Meteorologists in Bosnia-Herzegovina

W MPAD 29th By Spc.RICKROTH Weather frostorsun,forecastersatwork in BadKreuznach,Germany. ters Company,whichisbased Headquarters andHeadquar- Army’s 1stArmoredDivision’s cember. HeisattachedtoU.S. been inBosniasincelateDe- Weather Squadronwhohas the U.S.AirForce’s2617th out thetheater in forecastingweatherthrough- gathering importantdataused is onthegroundatEagleBase, Frost, whoisnicknamed“Jack,” Frost. SeniorAirmanBruceA. with theworkingsof“Jack” ture, airpressure,dewpoint,hu- device thatmeasurestempera- tery-powered radiotransmitting thing here.” has beenthemostdifficult this area’sweatherpatterns Wilton, Maine.“Tryingtolearn Frost isameteorologistwith Frost usesadisposable,bat- M Frost Volume 2, No 7 Friday, March 1, 1996 1, March Friday, Volume 2,No7 ETEOROLOGISTS Bosnia originate tional sectorof in themultina- eather forecasts SURVIVING PERSONALITY MCR FORCE C T T Operation JointEndeavor,Bosnia-Herzegovina RANSLATORS ANKER OMMENTARY Inside native of said Frost,a visibility,” Tuzla ispoor traffic into stops air thing that the biggest “So far, Talon

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B King carryaweatherballoontothelaunchsite. Senior AirmanBruce“Jack”FrostandPfc.Adrienne the atmosphere. filled balloonandreleasedinto is thenattachedtoahydrogen- vice, weighingabout11ounces, midity andwindspeed.Thede- JOB PAGE ...... OSNIA ...... -H ERZEGOVINA 8 7 3 6 5 4 2 358th MPAD 358th By Spc.BILLGALLAGHER Seabees receiveArmyawards eration JOINTENDEAVOR. Team” (1stBrigade) servinginOp- supporting the “ReadyFirstCombat awarded Army medalsfortheirwork known asSeabees,have been tion BattalionNo.133,otherwise of theU.S.NavalMobileConstruc- BOB KIME—Fourteenmembers climbed ashigh52,000feet. one balloonhereleasedhere 35,000 feet.However,Frostsaid reach anaveragealtitudeof Normally theballoonwill Spc. Rick Roth Rick Spc. the mission. their workand dedicationhelped tion, Fontenottoldthe sailors the Seabees. nine ArmyAchievementMedals to Army CommendationMedals and gade commander,awarded five Following theawardpresenta- Col. GregoryR.Fontenot,1stBri- Beach, Fla. King, anativeofWestPalm fire foreffectrightoff,”said want tobeable(accurately) King said. to makecorrectionsforfiring, rological conditionsisthenused The informationonthemeteo- the directionofartilleryfire. sure andtemperaturecanaffect artillery. Windspeed,airpres- gather informationusedbythe ployed toBosniawithFrost Baumholder, Germany,de- ters andHeadquartersBattery, Division Artillery,Headquar- teorologist with1stArmored artillery me- King, afield Adrienne the ground. unit fallto transmitter letting the nally bursts, side andfi- comparison tothepressureout- the balloonbecomestoogreatin ends whenthepressureinside ing about1hour,30minutes, onds. Theballoon’sflight,last- prints theresultseveryfivesec- processes theinformationand data. Areceiverontheground transmitter constantlyrelays Serving thesoldiersofTaskForceEagle “If theyneedtofire, Pfc. Once airborne,theradio See See WEATHER, Seabees, King page8 page8 Page 2 The Talon Friday, March 1, 1996 From the top Leaders, enforce safe convoy practices I’ve heard a lot of rization. Period. ing if they were wearing their Make sure you have commu- comments about my And now on to a proper equipment, i.e., their nication, not only with the ve- new name after a pet peeve of mine. kevlar and body armor. hicles in your convoy, but also Feb. 21 story in The I passed a con- Noncommissioned officers and with your higher headquarters. Stars and Stripes voy the other day leaders, it is your job to enforce We all understand the com- quoted me as Com- where most of the strict uniform policies, making manding general’s rule that says mand Sgt. Maj. troops had their sure your soldiers wear their hel- soldiers who are in a stopped ve- Jack “Finney” helmets off, some mets with the chin straps properly hicle longer than 2 minutes, 30 sec- Command Sgt. Maj. (Tilley). were sleeping and secured under the chin. onds must hop out and clean the Well, everyone Jack L. Tilley their vehicle wind- And what about sleeping? windshield. Bosnia has many needs a good laugh 1st Armored shields were Everyone knows riding in a ve- mines, and a clean windshield will every now and then, Division filthy, obstructing hicle can make you drowsy but help you clearly see your location, and I suppose I’ve the drivers’ vision. don’t doze while riding in a con- including any mines that could be had mine. The story focused on Riding without helmets indi- voy. Tell your soldiers to unzip located alongside the road. the possibility that the alcohol cates soldiers are getting compla- windows to get fresh air, and if Leaders, I believe that disci- drinking ban on U.S. troops may cent, which is a dangerous trend. they get tired, have them stop pline is what your soldiers do when eventually be lifted. What if someone along the their vehicles and get out to no one is looking. When soldiers In case anyone has any ques- road fired celebratory shots, as stretch. But make sure to main- understand the standards you tions about that policy, let me some local Bosnians have been tain security. And ensure your have set and see they are being clarify it for you. The rule re- known to do? If shots hit one of soldiers do not use personal tape enforced, they will comply. But if mains no drinking until the com- your vehicles, your troops would player/radios that could impede you