty Budraitis thanked his family, leaders and against any near-peer adversary,” Budraitis another inflection point for Army and yet again, Jody and I could not be more ex- the community for their support. said. “Our Army has an insatiable appetite Army Aviation,” Francis said, as the Army cited that you and Desha will be on board to “What a great Army day today is for my for Army Aviation.” ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 3 ENHANCING SECURITY Post set to upgrade to new installation access system in September By Jim Hughes Fort Rucker Public Affairs

Fort Rucker is scheduled to begin its “A security officer, using a hand-held upgrade to the Automated Installation device similar to those currently in use, will Entry program during the second week of conduct the initial credential registration of September in a move by the Army to ensure DOD ID cards at the ACPs,” he added. “It continuity across the service and enhance in- will take about 10-15 seconds per ID card. stallation security at all of its posts. Subsequent scans following the initial reg- While the upgrade to the common op- istration process will only take between one erating system will be largely transparent to and three seconds. Initial scanning for reg- people associated with Fort Rucker, there will istration of DOD ID cards will initially take be some effort required up front to get every- place during off-peak times.” one’s post access credentials registered in the DPS will establish initial credential reg- FILE PHOTO system, according to Brian Bowman, physi- istration options during the first week of the cal security specialist with the Directorate of upgrade using the exit lanes for people to up- control system are required to obtain a new tion from other installations using AIE. If Public Safety. date on their own schedule. A schedule for AIE Access Card,” he added. a person is barred from, for example, Fort “This new program relies on technology this will be published soon, Bowman said. The Ozark VCC is open Mondays-Fridays Benning, that information will populate on that will verify the identity of individuals to Non-DOD ID card holders older than from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Daleville VCC the guard's scanner screen if that person at- ensure that they meet Army-approved access 18 who have a valid reason for entering the is open Mondays-Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 tempts to access Fort Rucker.” standards against several criminal and ter- installation who want to obtain an AIE ac- p.m. The AIE registration process for visitors As with any major change, officials ex- rorist databases,” Bowman said. cess card must agree to a background check, takes an estimated three to seven minutes to pect challenges to arise while implementing “As of last fall, the AIE program is the which uses the National Crime Information complete. AIE Access Cards and visitor pass- the new system and are taking measures to approved electronic physical access control Center Interstate Identification Index, a es are issued for the duration of the visitor’s mitigate the impact on the Fort Rucker com- system for the Army. Fort Rucker is getting Federal Bureau of Investigation database that stay (e.g., five days to attend family day and a munity. AIE Tier 2, which consists of handheld scan- provides criminal histories from all 50 states graduation), up to 6 months (unsponsored) “We have reached out to other installa- ners similar to the ones people currently see and the District of Columbia, according to or one year (sponsored). Visitors will need tions currently using AIE and are implement- in use at the access control points,” he said, the physical security specialist. nothing more than they already bring in with ing some of their best practices,” Bowman adding that some other installations using “This check involves verifying people’s the current system. For more, visit https:// said. “One best practice to get DOD ID cards AIE are , Anniston Army identity and checking their criminal histo- home.army.mil/rucker/index.php/visit. registered into the AIE system is to random- Depot, , Georgia, and , ry against the Army Fitness Adjudication Bowman and others responsible for ly scan people’s cards as they enter and exit Oklahoma. Standards,” Bowman said. “Those with keeping Fort Rucker safe welcome the move the installation during off-peak hours, and Military members, family members, re- derogatory information related to the stan- to the new system. as individuals enter during peak hours, as tirees, civilian employees and others with ac- dards will be denied unescorted access to the “It has access to more databases and in- traffic allows. This practice ensures minimal cepted post entry credentials don’t need to go installation. All non-DOD ID card holders formation than Fort Rucker's current system, mission impact and inconvenience to those anywhere or do anything beyond planning are required to go to one of the visitor control and reportedly returns information just as accessing the installation.” for an additional few seconds at the gates to centers to meet this requirement. fast as systems previously used across the He added that more information will be get themselves registered in the new system, “Additionally, all personnel that have a Army. One benefit to installation security put out on the upgrade as it is finalized. Bowman said. valid visitor pass from the previous access is the ability to access debarment informa- 4 ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 DIGGING DEEP USAACE honors 'best warriors' By Kelly Morris USAACE Public Affairs

