9 Veterans Receive High Honors from Bastogne Story and Photos by Sgt

VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1I August 2015

9 veterans receive high honors from Bastogne story and photos by Sgt. Samantha Stoffregen a uniquely special ceremony, rep- lations to our newest distinguished 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs resenting many things, Campbell members of the regiment,” Camp- said. It represents the recognition bell said. “It is you who built upon Leaders of 1st Brigade of those who – through their blood, the reputation of those who went Combat Team, 101st Airborne Di- sweat and tears – are forever induct- before who made the 327th great. vision inducted nine individuals ed into the ranks of the 327th, where It’s you who solidifi ed the founda- as Distinguished Members of the everyone can celebrate the rich his- tion with your service and sacrifi ce, Regiment and Honorary Members tory of the Bastogne Brigade. you who give this regiment the rep- of the Regiment during a ceremony utation it enjoys today.” here at Bastogne North Field today. The individuals inducted during the day’s ceremony are rec- The position of DMOR en- “To the proud veterans of ommended for the honor based on ables veterans to continue their as- the ‘Always First Brigade,’ a spe- their dedication, commitment and sociation with the 327th Inf. Regt. cial welcome to you as we celebrate continued service to the unit, Sol- and foster regimental spirit and rev- 50 years since the arrival of the diers, families and community. erence for the history and accom- 327th in Vietnam,” said Col. Robert plishments of all members. Campbell, commander of 1st BCT Inducted were: retired “Bastogne.” “We are really hon- Col. Robert Howard, retired Lt. “We are proud to be in your ored to have all of you here today Col. Robert Crosby, Lt. Col. Ryan company, carry on your legacy, and thank you for your service. It O’Connor, retired Lt. Col. Peter proud to call you brother and sis- is your shoulders we stand on as we Wilhelm, 1st Lt. Arthur Pappas, re- ter,” Campbell said. “We the cur- write the current chapters of this tired Sgt. Maj. Robert Press, Sgt. 1st rent members of the 327th pledge to great regiment.” Class Kenneth Kratzberg, and Fran- carry on that rich legacy of service cois and Nelly van Loo. to our nation as we prepare for our The distinguished member next rendezvous with destiny.” of the 327th Infantry Regiment is “We offer sincere congratu- 1 2 Don’t assume the driver sees you. Drivers talking on cell phones, handheld or hands-free, can miss seeing 50% of what’s around them.

Find out why at nsc.org/cellfree #CallsKill 3 “No Slack” returns from Afghanistan story and photos by Sgt. Samantha Stoffregen 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs of missions, and all the Soldiers Now that the battalion has performed well beyond his expecta- returned, the Soldiers who returned More than 130 Soldiers from tions, he said. will receive a three-week break to spend with family before No Slack 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regi- “They are true professionals once again goes into transition. ment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, and they truly owned their mission,” 101st Airborne Division returned to Hossfeld said. “No matter what the “I will change command Fort Campbell July 20, 2015. mission seemed to be or changed September 1st,” Hossfeld said. Prior to the ceremony start, into, they took it and made it their “Then the battalion starts its train- Lt. Col. Christopher Hossfeld, com- own to ensure the job was com- up with the rest of the brigade as mander of 2nd Bn., 327th Inf. Regt. pleted. They continue to uphold the it goes forward in preparing for its “No Slack,” and Command Sgt. great reputation of this battalion.” next rendezvous with destiny.” Maj. Robert Jones, the No Slack command sergeant major, uncased the battalion colors, signifying the official return of the battalion from their recent deployment to Afghan- istan. “I am proud to say we had one of the most diverse mission sets I have seen a single battalion be given,” Hossfeld said. “We were responsible for securing advisers, as well as providing security for the Train, Advise and Assist Com- mand-South commanding general. We were also responsible for the perimeter of Kandahar Airfield, the internal security, the entry control points, and a 28-by-20 km area of operations outside of KAF.” The battalion deployed last November with more than 800 Sol- diers from 1st BCT, the majority coming from No Slack. “I think the Soldiers did a phenomenal job considering that it was a deployment marked by transition,” Hossfeld said. “We deployed very heavy in the beginning as a bridging strategy, and then we con- tinuously sent small groups back throughout the entire nine months.” Lt. Col. Christopher Hossfeld, commander of 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Jones, the battalion com- It was a continual transition mand sergeant major, uncased the “No Slack” colors at Hanger 3 here July 20, 2015.

