July 2014 Vol. 10 No. 7

GRIZZLYOfficial Newsmagazine of the California National Guard

Air Guard’s Band of the West Coast aims high on Western tour page 13

Panther Strike pages 8-9 Cal Guard Military Intelligence takes the lead during large intel exercise in Utah

www.calguard.ca.gov/pa Leadership Corner

Back to basics: Rely on yourself

Major General David S. Baldwin

The California National Guard is a ready force. The become fit for duty. citizens of this great state and nation depend on our We are an organization of ability to deploy at a moment's notice. Maintaining the physical and mental readiness re- great strength, and that quired to perform optimally in combat and defense As Guard members we must be physically prepared support to civil authorities (DSCA) missions requires to deploy whenever called to service. Be it a conflict strength comes from the fundamental knowledge about exercise, nutrition and halfway around the world or a natural disaster here at sleep. Each of those components is important inde- home, we have made a promise to our country and our combined might of our pendently, but because they interact and complement state that we will be ready always. If we cannot live up each other, optimal performance can only be achieved to those promises, it could have serious repercussions individuals. It is vital that when all three components are addressed together. for not only national security, but the health and safety of our fellow Californians. We will not let that happen. each one of us strives You should vary your workout routine to include a combination of strength, endurance, balance, agility If you are fit to deploy, you should take steps every to perform to our peak and coordination exercises. But training hard and day to maintain your readiness. If you are unable to smart is only one part of the equation. Your body deploy, you must find out exactly what you need to physical abilities and must be properly fueled and hydrated to maximize do, both physically and administratively, to return to the benefit of the workout, and sleep and recovery fit-for-duty status as soon as possible. ensures we are ready to time following exercise make the body stronger and faster. Leaders should regularly discuss fitness with their respond to our nation’s call Soldiers, push them to maintain healthy habits and For tips on healthy eating, exercise and sleep, visit lead by example. Leaders should also ensure their www.guardyourhealth.com or consult your unit's troops are aware of their health insurance options and without hesitation or delay. medical personnel. encourage them to maintain coverage. - Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin We are an organization of great strength, and that Though commanders and leaders oversee the readiness strength comes from the combined might of our individ- of their troops, it is an individual's responsibility to The Adjutant General uals. It is vital that each one of us strives to perform to maintain their own medical readiness. our peak physical abilities and ensures we are ready to respond to our nation's call without hesitation or delay. If you are ill or injured, you must seek medical care immediately, as your unit's medical team can help speed your recovery. You should also contact your medi- Reaching a high level of readiness, performance and resilience is vital to every mis- cal noncommissioned officer (NCO), readiness NCO or unit deployment monitor sion we perform and it is vital to keeping our members safe. Achieving top physical to find out the steps you need to take to clear your non-deployable status and condition and maintaining deployable status is not an option—it is your duty.

After completing their fire mission on July 22 at Fort Irwin, Calif., Soldiers with the California Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 144th Field Artillery Regiment maneuver their M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer back to the staging area. Over the course of their two weeks of annual training at Fort Irwin, the regiment participated in several exercises designed to in- crease their overall readiness. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel

2 Grizzly Table of contents The Official Newsmagazine of the California National Guard Air Jordan Strike up the band 4 The 146th Airlift Wing demonstrated its aerial capabilities 13 Air Guard’s Band of the West Coast entertains on tour during multinational exercise Eager Lion in Jordan through California and Utah July Paramedics rescue motorcyclist Army of one While taking a physical fitness test, Cal Guard paramedics 14 National Guard, Reserve and active-duty Army Soldiers train Vol. 10 No. 7 witness a motorcycle crash and use their skills to help out as one force during Warrior Exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett the victim 2014 Firing the big guns Where the heart is 15 The 1-144th Field Artillery Regiment fires their M109A6 Pal- Sgt. Maj. Daniel DeGeorge provides shelter to a homeless adin howitzers during annual training at Fort Irwin Publisher 5 couple with newborn child Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin The Adjutant General Preparing for disaster JVB handles VIPs The 185th Military Police Company trains to respond in toxic Director of Public Affairs 6 When a general or other important guest drops in on your environments at the Center for Domestic Preparedness Lt. Col. Peter B. Cross unit, Joint Visitors Bureaus take the lead Sustaining the fight Editor CNG and Nigerian chaplains connect 16 A Warfighter exercise at Fort Riley, Kan., tests the 224th Sus- Capt. Jason Sweeney Chaplains from the Cal Guard and Nigeria train together tainment Brigade’s skills with war scenario and foster good will as part of the State Partnership Program SWAT teams up with Cal Guard On the hook 17 The Santa Clara Police Department SWAT team goes for a 7 CNG units work together during annual training to practice ride in Cal Guard helicopters “sling loading” cargo for helicopter transport Submissions Cutting out Combat action 18 Longtime barber at California Military Department head- Articles: Airmen receive a much delayed Air Force Combat Action quarters retires  Articles range from 350 to 2,000 words. medal for engaging enemy during Afghan firefight All articles should be accompanied by multiple high-resolution images. Intel leads the way in Utah 8 National Guard military intelligence Soldiers converge on Only HUMINT  Include first names, last names and mili- Camp Williams, Utah, for Panther Strike tary ranks. Always verify spelling. 9  Spell out acronyms, abbreviations and Amping up full unit designations on first reference. 9 Signal intelligence analysts practice their skills during Pan- ther Strike  Only submit articles that have been approved by your unit’s public affairs Getting smart on HUMINT officer. Human intelligence collectors practice their trade with role players at Panther Strike Photographs: Watchful eyes  Highest resolution possible: MB files, 12 Counterdrug Task Force’s Ground Tactical Teams watch the not KB. coast for drug smugglers.  No retouched photos, no special effects. Train as they fight  Include the photographer’s name and Training keeps Counterdrug Task Force members on top of rank, and a caption: what is happening in their game. the photo, who is pictured and the date and location. In Every Leadership At a News & Did You Issue Corner Glance Benefits Know? E-mail submissions and feedback to: 2 10 19 19 [email protected] California Guard members mobilized as of: July 2014

U.S. 306

U.S. 204 Asia Europe GTMO 70

Kuwait Afghanistan 5 13

Cover photo by Other Egypt Afghanistan Airman 1st Class Madeleine 53 2 Bahrain Richards Djibouti Africa Germany Kuwait Latvia The Air National Guard Band of the West Oman Coast marches out of a C-5 Galaxy at Hill Air Peru Force Base in Layton, Utah on June 30, 2014 Qatar Saudi Arabia Air Army 64

3 Grizzly | 2014 | July Cal Guard supports Exercise Eager Lion 2014 C-130 crews from the 115th Airlift Squadron participate in exercise above the deserts of Jordan By STAFF SGT. BRIGITTE BRANTLEY military capability. U.S. Central Command Public Affairs In addition to the pilots getting to refine their airlift skills, At any moment, Airmen from the 115th Airlift Squadron the C-130 crew also gets the chance to refine their mainte- may be called upon to respond globally with their C-130J nance skills in a desert setting. Hercules aircraft to any number of contingencies. “With the high temperatures and amount of noise here, Stationed out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Sta- it’s a different environment,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. tion, Calif., the squadron was most recently called upon Erik Kallstrom, a maintenance officer with the 146th Air- to support Exercise Eager Lion in the country of Jordan craft Maintenance Squadron. “During checks, they comb from May 25 to June 8. A C-130J Hercules from the 115th Airlift Squadron flies over over the whole aircraft, looking for leaks or anything that’s Jordan on May 31 during Exercise Eager Lion. C-130s added damaged and will keep the aircraft from flying safely. Their mission: to provide other branches of the U.S. mili- another dimension for other exercise participants during hu- tary as well as other partners a chance to practice real- manitarian assistance and disaster relief scenarios. Photo by “We’re getting valuable training out here,” he added. world scenarios with a C-130. Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley “Our guys are getting the chance to gain a lot of mainte- nance experience with the fast-paced mission here.” “A lot of the other assets can contribute their own specific from participating. part to the mission, but if they need to get men and equip- That’s another objective of Eager Lion–to prepare troops, ment on the ground fast, and they need to get there unde- “Actually having the other aircraft in the air and having both U.S. and foreign, to partner with each other during tected, this is really the only machine that allows that to assets on the ground is great,” said Smith. “From our future contingencies. Having a C-130 participate helps happen,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Sean Smith, a C-130 pi- perspective, there are a lot of pilots who haven’t gotten develop partnerships by exposing them to a capability lot with the squadron. “I’m hoping the other participants to see these situations during real-world operations, so they might not otherwise have had the chance to train are able to see all the capabilities we provide.” some of these scenarios are the most realistic training with. we’ve seen.” Back at their home station, the guardsmen from the 115th “When our allies call on us at any moment in time, if are called on to respond to a wide variety of missions One such exercise scenario involved F-16 Fighting those assets are anywhere near them, we will be able from aerial firefighting to drug interdiction to humanitar- Falcons escorting the C-130 to a drop zone, a training to get troops and equipment where they need to be in a ian assistance. Although their role in exercises like Eager opportunity they wouldn’t have otherwise had. Hav- timely fashion,” said Smith. “With all the different coun- Lion slightly differs from their role back in California, ing interactions like this is one of the main objectives tries and different aircraft involved, it’s good to see how they said they are grateful for the experience they gain of Eager Lion–to work closely and enhance mutual everything is coming together during Eager Lion.”