After a four-day event that tested the emony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum mental and physical strength of eight Fort Aug. 5. Rucker Soldiers, two competitors rose to “On behalf of (Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, the top in the U.S. Army Aviation Center of USAACE and Fort Rucker commanding Excellence Best Warrior competition Aug. general), (Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jonathan 2-5. P. Koziol, chief warrant officer of the Aviation This year’s USAACE Best Warrior Non- Branch), and myself, thank you for your PHOTOS BY KELLY MORRIS Commissioned Officer of the Year is Staff courage during this competition, let alone The 2020 USAACE Best Warrior competition winners pose with their trophies immediately following a Sgt. Zachary M. Doerr, who serves as an Air the courage to get out of bed every morning ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum Aug. 5. Pictured are Spc. Kemuel Miranda, USAACE Best Warrior Traffic Control instructor at C Company, and defend our nation and its freedoms we Soldier of the Year, and Staff Sgt. Zachary M. Doerr, USAACE Best Warrior NCO of the Year. 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, 1st all enjoy,” Hauke said. Aviation Brigade. Hauke explained courage enables a per- “They had the courage to confront the Both winners said the biggest challenge The USAACE Best Warrior Soldier of the son to encounter danger and difficulties with uncertainty that lay ahead. At the very min- was the ruck march. Year is Spc. Kemuel Miranda, who serves as a firmness, or without fear or fainting of heart. imum each competitor had the courage to “The final mile and a half, all my mus- medical lab technician at Lyster Army Health “I believe I’m reasonably safe in saying compete, and I commend all of you for that. cles were cramping up and I’m pretty sure I Clinic. that each competitor at some point over the The courage to stand out, set themselves stopped sweating. I was like, you know what, Command Sgt. Maj. Brian N. Hauke, course of the competition had to dig deep apart from their peers, and the courage to say you got to keep on driving through it and I Aviation Branch command sergeant major, and find the courage necessary to get through ‘I can do that’,” Hauke said. made it to the end,” Doerr said. congratulated the competitors during a cer- one of these events, if not multiple events. The competition had a reduced number With six years in the Army, Doerr cur- of events this year due to COVID-19. Events rently serves in an air traffic control equip- included the Army Combat Fitness Test, for- ment training section where he teaches the mal board proceedings conducted virtually implementation, setup and control of a mo- with a panel of sergeants major, a written bile ground approach radar system known exam testing Army knowledge, rifle marks- as the Air Traffic Navigation Integration and Thank you for your courage during this manship qualification, and 12-mile road Coordination System. competition, let alone the courage to get out march. For the culminating event, the com- “I find instructing very rewarding just petitors headed into the woods for a timed because you get a group of Soldiers that come of bed every morning and defend our nation day and night land navigation event. in very fresh and they don’t know anything The winners were each presented the about that portion of training the equipment and its freedoms we all enjoy. Army Commendation Medal for meritorious or controlling. A few days later whenever – Command Sgt. Maj. Brian N. Hauke achievement and selection as the USAACE they test out of your portion they are very NCO and Soldier of the Year for 2020, a knowledgeable on it, and just seeing that de- Aviation Branch command sergeant major USAACE command team coin, a wooden velopment is very rewarding,” Doerr said. flag, and a trophy on behalf of the USAACE Doerr said he was surprised that he won command sergeant major, and other items in the NCO category. from sponsoring organizations. “I’m very honored to be able to represent ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 5 Best cont. Fort Rucker at the (Training and Doctrine just trying to finish as fast as you can. It was Command) level board, and I’m glad that I worth it.” did as well as I did. I’m proud,” he said. The competition gave Miranda a chance For Miranda, the last few miles of the to meet Aviation Soldiers. ruck march pushed him to the limit. “Being in the clinic it’s hard to meet all “It went to the point of past exhaustion, the aviation people, all the other Soldiers and past pain until I couldn’t feel anything else,” personnel that work with aviation. It was re- Miranda said. “Once you turn around the ally nice to meet them,” he said. last time you know you have 3 more miles The winners will now move on to com- to go and everything is just hurting, you’re pete in the TRADOC-level competition.

Soldiers completed a 12-mile ruck march as part of the 2020 USAACE Best Warrior Competition on Fort Rucker.