4 2-320th inducts 12 NCOs into NCO Corps room at the 12 NCOs, Espinosa story and photos by Sgt. Samantha Stoffregen Soldiers they would one day lead. gave them six pieces of advice to 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs challenge them in their career as an “Being a noncommissioned NCO. officer is not about you, it’s about In a ceremony built on tra- “Keep your promises to your ditions and honor, 12 Soldiers from your team, section, squad or element that you are responsible for,” superiors and subordinates, focus 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery on others not yourself, see the way Regiment, were inducted into the Espinosa said. “You must do challenging physical training with them, the world is: not how you wish it to noncommissioned officers corps at be, make decisions based on facts, Cole Park Commons June 24. not watch them or tell them what to do for PT. You must train with them. manage the talents of your Soldiers “Making the move from a You much know your team’s and in- and the obstacles you’ll face, and lower enlisted Soldier to an NCO dividual’s strengths and weakness- lastly, know you Soldiers,” Espino- is an extreme change that a Soldier es.” sa said. “Know when to push them may experience in the Army,” said and when to slow them down. Keep guest speaker Command Sgt. Maj. The induction into the non- balance in their lives. That way we Gabriel Espinosa, Fort Campbell commissioned officers corps is a can meet our nation’s challenges to- garrison command sergeant ma- long standing tradition, symboliz- gether.” jor. “From the moment you wear ing the empowering of the newly promoted NCOs. As family members and corporal or sergeant [rank] you are friends celebrated the Soldiers’ in- responsible for the lives of the Sol- “Take your responsibilities duction, Espinosa reminded the diers you now lead. Don’t ever for- of being a trainer, counselor, mentor young leaders to look around the get it is a privilege to lead Ameri- and leader very serious,” Espinosa room at the senior NCOs and offi- ca’s greatest treasure, the sons and said. “You will develop today’s Sol- cers, to remember the experience daughters of our great nation.” diers into leaders of tomorrow. You and knowledge they had to offer. and the Soldiers you lead are the life Espinosa continued by re- “Never feel like you’re row- minding the new inductees to con- cycle and backbone of the United States Army.” ing the boat yourself, we will al- tinue to push themselves in training ways sustain, support and defend,” and learning to better benefit the As he looked around the Espinosa said. 5 Lt. Col. Nathan Springer, commander of 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment “Bandits”, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, awards the Order of the Spur to a newly commissioned lieutenant from the United States Military Academy class of 2015 at the top of Popolopen Torne July 8, 2015. Bandits host spur ride for troops, USMA Cadets story and photos by Sgt. Michael Diehl 1st Battalion, 32nd Cavalry Regiment Unit Public Affairs Rep.