Paramedics take action after witnessing motorcycle accident

By BRANDON HONIG instructed Spc. Amy Dalton to stabilize the When first responders arrived, they trans- California Military Department Public Affairs patient’s back. ferred the motorcyclist to a backboard, re- moved his helmet, applied a cervical collar A motorcyclist in Sacramento was rear- “It’s weird,” Smithee said, “when I’m in and transported him by ground to the hos- ended by a sedan, thrown into its wind- training, I stress a little bit. But in a real- pital. The Cal Guard Soldiers left the next shield, tossed in the air and slammed to the life emergency, a calm comes over you, day for annual training at Camp Roberts, pavement June 6. And he considered him- and you do what you gotta do. You don’t California, and never learned the iden- self lucky. think of what’s happening—you just think tity or condition of their patients, though of making the person safe and getting them Smithee said it was a good sign that the “Over and over again, when I said I was an the best treatment possible.” paramedics did not call for a helicopter to Army paramedic, he said, ‘Well, I guess I transport the motorcyclist. got pretty lucky,’” remembered Sgt. Jessica Shelley, meanwhile, cut the patient’s pants Shelley, a flight paramedic with Detach- and jacket with a pair of scissors provided “In my profession, you don’t always find Crew chief Sgt. Julian Ross, left, and flight ment 1, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 135th by Sgt. Julian Ross and examined the pa- out [the status of a patient],” he said. “You medics Sgt. Jessica Shelley and Sgt. Joshua Aviation Regiment, who was at the scene tient for injuries. Ross had been parked in just go on with the job.” Smithee leapt to the aid of an injured motor- of the accident when it happened. his car, cheering on the Soldiers perform- cyclist and an injured driver June 6 when the ing their fitness test, when the accident oc- Shelley said she had been inspired to do Soldiers witnessed an accident during their The patient was experiencing what Sgt. curred. the job of a paramedic because if one is unit’s Army Physical Fitness Test. Photo by Joshua Smithee called the “Groundhog passionate about the job and is on their “A- Master Sgt. David J. Loeffler Day” effect, referring to the movie in which Ross grabbed a medical bag from his car, game,” it can save a life. Bill Murray lives the same day over and handed it to Shelley, who is a licensed Charlie Company medics tracked all of over again. paramedic, and began tending to the other “If someone didn’t have the same passion their patients during their 2008 deploy- patient at the scene—the driver of the Hon- for the job or wasn’t on their A-game, it ment. A study based on the resulting “He was alert and oriented and talking to da Accord that had struck the motorcycle. might have a different outcome,” she said. data, and later published in the Journal us and could answer certain questions we “But Sergeant Smithee and Sergeant Ross of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery in asked to see where he was mentally. Then “[The driver] was a little disoriented and and the other people I work with all have August 2012, showed that severely in- he would stop and pause and ask, ‘What not quite sure what had happened. He the same passion to do what’s best for the jured patients treated by Charlie Com- happened?’” said Smithee, who is also a tried to get out of the car immediately, and patient.” pany were 66 percent more likely to flight medic. “He’d ask a question, and we Ross told him to stay in the vehicle, which survive the next 48 hours than those would answer it. Then he would ask the keeps the spine in a neutral position,” Shel- On the day of the accident, Shelley had evacuated by other units. same question a few minutes later.” ley said. “It’s best, if the car’s not on fire, just returned from Texas, where she at- to keep them from walking around. If the tended an Army paramedic course that The study was persuasive enough to Other than his obvious disorientation, the patient’s in shock, they may have injuries was inspired by the success of Com- convince the Army to raise the minimum patient was exhibiting no signs of major in- and not know it … and by walking around pany C, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation qualifications for flight medics, who now jury. But the Soldiers of the 2-135th — who cause more injury.” Regiment. Shelley’s unit and Company must complete a 55-week training course happened to be conducting a physical fit- C are collectively known as the Califor- that produces licensed paramedics. ness test on the road near their Mather Air- Both patients were fortunate the medics nia Army National Guard’s Task Force field home when the accident happened— were nearby, and Shelley said the motor- Medevac. “Our bread and butter of what makes were taking no chances. cyclist was especially lucky that he landed us work really well is the abilities of our on the driver’s side of the car rather than “The Army, as a result of Charlie Compa- medics,” said Capt. Tyler Smentek, com- Immediately upon witnessing the accident, tumbling out into traffic. ny’s deployment to Afghanistan, found mander of Detachment 1, 2-135th. “Short Smithee ran to the motorcyclist while si- out that the survivability of patients in of us not being in a helicopter that day multaneously directing two Soldiers to “It was a perfect mesh,” Shelley said of the deployed countries is greater when you [of the accident], we did exactly what we block traffic. Without removing the motor- team of Soldiers that responded. “Every- have paramedics working on them,” she do every day. These guys reacted with- cyclist’s helmet, Smithee, who is a civilian body jumped in, and not much was said as said. “Before, Army flight medics were out hesitation, they needed no direc- firefighter EMT, stabilized the patient’s everybody took on their roles and respon- basically ground medics trained to work tion—they just went where they needed head to prevent any further neck injury. He sibilities for the patient.” in the back of an aircraft.” to be and immediately took action.”

4 Grizzly | 2014 | July A heart for service Sgt. Maj. Daniel DeGeorge and family provide hope and shelter to homeless couple with newborn baby boy

By SENIOR AIRMAN lost him to Child Protective Services. Also, ROSALIE CAMMARATA after a series of complications including a California Military Department Public Affairs painful infection and the umbilical cord be- ing wrapped around the baby’s neck, the Danielle Navarro experienced labor com- couple concedes that both Navarro and ABOVE: Danielle Navarro, Rory Grimes and plications Jan. 26. The umbilical cord was their unborn baby could have died had she their son Rory Jr. are seen at the DeGeorge wrapped around her son’s tiny, fragile gone into labor while they were living in household in Antelope, Calif., in May. Navarro neck, causing her excruciating pain and their tent. With the DeGeorges’ generous and Grimes were homeless until being taken potentially threatening his life. The care offer, the young couple’s prayers for a way in by the DeGeorges shortly before Rory Jr. and generosity of Sgt. Maj. (CA) Daniel De- to keep their baby had been answered. was born. Photo by Senior Airman Rosalie George and his family, however, turned a Cammarata RIGHT: Command Sgt. Daniel potentially tragic day into one filled with And just like that, the already full DeGeorge DeGeorge Photo courtesy the U.S. Army joyful tears. home expanded to five adults and six chil- dren, including three of his grandchildren. lain’s assistant and honor guard member, quickly became a DeGeorge family stan- For the past three years DeGeorge and his One month after the couple moved in, Rory among other military occupations, and dard. wife, Jenivee, have been serving the needs Grimes Jr. was born. currently serves as the noncommissioned of homeless members in their community. officer in charge of strategic communica- “My wife was all in. She wanted to make Then in December they took the ultimate With the addition of Rory Jr., Navarro and tions for the California Military Depart- sure the animals were fed too,” Daniel leap of faith and service: They invited Grimes said, their lives have been given ment. said. “We invested time so [homeless a homeless couple to live in their home great meaning and hope. people] knew people still cared about alongside four of their children and three “You never worry about anything that them.” grandchildren. “Jen and Dan have helped us through so Sergeant Major is handling,” said Sgt. 1st much,” Navarro said. “Jen was there, by my (CA) Class Rebecca Wolkenhauer. “He When the DeGeorges found a new The day Sgt. Maj. DeGeorge met Navarro side, holding my hand. She catered to my embodies doing the right thing and be- church in Antelope, they continued their and Rory Grimes was a typical Satur- every need. She would rub my back, take ing a Christian.” homeless outreach and made an immedi- day afternoon: With a trunk full of food, me for walks and drove me to the emergen- ate impact on their community and their DeGeorge drove around his community cy room in the middle of the night.” DeGeorge said serving as a chaplain’s as- new church. in search of homeless men and women sistant for seven years was his best career to feed. Upon spotting a tent near a golf Navarro, Grimes and young Rory Jr. con- decision. “Before [Sgt. Maj. DeGeorge] and Jenny course in Antelope, he parked his car and tinue to live in the DeGeorges’ animated, came, we weren’t doing that much,” said approached. Finding a couple inside, De- loving household while saving to buy “I had the opportunity to serve on a larg- Mike Easter, Antelope Springs Church George offered food and sleeping bags, their own home. They attend church with er scale,” he said. “In order to be great, lead pastor and a former Cal Guard and he soon learned the pair was expecting the DeGeorge family and participate in you have to be a servant to all.” chaplain. “Now we are very involved [as a baby. couples counseling. Grimes is looking for a church in the community].” work, and both new parents plan to earn DeGeorge continues to be a servant in DeGeorge returned home and shared the their GED credentials and provide for their his everyday life, continually seeking op- Among other initiatives in Antelope, De- story with his wife, and for the next three son to best of their abilities. portunities to help those in need. He has George has established a ministry for high weeks they made regular trips to visit Na- donated clothes, tents, sleeping bags and school students, mentored young men in varro and Grimes, bringing them food, The impact the DeGeorges made by help- personal hygiene items, and he keeps an a small group and directed the church’s clothes and companionship. After becom- ing that young family is emblematic of abundance of bread in the back of his car outreach and compassion program. He ing well-acquainted with the couple, the the life of service Daniel and Jenivee have just in case he spots a homeless person plans to expand that program, provid- DeGeorges decided to make an offer: They practiced for years and instilled in their during his daily travels. ing free daily meals at multiple sites and would invite Navarro and Grimes to move children. establishing outreach locations with free into their home. “There is a need out there,” he said. groceries and low- and no-cost clothes. Sgt. Maj. DeGeorge enlisted in the Califor- “How could we turn our heads and not “We were shocked and nervous,” Grimes nia State Military Reserve earlier this year help people with needs?” “We want to be a beacon of light and help said, “but they seemed really nice.” following 10 years of service in the active the needs of the community,” Sgt. Maj. duty Army and 13 years in the California Sgt. Maj. DeGeorge began making a con- DeGeorge said. “If one random act of If Navarro had delivered their baby while Army National Guard. He has worked as certed effort to feed hungry people in the kindness can change one life, then it’s all they lived on the streets, they would have a hazardous materials specialist, chap- Sacramento area three years ago, and it worth it.”

The DeGeorge household spends some quality time together on their front lawn in Antelope, Calif., in May. Danielle Navarro (third from right with baby) and Rory Grimes (second from right) were homeless when they were welcomed into the home in December. Their son Rory Jr. was born in January. Photo by Senior Airman Rosalie Cammarata

5 Grizzly | 2014 | July JVB gives generals star treatment When distinguished visitors are in your area of operation, Joint Visitor Bureaus lead the way

By SPC. JASON BEAL In forming her “dream team,” Peake targeted customer- 69th Public Affairs Detachment friendly staff members who could maintain a positive attitude throughout their 15-month deployment. All When a brigadier general drops in on your brigade’s multi- personnel on her JVB staff were cross trained to be ev- agency joint training exercise, you are likely unaware of erything from escort officers to drivers so that each in- all the preparation and planning that went into orchestrat- dividual was capable of performing any task within JVB ing such a visit. protocol.

The task of coordinating the itinerary of distinguished The number of personnel in the JVB is determined by visitors, or DVs, falls on the shoulders of people like Irma the size and location of the installation where it is lo- Garrett, chief of protocol for the California Military De- cated. In Kosovo, Peake commanded a support staff of partment. Garrett regularly acts as the director of her of- eight Soldiers. Her deputy directors, a lieutenant colonel fice’s Joint Visitors Bureau, a directorate responsible for and a major, were responsible for escorting two, three planning, coordinating and executing all visits, tours and and four star visitors. Additionally, she had two escort meetings for DVs. officers, both lieutenants, who escorted one-star visitors. Irma Garrett, chief of protocol for the California Military The senior non-commissioned officer of her staff, a mas- “We support any senior visitors and general officers dur- Department, directs Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Wolkenhauer on ter sergeant, was responsible for escorting senior non- ing events such as promotions and changes of command,” how the official party will enter the room for Brig. Gen Sylvia commissioned officer (NCO) guests and also managed says Garrett. “We also provide support in planning and Crocket’s promotion ceremony at the Capital building in Sac- billeting for all visitors. Peake’s JVB also included a staff assist in programs and invitations.” ramento in 2012. Photo by Master Sgt. David J. Loeffler sergeant, who was the senior driver and flight operations NCO, and two sergeants who acted as protocol NCOs to Distinguished visitors can include general officers, flag of the JVB is arranging security, comprised of an escort of- set up dining and meeting rooms for visitors, drive ve- officers, high-ranking retirees, elected officials and even ficer and a team of security forces. The size of the security hicles and assist in room maintenance. celebrities. In the event of a large-scale training exercise, team depends on the threat level of the installation. especially one involving multiple agencies, it’s common The emphasis of the JVB’s mission depends on the en- for DVs to travel to the event site to witness the training In a deployed environment, a JVB is not a permanent en- vironment of the deployment or training event. For ex- in person. tity within the staff, but rather a special staff put together ample, the JVB at Guantanamo Bay focused on showing by the individual appointed as the JVB director. its DVs that the conditions of detention centers differed Part of a JVB’s function is to invite distinguished visi- from the common public perception. Inaccurate percep- tors to the training exercise four to six months in advance “I had to build a team from scratch,” says Army Col. Lisa tions were fought by showing visitors the safe and hu- and collect the RSVPs in order to create a guest list. Next Peake, a logistics officer at the California National Guard’s mane care and custody of detainees. comes the task of arranging airport pickups for those Joint Force Headquarters. “I sought out people who were who require it, as well as lodging for all visitors. The JVB detailed oriented, very friendly and professional.” Whether it’s fighting public misconceptions, showing off provides transportation for the duration of the visit, to in- a large multi-national training exercise or accommodat- clude guided tours of facilities or training sites, depending Peake acted as a JVB director while deployed to Kosovo ing a curious high-ranking visitor, the Joint Visitors Bu- on what each DV wants to see and do. The directorate is with the California Army National Guard’s 40th Infantry reau prepares for every possible situation. responsible for facilitating briefings, ceremonies, seating Division in 2008 and 2009. Some of the distinguished visi- arrangements and informing speakers of the presence of tors she accommodated include Vice President Joe Biden, “Every visit is different,” said Garrett, “it’s important to high-ranking guests and dignitaries. In the case of distin- former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and an archbishop of know the mission of the event, know your people, and guished visitors to installations overseas, one critical duty the Roman Diocese. know what needs to be done.”