don’t set them, your troops manding general gives the autho- have a better chance of surviv- their hearing. won’t follow them. From the commander To the men and women of the Implementation Force Feb. 18 was D+60 and the Equally important is that the manitarian organizations and alert. I know you will. 60,000 IFOR force is set! manner in which you have per- agencies. The challenge is to get Again, my congratulations Congratulations to each of formed your duties is indicative economic reconstruction, elec- on the manner in which the you on this historic accomplish- of your professionalism, pride tions, water, electricity, hu- force was deployed by D+60 and ment. It was a total effort by Al- and commitment. manitarian organizations, po- the professional way you are ex- lied Command Europe and With the force set, lice and other essential civilian ecuting your mission on the many non-NATO nations who COMIFOR, COMARRC and the agencies up and running in or- ground as well as on the sea and have joined us in Operation multinational division com- der to create momentum for in the air. You are setting the JOINT ENDEAVOR. manders will continue to ex- peace in Bosnia and offer hope conditions for a successful Together we have deployed ecute the military tasks of the to the people. peace in Bosnia and by so doing nearly 60,000 troops in 30 op- peace agreement. While we will focus on our are creating the opportunity for erational maneuver battalions Much has been accomplished primary military tasks we will a new security framework for supported by artillery, aviation, in the first 60 days but much continue to support these civil- Europe. logistics, engineers, communi- more still remains. At D+90 the ian agencies within our capa- The Secretary General of cations, military police and gaining party, to include refu- bilities. NATO also asked me to express other units. gees, will enter the areas trans- I know you are aware that his appreciation and that of the Over 2,800 aircraft flights, ferred. At D+120, forces and mines, rogue elements, snipers North Atlantic Council for your 400 trains and 50 ships have heavy weapons from the former and other challenges such as outstanding efforts to date. As been skillfully orchestrated by warring factions will withdraw harsh weather and ruffed ter- you must know, I am extremely SHAPE and theater movement to designated cantonment ar- rain still make Bosnia a danger- proud of each of you. NATO’s control centers. This unique de- eas. ous place. You must not become mission continues. ployment is the largest military Most important, the IFOR complacent. Keep your head in operation in Europe since World will now begin to create the se- the game. Leaders must con- ONE TEAM - ONE MISSION! War II. cure environment to ensure tinue to stay engaged and active Clearly, Operation JOINT freedom of movement through- with their troops. Gen. George A. Joulwan As IFOR continues to per- ENDEAVOR has reaffirmed the out the country, not only for Supreme Allied Commander, high standards and tested pro- IFOR but for all the parties as form its mission, each of you cedures of our great alliance. well as United Nations and hu- must stay informed, focused and Europe

THE TALON THE TALON is produced in the interest of the servicemen and women Cook ...... Spc. Margaret Young of Task Force Eagle, headquartered at Eagle Base, Tuzla, Bosnia- Public Affairs Officer...... Maj. John E. Suttle Herzegovina. THE TALON is an Army-funded, field expedient newspaper NCOIC...... Master Sgt. Guy Benson authorized for members of the U.S. Army overseas, under the provision of Production Staff: 29th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment; 5th Regiment AR 360-81. Contents of THE TALON are not necessarily the official views of, Armory, 29th Division Street, Baltimore, Md. 21201-2288 Commander...... Maj. Robert L. Gould nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of OIC...... Capt. Drew Sullins the Army or Task Force Eagle, commanded by Maj. Gen. William L. Nash. NCOIC...... Sgt. 1st Class Bettina E. Tilson THE TALON is published weekly for the 1st Armored Division (Task Force Layout Editor/Journalist...... Spc. Cesar G. Soriano Eagle) Public Affairs Office, Eagle Base, Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina APO Photo Editor ...... Spc. Bryan Driver AE 09789, Telephone MSE 551-3351. Printed Circulation: 5,000. Journalists...... Sgt. Ed Rollins, Spc. George Roache Friday, March 1, 1996 The Talon Page 3

News briefs PLAIN TALK Talon has a new look Observant readers may have no- TANKERWith SARGE ticed The Talon has undergone a facelift. The striking, modern design To all of the soldiers of Task Force changes are courtesy of the 1st Ar- Eagle — Greetings! This is Tanker mored Division Public Affairs Office. Sarge checking into the Iron Soldier In addition to the cosmetic Net — if you want to read these mes- changes, The Talon introduces sages no CEOI or authentication are “Tanker Sarge,” who will be on hand necessary. Just some common sense, a each week to answer questions from little patriotism and a whole lot of es- the troops of Task Force Eagle. Got prit-de-corps. a burning question? Ask Tanker As you may already know the identi- Sarge. ty, rank and duty position of Tanker Sarge is a closely guarded secret. My Toothbrush PMCS mission from God is to give Iron Sol- want to know about himself, his wife, diers an inside track on soldier