WEST POINT, N.Y. — Nothing is tenants, took part in a spur ride at signed. When the new horsemen as symbolic to the cavalry Soldier West Point, N.Y July 7-8. proved their skills and ability to as earning spurs. When a Soldier perform with the horse, they were The event tested physical earns his spurs, he has proven to his awarded their spurs.” prowess and knowledge of common leaders and peers to have a level of Soldier skills. Historically, new cavalry expertise beyond that of the average troops required extensive horse- cavalrymen. “The tradition of ‘earning manship training when they arrived your spurs’ goes back to the very Continuing the long tradi- at a unit. Only after they had proven beginning of the Cavalry,” said Lt. tion, 120 Soldiers from 1st Brigade to be proficient atop a horse could Col. Nathan Springer, squadron Combat Team, 101st Airborne Di- the cavalrymen wear spurs. commander. “When soldiers ar- vision (Air Assault), 1st Squadron, rived at their cavalry squadron, they Currently, soldiers can earn 32nd Cavalry Regiment, and the U. were assigned a horse with a shaved silver spurs for completing a spur S. Military Academy, including four tail, signifying they were newly as- ride and gold spurs for serving in newly commissioned second lieu- 6 combat with a cavalry unit. Al- Michael Padrazo, a 1-32 Cav. Regt. though soldiers today do not need spur candidate. to prove their horsemanship skills, The spur ride ended with a they do need to show that they have walk to the top of Popolopen Torne what it takes to ride with the caval- (officially called “The Torne”). The ry, and for modern cavalrymen, this “Torne” is a mountain with a rela- means being part of a team. tively sharp and bald peak, with a “Being new to the squadron, summit 942 feet above sea level. it was a great opportunity to gain a “I was honored to award the better understanding of the tradition spurs on top of Popolopen Torne of Cavalry and meet many of the near West Point,” Springer said. “It soldiers and officers I will be work- is the culmination of a mentally and ing with,” said Chaplain (Capt.) physically exhausting 24 hours. The Ryan Lewis, squadron chaplain. soldiers who completed the spur Participants were split up ride are authorized to wear their into 14 teams so there was repre- silver spurs at any formal Cavalry sentation from Fort Campbell and event. Those spurs announce that USMA on every team, Springer individual soldiers volunteered and said. conquered a spur ride.” “This allowed us to mold Springer explained they did new friendships, strengths and this at the academy to introduce an weaknesses, and most important, important tradition in the Armor and create an unforgettable training Cavalry communities, to the cadets event that Bastogne soldiers will re- and Army staff at West Point, and to A Soldier with 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Reg- member,” Lewis explained. their soldiers within the task force iment “Bandits”, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, executes a challenge from the Bastogne brigade. Operating with little to no sleep, the on the water confidence course beam at West Point, N.Y. during a spur ride July 7, 2015. 14 eight to nine-man teams of spur candidates navigated through nine stations, where they demonstrated their cavalry knowledge and skills. Some of the tasks the Sol- diers had to perform during the spur ride included the Marne Confidence course (dry obstacles), the Water Confidence course, a Leadership Reaction Course, adjust indirect fire, disassemble and reassemble various weapon systems, and eval- uate a casualty. “The spur ride was not only an event that measured the intesti- nal fortitude of soldiers from this task force, it also showed that we are soldiers that can come together Soldiers with 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment “Bandits”, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st and accomplish a mission as a team, Airborne Division, work together to complete a task in the medic training station during the 2015 Task Force Bandit Spur Ride at West Point, N.Y. July 7, 2015. Soldiers worked in teams of eight or regardless of your job,” said Spc. nine through 24 hours of tasks to earn their silver spurs. 7 Red Currahee Scouts Conduct CBRN Training story by 1st Lt. Bryan Medema 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment Unit Public Affairs Rep.

With close to a decade spent make targets temporarily ill, unable pens and you are not trained prop- focusing on counter-insurgency to see – due to eye irritation – and erly, the consequences can be dire.” threats, with particular emphasis on incapable of fighting. For Soldiers While many Soldiers and improvised explosive devises and in a chemical environment, it is im- leaders can imagine where and far ambush tactics, chemical war- perative to understand the warning when the next conflict may take fare training has gone from high signs of an attack, its effects, and place, it is impossible to know ex- priority to a lost art. most importantly, how to protect actly where they will go, who they themselves and their comrades. In order to prepare for fu- will fight, and how they will combat ture operations, the Soldiers of 1st “It’s important to be pre- them, Klein said. Because of these Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, pared for anything at any time,” variables, a diverse skill set, which 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Brandon said. “We never know includes CBRN, is critical to the Airborne Division, continued their when we could be hit with a chem- battalion’s future success and mis- efforts to sustain and improve their ical attack. You need to be prepared sion readiness. skills in protecting against chemi- for the worst. If a CBRN attack hap- cal, biological, radiological and nuclear defense hazards by conducting CBRN training here at Range 64 July 23. “We conducted the CBRN gas chamber with the scouts from our headquarters platoon,” said Sgt. Justin Brandon, the battalion chemical noncommissioned officer. “They went in, took their masks off, cleared and resealed their masks and moved out the gas chamber.” While previous training events had focused on the use of individual chemical protective equipment, Red Currahee’s most recent event added the simulated chemical agent CS gas. “This event marks the culmination of individual level CBRN training and is a yearly requirement per AR 350-1 [Army Training and Leader Development],” said 2nd Lt. Scouts with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 1st Oliver Klein, the battalion chemical Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, line up to exit the gas chamber on Range 64 after officer. breaking the seal on their gas mask as part of the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training conducted July 23, 2015, on Fort Campbell, Ky. Because the CS gas irritates the The riot control agent, CS eyes, Soldiers are instructed to grab the shoulders of the person in front of them as they exit because gas, is primarily implemented as a many of them have a difficult time seeing after breaking the seal on their mask. Training such as this ensures that Soldiers are current for any possible future operations they may be needed for. (U.S. crowd control measure, intended to Army photo by Sgt. Samantha Stoffregen, 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs) 8 While serving on the team he was able to compete at regional and national level matches and also compete at the All Army Marksmanship Competition held at Fort Benning, GA hosted by the Army Marksmanship Unit. Each match has two EIC matches for every shooter and walk on shooters to participate in. These two matches award points to the top ten percent of shooters that compete. The emphasis on the tourna- ment was for shooters to gain a better understanding on marksmanship fundamentals as well as focus on more experienced marksmanship skill sets, to develop better training habits. Portillo was the only active duty soldier in attendance for the competition and was eventually Shooting In the Wind paired up with three Airmen. story and photos by Sgt. Javier Luque I spoke with Portillo about the competi- 426th Brigade Support Battalion Unit Public Affairs Rep. tion, and he gave me a very descriptive brief on all the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, pre-competitions requirements. He said “I went down 426th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat two days prior to the competition to receive my pistol, Team executive officer 2nd Lt. Portillo was invited to and rifle. We confirmed our zeros at 100 through 400 participate in the 2015 MAC III Regional Cup marks- yards, and each of our three shot groups were pulled manship competition held in Tullahoma, Tennessee at and marked for data.” The entire competition consisted the Victory Training Site ranges from 26 through 28 of the Southeast region, including the Virgin Islands, June. The regional championship is a National Guard and Puerto Rico which did not compete this year. ran match. Two of the matches during the competi- Portillo and his team placed fifth out of twenty tion are rifle and pistol excellence in competition (EIC), five teams and each member of the team, one member from these matches competitors earn points toward of the team took home an individual award, the Distin- their distinguished marksmanship badges. Teams com- guished Pistol badge. Tennessee’s team won the competed in the MAC III championship. petition for the second year in a row, and will be given Portillo competed in marksmanship for sever- the opportunity to compete at the All Army Marksman- al years while in college. He was invited to his first ship Competition in 2016. 2LT Portillo was invited to competition while preparing to re-enroll in college and participate in Nationals held at Camp Perry, Ohio to from there was given the opportunity to represent Ten- compete in the Presidents 100 match. This will be my nessee by shooting for the TN NG Marksmanship team. first attempt at earning the Presidents Hundred tab. The invite came after winning the individual rifle title.