CNG chaplains connect with Nigerian counterparts California State Chaplain’s Office conducts exchange seminar with Nigerian chaplains as part of the State Partnership Program

By CNG State Chaplain’s Office maintaining spiritual wellness. “I think the greatest interest they have is By operating as a joint Religious Support hearing how we exercise leadership, espe- Team (RST), the Californians demonstrated Members of the Chaplain Corps from the “This was extremely valuable for all of cially as we speak to commanders on the the importance of teamwork in delivering California National Guard and Nigeria us,” Clare said. “They were eager to learn most important decisions impacting the quality ministry in a highly diverse mili- Defence Forces (NDF) recently took park and we all came away from the experience communities we serve,” Beyer said. “The tary. in an exchange as part of the State Partner- with renewed insights and strength for Nigerians have a highly skilled profes- ship Program, an ongoing mission to fos- ministry.” sional chaplain corps and really wanted to “Whether in the U.S. or Nigeria, the Chap- ter friendship and collaboration through understand how to best approach leaders lain Corps is built on the concept of team- military to military contact events. The discussions often focused on practical is- with advice on morals, ethics and religious work,” said Knight. “Working with the sues, such as how to speak to commanders. issues facing service members.” Nigerians to help build up teamwork be- From April 26 to May 1, California State tween chaplains and chaplain assistants is Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Wesley Clare, Chaplain a vital part of our goal as we continue this (Lt. Col.) Mike Beyer and Chaplain Assis- relationship with the Nigerians.” tant (Master Sgt.) Desmond Knight trav- eled to Abuja, Nigeria, where they facili- Once the American RST finished its visit to tated a training seminar with 38 members Abuja, the Nigerians were eager to com- of the Nigerian chaplain corps. The theme plete the exchange by travelling to Cali- of the exchange seminar was “Connecting fornia to attend a Chaplain Sustainment to Culture, Command and Community” Training event held May 20-22 in San Luis and took place at the Scorpion Officers’ Obispo, Calif. Chaplain Okena Okoye, Mess at the Wu Bassey Army Barracks in Imam Ali Ado Baba and Chaplain Joseph Abuja. Elise shared in presentations and discus- sions demonstrating to CNG chaplains and The training consisted of briefings and chaplain assistants the personal quality and forum discussions intended to foster col- professional excellence of the NDF chap- laboration, discussions of chaplain corps lain corps. strengths and challenges and opportuni- ties concerning religious support in a mili- “On behalf of the Nigerian Defence Forces, tary context. Topics of discussion included we are grateful for this opportunity to train the important work of chaplains in the ar- Chaplains from the California National Guard and the Nigerian Defence Forces are seen with you and look forward to future visits eas of cultural leadership, advising com- here at the Wu Bassey Barracks in Abuja, Nigeria, during an exchange seminar from April 26 with our American friends as this program mand, building resilient communities and to May 1. Photo by Master Sgt. Desmond Knight continues,” said Okoye.

6 Grizzly | 2014 | July Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey Patriot Hook 2014 JFTB Los Alamitos key component in Southern Califor- nia multi-agency disaster preparation exercise By Col. (CA) Richard Lalor ing in quickly mobilizing and deploying California State Military Reserve first responders. Naval Air Station North Island and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field It is no secret that the Golden State is prone San Clemente Island also participated. to a variety of natural disasters that range from wildfires to earthquakes, making civil The annual exercise was developed and support one of the most important missions coordinated by the U.S. Air Force Reserve for the California National Guard. Command. Operations at JFTB primarily revolved around the staging, loading, un- Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) Los loading and movement of first responders, Alamitos and Los Alamitos Army Airfield including their equipment and vehicles, by (LAAAF) are the only federal runways in Air Force C-5A Galaxy and C-17A Globe- Los Angeles and Orange Counties. For resi- master III transport aircraft for the duration dents living in the highly-populated region, of the exercise. JFTB and LAAAF are critical assets for de- livering that support should disaster strike. “The joint nature of an operation of this size and scope offers an outstanding op- Accordingly, JFTB was one of three south- portunity for our airfield staff to exercise its ern California bases targeted to participate real-world capabilities with respect to surge in Operation Patriot Hook 2014, a multi- operations, defense support of civilian au- A tactical vehicle from the 147th Combat Communications Squadron loads onto a C-17 Globe- service exercise that took place April 23-28. thority (DSCA) and operations with our master preparing to transport equipment and personnel during Patriot Hook 2014. The exercise was designed to integrate mili- sister services and other state and federal tary and federal agencies and provide train- agencies,” explained Lt. Col. Jeffrey Sibley, “Patriot Hook gives us an opportunity to Battalions, 140th Aviation Regiment and

Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey LAAAF manager. annually partner with our sister units and the 9th Civil Support Team. The Air Na- our new personnel to exercise our mis- tional Guard was represented by the 147th Participating agencies included the Fed- sion,” said Maj. Robert Acosta, 433rd ALCF Combat Communications Squadron. eral Emergency Management Agency Task and Contingency Response Element Com- Forces 2, 4, 5 and 25, the FBI Rapid Deploy- mander. “Even though it is the same in “The focus of the California National ment Team from Los Angeles, and the De- name, it is always a different mission with Guard is to always be ready to support partment of Homeland Security’s Border different people and different challenges. our citizens when called upon,” said Lt. Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BOR- … It gives us an opportunity to refine our Col. Nathan Range, Deputy Commander STAR) Unit from San Diego. mission essential tasks and teaches us what of Joint Forces Training Base Los Alami- it will take to support a real-world mis- tos. “Training exercises like Patriot Hook The Air Force Reserve’s 433rd Airlift Con- sion.” not only bring positive focus on JFTB and trol Flight (ALCF) based at Joint Base San its airfield, they test our infrastructure and Staff Sgt. Abraham Ocano, of the 147th Com- Antonio-Lackland, Texas, served as lead In addition to JFTB and its airfield, Califor- enhance the skill sets of our personnel to bat Communications Squadron programs ra- agency and managed the air mobility as- nia Army National Guard units participat- ensure our quick and coordinated response dios during Patriot Hook 2014. sets assigned to the exercise. ing in the exercise included the 1st and 3rd in the event of an emergency.”

Airmen awarded Air Force Combat Action Medals 10 years after Afghanistan firefight

By Master Sgt. Paul Wade his 13-man air flight operations security team pied while he was unleashing his own barrage California Military Department Public Affairs went on high alert. Part of their job was to pro- of lead. Nothing was able to reach and pierce the tect aircraft transporting troops and supplies to cargo-free aircraft as it spiraled skyward and out Until the night of Feb. 22, 2002, the incoming the newly commandeered airport as the war of range. More than 10,000 bullets were slung gunfire from the villages and high desert plains against the Taliban ramped up. A U.S. Air Force back and forth in a battle that lasted approxi- surrounding Bagram Airfield in northeastern C-17 aircraft had dropped its cargo and was taxi- mately 40 minutes. The attackers melted back Afghanistan was sporadic and warranted little ing on the concrete and steel platform runway into the night as mortar explosions were walked response during Clinton Dudley’s tour of duty behind him. toward their firing positions. while serving as a technical sergeant in the Ne- vada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing’s From the darkness came distant pinpricks of Dudley and his team helped secure the base security forces squadron. muzzle flashes, the cracking sound of gunfire with zero reports of injuries. With his adrenaline Senior Master Sgt. Clinton Dudley, right, re- reverberating off the foothills leading to the Hin- still pumping he realized he still had more than ceives the Air Force Combat Action Medal It was a typical evening about an hour into his du Kush Mountains and colorful tracer rounds six hours left on his shift. from Nevada Adjutant General Brig. Gen. 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift. He was scanning the area streaked across the night sky toward the base. William Burks on Dec. 5 in Reno for actions in front of his hut on the outskirts of the open A month later he returned home to his wife and performed in a battle in Afghanistan in Febru- airfield with his M249 light machine gun when “It was pretty scary,” said Dudley, who now is went about his business moving from security ary 2002. Photo by Senior Airman Ashif Halim

Photo courtesy Senior Master Sgt. Clinton Senior Photo Dudley courtesy the California Air National Guard’s Recruiting forces into recruiting and retention. More than a and Retention Superintendant in Sacramento. decade later his actions on that night would re- because I never brought it up before,” said “We had been there since December 2001 and surface as two of his teammates spearheaded an Dudley, who was presented, alongside most of up to that point we had only experienced prob- effort for the team to receive the Air Force Com- his former teammates, in December 2012 at the ing fire.” bat Action Medal, a medal created in March Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno with 2007 reserved for its service members who have their adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Bill Burks and “It was a firefight around an aircraft we were physically engaged hostile forces with direct and Sen. Harry Reid doing the pinning. Reid’s office trying to get off the ground before it was hit,” lethal fire. had helped the airmen receive their medals after said Master Sgt. John Blevins, one of Dudley’s bureaucratic delays. former teammates. “Years had passed so I didn’t pay much attention to the Air Force creating this new medal until a “I think the medal is a good thing. It matches As the aircraft continued its taxi the security week before we were presented it,” said Dudley. what the other branches do for their troops who forces struck back, engaging the enemy from “That is when I did a little bit of research.” engage the enemy,” said the veteran of 21 years. From left, Master Sgt. Todd Shipley, Tech. Sgt multiple defensive positions and called in artil- “The Air Force has its share of airmen in security Clinton Dudley, Master Sgt. John Blevins and lery reinforcements. He also finally told his wife what happened. forces, pararescuemen, combat controllers, tac- Senior Airman Justin Weilmunster prepare tical air control specialists and even mechanics for VIP visit at Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan, Enemy rounds impacted here and there on the “When we were invited to a ceremony I told my and support personnel who ride in convoys and December 2001. airfield’s control tower and the hut Dudley occu- wife what it was for. She was kind of surprised they all can come under fire.”