issues, his career, his enemies, his health and The cold and flu season is in full gripes, attaboys, ridiculous happenings his love life, (c) tell you more than you swing, according to the 30th Medi- and to share a few laughs. need to know about your wife, your cal Brigade based at Camp career, your enemies, your health and Rambaugh in Visca, Bosnia- Here’s how it works: You ask it; I answer it, CHECK? It’s sort of like a your hygienic habits, (d) listens to you Herzegovina. One of the best ways when you’re wrong, (e) fights for you to cut down on disease transmis- “Dear Abby meets Joe Bob Briggs sort of thing, but with a military left thrown when you’re wrong, (f) truly hates to sion is to properly maintain and care tell you when you’re wrong, but always for your toothbrush. in for good measure. Just think of me will, (g) will throw you his last ammo Capt. Peter H. Guevara, a dentist as your buddy. And speaking of bud- clip if you’re out and in deep doo-doo, with the 122nd Medical Detachment, dies, let’s talk about just what a buddy (h) breathe his life and blood into you offers a few suggestions: is. when everyone else gives up, (i) make • Place the toothbrush in a con- My opening salvo and a good way to the enemy think he is a reinforced pla- tainer where it can breathe after use, get on line is to give you Tankers Sarge’s toon firing a mad-minute if they shoot but don’t leave it out in the open. definition of a soldier’s best buddy. at you, (j) hand your spouse or mom the Germs from tentmates’ sneezes or First though, let me tell you that flag, (k) insure your kids never need coughs can end up on your tooth- everyone always responds that, “A bud- anything and never forget you, (l) FI- brush. Simply placing a paper towel dy is the guy who will give his life to over your tooth brush will help. save yours,” i.e. the supreme sacrifice NALLY, your buddy will be at your • Change to a new toothbrush ... drum roll, etc. 50th memorial reunion with flowers, a every two to four weeks if possible. OK, that’s nice, it may even happen flag a prayer and a tear in his eye ... for Buy one at the local PX or have one and it’s the school solution but Tanker you!! sent from home. Sarge says a good Iron Soldier Tanker Sarge’s guidance — cut your • Most local water is not potable; shouldn’t, and probably doesn’t, really risk profile and keep your buddy!! therefore, it should not be used for think that way. Heresy? No! Think BREAK, BREAK, all Iron Soldiers brushing your teeth or even rinsing about it! are invited to send their comments, your toothbrush. But without run- Tanker Sarge’s Rule #1 gripes, jokes, anecdotes and stories by ning water, it is impossible to ad- Expect your buddy to save your life courier, fax, military postal service, equately rinse your toothbrush. To only if your actions don’t require of him distro, carrier pigeon or MP working keep it clean, once a week get an a greater risk that he will lose his life! dog to The Talon at Eagle Base. empty bottled water container, fill it “Your job is not to die for your coun- Caution: Tanker Sarge reserves the with two inches of bottled water, try ... it’s to make the other poor dumb right to return direct or indirect fire, drop your toothbrush into the bottle, bastard die for his country... ,” Gen. at my will and pleasure, and to the replace the cap and shake vigor- George S. Patton, Circa, 1943. public discomfort of the unwashed, un- ously for two to three minutes. Re- In other words, America’s Army con- ruly, disrespectful or unnecessarily ex- move toothbrush and rinse. centrates on sending bad guys to Val- posed and lucrative targets. halla, not on how to get your buddy The next subject: will be ... How to Rapid requisitioning there... . tell the difference between a “mud troll” The Defense Logistics Agency And so, good Iron Soldiers don’t an- and an Iron Soldier ... . continues to see requisitions in ticipate getting their buddy’s butt in a This is Tanker Sarge, OUT. support of Operation JOINT EN- sling, or establishing a risk profile that DEAVOR being processed through would require the “supreme sacrifice,” the wholesale system without mutilation or dismemberment of their Send your questions to: project code 9EV. best buddies. To ensure the rapid resupply of According to The Old Tanker’s Guide material, all requisitions should be your best buddy is not (a) the guy that Tanker Sarge submitted with a 9EV project code. you can consider expendable, (b) not c/o The Talon Using this code will ensure your req- your bullet/fragmentation shield and 29th MPAD - JIB uisition receives priority fill and (c) not your fail-safe device. transportation. A buddy WILL (a) share his food, OPERATION JOINT ENDEAVOR For more information, soldiers fire, water and bunker without com- APO AE 09789 may call DSN 370-8669. plaining, (b) tell you more than you Page 4 The Talon Friday, March 1, 1996 Locals help bridge communication gap By Spc. PAT HENDRICKS According to her, the music video net- uncle live with another family in a de- 358th MPAD work is just as popular with young people serted house in Brcko. He worked as a here as it is in the United States. translator for 2 1/2 years in his home- anja Kadic and George Nashid Although many houses and other town before the Croatian Army took the Gamal, residents of Brcko, are buildings in Brcko were destroyed dur- area by force in 1995. helping bridge the communica- ing the war, her