Command Sgt. Maj. Brian N. Hauke, Aviation Branch command sergeant major, congratulates the competitors. 6 ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 'TOTAL TEAM EFFORT' important food is when a Soldier is under quarantine conditions. He spent 22 days in Fort Rucker food services team quarantine at , Texas, after return- ing from Liberia in 2015. rises to challenge of keeping “The facilities were great, but what real- ly made those three weeks more bearable is quarantined Soldiers well fed that we had good food,” he said. “It was an important part of the day. When you’re in By Jim Hughes that status, every day becomes routine, and Fort Rucker Public Affairs you find yourself looking forward to meals because it breaks up the day. Napoleon said that an Army marches on adding that the requirement started small, “Having good, quality meals improves its stomach, and a herculean effort by the then quickly picked up steam, and then went your quality of life greatly when you’re in a team at Fort Rucker is ensuring that Soldiers on and on and on. quarantine situation. You’re there to protect residing in the post’s quarantine facilities stay “When this started in March, it was just yourself and those around you, but it’s not ready to move on and carry out their mis- a few meals a day,” he said. “Then we started fun, and it is mentally challenging when sions once their time there comes to an end. getting more and more people in the facility, you’re separated from people like that.” U.S. Army Garrison Fort Rucker’s prima- and that meant our great team here had to Knowing how important food would be ry mission of taking care of Soldiers is a con- move into uncharted territory to figure out to the Soldiers put into quarantine status, tinuous challenge the team has successfully how to accomplish the mission and keep the Gardner made sure his team knew the mis- carried out for decades, but the COVID-19 Soldiers fed.” sion, and they have carried out his intent to pandemic brought with it numerous unprec- In the initial stages, the dining facility was the letter. edented challenges, including how to feed preparing meals in the single digits each day PHOTOS BY JIM HUGHES “I wanted to make sure we had the con- Soldiers put into quarantine status while for the quarantine area, and now, they pre- Fort Rucker dining facility employees prepare the tracts in place and were getting the support PCSing, on temporary duty or reporting pare, package and deliver almost 700 meals lunchtime meals in the DFAC Aug. 12. we needed to ensure that our Soldiers, those to the post for training, according to Col. a day at the facilities, according to Debra in quarantine or restricted movement status, Whitney B. Gardner, garrison commander. Anglin, Logistics Readiness Center director. “We did not expect to be doing it for this were going to get the best, highest quality, "Making this work was a total team ef- “Our contractor, Southern Food long. Back in March, I expected to be run- well-rounded food – not a box lunch. I want- fort – everyone on the installation worked Management, has done an outstanding job ning this operation for 60 days at the most,” ed them to get a hot breakfast, a hot lunch together to make this successful,” he said, in taking care of our Soldiers throughout this he said. “The fact that we’ve been doing this and a quality dinner. I wanted them to get adding that training at Fort Rucker never period. Plus, we are still serving normal din- for so long and continued to get better and the same food they would get if they walked ceased despite the challenges associated ing facility operations and field chow as well,” better at accomplishing this mission just into the dining facility,” he said. “We have with the pandemic. “The U.S. Army Aviation she said, adding that field chow is food pre- shows you what a great team we have. a great team over there and they have truly Center of Excellence command group, all of pared in the DFAC and then put into chafing “We have the right leadership and the delivered.” the tenant units, and later the people at IHG dishes for transport to where the Soldiers are right employees at the DFAC, and they care Even though the food services operation who really helped us expand accommoda- training.” about what they do and they care about continuously receives many positive com- tions and alleviate some of the stress on the While deftly handling the increase in Soldiers,” Gardner added. “I’m impressed ments on its effort through personal contact, quarantine facility barracks – they all deserve quantity as it arose, the length of maintaining with how they remain flexible, how they letters of appreciation and the Interactive credit." the operation did take the team by surprise, work through the logistical challenges and Customer Evaluation system, that doesn’t But that didn’t mean the food services Gardner said, adding he is impressed with stay on top of the ever-increasing demand.” mean there haven’t been issues, Anglin said, operation wasn’t a challenge, the colonel said, his team’s response. And Gardner understands firsthand how adding that the path to success lies in how ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 7