7 Grizzly | 2014 | July Panther Strike Camp Williams, Utah, becomes Taliban territory for intel exercise

A small element of Soldiers was selected and trained to replicate the insurgent tactics of Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters by launching simulated roadside ambushes on intelligence collection teams as they traversed through simulated Afghan villages during exercise Panther Strike at Camp Williams, Utah, over two weeks in June. Photo by 1st Lt. Jan Bender

By 1ST LT. JAN BENDER intelligence Soldiers from across the human, counter, sig- who served as an all-source analyst during the exercise. California Military Department Public Affairs nals, imagery, geo-spatial and all-source intelligence fields to capture or eliminate cells of Taliban and al-Qaeda insur- Real-world, Lacasse is an intelligence operator with the 7th The California National Guard’s 223rd Military Intelligence gents in a Utah valley used to simulate Afghanistan’s Ku- Intelligence Company based out of Ottawa and works full (MI) Battalion hosted more than 600 Guard, reserve and ac- nar province. time as a strategic policy analyst at Canada’s Department tive component Soldiers from 13 states and Canada who of Public Safety (the equivalent to the U.S. Department of converged on Camp Williams, Utah, for Panther Strike “For the current conflicts we’re involved in, Utah provides Homeland Security). He has deployed to Bosnia, Iraq and 2014. some critical elements of realism. Salt Lake [City] is at the Afghanistan over his 13-year career. same elevation as Bagram Airfield there in Afghanistan, This annual training exercise spanned June 6-22 and simu- and many Soldiers comment on the similarities in the ter- “The challenge with intelligence now is not the collection lated full-spectrum intelligence-gathering operations with- rain,” said Utah National Guardsman Col. Derek Tolman, of information like it was years ago… now the choke point in a deployed combined joint task force. commander of the 300th MI Brigade, which is headquar- happens at the analytical level… and I think a system like tered in Draper, Utah and serves as the higher headquarters DCGS helps alleviate that. It automates some portions of the “This is not your average [annual training event]. Over the for many of the units that rotationally host Panther Strike. intel cycle which allows you to be more creative with the years, Panther Strike has really made a name for itself. It’s “The exercise also tends to gravitate here because there is a analytical portion,” Lacasse said. by far the most robust and organized intelligence [exer- lot of command support, and investments have been made cise] that I’ve been a part of,” said Lt. Col. Dave Church, to have all the necessary infrastructure in place.” The talent pool Panther Strike draws from expands with commander of the San Francisco-based 223rd MI Battalion each iteration. This year’s events saw increased participa- and this year’s Panther Strike 2014 Task Force commander. Each year the organizers of the exercise work to improve tion from Canadian forces and observers from both Aus- “Our staff has put a tremendous amount of time, toil, and different aspects of the training experience for Soldiers at tralian and British forces. Next year, foreign participation is effort…with the guidance and support of the [300th MI Bri- every echelon of play. Among other improvements, 2014 expected to increase from other partner nations. gade], into making this a dynamic experience for operators saw a commitment of more than $1.2 million from the De- from across the various intelligence disciplines and other partment of the Army’s Intelligence Directorate, focused on For years exercise coordinators have been forced to turn low-density specialties… and it’s rewarding to see it all reinforcing training on and access to the Army’s all-source away just as many U.S. Soldiers as they accepted due to come together.” intelligence or fusion software platform known as the Dis- funding constraints. Nearly 1,400 Soldiers requested to at- tributed Common Ground System-Army (DCGS-A). This tend in 2014. Panther Strike traces its origins to 2003, when the first exer- powerful program gives military intelligence profession- cise of this kind gathered human intelligence Soldiers from als the ability to intake, process and analyze feeds of raw More than 75 VIPs, including elected officials and military the Florida Army National Guard on Camp Blanding Joint data and intelligence from across a broad array of sources, leadership from across the country stopped in to watch the Forces Training Center, Fla., to perfect their craft in a team- enabling analysts to synthesize, overlay and interpret the events unfold. centric training evolution. Now, 11 years later, this animal information so they can provide intuitive products, pre- has evolved into a large-scale collective intelligence venue, dictive analysis and impactful assessments of the current Many leaders see cross pollination of ideas and training in- displaying the interdependency and interconnectivity of threat to commanders on the ground. genuity as central themes of this yearly synergistic event. the different intelligence specialties. The exposure and technical training on DCGS-A benefited “It’s amazing to see everyone feed off one another. There’s The first week of the exercise was devoted to training Sol- more than just an American audience. an obvious fervency in the air,” said Church. “Soldiers not diers for their specific role in the scenario, which unfolded only enjoyed the training, but they seemed to relish the in week two. “I was very impressed. I learned [the software] for the first companionship, the networking, the relationships. [Panther time ever and I absolutely loved it. It’s an awesome system,” Strike] fosters a real sense of community between all our The exercise leveraged the synergized efforts of military said Canadian Army Reserve Cpl. Jean-Philippe Lacasse components and our international partners.”

8 Grizzly | 2014 | July

Signal intelligence analysts amp up Panther Strike training

By SPC. BRIANNE ROUDEBUSH tunities to hone and improve their skill set. confident in their skills,” Power said. 69th Public Affairs Detachment “The training here has a very practical ap- Sgt. James Smith, a signals intelligence ana- A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flies over plication,” said Spc. Mark Johnson, a lin- lyst with D Company, 297th Military Intel- a simulated Afghan village teeming with guist with B Company, 142nd MI Battalion, ligence Battalion, Georgia Army National role players dressed as locals. Soldiers on Utah National Guard, who worked in the Guard said the LLVI course was perfect foot and in Humvees travel back and forth signal intelligence tactical operation cen- training. on a dusty road from the village to a for- ter during Panther Strike. “We are getting ward operating base (FOB), while role- a lot of hands-on experience with equip- “It teaches everything you need to know for playing insurgents plan to ambush a pass- ment that our unit doesn’t have, so it’s been the basics of LLVI,” Smith said. ing convoy. great.” Smith has been to Panther Strike exercises in This scenario was just part of the training Chief Warrant Officer 2 Garon Power, the previous years. “Every time I come out here, that played out June 8-22 during Panther officer in charge for the Low Level Voice I always learn something new,” he said. Strike 2014, a large-scale, cross-component Intercept course, said that since 2010, “Whether it’s something about the equip- intelligence exercise. Camp Williams has been the LLVI center ment I didn’t know, or a way [to gather sig- of excellence for the world. MI personnel nals intelligence].” Human intelligence, counter signals, im- from every branch of the military come to agery, geo-spatial and all-source military Camp Williams for this course. The course encompasses three days of class- intelligence professionals worked together room instruction followed by seven days throughout the training to capture or elimi- Power and his staff pulled from the LLVI of hands-on experience out in the field. nate cells of Taliban and al-Qaeda insur- course curriculum to give the signals in- Mounted and dismounted operations were gents in a Utah valley that stood in for Af- telligence team a high-level, in-depth sup- conducted, air insertions from a Black Hawk ghanistan’s Kunar province. plement to the Panther Strike training this and operations around the FOB gathering year. intercepted communications and distribut- While some intelligence collectors gather ing them to the other intelligence assets. information from people, imagery and doc- The course teaches different techniques to The Low-Level Voice Intercept logo reflects uments, signal intelligence Soldiers pull intercept and analyze communications in Power said the goal of Panther Strike and off a vehicle. Photo by 1st Lt. Jan Bender unseen electromagnetic waves out of thin order to offer coalition forces an advan- the LLVI course was to create a training en- air and transform them into tangible data. tage. vironment that is as realistic as possible and “Each intelligence discipline is a wheel on Over the course of this year’s training, sig- to facilitate teamwork among the various as- the vehicle,” Power said. “We all need to nals intelligence Soldiers had many oppor- “This training helps Soldiers feel more pects of the intelligence community. work together to get where we need to go.”

HUMINT teams keep it real during Panther Strike Role players at a simulated village test the skills of National Guard intel Soldiers at Camp Williams

By MASTER SGT. JULIE AVEY acting to town’s people and meeting with San Diego Regional Public Affairs sources.”

Soldiers on foot patrol outside the wire The HUMINT teams focus on building rap- avoided simulated improvised explosive port with the locals while eliciting critical devices. Humvees traveled dusty roads information. between Forward Operating Base (FOB) Blessing and a local village, called Kanday, “Our job is talking to people, gathering in- which was designed to replicate a village formation, and it is rewarding being able to in Afghanistan. The IEDs and village were provide a more detailed piece to the other part of the annual Panther Strike exercise, intelligence entities,” said Spc. Julia Esco- which tested the skills of military intelli- bosa of the 250th Military Intelligence Bat- gence Soldiers over two weeks in June at talion in Long Beach, Calif. Camp Willams, Utah. Reports are generated from the information This year’s Panther Strike focused heavily gathered during the meetings and then in- on Military Intelligence (HUMINT) Collec- corporated with signals intelligence, imag- tion Teams and providing training to those ery intelligence and counterintelligence. Soldiers who gather and collect informa- tion on the ground through interpersonal “It is very important for us to know how skills. For the exercise, Soldiers spent three Spc. Walid Lotfy, right, an intelligence collector with the 250th Military Intelligence Bat- other areas of the intelligence field work days in classroom instruction followed by talion, out of Long Beach, gets information from role players during Panther Strike 2014 and what they can provide to our area of seven days of simulated deployment expe- in Camp Williams, Utah, June 17. Photo by Brianne M. Roudebush intelligence,” said Escobosa. “Others in the riences out in the field. field may not know how others work and to be culturally aware of Islamic customs The HUMINT intelligence Soldiers were what they can provide.” “We as human intelligence collectors are and courtesies, tribes and ethnicities and split between acting as Afghan role players able to collect information through people the history of Afghanistan. Documentaries and human collection teams that conducted During the exercise, intelligence was gath- rather than machines and this gives a more from Afghanistan were also utilized to re- source meetings throughout the field exer- ered and analyzed and provided to com- personal aspect allowing for more detailed late to and show mannerisms of Afghan cise. manders to ultimately drive operations. information,” said Spc. Michael Ortiz of people. the 250th Military Intelligence Battalion in During the exercise, military intelligence The exercise incorporated the most cur- Long Beach, Calif. “The classes were very beneficial for both collectors took to the streets meeting role rent techniques, tactics and procedures the role players and as HUMINT collectors players dressed as Afghan locals in a simu- used in the Afghanistan Theater of Opera- “We had the chance to study the history to not only allow for better realistic practice lated village or at arranged locations. The tions to maximize Soldier familiarization and culture of Afghans,” said Spc. Cody to real life situations but also for patience HUMINT teams interacted with over 100 with real world knowledge and current Savell of the 321st Military Intelligence Bat- with others and listening skills,” said Spc. Soldiers who wore Afghan attire. operating trends. talion, Texas National Guard. Kimberly Blancas of the 578th Brigade En- gineer Battalion (BEB), D Company, Mili- “I embraced being a role player,” said “I learned a lot about developing rela- The classroom training for HUMINT col- tary Intelligence in San Diego. Blancas. “I liked seeing the opposite side tionships with local populace,” said Spc. lectors included cultural awareness classes. and feeling what it is like to be on the other Hannah Curry of the 223rd Military Intel- The cultural classes which were conducted Blancas was chosen to be one of the role side. The interactions as a role player also ligence Battalion in the Bay area. “I will be at a local Islamic center in Salt Lake City players because of her background in im- allowed me to see other techniques the able to utilize the training during other op- included background information on how provisation in her college acting classes. human intelligence collectors utilize in re- erations as well.”

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3

1: Sgt. Bryston Brauer, a crew chief with B Company, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regi- ment, out of Stockton, looks out at San Luis Obispo from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter on July 30. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney 2: A tactical vehicle from the 147th Combat Communications Squadron is driven aboard a C-17 GlobeMaster preparing to fly to San Clemente Island in support of Operation Patriot Hook, which took place April 23-28. Patriot Hook is an annual exercise simulating a joint military and civilian response to a natural disaster in a forward deployed location. The exercise integrates federal agencies with the military, focusing on mobilization training to disasters and emergencies world- wide. Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey 3: Military intelligence Soldiers from across the U.S. and Canada organize into different units to form a notional combined joint task force at Panther Strike 2014, which took place June 6-22. The exercise was designed to leverage the Soldiers’ various MI specialties in the human, counter, signals, imagery, geo-spatial and all-source intelligence fields to capture or eliminate cells of Taliban and al-Qaeda insurgents in a simulated valley of Afghanistan’s Kunar province laid out on Camp Williams outside Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo by 1st Lt. Jan Bender 4. California Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Rich Smith, with the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast, performs at the Murray City Amphitheater in Murray City, Utah, on July 3, 2014. Photo by Airman 1st Class Madeleine Richards 4

10 At a Glance

A role player, serving as a protester or demonstrator, challenges mem- bers of the California Army Na- tional Guard’s 185th Military Police Battalion during training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Ala. The MPs were at the CDP July 6-20 Photo by Shannon Arledge 6: Members of the Santa Clara Police Depart- ment SWAT team board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment at Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., on July 30 during an orientation flight. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney

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7: Signal intelligence collector Sgt. Vladi- mir Kuvshinov from B Company, 250th Military Intelligence Battalion, speaks with role players during an information gather- ing exercise at Panther Strike 2014, which took place at Camp Williams, Utah, June 6-22. Panther Strike is an annual training event that simulates full-spectrum intel- ligence gathering within a combined joint task force. Photo by Sgt. Nicholas Cloward 8. U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Kimberly Weiss, a veterinarian, provides simulated medical aid to Spc. Ryan Calhoun, a food inspector, both assigned to 994th Medical Company (Veterinary Services), during Warrior Exercise 2014 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., on July 21. More than 40 ac- tive, Reserve and National Guard support units from across the country participated in the 14-day exercise. Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Klutts

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11 Grizzly | 2014 | July CNG has its eye on drug smugglers Counterdrug Task Force Ground Tactical Teams use specialized equipment to monitor smuggling vessels along California Coast

By Spc. Brianne Roudebush There are now teams operating from San Diego up through CNG Counterdrug Task Force San Luis Obispo.