9 PMV-2 (Motorcycle) MishaPs claiM soldier liVes Army National Guard Soldier died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident April 19, 2015, at approximately 6 p.m. in Phoenix, Arizona. The 52-year-old staff sergeant was As a kid, I had two dreams. My first dream was to operating a borrowed motorcycle with his become a pilot and fly; my second spouse riding as his passenger when he failed was to own a motorcycle. After to negotiate a curve and crashed. Neither starting flight school at Fort Rucker, the Soldier nor his spouse were wearing Alabama, I finally had the money to helmets, and he was pronounced dead at the make that second dream come true scene. The Soldier did not have a motorcycle and bought a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. endorsement from his home of record.

Soldier was killed March 15, 2015, at click for More approximately 6:15 p.m. in a motorcycle accident in Davidson County, Tennessee. The 24-year-old sergeant was operating his motorcycle at a high rate of speed when he hit the rear of a pickup truck after rounding a curve. He was thrown from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing an approved helmet and had completed required click for More training.

click for More Soldier suffered fatal injuries Feb. 21, 2015, during a motorcycle crash at approximately 5:30 p.m. near Hamilton, Georgia. The 35-year-old specialist was riding his motorcycle with a group of fellow Soldiers when he lost control on a sharp curve and struck a tree. The Soldier had passed another vehicle on a two-lane road prior to the accident, leaving the group behind, and was not found until the next morning. He was wearing PPE and had completed required training.