family’s home was “I took my family to Belgrade to try tion gap between IFOR com- spared. The town’s population is down and find a way to get out of the country, S from 40,000 before the war to about manders and military and civilian au- but there was no place for us. My wife thorities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. They 25,000, according to Kadic. once sat in the Canadian Embassy all were hired as translators to help allevi- Kadic’s family is happy she has the day before they told her it would take ate the language barriers. job with IFOR, but her mother worries six months just to get an interview for Translators play an important role in about her being surrounded by so many visas,” Gamal said. IFOR’s effectiveness. They assist com- men, she said. She tells her mother He made it to Brcko where he lived manders in their meetings with local of- there’s no need to worry. “It’s an inter- off his savings from the U.N. job. The ficials; they help transcribe publications esting job — it’s always interesting when money had run out by the time he ap- IFOR uses to get its mes- plied for an IFOR position. sages out to the citizens; He worked in a factory in and they help negotiate ‘‘With this job, I have been a part of Glina before the war service contracts. started. His parents and “I heard that IFOR something I never thought would work: brother continue to live in needed translators so I ap- bringing all three sides together.’’ Serbia. plied, took the tests and Gamal, 29, learned En- was hired. It’s a great job,” — George Nashid Gamal glish from elementary to high said Kadic, an 18-year-old school and further honed his Serbian. English-speaking skills Born and raised in Brcko, about 60 all sides come together. And, all the guys while traveling around Europe, mostly in miles north of Tuzla, Kadic possesses an are very polite, very nice and friendly,” England. Gamal’s mother is Serbian and effervescent personality that overcomes Kadic said. When asked what she his father is a native of Sudan. the ravages of war. Despite the condition thought of American soldiers before ac- Gamal’s job as an IFOR translator of her country, she continues to strive for tually meeting them, she replied, “I cer- may end in a year. After that, he’s not a better life. tainly didn’t think what I do now. I sure what his fate will be. For now he’s She continues to enjoy her friends, thought they would be arrogant.” enjoying his job and the relative peace. parties and just hanging out. Graduat- Kadic has never been outside Bosnia, “With this job, I have been a part of ing from high school one year ago, she’s but she would love to visit America some something I never thought would work: now in college studying foreign econom- day. “America is my dream and espe- bringing all three sides together, seeing ics. cially Florida with all the sunshine,” Muslims, (Croats) and Serbians come to- Kadic learned English in school and Kadic said, with a glow in her eyes. gether clearing mines right in the middle by watching American television pro- Gamal, who works with Kadic, was of road. It’s an interesting job, never grams. The programs are shown with not so lucky. He is a Serbian refugee from boring. There is much to do,” said Gamal, subtitles in the Serbian language, her Glina, Croatia. He, his wife, their 12- who met his first American when IFOR favorite being MTV. year-old son, and his wife’s mother and came to town. Soldiers attend mine awareness refresher class

By Sgt. KELLY C. FISCHER plicable to the ‘Ready First’ area mine while verifying clearance you didn’t drop it, don’t pick it 358th MPAD of operation,” said Capt. Paul on a route. This unfortunate up; stick to approved routes; Hill, HHC commander and in- incident provided some positive and don’t give in to curiosity or BOB KIME — From the be- structor of the class. “People lessons learned. take chances. ginning, mines have posed a paid more attention here than No one was seriously in- The class gave soldiers a dangerous threat to troops de- they did in Germany, because jured, because an armored ve- chance to sharpen their knowl- ploying to Bosnia. they have been here and can see hicle, instead of a wheeled ve- edge and skills here, where the Mine incidents since the ar- that, ‘yeah, that’s true. That can hicle, was chosen to verify the proximity of danger and expe- rival of IFOR have emphasized really happen.’” route. The crew correctly re- rience add force to each lesson. the need for continued training The first U.S. casualty oc- mained in the vehicle, backed Many soldiers appreciated the in this area. A mandatory mine curred Dec. 30 when a Military out to a safe area, and only then opportunity. refresher class held at Head- Police HMMWV ran over a land inspected the vehicle for dam- “I was very pleased with the quarters and Headquarters mine, leaving a soldier seri- age. Their actions showed that training,” said Cpl. Scott F. Company, 1st Brigade, 1st Ar- ously injured. The Army Cen- “they were trained and disci- Sullivan. “Mine awareness was mored Division and other Task ter for Lessons Learned stud- plined soldiers,” Hill said. really stressed to us before we got Force Eagle units focused on ied that mine encounter and In addition to mines, booby here, but we haven’t had much these incidents. Instructors those that followed. Their find- traps and unexploded ordnance training since. The class showed talked