After carrying more than 120 pounds of gear up five flights The Ventura County team said there have been vessels de- of stairs and applying copious amounts bug spray to ward tected as far north as Monterey and San Francisco. off gnats and mosquitoes, the three-man surveillance team set up their equipment and settled in for the long night “Their small, one or two-engine boats are not meant to trav- ahead. el that far,” a specialist on the Ventura County team said. “They are getting desperate and taking more risks.” Using specialized observation systems, the California Na- tional Guard Counterdrug Task Force’s Ground Tactical The Counterdrug teams continuously adjust their areas of Teams monitor activity along the coast each night. operation in order to stay ahead of the smugglers.

The mission began in 2011 when the Counterdrug Task Each team has multiple observation posts that they rotate Force partnered with local law enforcement agencies in through. Their equipment can be used in rain, fog and other California’s coastal counties in response to increased drug low-visibility conditions. smuggling activities. “We actually have several different devices so we can adjust Throughout the night, the teams document everything they and prepare for whatever comes at us throughout the night,” see. If a suspicious vessel is detected, they contact the local the team leader said. “We are at the mercy of the weather out law enforcement agency who will intervene as they see fit. here.”

“This mission is important because it is the last line of de- The operations have proven to be very effective. The vol- fense to detect these vessels before drugs hit the streets,” a ume of smuggling activity has drastically decreased since Ground Tactical Team leader in Ventura County said. “Once 2011. The team leader said the smugglers know they will be they hit the streets, they’re gone and there is nothing we can caught if they try to land on California shores. do.” The team said they enjoy working side-by-side with law en- When the program first began, San Diego was the only forcement officials and seeing the positive effects the mission county the teams operated out of. has. The California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force “Once we started detecting boats, [the smugglers] started “This directly affects the neighborhoods where we live,” the Ground Tactical Team in Southern California uses spe- pushing farther and farther north, up the coast,” the team specialist said. “Being out here to stop smugglers is good for cialized observation systems to detect suspicious vessels leader said. our communities. It helps keep drugs off our streets.” along the coast. Photo by Spc. Brianne Roudebush

Counterdrug Task Force hones skills for drug-fighting mission Task Force Soldiers and Airmen maintain high standards and ‘tight shop group’ with multiple certification courses

By Spc. Brianne Roudebush “Being in small class sizes and in small to be able to get a tight shot group.” dence when you get experience in leader- CNG Counterdrug Task Force teams allowed us to work on specifics ship positions. It is 100 percent beneficial and get more one-on-one time to make Not only does this advanced training because you can take what you learn and In order to guarantee the highest level sure we are doing everything correctly help Soldiers and Airmen in their coun- bring it back to your squad or team.” of competency, professionalism and and efficiently,” said an infantryman terdrug role, it benefits them in their po- success, the California National Guard on the ground tactical team in Southern sitions at their home units as well. The Counterdrug Task Force brings to- Counterdrug Task Force conducted mul- California who is not being identified for gether Soldiers and Airmen from differ- tiple initial and recertification courses security reasons. The infantryman said the training in- ent specialties to create teams. The infan- throughout the state over the past sev- cluded a lot more land navigation and tryman said the training is a great way to eral months. Teams conducted skill-specific training reconnaissance techniques that his unit ensure that everyone, regardless of their that will help them accomplish their mis- does not cover. military job or previous training, is on For new hires, the initial certification sions. The courses covered everything the same level when it comes to the skills courses enhance their basic knowledge from drug trafficking trends to com- “We got new training on how to blend in they will need in the field. through in-depth, high-caliber training. munity support and coalition develop- when you are surveying an area for an ment to specialized observation systems, extended period of time,” he said. “We Each year, members of the taskforce weapons training and ground tactical learned how to set up listening positions are required to attend a recertification movements. and observation posts, which was new course so that there are no questions as for me. We just had more time one-on- to whether the team is trained. “I think it gives them more confidence in one to learn more tricks.” their ability to do the mission,” Sgt. First “The training is a refresher on the foun- Class Neil Medlar, a noncommissioned Counterdrug members also get trained dation that they have acquired from the officer in charge for Northern California, on specialized equipment like long-range beginning,” Capt. Ruel Fuentecilla, an said. “We conduct scenarios to make it advanced scout surveillance systems and officer in charge in Southern California, more realistic than just classroom train- flare systems that they don’t always have said. “It goes back to basics and [adds] ing and they know they can do it–even access to at their home units. any best practices they have been able to under a little stress.” implement and execute out in the field.” Furthermore, they are given the opportu- A sergeant first class and mission team nity to take on leadership positions. The The Northern California sergeant first leader for the ground tactical team in sergeant first class said the lower-enlist- class said the training is an opportunity the Sacramento area echoed these senti- ed Soldiers brief the instructors on how for members to correct any deficien- ments, emphasizing that “realism” is a they plan to accomplish a training mis- cies or shortcomings in operations they key component. sion, rather than having the instructors might see. give the orders. Using night vision lenses, two California Na- “We incorporated precision into the “It gives the team the chance to get on tional Guard Counterdrug Task Force mem- weapons training this year,” the sergeant “We get more responsibilities here than the same page,” he said. “Everyone bers conduct night training during their an- said. “It’s not good enough to just shoot in a regular line unit where you just get comes in with their own experiences and nual recertification course. Photo courtesy of and hit a stationary target. In real life, told what to do,” the infantryman said. equipment and we get to build upon that the California Counterdrug Task Force when the stress picks up, you still have “It definitely helps you build more confi- knowledge and learn together.”

12 Grizzly | 2014 | July

LEFT: The Air National Guard Band of the West Coast performs at the Brigham City Pioneer Park in Brigham City, Utah, on July 4. RIGHT: Chief Master Sgt. Jurgen Schwarze, member of the Tailgaters with the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast performs at the Park City Television Station in Park City, Utah on July 1, 2014. Photos by Airman 1st Class Madeleine Richards Air Guard band entertains the West By Airman 1st Class Madeleine Richards ahead of us, which started with a 7 a.m. report time. I had commander, Capt. Vu Nguyen, and Master Sgt. Gerald 146th Airlift Wing Public Affairs the pleasure of watching the Brass Quintet and the Dixie- Lockwood, and then the Tailgaters began to play. The band land Tailgaters—smaller groups made up of 562nd Band members played four songs spread throughout the show, As a photographer for the 146th Airlift Wing, I was assigned members—play before the main event. They were so much and Joe liked them so much he gave them and the whole to travel with the Air National Guard Band of the West fun to watch. Both groups were extremely upbeat, and peo- 562nd Band an open invitation to come back whenever they Coast for two weeks in June and July. The music I heard ple just loved to watch them. are in town again. They wouldn't be able to fit the whole and the camaraderie I witnessed between the band mem- band in the studio, though, so I think he planned for them to bers and their audiences, however, deserved more than just After they were finished performing, the entire band lined stand outside on the deck! a visual account. up to march down the edge of the flight line. Their forma- tion was beautiful, and I didn’t see one person step out of That evening's performance was at the Draper City Amphi- On the first night of our trip, the band performed in a nice out sync. When they came to a stop, it was time for them to theater in Draper City, Utah. The show started off a little little town called Ojai, Calif. Once the first song played, I play the national anthem while a parachutist jumped out of rocky with some technical difficulties when the microphone knew I was in for a good trip. The band performance lasted an airplane with an American flag flying in the wind. It was stopped working, but being true professionals, the band about an hour and a half and to say they sounded “pretty an amazing moment! members maintained their composure and kept playing good" would be a huge understatement. They were amaz- beautifully. After that first hiccup, the band was good to go ing! From singing to flute solos, it was beautiful music, and That evening, the band played at the Ed Kenley Amphithe- for the rest of the night. my favorite part was when they asked the veterans in the atre in Layton, Utah, which was overflowing with music audience to stand up toward the end of the show. When the lovers. The audience was very diverse in age, ranging from Performances followed in Ogden City and Murray City, last song was over, I heard quite a few audience members adorable young kids waving American flags to many older Utah, and then Brigham City, Utah, on Independence Day. saying they wished they could hear one more song, and a veterans representing their branch of service with hats and The performance on July 4 was special because I got to see few approached me just to express how much they enjoyed t-shirts. The energy of the crowd was amazing, and I could the group Fuego Azul—another smaller group composed the show. tell the band was feeding off their good vibes. When the of 562nd members—perform for the first time. It was a nice band played “America the Beautiful,” the crowd sang along, change of pace with very upbeat Latin rock music. After After the audience cleared out, the band started to pack up and even the captain of the band admitted it gave him goose they performed, a teenage boy approached the group to ex- their equipment. I never stopped to think about who hauled bumps. press to them how much he enjoyed their performance. It all of the sound equipment, instruments, chairs, uniforms, was sweet to see how the band can touch all different age music stands, etc. Well the band does it all! I was amazed I was exhausted after the two shows, and I could only imag- groups. by how much work they put in to prepare and clean up for ine how tired the band members were. But another 7 a.m. a show. call loomed the next morning, this time for a special photo The Dixieland Tailgaters were on a roll July 4 as well, walk- opportunity of the band playing and marching out of a C-5 ing in the audience and picking different groups to play for. The second stop on our tour was Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Galaxy, the Air Force's largest cargo plane. That evening The crowd absolutely loved it! The group would pick a spot I wish I could say the drive was beautiful and scenic, but I the band performed at the Bountiful City Park in Bountiful, to play and, while they were playing, pick up and move slept the whole way—much needed sleep for the long day Utah. The setting was a beautiful stage with wooden ceil- around to find a new spot. At one point they set up next to a ings. The seating was provided by the audience members few families having a cookout and played a Happy Birthday who brought their own chairs. tune for a young girl in the crowd.

The music was amazing, as usual. I also really enjoyed tak- That was all before the main performance with the whole ing pictures during the intermission and at the end of the band which started at 9 p.m. The audience members were performance, when a few of the band members stepped out extra patriotic that night and showed an even higher level of into the crowd to talk to the audience members. They just excitement for the band's performance! When I was walking loved it. People were asking questions about the band, and through the crowd taking photos, an older man approached it was hard for a band member to walk a few feet without and asked me to thank the band for coming and tell them someone coming up to shake their hand. how much their music meant to him and his wife. I also spoke with a couple I recognized from the show in Ogden The next morning at 4:45 a.m., the Tailgaters and I set off City: They loved it so much they came back to hear the band for Park City, Utah, for a special gig. During the Tailgaters one more time before we headed back to California. performance at Hill Air Force Base, a fellow National Guard member, Joe Davis, who also happens to be the host of a TV This was my first tour as an Airman and I feel like I hit the show, had approached the Tailgaters and asked them to be jackpot when I was chosen to travel with the band. These Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Corbet talks to audience members at the on his show. service members make a special contribution to our nation, Ogden City Amphitheater in Ogden City, Utah on July 2. Pho- educating people about the Air National Guard and bring- to by Airman 1st Class Madeleine Richards When we arrived at the TV station, Joe interviewed the ing smiles to so many faces.