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May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Bulldog Soldiers graduate Pathfinder school story and photos by Sgt. Samantha Stoffregen 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Less than one percent of Soldiers in the Army are Pathfinder qualified. In a class of 40 students, three Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Bri- gade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, completed the Pathfinder Course July 20, 2015, joining the elite few. “I’m always looking to improve my knowledge and skillset in the Army,” said Spc. Sawyer Sumrall, the junior most Soldier in A Pathfinder instructor pins a Pathfinder torch on Spc. Sawyer Sumrall, the junior most Soldier in Pathfinder class 05-15, during the graduation ceremony at The Sabalauski Air Assault School, Fort class 05-15 and an infantryman with Campbell, Ky., July 20, 2015. Company D, 1st Bn., 327th Inf. Rgt. “So by being a Pathfinder, I further day, go over roughly five chapters spect our own sling loads, which my career and make myself a more of material and be tested on it the takes a lot of stress off our Forward valuable member to my team and next morning.” Support Company.” the Army.” Staff Sgt. Christopher Redd, Sumrall said that his favor- A Pathfinder’s primary mis- platoon sergeant for 3rd Platoon, D ite part of the course was the cul- sion is to penetrate areas and set up Co., 1st Bn., 327th Inf. Rgt. said the minating field exercise where they parachute drop zones and helicopter amount of studying he did on his brought all the training together. personal time after class was the landing zones for air assault mis- “We conducted a continuous most challenging part. He studied sions. 24-hour operation, actually getting with other classmates and utilized missions and setting up drop and/or “Pathfinders are in charge flashcards, which were created with landing zones,” he said. of going in first before the main his wife’s assistance. assaulting force and establishing At the graduation ceremony, landing zones and drop zones for “When you are getting ready the Soldiers of class 05-15 received for Pathfinder school, study ahead follow-on forces to jump into or their badges – a Pathfinder torch – of time; don’t be too proud to admit land on,” Sumrall explained. “We by the class cadre. The Pathfinder’s you need help; and have a wife will- are qualified to rig and inspect loads torch symbol comes from ancient ing to stay up and write flashcards and also have the ability to handle Greece where runners opened up to help you study,” Redd said. irregular loads, i.e. a downed heli- the Olympic Games, bearing the copter.” After graduating the course, Olympic Torch. A winged-torch The course was a rigorous Redd said he feels he is more of an signifies the pathfinder’s function to three-weeks where only 30 of the asset to his company. “light the way” for airborne forces following behind. 40 attendees graduated. “Being in Delta Company, a “Academics was the most heavy weapons company, means air “I am very proud to have challenging aspect of the Pathfind- assault operations are a little more earned my torch,” Sumrall said. “It er course,” Sumrall said. “Overall, challenging than air assaulting a was definitely the most challenging the firehose of knowledge was chal- rifle company,” Redd said. “Being and rewarding experience in my ca- lenging. You would come in one a Pathfinder means I’m able to in- reer thus far.” 11 Bulldog, National Guard Soldiers get hot ducting, Kerr said, but it also allows the Guard to stay sharp on their skills. story and photos by Sgt. Samantha Stoffregen erating procedures,” said 1st Lt. John 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Kerr IV, a pilot with Detachment 1, “The biggest benefit of work- Company C, 238th MEDEVAC, 63rd ing with National Guard Soldiers from Kentucky was their expertise Soldiers with Company B, 1st Aviation Brigade, Kentucky National and motivation to support our train- Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, Guard. “We’re very pleased with how ing,” Kirwin said. “These Soldiers 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Air- the training went, I think they training demonstrated superior technical and borne Division stepped up training objectives were met and everybody tactical competence in air assault op- with their Kentucky National Guard was thrilled to be able to spend time erations, as well as a unique dedica- members from Frankfurt, Kentucky, in the aircraft.” tion to supporting our mission. They at Johnson Field here Tuesday. Because of current deploy- even went as far as to allow one of “The purpose of the day’s ments and training cycles, 1st Bn., our Soldiers to reenlist during a flyby training was to familiarize Soldiers 327th Inf. Regt. reached out to the around Fort Campbell.” with the UH-60 Black Hawk [heli- Guard to assist in their training oper- Kerr added that maintaining copter] and air assault operations in ations. strong relationships between active preparation for an air assault to be Kerr said they understood duty components at Fort Campbell conducted next week at our platoon aviation assets are limited and that and Kentucky National Guard mem- live fire exercise,” said 1st Lt. Miles they were glad to be able to support. bers in garrison is key to having Kirwin, a platoon leader with Co B, strong relationships when deployed. 1st Bn., 327th Inf. Regt. “A continued partnership is always important with Fort Campbell “All of our aircraft carry the Soldiers conducted both cold Soldiers because they occupy within unbridled spirit Kentucky logo on and hot load training with their Na- the state same as we do,” Kerr said. them, so they know we are the Ken- tional Guard partners. Cold load “Working with active duty is great tucky guardsmen,” Kerr said. “They means that the aircraft is shut down because – especially in the aviation know that we go down range with and the blades are not turning; hot community – being able to share them, so they know they are getting load is where the blades are spinning ideas and lessons learned, specifical- the best to work with.” and the aircraft is ready to take off. ly on safety issues, has always been a More than 90 Soldiers suc- “Our training objective was priority.” cessfully completed the day’s train- to work on entering and exiting the Working together not only ing, with everyone feeling confident aircraft at a landing zone safely, se- provides the Soldiers with the tools in the upcoming platoon live fire ex- curely and per the unit’s standard op- needed for the training they are con- ercises. 12 Bushmaster Company Executes Platoon STX story and photos by 1st Lt. Tony Cefalu 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment Unit Public Affairs Rep.