Food services cont. the team responds to those issues. “Our quality assurance team regular- She shared the story of one Soldier who ly visits the quarantine site area where the submitted a negative ICE comment on a meals are dropped off to ensure Soldiers are Friday night, noting a drop in the quality of getting quality meals,” she said. “We also seek the food and lack of coffee. Sunday morning, feedback from the staff on how we can better that same Soldier submitted a positive com- serve them and we ensure the deliveries are ment thanking the team for the return of cof- made at the time they are requested. “There fee and an uptick in the quality of the food. haven’t been any major issues or complaints “Initially, the issues we had centered on to date thanks to great teamwork and con- two areas: how we delivered the food to en- stant communication.” sure it is kept safe in transit and what time the The person running the quarantine fa- quarantine site needed the meals delivered,” cility, Maj. Carl Warren, garrison executive she said. “Pallets and extra delivery vehicles officer, agrees. were procured by the contractor and we co- “The DFAC team has done an amazing ordinated schedules for each meal period for job at providing meals to the quarantine the delivery of meals. Both were taken care facility,” he said. “I came over in mid-April of rather quickly and operations have run and I was amazed at how many personnel The van is immediately driven to the quarantine entry area where Soldiers remove the meals for distribution smoothly for quite a while without incident.” from the dining facility were involved in the to the people in the facility. The food services team also keeps a close process to ensure the meals are delivered and to upwards of 120 meals in a two-day span, Rucker,” he said. “DPW has partnered with eye on the quality of its product and re- presented properly. and the team always meets those require- the LRC over the past year to keep them in sponds immediately to any issues that arise, “There are times the quarantine facility ments,” Warren said, adding the team also operation through some challenging facility Anglin added. has gone from needing to provide 76 meals goes the extra mile to meet the special dietary issues. Although a new dining facility is tem- requirements of some Soldiers. “I estimate plated as part of a new Advanced Individual that 98% of time the dining facility arrives Training Complex, at this point this facility with the meals at the scheduled time, which will not be up and operational until 2030. is a big help when some of our quarantined “We have developed some good work- Soldiers are completing on-line training arounds for heating, cooking and dish wash- ahead of their scheduled courses.” ing issues that allowed the LRC to continue Another issue to be overcome is, well, the to provide meals to Soldiers in training dining facilities themselves, Gardner said. and even support quality hot meals for our “Our dining facilities aren’t fantastic,” Soldiers in quarantine,” Wyka added. “The the colonel said. “We’ve been limping along new dining facility will allow us to greatly with these old buildings for a very long time. improve our level of service to our Soldiers, What our team is able to produce in those so we continue to advocate for it to be moved buildings that aren’t of the highest quality is forward in the construction program.” impressive.” Although no end is in sight for ceasing Officials have a plan in place to get the the food services operation at the quarantine post new dining facilities, but it will take facilities, Gardner is confident his team is up quite a while to get it accomplished, accord- for any challenge. ing to Joseph Wyka, Directorate of Public “They have proven themselves time and Works director. time again, and I have no doubt that they will “Our two dining facilities remain among continue to take good care of our Soldiers for Once packaged up and put into containers to retain heat, the meals are loaded into a van. the hardest working facilities on Fort as long as this mission remains,” he said. 8 ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 'ABSOLUTELY AMAZING' GEMS makes real-world impact on area youth through virtual setting By Jim Hughes Fort Rucker Public Affairs

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research es that we may have been worried on how it Laboratory held its Gains in the Education was going to go, they were like, ‘Nah, don’t of Mathematics and Science program in the worry – it will be fine.’” virtual world for the first time in July to help Students picked up the supply kits they leave a lasting real-world impact on area would need to take part in their respective youth in the midst of the COVID-19 pan- session at USAARL just prior to their session demic. starting, along with printed copies of their “It was incredibly successful despite all module plans that they could use as a step- of the challenges,” said Amy Baker, GEMS by-step guide to the various activities and program coordinator, and science, technolo- experiments, according to Baker. gy, engineering and mathematics education While the great majority of stu- administrator at USAARL. dents watched module videos on Google “It was absolutely amazing,” she said of Classroom, and interacted with teachers and the virtual GEMS program held over two ses- mentors while online to showcase their re- sions in July for more than 400 participants. sults, some had to resort to emailing in their “The feedback I received from parents and results for whatever reasons prevented them students was very positive and very apprecia- from logging onto the system, she added. COURTESY PHOTOS tive, so I would say it was an overall success.” The GEMS move to the virtual world did A biochemistry GEMS student conducts an experiment on understanding pH levels and indicators to