13 Grizzly | 2014 | July Photo byKlutts Staff Sgt. Christopher

A California National Guardsman with 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, 79th In- fantry Brigade, fires blank rounds at U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers during Warrior Exercise 2014 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., July 22, 2014. Army Total Force trains as one at Warrior Exercise ‘14 Cal Guard, Army Reserve and Big Army train together at Fort Hunter Liggett

By STAFF SGT. CHRISTOPHER KLUTTS The 189th itself is comprised of active and something and then put it into practical ap- Salavec said. 20th Public Affairs Detachment Reserve battalions, which Wickman said plication,” Ward said. uniquely equips them to be the primary Company-level units like Salavec’s can Flanked by California hills and sunburnt trainers during the multi-component and In addition to refreshing individual skills, train in their occupations at their home grass, U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers have multi-echelon event. Warrior Exercise as an annual training stations, whether that be building a bridge a problem. They were manning an entry event allows units to test their abilities to like the 409th Engineer Company or taking control point to a base as part of Warrior The active duty and Reserve partnership work as teams in a simulated combat zone. photos and video like the Reserve public Exercise 2014, when a band of California starts at the highest level of the exercise, affairs Soldiers defending the entry control National Guardsman launched an attack the expeditionary sustainment command. For U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. R.J. Salavec, point. on their position. Soldiers with 364th Expeditionary Sus- commander of 409th Engineer Company tainment Command, a Reserve unit out of out of Fort Collins, Colorado, the exercise “We’re trying to stress the importance to Simulated casualties litter the control Marysville, Washington, partnered with was his third annual training event with these guys of making a decision,” Ward point. Wounded attackers call for help, the 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Com- the two prior being construction and hu- said. others pretend to mourn the fallen. Two mand from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. manitarian aid missions. Soldiers from the Reserve unit, public af- Warrior Exercise puts those Soldiers in sit- fairs broadcasters by trade, stand frozen in The two units, usually charged with co- “We try to do something four or five times uations they won’t find during a weekend the middle. ordinating support and logistics for thou- a year to get out into the community and drill but may encounter on the battlefield, sands of Soldiers, will transfer responsibil- build something, but nothing as tactical as where decisions can be the difference be- “There is no right or wrong decision. The ity of those tasks during the exercise just as this, nothing this far out of Fort Collins,” tween success and failure. only wrong decision is not making one,” they would while deployed. says U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Ward, an observer, coach and trainer with 189th In- Below the expeditionary sustainment com- fantry Brigade. mand, observer, coach and trainers, known as OC/Ts, shadow units during both phases The silence breaks and the Soldiers start of Warrior Exercise–mission rehearsal and moving the bodies, clearing the way into a simulated mission in an adaptive training the base. environment.

The Warrior Exercise, held this year in July The OC/Ts, like Ward at the entry control at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., serves as an point, are predominately from the 189th annual culminating training event for com- Infantry and have backgrounds in combat bat support units throughout the Army. occupations like infantry and armor. They walk step-by-step through warrior tasks Though the majority of the more than 40 with the support units during the mission units training are from the Army Reserve, rehearsal phase. the 14-day exercise also tests and strength- ens the interoperability of Soldiers from Ward, a cavalry scout, said he keeps in the active duty, Reserve and National mind that support Soldiers are often at- Guard components, collectively known as tached to combat units and could be at- the Army Total Force. tached to his in the future.

“They’re weaving in much like they would All Soldiers, regardless of their specific do on the modern battlefield. We don’t occupation, are expected to know basic necessarily ask what component some- warrior tasks that range from convoy op- body is. We just notice it says ‘U.S. Army’ erations to room clearing. Most begin the on their uniform. We have to train like that exercise prepared to start with the basics. TOP LEFT: California National Guard Spc. Christopher Sprague, with1st Battalion, 184th Infan- so it is less impact and less startling to the try Regiment, attacks a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier during Warrior Exercise 2014 at Fort Hunter system when we do it in combat,” said Col. “They’re not coming in here with the pre- Liggett, Calif., July 21, 2014. BOTTOM LEFT: U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers evacuate a simulated Randall Wickman, commander for 189th conceived notion that they know every- casualty during Warrior Exercise 2014. RIGHT: U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers prepare to enter a Infantry garrisoned at Joint Base Lewis- thing, so they’re more open to learn the training village during Warrior Exercise 2014 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., July 22, 2014. Photos McChord, Washington. actual doctrine and the fundamentals of by Staff Sgt. Christopher Klutts

14 Grizzly | 2014 | July King of Battle takes the field Troopers from 1st Battalion, 144th Field Artil- lery Regiment unload their M109A6 Paladins in LEFT: An M109A6 Paladin fires a volley on the deserts of Fort Irwin during annual training May 28 at Fort Irwin, Calif. ABOVE: Troop- ers prepare to load rounds inside a Paladin at Fort Irwin, Calif. Photos by Sgt. 1st Class By SGT. 1ST CLASS BENJAMIN COSSEL down range—they’re happy. This is what Benjamin Cossel 40th Infantry Division Public Affairs they live for.” then they can begin prosecuting targets as One such Soldier is Spc. Eric Lomeli from As far as the eye can see, the landscape Adams is the commander of this uniquely a platoon.” Covina, California. “It’s really nice to be is near barren. The mercury in the ther- positioned unit. Attached to the active able to come out here, apply what I learned mometer pushes well past 100 degrees. Army’s 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, According to regimental executive offi- in school and add to it, then take the lessons Sweat drips off the guys mingling with the 1-144th FA is also the only unit in the cer, Maj. Eric Devries, certification comes learned from my senior NCOs,” Lomeli desert dust, cutting a path as it pours California National Guard with M109A6 through the use of standardized Army qual- said. down their face. To a man, they couldn’t Paladin self-propelled howitzers in its fir- ification tables. Numbered one through six, be happier. ing battery. the first five tables put the Paladin crews Lomeli joined the regiment just two months through a series of maneuvers, each more ago, advanced individual training still fresh It’s the type of place only a desert tor- While the troopers of the regiment may live challenging than the first and building on in his mind, he’s anxious to learn as much as toise could love. Well, tortoises and to send rounds down range, before they get the skill sets of the previous. While the final he can in this training environment. the Soldiers of the California National to that point, there’s a laundry list of boxes table, table six does the same, it is the one Guard’s 1st Battalion, 144th Field Artil- to check. Adams estimated his unit make these Soldiers look forward to—live fire. “I know this isn’t like being over in theater,” lery Regiment as they wrap up their 2014 up at 70 percent seasoned veterans, with 30 the young specialist said, “but it feels really annual training deep in the desert ranges percent of his troops being freshly minted With the mix of tested veterans and good to be getting a bit of real world train- of Fort Irwin’s National Training Center. Soldiers. new troops, Adams said his unit is po- ing.” sitioned to come out of annual training “Anytime my guys are out here,” Lt. “Each section has to get qualified on their well trained and ready for whatever may “This is a world class organization,” said Col. Joe Adams explained as he waved individual tasks before they can move on come as veterans impart their hard earned Adams, a noticeable swell of pride entering his arm in a semicircle, “rolling into po- to platoon maneuver qualifications,” Ad- knowledge to the younger, less experi- his voice. “I would take the guys into battle, sition, setting up and putting rounds ams said. “Once those unit are qualified, enced crew members. anywhere in the world.”

185th MP Co. trains at Center for Domestic Preparedness Cal Guard MPs prepare for the worst with realistic disaster response training at CDP in Anniston, Ala.

By SHANNON ARLEDGE are assets to the emergency responders in the command structure was my biggest Center of Domestic Preparedness cities across the United States. takeaway.”

The 185th Military Police Battalion took “An emergency incident will involve sev- The 185th sent more than 110 Soldiers to advantage of training at the Center for Do- eral different aspects of public safety— CDP training—all part of the state’s HRF. mestic Preparedness (CDP) July 6-20. The from fire to police to healthcare,” said Lt. The unit collectively attended more than The 185th MP Company troops train at the battalion spent two weeks in Anniston, Col. Robert Paoletti, commanding officer of 10 courses over the two-week period and Center for Domestic Preparedness in Annis- Ala., honing its skills employing crowd the 185th Military Police. “Having a place completed its training cycle by participat- ton, Ala. in July. Photo by Shannon Arledge control measures, countering protester tac- where we can train and experience different ing in an Integrated Capstone Event (ICE). tics, learning to manage incidents and per- scenarios in a contaminated environment is The ICE is a one-of-a-kind training experi- and VX and biological materials, such as forming military police duties in an area great. We trained with all disciplines, learn- ence that blends multiple courses and disci- anthrax and ricin. The scenarios simulate contaminated with chemical and biological ing a common set of operations and we all plines into a single end-of-course exercise. the rescue of citizens, illegal demonstra- hazards. left with a better understanding of the [Na- tions, evidence preservation and locating tional Incident Management System], mak- “This is a great way to utilize skills and and identifying the toxic substances. “This is excellent training for our Soldiers,” ing our unit better in our HRF [Homeland implement them with civilian agencies, es- said Col. Kelly Fisher, commander of the Response Force] role supporting our state.” pecially in the ICE,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jes- “I enjoyed the level of instruction and expe- 49th Military Police Brigade, which is the The United States has established 10 HRFs samyn Sobeckiengle. “We started at a rapid rience from the instructors,” said Sgt. John command element for the 185th. “The first selected to support each of the 10 Federal pace and every class built on the next. This Lafaver. “We spent very little time in the thing I observed is how engaged, inter- Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is going to enhance our capability to per- classroom and were hands-on most of the ested, and how challenging our Soldiers regions. The Army National Guard and Air form as a civil support unit in the state of time. I definitely feel more prepared. Any- found the training. They love this kind of National Guard are the primary HRF ele- California.” one coming here, with the level of instruc- training and it gives them perspective of ments and assume roles based on current tion and with the way this program is run, what may be expected of them if and when threats, with a principal focus on chemi- “Classes like these where we work together will find it impossible to walk away and they get called up for a domestic response. cal, biological, radiological and nuclear re- and observe other first response capabili- not learn. More need to take advantage.” Our number one priority when called upon sponse. ties are a large benefit,” said 1st Lt. Anto- is saving lives and mitigating human suf- mia Ambrie. “Communication is important The CDP plays a leading role in preparing fering and loss of critical infrastructure. The unit’s primary role in California is to and when there are multiple levels of re- state, local and tribal responders to prepare The CDP is key to ensuring we are well support civilian authorities and quickly sponse, terminology must be consistent. for and respond to manmade events or ma- prepared for these potential events.” respond to emergencies. The185th MP Bat- The courses demonstrated how we fit into jor accidents involving hazardous or toxic talion trains to provide disaster relief fol- the response picture and communicate materials, to include mass casualty events. U.S. Army National Guard units support lowing earthquakes, fires, floods, terrorist with each other and the state and locals.” their respective states throughout the na- events or civil unrest. Under Title 32 (state support) missions, tion. Guard units provide a variety of state The CDP incorporates realistic venues into National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are support to include engineering, urban “I understand more about the roles and re- its hands-on training. Updated training eligible to attend fully funded training at search and rescue, law enforcement, fire- sponsibilities at different levels,” said Spc. areas enhance a modern learning environ- the CDP. Department of Homeland Secu- fighting support and healthcare. The mix James Hernandez. “This was my second ment, including sound effects, role players rity funds the training, the students’ travel, of talent and technologically skilled Guard time to train at the CDP. … This time it is performing in mass demonstrations, pro- lodging and meals. To learn more about members create units that are ready to sup- even better. Observing the different levels tester extrication tools, training in a toxic the Center for Domestic Preparedness, visit port their region. Most importantly, they of response and working more closely with environment using nerve agents GB (Sarin) www.cdp.dhs.gov, or call 866-213-9553.