about what was done ings reinforced the lessons also present a serious danger to that leadership cares a lot about correctly or incorrectly to add taught in the refresher mine the soldiers in Bosnia- the safety of the soldiers.” force and meaning to the train- awareness class. Herzegovina. The refresher In an effort to keep soldiers ing. On Jan. 10, a Bradley Infan- training class also stressed cau- aware and trained to react to “The class reinforced the try Fighting Vehicle from B tion and awareness of these mine incidents, Hill said they mine training we had in Ger- Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cav- dangers. Some main points re- will probably do more refresher many and showed how it is ap- alry, struck an anti-personnel inforced in the training were: If courses every 30 to 60 days. Friday, March 1, 1996 The Talon Page 5 16th Engineer Bn soldiers Rubber walls assist in securing camps provide camp with safety By Sgt. CHRISTINA STEINER 203rd MPAD

CAMP BEDROCK — Others may have been intimidated by the abandoned quarry and giant tire dump, but the 16th Engineer Bat- talion saw the area as an opportunity and grabbed it. It was the best strategic area in the Tuzla area, said Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Walls of the 16th. Yet, even he almost turned away. “We were looking for an area near Tuzla but not near the city,” Walls said. “We saw this quarry on the map and thought it would be nice. Then we got there, saw the pit and thought, ‘that’s not good.’ We thought the hill was nice but we got to a certain point and saw these Euclid tires — giant dump-truck Sgt. Christina Steiner tires — and almost went back.” Sgt. Phillip Fritts flattens sandbags at Tuzla West to make them fit better. But then Walls realized the area’s potential and claimed By Sgt. CHRISTINA STEINER with thicker wood and are heavier. They re- Camp Bedrock as the headquar- 203rd MPAD quire crane off-loading. After the bunker is ters of the 16th. He had the sup- in place, sandbagging in and around the bun- port of top brass. The 16th moved TUZLA WEST, Bosnia-Herzegovina — ker requires at least eight hours labor with in the third week of January. One of the highest priorities now for U.S. several soldiers participating. The Bedrock area, including soldiers in Bosnia is securing and protect- Sgt. Phillip “Carpetman” Fritts of A the hill and quarry, can house ing their base camp areas quickly and bring- Company, supervises much of the bunker 8,000 soldiers. Now, it is home to ing them to Army standards. The experts in sandbagging. He is considered by his pla- between 800 and 900 soldiers from force protection at the 16th Engineer Battal- toon to be a subject matter expert. “We’re HHC; A, B and C companies; and ion are providing these services, manpower and supposed to supervise,” he said, “but in re- assigned units of the 535th, 38th, advice to other units in the Tuzla Valley. ality we’re working a lot with these sol- 317th and 55th engineer compa- Companies A and B of the 16th are work- diers also, to teach them. There’s a spe- nies, as well as the 212th MASH. ing on the ground with units at Tuzla West, cial way to pack the sandbags — you can’t “The hill has less mud and it’s Lukavac, Bedrock and other base camps to just place them around the bunker. You up high,” Walls said. “Security- build bunkers, sandbag fighting positions have to flatten them first. That way they’ll wise, this is the best place in the and lay triple-stand concertina wire around fit flatter and tighter. whole valley. We can see every- the camps’ perimeters. “There are different types of bunkers de- thing from up here.” “Most base camps had to build their bun- pending on their location and purpose,” ex- Walls said he invented the kers themselves because they needed some plained Fritts. “The checkpoint (bunker) name — Bedrock — because of the quick force protection,” said 2nd Lt. James we’re doing here is designed to give a 360- camp’s “prehistoric” look. “The Edmonds, First Platoon leader, A Company. degree point of view. At this location, we’re huge crane in the quarry looked “They tried the best they could, but the bun- expecting (hostiles) to drive straight in. like a dinosaur, and I could imag- kers weren’t sturdy enough or to our stan- Later, we’ll put Plexiglas and chicken wire ine Fred Flintstone riding on it.” dards. They have to be torn down and new in the window portion so if someone hits it, Soldiers of the 16th and subor- ones put in place.” the (bullet) will bounce back. The biggest dinate units stack the giant tires On one assignment in mid-February, threat at checkpoints is car bombs and (each one measures more than 4 Edmonds and his platoon were on site at (drive-by shootings).” feet across and stands about 5 1/2 Tuzla West to assist the 793rd Military So, how did Fritts become a bunker ex- feet high) around the Bedrock pe- Police Company install a new, prebuilt pert? “I just read a book on how to do it,” he rimeter for force protection. bunker at its checkpoint, which was an all- said. “I’ve built about 10 bunkers so far.” Bedrock has the attention of the day affair. The soldiers in A Company had In addition to bunkers and sandbagging, U.S. sector’s generals, who say it will built the bunker at the 16th headquarters soldiers of A and B companies advise base become the final hub for soldiers be- in Bedrock. Edmonds explained the differ- camps in other force