That success was achieved with a lot of not come without issues, though, as compli- determine the differences between acids and bases planning, preparation, and GEMS teachers’ cations from the pandemic did cause some skillset of adapting and overcoming. delays in getting in planned supplies for some opment of the materials for the classes,” she the program because the teachers and men- “I think one thing that was very benefi- of the modules, causing students, mentors said. “When those few supplies didn’t come tors were so adaptable and prepared in offer- cial for us was our teachers and mentors did and teachers to find workarounds, which in, they did not have any trouble adjusting ing alternative solutions to the students,” St. the prep work on the front end – loading they did masterfully, according to Loraine and adapting, and offering to their students Onge added. all of the content, and having it set up and St. Onge, USAARL research administration solutions or challenging the students to come The program also succeeded in mitigating ready to go before the sessions started,” Baker manager and GEMS laboratory champion up with their own solutions. the loss of face-to-face interaction between said. “Also their ability to be flexible during “That was the benefit and the value of “Of course we wanted everything to be teachers, mentors and students, she said. GEMS. As teachers, they are familiar with all of the preplanning that the lab, as well as perfect, but it didn’t really negatively impact “With our virtual classrooms, we did not that – that is how their day rolls. On the piec- the teachers and mentors, put into the devel- the material we delivered or the content of do a live stream or meet in a teleconference, ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 9 GEMS cont. the content was pre-loaded each morning where our instructors were not face to face and then we had mentors available through- with the students.” out the day – sometimes well into the night While it’s impossible at this time to tell – to answer the students’ questions,” St. Onge what direction future GEMS programs will said. “Some students weren’t able to partici- take, Baker and St. Onge feel there are take- pate until after parents got home from work, aways from the virtual program. and for those students we still had staff avail- “Personally, the virtual piece allows me, able to answer their questions. from a planning, organizing and administra- “It was nice to step back and watch that tive standpoint, to think outside of the box dialogue unfold between the teachers and a bit and to push beyond what we typically students, and to see how our mentors and have done to incorporate more technology teachers were challenging the students to into the program,” Baker said. “I think this think scientifically and come up with cre- helped take the blinders off a bit to think ative solutions to problems they were en- about what we can do creatively to keep countering when trying to do the activities,” GEMS fresh, new and exciting for students. she added. “I was honestly blown away how “I think that our reach has the potential well it seemed to unfold in an environment to be bigger, as well, as some of the students

A neuroscience GEMS student engages in a tongue A planetary GEMS student completes a seismograph mapping experiment to better understand the challenge, which is used to detect and record sense of taste. earthquakes. who participated have younger siblings who “I think it’s a time of transformation for were also able to experience GEMS because the program as a whole,” St. Onge added. “I their sibling was participating,” she added. look forward to the opportunity to discuss “Many parents were also able to experience with AEOP and the other laboratories how firsthand what goes on at GEMS rather than we can strengthen GEMS across the country, just hearing about it from their children.” as well as expand our reach by continuing to St. Onge said those and other takeaways transform the program in unique ways that from the other labs hosting virtual GEMS are required for us to adapt to the times.” this year will probably be discussed at the But for 2020, virtual GEMS did what it Army Educational Outreach Program GEMS was supposed to do, she said. program review meeting in September. “We exceeded my expectations,” St. Onge “My hope is that in that meeting we will said. “I’m happy with what our team accom- be able to have an open discussion on the plished. It helped so much to have the sup- pros and cons of having the virtual option port of our command team at USAARL and available, and I can already foresee that some Fort Rucker. We’re fortunate that we have the of the GEMS programs that ran this summer support and engagement of so many people Biochemistry GEMS students conduct a gummy bear osmosis experiment showing what happens when with the virtual program will be eager to try and all of our leadership who help us when- varying liquids (tap water, distilled water, salt water) flow through a semi-permeable membrane. to adopt that in future years,” she said. ever we needed it. We’re so grateful for that.” 10 ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 New aviators to incur 10-year service obligation By Thomas Brading Army News Service