15 Grizzly | 2014 | July 224th Sustainment Brigade tests its METL Cal Guard brigade participates in large Warfighter exercise at Fort Riley, Kan., where mission essential task list (METL) and military decision making process skills are put to the test in realistic war scenario

By STAFF SGT. TINA VILLALOBOS mentary orders (FRAGOs) and requests Arnold Andersen, 224th Sustainment Bri- 224th Sustainment Brigade for information (RFIs) drove the train- gade plans officer. “It will give us a very ing participants’ command and control. good starting point, so we don’t have to More than 220 Soldiers of the California Troops tested their operational policies muddle through start-up operations any- Army National Guard's 224th Sustain- and procedures, as well as their knowl- more. We know exactly where everything ment Brigade teamed up with active duty edge of rules of engagement and wartime needs to be in the plans tent; from how we troops from the 34th Infantry Division protocol. Soldiers also gained an under- plan on conducting briefings and military (ID), and Command Joint Task Force 12 standing of the effects of their decisions decision making processes [MDMP], to (CJTF-12) to converge on Ft. Riley in June during a wartime scenario, as well as the the proper manning to ensure I have ev- for Warfighter 2014. Warfighter is a period- importance of timeliness and methods for erybody I need in my section to support ic, comprehensive and collaborative simu- addressing unexpected contingencies. the mission.” lated training exercise, which requires full Command Sgt. Maj. Adam B. Walker, of the participation from every Soldier in the Using the Army's “train as we fight” man- Less experienced Soldiers gained a deep- 224th Sustainment Brigade, conducts a mock brigade. Warfighter not only challenges tra, the training was intense and included er understanding of the functional knowl- interview during a Warfighter exercise that troops to perform at peak levels within 24-hour operations and high operations edge they learned at Army Initial Train- took place over two weeks at Fort Riley, Kan. their skill set, but also tests their abilities tempo scenarios occurring at all hours, ing [AIT] or Officer's Basic Course [OBC], Warfighter exercises simulate scenarios lead- in the areas of teamwork and cross-func- to include dealing with civilians and dis- while seasoned troops honed their skills, ers might encounter in war, including media tional knowledge and capabilities. placed persons in the area of operations, adapted to the new environment and presence on the battlefield.Photo by Staff Sgt. continuously updated FRAGOs and RFIs, mentored other Soldiers to build confi- Tina Villalobos The exercise, which lasted 14 days, im- loss of troops and material assets, disrup- dence in their ability to complete the mis- mersed the brigade headquarters and tions in host-nation infrastructures, inter- sion. “The OCTs [observer controllers/train- participating units into a wartime theater ference of weather and system outages, all ers] made sure that the brigade had that of operations with a critical mission to ac- while dealing with media engagements “One thing that even our OCs [observer training effect and learning curve,” complish. The magnitude of this exercise with live television news crews and print controllers] for this warfighter noticed is said Maj. Noland Flores. “I think over- was history in the making, as it was the media. our camaraderie,” said Briggs. “We all get all it was excellent. Our team’s top United States Army's largest Warfighter along and there is a consensus. We work three take-a-ways were learning the exercise ever conducted, involving more In an effort to replicate a realistic in-the- well together.” systems; people working outside their than 2,000 service members encompassing ater scenario, the Operations Center of the ranks and MOS’; and the OCTs pro- one division and 10 brigades, according to 224th Sustainment Brigade was set up in a As a signal support specialist, primarily viding guidance and mentoring. My Fox News 4, Kansas City. giant tent, comprising the functional sec- in charge of radios and mobile communi- Soldiers did an outstanding job. They tions of brigade headquarters, just as it cations for the 140th Engineering Support worked very hard, and I was very While the overall mission of Warfighter would be in a wartime theater of opera- Company, Spc. Nikeisha Clarke adapted proud of what they accomplished.” was to liberate the fictional Atropian tion. her skill set to working on computers and people, the specific mission of the 224th telephone lines during Warfighter. While keeping SOPs current and keep- Sustainment Brigade was to satisfy the “This is the first time during a warfighter ing abreast of Army skills manuals is need for critical supplies and logistics to that we have actually set up a TOC rep- “Warfighter is very different from what always a good idea, it can pay particu- the 34th ID and CJTF-12 forces moving licating being in the field,” Briggs said. we do back at home station,” Clarke said. lar dividends at Warfighter, according through the area of operations. “In the past, warfighters have been in the “I feel this was very beneficial because we to Maj. William Mendelsohn, 224th building and this definitely set a different did a lot of cross training. For any other Sustainment Brigade Personnel Officer “The Warfighter Exercise was one of our tone. Every brigade that comes through Soldier that has an opportunity to go to in Charge. first exposures to warfighter functions and here, regardless of their function, should Warfighter, I would say, keep your eyes cross-functionality in a different way than establish in this way in order to set the and ears open! Take plenty of notes and “My advice for other officers coming we have done in the past,” said 224th Sus- tone for the exercise.” be prepared to learn a lot. It was great to a warfighter would be to spend a tainment Brigade Deputy Commanding training, and I can’t wait to do it again.” lot of time preparing,” Mendelsohn Officer Lt. Col. Jason Briggs. “We’ve really The training tested standard operating said. “Make sure you thoroughly walk made leaps and bounds on developing a procedures [SOPs], as well as every func- Warfighter tested commanders and their through the entire process, from prep- common operating picture; developing tional brigade element working in sync staffs at every level and focused on the aration to end of mission.” staff estimates; hasty planning—we have to accomplish the whole. Every team was brigade’s ability to provide logistics and done far better now than we have done in challenged to upgrade and revise their necessary supplies to units across the Col. David Ceniti, 224th SB command- any time in the recent past.” SOPs and learn more about their mission spectrum of the fight. er said, “This training event allowed essential task list (METL). us to exercise our mission command The computer driven exercise, directed by Command Sgt. Maj. Adam B. Walker was utilizing our various tactical networks, the actions of those being trained, as well “We are working on enhancing our current very proud of his troops. “We won! All my and allowed our staff to align up with as the training command, helped Soldiers plans and SOPs, which will enhance the senior NCOs were successfully trained the warfighting function… something experience some of the stress of being S-3’s [operations section] and the overall and learned their role in the exercise. The we have not done before we got here, in a wartime theater of operation. Frag- brigade headquarters SOP,” said Lt. Col. staff and the entire brigade gelled.” and was a key training event for us.”

Inner workings of a Warfighter exercise Warfighters are mission command exercises that simulate scenarios that leaders might encounter in war. For every move of a Warfighter, participants are observed by Observer/Controller/Trainers (OC/Ts) as well as senior mentors. The OC/Ts are experts and among the Army’s most accomplished and expe- rienced Soldiers. Warfighter exercises are driven by both the training audience and the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) through realistic mission command infor- mation systems, doctrinal command and control procedures and battlefield communication systems. The MCTP uses a Mission Scenario Events List (MSEL) to drive a simulated battle scenario. The training audiences’ tactical response to the MSEL creates a rolling battle between coalition and opposing forces.

The exercise includes both response and work cells. • The response cell represents the role of a higher command headquarters (those in response cell roles are typically mission command staff from a divi- sion scheduled to attend an upcoming Warfighter).

• The work cell is a small team pulled from the training audience to assist in the war simulation and to ensure that predetermined training tasks are ac- complished during the exercise. • The exercise control group provides external factors that units can expect to encounter in a theater of operations (to include news media, diplomats, coalition partners, scenario-based atrocities and terrorist activity). • The exercise also provides senior brigade staff with an opportunity to learn and grow during a Warfighter. During the exercise, senior staff is shadowed by active or retired general officers and retired or active Army colonels. 16 Grizzly | 2014 | July

The Santa Clara Police Department SWAT team poses for picture in front of a Cal Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter July 30 at Camp San Luis Obispo. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney You don’t know SWAT But the California National Guard does. Santa Clara Police Department SWAT and Cal Guard aviators team up at Camp SLO for some high-speed training in the skies above California’s Central Coast.

By CAPT. JASON Sweeney Civilian agencies can request assistance The 1-126th provided the CH-47 Chi- sert small teams into tight landing zones California Military Department Public Affairs from the Cal Guard as part of the National nook for the training. The Chinook gives and can also be used for command and Guard’s defense support of civil authori- SWAT the ability to insert large teams of control. You know what they say, you’re either ties (DSCA) mission—whether for fighting up to 30 into hard-to-reach locations. SWAT or you’re not. fires, responding to natural disasters, a “These aircraft give us added capabilities terrorist attack or supporting law enforce- A Company, 3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation in air operations,” Santa Clara SWAT Sgt. That may be the case, but on a warm July ment agencies fighting crime. Regiment, also out of Stockton, provided Greg Hill said. day at Camp San Luis Obispo members of the LUH-72 Lakota. The Lakota, with its the Santa Clara Police Department SWAT “You guys have fantastic resources avail- forward looking infrared (FLIR) pod, Sgt. Bryston Brauer, a crew chief with the team were thanking California Army Na- able,” Cole said of the California National downlink system and searchlight, can pro- 1-126th, said he enjoyed working with the tional Guard aviators for their service— Guard. vide surveillance assistance and serve as a Santa Clara PD SWAT team. and for taking them on low-altitude, hard- command and control platform. turning rides between mountaintops and The Santa Clara PD SWAT team is located “I get extra training time and experience over the California coastline. in the San Francisco Bay Area’s highly The UH-60 Black Hawk, flown by a crew working with other agencies,” he said. populated South Bay in the heart of Silicon from Fresno’s 1106th Theater Aviation “And they get training they wouldn’t get A Cal Guard CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Black Valley. The team often assists other agen- Sustainment Maintenance Group, can in- anywhere else.” Hawk and LUH-72 Lakota landed at the cies throughout the Bay Area. This year, camp on July 30 and teamed up with 22 the team is taking on an increased level of members of the Santa Clara PD SWAT responsibility with the August opening of team. Santa Clara’s new Levi’s Stadium.

The Army National Guard crews briefed The state-of-art $1.3 billion stadium can the SWAT team on the capabilities of each seat up to 75,000 and will host San Fran- Army helicopter. They then practiced cisco 49er home games, soccer games, pro- loading and unloading onto the aircraft fessional wrestling events and the Super before going up for orientation flights in Bowl in 2016. The Santa Clara SWAT team the Central Coast sky. will be responsible for responding should any tactical emergency occur at the sta- “This is the first step in getting our guys dium. acquainted with air operations,” Santa Clara PD SWAT Lt. Brett Cole said. Cole “I think it is really beneficial for us and said the briefings and orientation flights law enforcement agencies to work togeth- were excellent training in the event his er,” said 1st Lt. Alyson Miller, a Chinook unit and the Guard have to work together pilot with B Company, 1st Battalion, 126th on tactical insertion missions. Aviation Regiment, out of Stockton. “We can show them what we can do and how The Santa Clara PD SWAT team is a highly we can help them.” trained rapid response police unit that re- sponds to all types of tactical emergencies. “We have a symbiotic relationship with If there is a hostage situation way up in local law enforcement agencies,” said one of Santa Clara’s high-rise buildings, or Capt. Ben Bowman, pilot in command of LEFT: Members of the Santa Clara PD SWAT team practice egress from a Cal Guard CH-47 a drug raid in a remote location, the team the Chinook used during the training. “It Chinook at Camp San Luis Obispo on July 30. ABOVE RIGHT: Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael can request a ride from the California Na- helps to get face time before going out on Rathe briefs SWAT on the LUH-72 Lakota. BOTTOM RIGHT: SWAT members fly above Cali- tional Guard. a real-world mission.” fornia’s Central Coast in a CH-47 Chinook. Photos by Capt. Jason Sweeney

17 Grizzly | 2014 | July Headquarters barber retires By CAPT. JASON Sweeney said. “The people and the conversations—that slotted for closure in 1993 as part of a military California Military Department Public Affairs was the best part of it.” realignment process.