protection matters, fore they depart Bosnia. ences between some base camps’ bunkers Edmonds said. “We advise these camps on Lt. Col. John Sterling, 16th and the 16th Eng. Bn’s: how to place their living quarters,” he said. commander, said, “As folks move “Ours has reinforced boards and can take “For example, don’t put the tents too close out, some will come here on their more load on top,” he said. “Theirs was ply- to the concertina wire. The mayors of the way out of Bosnia. The last per- wood and can’t hold sandbags on top.” base camps also ask for our advice pertain- son to leave Bosnia will probably The 16th Eng. Bn. bunkers, which take ing to engineering issues. We don’t do roads, turn out the lights here.” three to four hours to construct, are built but we can advise.” Page 6 The Talon Friday, March 1, 1996 WORKING IN THE ZOS MCR, Russians spread message of peace

By Staff Sgt. AMY hicles are outnumbered by the Working with their Rus- soldier asks if a U.S. soldier’s GUNNERSON pedestrians walking to the bus sian counterparts also offers kevlar helmet can really stop a 203rd MPAD stop and playing children, the these American soldiers the bullet. Another listens to a com- mood was light and one of opportunity to do something pact disc, offered by Wood. ENROUTE TO RUSSIAN progress as the residents went that many thought they might “Garth Brooks, a BIG coun- CHECKPOINT NO. 39 — “It’s about their business. never do — work in peace try music star!” Wood said as like packing for a family vaca- An hour down the road, how- with a former enemy. the Russian soldier nodded ap- tion,” said Spc. Craig Moncey, ever, the mood changed as “Yesterday I broke bread preciatively with Wood’s CD laughing, of the preparations swiftly as the scenery. The with my former No. 1 enemy, headphones on. necessary to travel in a convoy bright colors were replaced with the former Soviet Union,” Staff On the return convoy to to Russian Checkpoint No. 39. blackened buildings all but de- Sgt. Aron Leach said. “I can go Tuzla West, driving by the Packing rucksacks and ra- stroyed by the years of war, and home knowing I made a differ- same war-torn neighborhood, tions into vehicles as well as con- the jokes of the soldiers were ence doing that.” other signs of peace, though ducting radio checks and ammu- replaced with silence and the At the checkpoint, the mili- not-so-obvious, could be no- nition checks are part of a some- occasional comments, “Did you tary civil relations team sol- ticed. While there were no chil- times tedious, but always neces- see that? Can you believe any- diers are greeted warmly by dren running to school, a young sary, ritual on convoys going into one lives there?” their Russian counterparts. boy and his father stood timidly the zone of separation (ZOS) Passing by charred, bullet- While leaders talk business in a doorway and waved. here in Bosnia. riddled buildings and homes through an interpreter, the en- And a home that was once a Moncey is a member of a mili- without roofs, it was easy to see listed Russian soldiers have target of gunfire, sprouted a tary civil relations team at- why the soldiers gripped their many questions for the crew. In line of brightly colored laundry tached to the 18th Military Po- weapons a little tighter and the careful, practiced English, one hanging to dry. lice Brigade here. The team was posture of Spc. Paul Wood up traveling into the zone of separa- in the turret gun stiffened. The tion for the second time in two signs of war are still fresh, mak- days. Part of his job is to work with ing the job of the military civil Russian soldiers to disseminate in- relations soldiers all the more formation about the Implementa- important in the ZOS. tion Force and mine awareness to “We are working with the the people who are returning to Russians to develop pamphlets, their homes within the ZOS, about radio broadcasts and other prod- 60 miles north of Tuzla. ucts relevant to their area of op- The civil relations soldiers eration — to put out the mes- team up with MPs from the sage that IFOR is here to pro- brigade to ensure full security tect the peace,” Capt. Thomas for the convoy. Bergman said. The leaders do As the convoy began, Moncey that primarily by contacting vil- and others in the vehicle waved lage elders and officials, stress- back at the schoolchildren who ing neutrality and the provisions dotted the snow-covered road of the Dayton Agreement. with their brightly colored “We solicit their help, such as backpacks and their smiles on locating known mine areas and Staff Sgt. Amy Gunnerson their way to school. their cooperation with IFOR ob- Spc. Craig Moncey (left), Sgt. Darrin Hanner (middle) Along this road, where ve- jectives,” Bergman said. and a Russian soldier compare wristwatches. Instructor critiques mine awareness training By Capt. JASON BAGLEY part of this process is to gather first- mud. The scenario we put together was 358th MPAD hand information and incorporate it back almost to a tee what they found when into the training at Hohenfels. they got here,” he said. BOB KIME — Just how well-trained “We’re here to get as much informa- Johnson hopes that the mine aware- are soldiers in Bosnia? That’s what Capt. tion as we can about the operational en- ness training taking place in theater Scott Johnson, a mine awareness in- vironment, what’s going on here, how we helps get rid of the complacent attitude structor for the Combat