This summer has been packed with training events for 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment. Its most recent training event was the execution of Platoon STX by the Bravo Company “Bushmasters”. During STX each of the Company’s Platoons were emplaced in a defense and task to protect their positions from enemy attacks. This training gave Bra- vo Company’s Soldiers experience on emplacing a defense and pulling security for long stretches of time, ensuring they are able to set defensive positions while in an expeditionary environment. Each Platoon also executed a raid in which they Air Assaulted onto the objective. The presence of air support for the exercise was of great benefit to the Bushmasters. Each Platoon leader gained additional experience with the intricacies of planning an Air Assault mission. Realistic training such as this gives Soldiers a depth of experience on which they can draw when called upon to execute a real life mission. It increases their efficiency and ensures they are prepared to execute a mission whenever called to do so. One of the Bravo Company Platoon Leaders, 1LT Milley, stated “It was great to give some of our new Soldiers a chance to Air Assault onto an objective. Overall it was a great experience from the top down. Although all indirect fires called during training were notional, the Battalion Fires Officer, 1LT Branson stated it was a good training experience for his FIST Soldiers. “The training was a really good opportunity for us to train on integrating fires planning with an Air Assault mission.” twenty new Soldiers we have received in the past 60 days. It gave them an opportunity to participate in a Despite only having a few weeks between re- Platoon Defense, a Platoon Air Assault Raid, and be in- turning from a month long tasking at the United States tegrated in platoon operations.” Military Academy and an influx of new Soldiers, Bra- vo Company was able to effectively prepare all of its This Platoon STX exercise played an important Soldiers for Platoon STX. This was largely due to the part in Bravo Company’s overall training cycle. With Company leadership’s ability to effectively manage this exercise completed successfully, Bravo Company time and provide a solid preparatory training regimen is now prepared to enter into its upcoming platoon live in a short amount of time. fire exercises which will combine tactical maneuvering by infantry platoons who are engaging targets with live Bravo Company’s Commander, CPT Richards, rounds and calling for fire with live rounds in real time. said “it was a really great training opportunity for the Bravo Company will continue to train hard and ensure entire Company, but it was especially beneficial to the that it is ready for its next Rendezvous with Destiny. 13 426th BSB Air Assault Program By 2nd Lt. Bryan Moros 426th Brigade Support Battalion Unit Public Affairs Rep.