WASHINGTON -- Starting in October, commissioned and warrant officers selected for initial entry flight training will be re- quired to serve at least a decade once they become an Army aviator, according to an all Army activity message published Aug. 12. The new policy doesn’t include Soldiers currently in training, said Chief Warrant Officer 5 William S. Kearns, aviation and officer policy integrator for the Army’s G-1 office. “We’re looking at troops selected for flight training in the fiscal year 2021 and be- y on d .” The change comes as the cost and re- quirements for aircraft have increased across the board, Kearns said. “There are many complexities in these advanced helicopters, which translates to increased costs in flight hours, maintenance, and training requirements,” Kearns said. “They require more time for people to gain experience. There's the technical expertise that goes along with it as well. In the end, MASTER SGT. MATT HECHT it's the Army getting a good return on the UH-60L Black Hawks from the New Jersey National Guard’s 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion sit on the flight line during sunset at the Army Aviation Support investments.” Facility, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., in 2018. These investments set the Army apart from all the branches, he said. For example, signed a memorandum for the change in come a pilot, and [Soldiers] can get in with “This global pandemic has made unprec- it’s the only service that allows people to go June, the Army had bumped up its incentive a high school degree. There are some other edented impacts on the world’s economies into flight training with only a high school pay for aviators in January. The pay raise was prerequisites they have to meet. But, we want and our way of life,” Koziol said. “Some of the degree. “You don't have to have a college de- the first in two decades to help balance pilot as many people as we can get to apply. impacts may have directly affected [Soldiers’] gree to apply or be accepted into it,” he said. numbers at all ranks and stay competitive “We are very, very interested in seeing ability to pursue [their] goals of working for The policy also applies to Army Reserve with the civilian market. more applications,” he added. the commercial sector, especially the air- and National Guard components, but their Across the force, warrant officer recruit- This call to action comes amid challeng- lines.” obligated service will remain part-time, he ers are actively on the lookout to fill their ing times, with many civilian airlines run- For anyone interested in becoming a said. “The service obligation begins on the ranks. ning on reduced flight schedules, said Chief warrant officer, individuals should contact a date an officer attains an aeronautical rating “We want as many applications as we can, Warrant Officer 5 Jon Koziol, the Army’s warrant officer recruiter or visit the Army’s of Army aviator or is removed from atten- so if anybody has any questions, be sure to command chief warrant officer to the avia- Warrant Officer Recruitingwebsite . dance, whichever is earlier.” contact that warrant officer recruiting team,” tion branch, during a Facebook livestream in Before Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy Kearns said. “It's a great time to apply to be- June. ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 11 CID Cybercrime Unit warns that rental scams on the rise By Jim Hughes or property manager should be able to pro- Fort Rucker Public Affairs vide additional photos. -Compare rent amount to other rentals in the Housing rental scams are on the rise world- area. wide. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation -Take a tour, or have someone you know in Command, commonly known as CID, re- the area tour for you, in person or by video. minds the Army community to be cautious -Call the company to verify before signing a when responding to any advertisement re- lease agreement. garding home or apartment rentals. -Never pay a security deposit, first month’s According to Edward Labarge, director of rent, or application fee with cash, wire trans- CID’s Major Cybercrime Unit, scammers use fers, gift cards, prepaid cards, or payment a variety of tactics to steal people’s money be- apps because once you send it, there is no fore the victim determines the listing is fake. way to get your money back. ARMY GRAPHIC “A typical rental scam works by a property -Obtain and review a copy of any contract being listed at a low price, usually below prior to arriving in the area. tion, to their own. prior to sending any money or providing any market rate, to get the attention of potential Fake listings often lure victims in by offering personal information. renters,” said Labarge. “Then the scammers military discounts, low rent, good neighbor- PHANTOM RENTALS -Do not make rush decisions. Scammers will will pressure the renters to pay a deposit and hoods, and great amenities. Scammers make fake listings using photos often pressure suspecting victims to com- the first and last month’s rent to secure the “If a house or apartment is being listed well from properties that are not for rent, for sale, plete the deal quickly due to increased inter- rental.” below market norms, there is a reason,” said or do not exist. est in the property, creating a false sense of Army CID reports there are currently mil- Labarge. “If it’s too good to be true, it usually urgency. lions of fake listings for apartments, duplex- is. Also, a good telltale sign that the listing WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS es, and houses listed on classified ads and is a scam is that the landlords won’t want to -They want you to sign or send money before In addition, the Criminal Investigation reputable rental sites worldwide. The scam