Maneuver Train- can make CMTC more realistic, and how that some of the soldiers are developing, ing Center, in Hohenfels, Germany, came we can do individual, replacement train- or could develop, having been here for a to Bosnia and Herzegovina to find out. ing better to make the whole process while in this high-risk mine environ- Johnson, along with other observer-con- better for the soldiers coming to Bosnia,” ment. trollers from the CMTC, was asked to as- he said. Now, according to Johnson, he’ll in- sist the 1st Armored Division with a mine How realistic was the training prior corporate and re-emphasize what the awareness after-action review process. to deployment? “Everybody I’ve talked soldiers have learned, into the training “They (1st Armored Division) wanted ob- to, both officers and enlisted, say that program back in Germany. Hopefully, server-controllers who were teaching this the training they received was right on the result will be a better-trained soldier stuff to come down and assist in any way the money,” Johnson said. “The environ- who is more aware of the mine danger they can,” he said. ment there is similar to the environment in Bosnia-Herzegovina and knows how According to Johnson, an important here as far as the cold, the wet, and the to stay alive. Friday, March 1, 1996 The Talon Page 7 PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK NCO aids Apache combat readiness gary. He coordinated with the 19th Materi- als Movement Company to get it moved and made adjustments to its distribution because not enough of the right kinds had been sent for the additional six Apaches. Working without the 10-soldier detail, the six to 11 trucks, the forklifts, tarps and fire extinguishers generally used to unload ammo from planes or trucks, McLoughlin pulled individuals from other tasks to get the job done and the birds flying. “His work allowed Army Aviation operations to begin for Operation JOINT EN- DEAVOR,” said 1st Lt. Leah Archer, as- sistant operations officer for 2-227th. “Without the ammo, none of those helicopters could have moved. Army Aviation operations would have been shut down.” Getting and distributing ammo is now simple for Task Force Comanche because of the system McLoughlin initiated, Lorincz said. Currently, McLoughlin wears several

Spc. Robert W. Bishop hats as training, education and equipment Sgt. Robert McLoughlin inspects hellfire missles on an Apache helicopter. automation NCO, key control officer and ammo section sergeant. He earned his By Spc. GEORGE ROACHE cate. He provided the ‘shoot’ part,” he said. associate’s degree in computer studies from 29th MPAD Fourth Brigade had formed Task Force the University of Maryland in January and Comanche using Apaches, Black Hawks, puts it to good use installing, maintaining hen Apache pilots from the Chinooks and maintenance crews from sev- and updating computer systems as the bat- 4th Air Cavalry Brigade eral different units to deploy to Tuzla. talion information management officer. landed at a nearly deserted McLoughlin had flown to Kaposvar on Joining and excelling in the military army airfield in Kaposvar, Dec. 21 as part of a lead element of roughly was a natural path for McLoughlin. He W grew up in a conservative, pro-military Hungary, last December, they discovered 80 soldiers in a task force company team. their mission had changed. Task Force Comanche would use the site Long Island community, and several of his Original plans called for them not to fly as a staging area into Bosnia. His task was relatives served in the military. operational missions until they reached to locate where the ammo would be con- McLoughlin got his start with ordnance Tuzla, but they quickly found out they would voyed, find out who the key players were in 1984 at an Army Reserve company have to fly those missions sooner than they for getting it there, where to pick it up and within walking distance of the State Uni- expected. where to store it. versity of New York at Plattsburgh where Getting operational meant rounding up “We came into a very cold, dark, deserted he attended college for one year. After go- hellfire missiles and other ammunition for airfield,” said the 29-year-old Farmingdale, ing active duty in 1986 as a private first the Apaches as soon as possible. N.Y., native. “That’s exactly what it was — class, he gave new meaning to the term And that’s where Sgt. Robert (there was) not a tent up. Advance people “high speed:” In his first 18 months as- McLoughlin of 2nd Battalion, 227th Avia- were living on the upstairs floor of an auto signed to 8th Ordnance Company at Fort tion, stepped in. body shop. We were billeted in a SCUD mis- Bragg, N.C., he was selected brigade sol- McLoughlin spent five hectic days from sile bay that night.” dier of the year, gar- Dec. 21 to 25 catching up with the increased However, weather nered seven certifi- tempo of the operation. Using the knowledge held up the two Chi- McLaughlin has cates of achievement, of ordnance he’d gained during his 12-year nooks that transported organized a holiday Army career, McLoughlin got the ammo de- the team for five nights earned 16 certificates of safety show for the livered, stored and issued so those birds in Giebelstadt, Ger- 18th Airborne Corps could fly and defend themselves. many, while command- achievement, five Army and was promoted to The way he approached the challenge was ers had decided the he- Achievement