Air Assault is synonymous layout of all of their equipment. The with the Screaming Eagles of the final week consists of the obstacle 101st Airborne because the 101st course qualification and the twelve is the only Air Assault division in mile ruck march.” the world.The Sabulaski Air As- sault School is a trademark of Fort Air Assault PT is challeng- Campbell and the 101st Airborne ing and pushes soldiers outside of Division. Air Assault wings can be their comfort zones. PFC Barrett found on Soldiers from Private to says that she struggled with sever- Major General. The 101st Airborne al obstacles prior to attending Air division encourages all Soldiers to Assault PT, but seeing other sol- attend. Before soldiers of 426 Bri- diers do the obstacles has been ex- gade Support Battalion are sent to tremely beneficial. “Repetition sets what is known as the toughest ten the tone for the sight picture”, said days the Army has to offer, they are SSG Rose. The program is helping prepped by the BN Air Assault phys- soldiers to achieve their goals and gram is pushing Soldier’s limits ev- ical training instructor, SSG Jason meet the physical standards laid out ery week either through a workout or Rose. SSG Rose said “My training by the school. an intimidating obstacle. SSG Rose philosophy is focused on training to Soldiers attending Air As- spoke about some of the challenges perform. I provide realistic training sault PT had very positive things faced by the instructors. “The big- to mirror what the soldiers are going to say about the program. “It’s an gest challenge we face is adjusting to see at Air Assault School.” all-encompassing program and the our teaching style for each individ- When the program was first instructors focus on your weakness- ual solider. Every soldier has differ- started it focused on rigorous PT. es. I feel ready to start”, said PVT ent weaknesses, fears, and physical Over time SSG Rose has adjusted Goehring. PVT Asbury said “the limitations. As instructors we teach the program to meet the needs of the workouts are diverse and always down to the individual level to en- soldiers attending. Rather than just changing. They are intense and I sure the Soldiers are able overcome providing rigorous PT, SSG Rose have noticed a lot of improvement whatever obstacle is holding them said he wanted to focus on quantifi- in myself.” back. While it is more challenging to teach at the individual level it is able data as an indicator of whether SFC (P) Norman who serves or not a soldier is prepared for Air more beneficial than just trying to as the 1SG of Bravo Company just instruct the masses.” Assault School. Additionally, SSG completed Air Assault School. She Rose created a timeline for soldiers attended the BN Air Assault PT Soldiers of 426 BSB all gave posi- to help them set goals and prepare program for several weeks prior tive feedback about the Air Assault for each assessment. to attending Air Assault School. PT program and the instructors. SSG Rose trains the Sol- Air Assault PT coupled with her SSG Rose believes that with contin- diers using a 4 week training pro- self-motivation enabled her to beat ued support from the BN Soldiers cess. Each week there is a different all of the obstacles that she could will be well prepared to succeed. assessment. The week one assess- not initially overcome. SSG Rose Air Assault School is a challenging ment is running two miles in under says that she had been a very hard but rewarding experience, and with 18 minutes. Week two assessment worker in the program and now her the proper training a soldier can go consists of a 6 mile qualification hard work has paid off. on to complete the school and earn the coveted Air Assault wings. ruck march. Week three the soldiers The Air Assault PT pro- have break physically but conduct a 14 Bulldog 7 Farewell story and photos by 1st Lt. Tony Cefalu 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment Unit Public Affairs Rep.

CSM Michael Coffey has served as the Command Sergeant Major for 1st Battalion, 327th Infan- try Regiment since mid-February 2014. Sadly the Bulldog family has had to say goodbye to him and at his farewell and send him off to his new post at Fort Hood, TX. CSM Coffey joined the Bat- talion at an important time for the Bulldog Battalion. Arriving shortly before the battalion command was handed over to LTC Eric Beaty, he played an important role in providing continuity during the transition period. During his time with the Bulldogs, CSM Coffey worked tire- lessly to improve the battalion. He carried forward by the Battalion “While it’s sad to see him go, I’m was a key part of ensuring that the and be felt by its Soldiers for a long happy to know he is getting the op- battalion stayed on mission in re- time. portunity to PCS and go better an- gards to both training and adminis- other unit and installation.” trative actions. He provided insight SSG Woodson, the Battalion to the staff sections and companies Schools NCO, said “I have worked 1SG Boone, the B Co 1SG, that helped them run more efficient- with a lot of Sergeant Majors in my who previously was a member of ly. Every element of the battalion time and I can say that he is the best the battalion staff and regularly has felt his influence as mentored I know. I learned something new worked alongside CSM Coffey said the Soldiers around him. from him everyday.” this of him “His advice, mentorship, and approachability will be missed. His dedication to the unit CSM Coffey was given a His focus on improving this unit has ensured that it executed hard, real- farewell by the both the rear de- had some very lasting effects and istic training. His leadership during tachment command team and the we all appreciate it.” training and the battalion’s most re- deployed command team via VTC. cent JRTC rotation paid dividends There he was presented his unit col- During his time with 1st to the Bulldogs. 1st Battalion, 327th ors and was given a heartfelt thank Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment Infantry Regiment was ready to you for his service by all in atten- CSM Coffey made a deep impact on serve its nation when it was called dance. the unit, ensuring that it maintained up to deploy in support of Operation its training glide path and was suc- Freedom’s Sentinel. CSM Coffey His departure has been cessfully prepared for its next de- went forward with the battalion to sharply felt by many in the Bull- ployment. Afghanistan to watch over his Sol- dog Battalion. SFC Hall, an S3 Ops diers during the deployment. NCOIC stated “It’s hard to see him The Bulldogs thank CSM go and we will all miss him.” Coffey for his hard work, dedica- Although he is departing, tion, and the upstanding example he CSM Coffey will be leaving behind One of the S1 clerks, SPC provided to all his Soldiers of what a legacy of excellence that will be Luke, remarked on the departure it means to live by the Army values. 15 16