Getting a sharp-looking haircut at a good Lonteen started cutting hair in 1960 as a young One of Lonteen’s regular customers in those price from barber Frank Lonteen was one of man in his hometown of Denver. Three years last days at Mather was California Air Nation- the perks of visiting or working at the Califor- later he moved to California and got a job as al Guard Maj. Gen. Tandy Bozeman, who was nia Military Department’s Joint Force Head- a barber at Mather Air Force Base, which at the California Guard’s adjutant general. At the quarters in Sacramento. the time was home to the Strategic Air Com- time, the Cal Guard was moving its headquar- mand’s 4134th Strategic Wing and the Air ters from Watt Avenue in north Sacramento to For those at JFHQ, getting a haircut is now go- Force’s only aerial navigation school. its current location at 9800 Goethe Road. ing to be a little less convenient. Lonteen re- tired June 24 after 21 years in the building and Lonteen’s barber shop was in Mather’s offi- During a haircut, Lonteen said to Bozeman, 54 years total working as a barber. cer’s club, which he described as being a wild “Hey, how about putting a barber shop in place in the 1960s. An endless parade of young your new building?” Lonteen cut hair two days a week up on lieutenants on the base for navigator training JFHQ’s second floor. His small shop had a would come in for drinks, pool, card games He got a call from Bozeman the next day and barber’s chair, military-themed photos up on and the chance to watch the dancers who shortly after moved in to the new headquar- Frank Lonteen, left, gives California Army Na- the walls and a large cork board covered with sometimes provided entertainment at the stag ters building. Lonteen split his time cutting tional Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Lawrence military unit patches donated by his many bar. hair at McClellan Air Force Base and JFHQ Haskins one last haircut. Photo by Tech. Sgt. customers over the years. until McClellan closed down in 2000. Joseph Prouse “Guys would have a drink while getting their To get your hair cut by Lonteen was to spend hair cut,” he said. This year, at age 78, he finally decided to close long career. “I’ve never been sick, never had a 10 to 15 minutes chatting about such things as shop at JFHQ. He plans to spend his retire- cavity or a headache. Moderation is the key to the latest historical series on HBO, his travels Lonteen said it was a much different era back ment hanging out with his girlfriend, daugh- everything.” around Northern California and his hobby of then. “There was a lot of energy and stress go- ter and granddaughter. As an Old West his- collecting old casino poker chips and pre-pro- ing on,” he said. President John F. Kennedy tory buff, he will do a bit of traveling around Lonteen said being a barber can be a reward- hibition beer trays, signs and bottles—some had been assassinated, the Cold War was in California and hopes to visit all the California ing career. “It was for me. I have a lot of great worth thousands of dollars. A haircut from full swing and antiwar demonstrators were Missions. And, he will continue his hobby of memories of a lot of great people. I loved it.” Lonteen gave Soldiers and Airmen a chance often outside the front gates protesting the buying and selling collectibles. to take a break during the work day, have a Vietnam War. He said the fact that his customers were in seat and talk about sports, politics or the latest At this time, there are no plans for anyone to the military made his job doubly reward- news in his life and yours. With the end of the war in Vietnam, things replace him at JFHQ. ing. “There’s nobody better than military calmed down, Lonteen said. Then the Cold people. They’re patriotic and they protect “Every conversation was different,” Lonteen War ended and Mather Air Force Base was “I’ve been pretty lucky,” Lonteen said of his our country.”

Craft a sound Personal Financial Counselors financial plan Receive free consultations, referrals and training. Learn about credit management, budgeting, benefits, By Bob Spinelli Personal Financial Counselor, Central California taxes, estate planning, mortgages and much more!

Northern California: 916-224-2925 or [email protected] A couple of months ago I talked about the first three Bob Spinelli elements of a sound financial plan. They are: Central California: 559-513-9423 or [email protected] Personal Financial Counselor Southern California: 323-333-6331 or [email protected] Central California 1. A formal budget 2. An adequate emergency fund 3. Adequate regular retirement savings and the earnings. So in a sense it is a forced savings program. You can cash in the policy and get that cash Saving for large purchases The first element above gives you a clear picture of your value at any time. Automobile purchases are among the largest we make. spending. The next two balance short- and long-term One way to think of this expense is that you will always savings. Thus permanent insurance essentially combines actual be making a “car payment”: You can either borrow now insurance coverage with savings. This can be useful for and pay the loan and interest, or you can pay cash for the The next three elements, which I’ll discuss below, refine those who do not have the discipline to save directly. vehicle and make the “car payment” to your replacement and specify uses for your remaining funds. And, finally, But you may get a lower return on the excess premiums car fund for your next purchase. Choosing the cash it’s important to discuss proper uses of credit. than the return of investing in your Thrift Savings Plan. purchase will save you about $1,000 a year for the rest of Therefore I generally recommend paying the lower the period you continue to drive and purchase vehicles. Here are the remaining four elements: premiums of term insurance and taking the excess funds and investing directly in TSP or other vehicles. If you already have a loan, make additional monthly Adequate life insurance payments to reduce the term and then start a replacement Life insurance’s primary purpose is to replace the income Adequate education savings fund. It may take you two vehicles to get to full cash lost due to death so the surviving spouse and family Several saving vehicles exist in addition to transferring purchasing. Use the same technique for other major members can maintain their lifestyle. unused post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. purchases such as vacations, furniture, boats and motorcycles. For many active duty and National Guard personnel, Qualified tuition plans, or 529 programs, are offered especially before marriage and children, Servicemembers by all the states. They permit you and other people to Judicious use of credit Group Life Insurance, or SGLI, is more than adequate. deposit unlimited funds into an account where they are Credit—borrowing to finance purchases—should only be However, with a home mortgage and a growing family, invested tax-free. The funds can then be withdrawn tax- used to purchase a house with a mortgage and possibly additional insurance may be needed. This may require free, if used for qualified educational expenses. a vehicle. Beyond that, paying the interest rates on about $400,000 to $500,000 of additional insurance. installment personal loans and credit cards is ill-advised. A Coverdell Educational Savings Account is another Credit cards should only be used to purchase short-term Insurance can be purchased in two different modes, term means of savings. You can deduct $2,000 each year from items and should be paid off in full at the end of each insurance or permanent insurance. With term insurance your taxable income for a Coverdell account. The funds month. We all know someone who has gotten into credit you pay a level premium, which covers the actual cost of are invested and can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified card debt and how painful it is to remedy. the life insurance for a period of years. With a permanent educational expenses. policy or its variants, you pay a premium that is higher If you have questions about any of these elements or than the actual cost of term insurance. The company When you have a child in college, qualified educational about how to move from where you are financially invests the excess funds and guarantees you a minimum expenses reduce your taxable income. There are also to where you want to be, contact your local personal return. The cash value, which increases with the life of several tax credits that can be taken, depending on your financial counselor. the policy, is the combination of the excess premiums income level.

18 News & Benefits

Signals intelligence collectors board a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for a land navigation event during Panther Strike 2014 at Camp Williams, Utah, June 18. Panther Strike is an annual training event that simulates full-spectrum intelligence gathering operations within a combined joint task force. Photo by Spc. Brianne Roudebush Ingalls awarded for JRSOI leadership New Army PT uniform coming in 2015 Col. Charles C. Ingalls, commander of the Mission Support Group at the 163rd Reconnais- Get ready for some changes to the Army Physical Fitness Uniform. sance Wing, was awarded a California Medal of Merit for his leadership while serving as the commander of the Joint Reception, Staging and Onward Integration (JRSOI) task force The Army has redesigned the PT uniform with new colors, lighter moisture-wicking fab- from Aug. 14, 2012 to July 14, 2014. rics and changes intended for a better fit.

The JRSOI task force was put to the test at the start of a large consolidated California The lettering has been changed to gold. Gray has been swapped out for black on the T- National Guard annual training event that took place over two weeks in June. Several shirts and jacket. The reflective elements have been removed as a cost-saving measure and hundred Soldiers assembled at the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in Port the shorts have been redesigned for a better fit so they are less revealing during sit ups. Hueneme for the JRSOI, which was run by the 146th Airlift Wing. The Soldiers were in- processed, briefed on the mission and then sent on a convoy north to Camp Roberts, Ca- More than 30 changes have been made intended to improve performance, aesthetics and lif., for their annual training event. The JRSOI process validated what would occur should comfort. The changes are the result of two large surveys and testing at posts around the there be an event that necessitated a large scale mobilization of Cal Guard members. Army. The PT uniforms will be phased in over three years and the cost will be about $3 less than the current uniform. Cal Guard Air Assistant Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Randall R. Ball commended Ingalls for “his vision, proactive leadership, technical knowledge and superior judgment.” The newly designed PT uniforms will be available service-wide in October of next year. They will be issued for Army National Guard, Army Reserve and Reserve Officer Training Ingalls achieved the objectives of the JRSOI training event by integrating and synchronizing Corps Soldiers next summer, according to the Army Times. Army and Air National Guard manpower and resources. His attention to detail and proac- tive regard for safety resulted in zero task force mishaps. Funds help Guardsmen in financial need Did you know... The Sergeant Majors Association offers short term financial assistance to Cal Guard Sol- diers, Airmen and their families through its Chaplain’s Fund and Wounded Veterans Fund. line of duty (LOD) investigations Both funds assist Cal Guard members who are experiencing financial hardship due to deaths in the family, funerals, medical bills, job loss or other events. have a significant impact on The Chaplain’s Fund pays out a maximum of $800 to Cal Guard members with valid fi- nancial needs. Since 9/11, it has paid out about $660,000 to more than 700 Guard members. medical benefits? A line of duty (LOD) investigation determines if an injury, illness or disease The Wounded Veterans Fund is similar to the Chaplain’s Fund but reserved for Cal Guard was incurred or aggravated as a result of military duty and not due to gross members who have been deployed to a combat theater. It has a maximum payout of $1,000. negligence or misconduct of the service member. The outcome of the LOD has a significant impact on a service member’s potential medical benefits. The Wounded Veterans Fund was founded in late 2013 and has helped eight Cal Guard members since then. A common mistake commanders make concerning LODs is not processing them as required for service members in an authorized federal duty status, to include To receive assistance, a troop reports his financial distress through his non-commissioned Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) members. Most service members don’t know officer chain of command. The Guard member’s command sergeant major or command that AGRs are allowed to submit LODs. If AGRs wait until close to retirement or chief master sergeant confirms the hardship to the Sergeants Major Association, which then early separation from the AGR program to submit their LODs, the LOD will be determines if assistance should be made. more difficult to process.

Both funds deduct no overhead allowing 100 percent of donations to go to Guard members. It is imperative to process LODs in a timely manner. It is important that all leaders and service members work together to process LODs from start to completion. By For more information, email retired Sgt. 1st Class Charles Massicotte at c_massicotte@att. doing so, service members get the care they need and are not charged for medical net. care for injuries incurred while on duty. Ensuring all necessary paperwork is collected will get the LOD through the process efficiently. Always consult your Donations may be made to the Sergeants Major Association’s Chaplain’s Fund, 7785 La unit’s medical liaison if guidance is needed, and refer to Army Regulation R 600- Mirada Circle, Buena Park, CA 90620. 8-4 and Air Force Instruction 36-2910 for more information.

19 Public Affairs Directorate, California National Guard . 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA 95827-3561

Soldiers with the California National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 40th Infantry Division, prepare to enter a building at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility on June 17 during annual training at Camp Roberts, Calif. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel

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