Medals specialist. dead on target, said his support platoon licopters would be op- Overall, he’s leader, 1st Lt. Peter Lorincz. erational before reach- and two Army Com- earned 16 certifi- “McLoughlin’s setting up of an ammo ing Tuzla. mendation Medals. cates of achievement, holding area and distributing ammo to “As soon as the five Army Achieve- those who needed it was a critical part of Apaches got on site, ment Medals and two the mission,” Lorincz said. “If he didn’t they wanted missions flown,” McLoughlin Army Commendation Medals. He was a handle it, those helicopters would have said. “We didn’t have the time to organize distinguished honor graduate of the Ba- been useless. If a situation happened in and coordinate we expected. And there were sic Noncommissioned Officer Course and which they had to use their weapons, it 12 Apaches instead of six by the time we taught common leader training in the would have been tough luck. arrived because we had been held up.” Primary Leadership Development “The three basic principles in a tactical McLoughlin found the ammo they needed Course at the NCO Academy in Fort situation are to shoot, move and communi- had been shipped to Taszar Airbase, Hun- Lewis, Wash. Page 8 The Talon Friday, March 1, 1996 KEEPING MENTALLY FIT Weather, from page 1 Balloons are released from Eagle Base at noon and midnight every Medical team finds ways to day. Information gathered from the launchings is used not only here but as far away as Vicenza, Italy and combat deployment stress Ramstein, Germany. By Sgt. KELLY FISCHER originating from back home. Often these Valleys, lakes and mountains di- 358th MPAD are problems a soldier did not have the rectly influence weather, and the time to deal with before departing, or the dramatic changes in Bosnia’s geog- BOB KIME — Deployment is stressful soldier just was not prepared in some way raphy wreak havoc with the predict- for everyone. But sometimes the field en- to leave. ability of daily weather patterns, vironment or unresolved problems at home Combat stress can be recognized by Frost said. can take its toll on a soldier. Teams are symptoms such as irritability, short tem- Although, Frost said, that’s what visiting base camps in Bosnia- per, lack of concentration, poor appetite makes the job interesting. Herzegovina to help identify and treat sol- and inadequate sleep, Durant said. “You may come in and start do- diers who may need help dealing with “We try to catch them before they get ing the same thing every day,” Frost these stresses. to the point where said, “but the weather isn’t going to “We’re trying to they can’t function be the same every day.” help division com- ‘‘We cannot eliminate completely; that’s manders and com- stress but we can help to called ‘battle fa- Seabees, from page 1 pany commanders tigue,’” Durant identify and con- control it.’’ said. “We cannot “You have made a difference to us,” trol combat stress,” — Capt. Raymond Durant eliminate stress Fontenot said. “The soldiers in the bri- said Capt. but we can help to gade are open and loud in admiration Raymond Durant, control it, so it for the work you have done.” a social worker with the 1st Armored Di- doesn’t get to the point where they be- Although the Seabees may not get vision, Division Mental Health, support- come battle fatigue casualties, and they much recognition, their work is ap- ing 1st Brigade. can’t perform their duties.” preciated by everybody involved in “Combat stress” refers to any high level The 84th Medical Detachment (Combat the mission, Fontenot added. of stress experienced by soldiers. “A lot of Stress Control) from Fort Carson, Colo., is “The job you’ve done, making (sol- people have trouble adapting to being in a supporting 1st Armored Division Mental diers’) lives a little easier when high-risk situation,” Durant said. “Some- Health professionals. They also have teams they’re in the base camp counts for times it may be something on the home visiting sites throughout the Task Force a lot,” Fontenot said. “You make a front that is causing that soldier to lose Eagle area of operations. They are educat- bigger difference than you realize.” his or her concentration. ing commanders and referring any soldiers The Seabee’s are currently finish- Sometimes it may just be adjusting to that need to be treated to Division Mental ing construction projects at other base the new living conditions. Or challenges Health. camps in the 1st Brigade area. Once may arise from various working relation- Division Mental Health will be vis- they are finished, they will redeploy ships.” iting base camps every other week, to their home station in Rota, Spain. The most common stressor found by Durant said. health professionals involves problems

CORRECTION Working on the roadway ... Last week’s story headlined “Soldiers celebrate end of Ra- madan season,” con- tained inaccuracies. During Ramadan season, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, not the other way around. In a clarification, Is- lam is a religion and its followers are called Muslims. Ramadan is not a 30-day holiday every year. The Ramadan fes- tival length is based 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera) on the cycle of the 1st Brigade soldiers implement force protection procedures by installing concertina wire moon. at a checkpoint in the Posavina cooridor, as an Abrams M1A1 tank thunders by. We regret the er- rors.