meet you in person or there is no screening you see the property. Command’s Major Cybercrime Unit contin- is accomplished when rentals are advertised, process. Every landlord will want to make -They want the security deposit or first ues to warn the Army community of ongo- but they do not actually exist, are no longer sure they meet you in person, no matter how month’s rent before you sign the lease. ing Coronavirus-themed phishing attacks available, or are up for sale. brief since they are making a major decision -They ask you to wire or send money through impersonating organizations with the end “Rental scams will be more prevalent in larg- to trust that you’ll follow the rules of the a payment app. goal of stealing information and delivering er metro areas where there are a large num- l e a s e .” -They say they are out of town or out of the malware. ber of real estate rentals on the market,” said CID officials remind the Army community, country. Labarge said the Major Cybercrime Unit Labarge. “This makes it easy for these types if you feel you are a victim of a rental scam, -They are ready to make a deal with no back- continues to “aggressively pursue cybercrim- of scams to go unnoticed due to the large vol- contact your local CID office or law enforce- ground information. inals both domestic and abroad who target ume of rentals.” ment agency as well as the Federal Trade our Soldier's and their families in their on- Although rental scams may be targeted to- Commission. PROTECT YOURSELF line campaigns.” ward anyone seeking a rental property, mil- The following are some of the known types -Do not rely solely on email to contact the For more information about computer se- itary members may be more prone to falling of rental scams. owner and be wary of foreign telephone curity, other computer-related scams, and to victim due to frequent Permanent Change of numbers. review previous cybercrime alert notices and Station moves. HIJACKED ADS -Do online research of the rental company, cyber-crime prevention flyers visit the Army Labarge also said areas surrounding military Scammers use real rental ads and photos property address, and the owner. CID MCU website at https://www.cid.army. installations are targeted due to competitive from legitimate postings to create their own -Conduct a reverse image search of the pho- mil/mcu-advisories.html. To report a crime rental markets and service members having fake ads. Scammers will often use the same tos to see where else the images are being to Army CID, visit www.cid.army.mil. unique housing situations where they may name as the legitimate posting and change used. not be available to view a property in person the email address, or other contact informa- -Ask for additional photos. The actual owner 12 ARMY FLIER | AUGUST 20, 2020 Lyster Soldier exceeds expectations, eager to make a difference By Janice Erdlitz riculum consists of 21 consecutive days of its and challenged stereotypes. “I had numer- LAHC Public Affairs Officer phased training that provides students with ous people tell me that I didn’t know how dif- the skills and knowledge necessary to sur- ficult the Army would be and that challenged When you pass Spc. Naomi Raber in the vive, evade, resist, and escape in all environ- me even more towards that goal.” halls of Lyster Army Health Clinic, at first ments and potential captivity scenarios. Raber’s future goal is to become a medic glance you see just another Soldier in uni- Raber continued to explain, “Because I and deploy. “There have been people who form. volunteered for SERE as a lab tech, the flight have supported my drive immensely, but For Raber, a medical laboratory techni- students attending the school thought that I there have been an equal amount of people cian assigned to Lyster Army Health Clinic, was slightly crazy at first. However, the ability who have told me that my goals are unreal- is not your typical Soldier working in a med- to work as a team with Soldiers from all dif- istic because I am a woman. However, one ical clinic. She’s a graduate of Army survival, ferent ranks in a very stressful environment of the most amazing feelings is being able evasion, resistance and escape training, a was incomparable to anything I’ve ever expe- to exceed expectations and not just meet the physically and mentally challenging school. rienced before.” standard, especially when people don’t ex- The SERE course is required for jobs, spe- Following SERE school, Raber remarked pect you to succeed.” cialties, and assignments that have a signifi- she felt ready and eager to make a difference Her advice to young women joining the cant or high risk of capture and exploitation PHOTO BY JANICE ERDLITZ in her unit. She has a greater appreciation military is to not let anyone tell you that you such as combat aircrews, special operations Raber for the opportunity female Soldiers have to are not capable of something. “If you let the forces, Army Special Forces and Rangers, and ple and was immediately intrigued. It sound- participate and serve in all ranks and occu- doubts of others fuel you to your goals, rath- military attachés. ed terrifying, but I fought hard for the oppor- pations in the military. er than discourage you, you will be a stronger “When I first arrived at Fort Rucker, I tunity to attend the school,” remarked Raber. Before joining the Army, Raber from woman and a stronger Soldier,” concluded heard about SERE school from multiple peo- The Army SERE program training cur- Peoria, Arizona, had always pushed the lim- Raber.