The U.S. Army’s Journal for Homeland Defense, Civil Support and Security Cooperation in North America ARNORTH Monthly MMarcharch 20102010

www.arnorth.army.mil

CSTA evaluates Nevada CST, Pg. 4

ARNORTH trains for the unthinkable, Pg. 6

ARNORTH DCG inducts recruits during rodeo, Pg. 6

JTF-CS team members earn top honors, Pg. 7 2263rd63rd ADAADA ttrainsrains toto ddefendefend ccapitol,apitol, PPg.g. 3 Page 2 ARNORTH Monthly March 2010

Page. 6 ARNORTH trains for unthinkable

Medical NCO retires after 20 Years of Page.8 faithful service

Page. 9 There’s the wrong way or the “Wright Way”

Page. 9 Technology Poses more risks than ever before

Page. 10 Commanding General’s Mission, Vision and Philosphy for Army North

ARMY News Briefs Page. 11-13 Department of Defense Veteran’s Affairs News National Guard News

Page. 14 Get aquainted with new DoD Social Media Policy

Page. 15 Spring is coming; fi nd the BlueBonnet Trail

Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III Command Sergeant Major: Command Sgt. Maj. David Woodd U.S. ARMY NORTH PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Chief Public Aff airs Offi cer: Lt. Col. Randy Martin Public Aff airs Sergeant Major: Sgt. Maj. Eric Lobsinger Public Aff airs Operations: Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres-Cortes Editor: Sgt. Joshua Ford

The ARNORTH Monthly is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the ARNORTH Monthly are not necessarily views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of the Army or U.S. Army North. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse- ment by the Department of the Army, U.S. Army North or the ARNORTH Monthly, of the products and services advertised. All editorial content of the ARNORTH Monthly is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the U.S. Army North Public Affairs Offi ce. Do you have a story to share? The ARNORTH Monthly welcomes columns, commentaries, articles, letters and photos from readers. Submissions should be sent to the Editor at [email protected] or the Public Affairs Sergeant Major at [email protected] and include author’s name, rank, unit and contact information. The ARNORTH Monthly reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions, comments or a request to be on our distribution list, email the Editor or call commercial number (210) 221-0793 or DSN 471- 0793. March 2010 ARNORTH Monthly Page 3

Air Defense 263rd ADA trains for National Capitol Region mission By U.S. Army North PAO FORT BLISS, Texas — As U.S. Army North’s commanding general watched on, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, a South Caro- lina National Guard unit based out of An- derson, S.C., showcased their formidabil- ity during a live-fi re exercise Feb. 26 at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III, ARNORTH’s commanding general, visited the air de- fense Soldiers and observed the Soldiers as they shot down remotely piloted aerial targets with Stinger missiles. The live fi re was the culminating event for the Soldiers, who deployed Feb. 8-27 to Fort Bliss to prepare for their upcoming Photo by Sgt. Joshua Ford, U.S. Army North PAO mission in providing air defense capabili- Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III (left center), U.S. Army North commanding general, is ties for the National Capitol Region. briefed by Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, “The Soldiers are prepared to step into South Carolina National Guard, during an exercise at White Sands Missile this arena, and we have all the tools to Range, N.M., Feb. 26. The exercise was designed to prepare 2-263rd ADA accomplish the mission,” said Command Bde. for their upcoming mission to provide air cover for the National Capitol Sgt. Maj. Jamie Wilbanks, the senior en- Region. listed leader for 2nd Bn. “We are motivated,” declared Wil- the region’s airspace. The Soldiers began preparing for the banks. “We understand the mission set During their yearlong deployment, deployment more than 18 months ago, and understand that this is one of the most which begins in March, the unit will be said Wilbanks, adding that they participat- important missions in the world.” based out of Bolling Air Force Base, Wash- ed in numerous national-level exercises The Soldiers are scheduled to replace ington. “I’m excited to go – It’s a cool thing and culminating training events. the Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 265th to do,” said Pfc. Trevor Gaston, an Avenger “The training has been great. The Sol- Air Defense Artillery Regiment, a Florida crewmember with 2nd Bn. “Taking all our diers have done an excellent job and are National Guard unit, in conducting the vi- equipment up there for a year and having prepared for this mission,” concluded Lt. tal mission of monitoring and defending this real-world mission is an honor.” Col. Bill Brown, 2nd Bn.’s commander.

Photo by Sgt. Joshua Ford, U.S. Army North PAO Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III, U.S. Army North’s commanding general, meets with the Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, a South Carolina National Guard unit, during a live-fi re training exer- cise Feb. 26 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The live fi re was the culminating event for the Soldiers, who deployed Feb. 8-27 to Fort Bliss to prepare for their upcoming mis- sion in providing air defense capabil- ities for the National Capitol Region. Page 4 ARNORTH Monthly March 2010

Civil Support ARNORTH puts homeland defense unit to CST test in Nevada By Sgt. Joshua Ford U.S. Army North PAO

LAS VEGAS — U.S. Army North’s Team B, West Divi- sion, Civil Support Training Activity, evaluated the Sol- diers and Airmen of the Ne- vada National Guard’s 92nd Civil Support Team during a certifi cation exercise Feb. 10 at the National Guard Readi- ness Center in Las Vegas. CSTs, such as the 92nd CST, are designed to assess hazards, advise civil authori- ties, and facilitate military support during emergencies and incidents involving weap- ons of mass destruction. During the exercise, the 92nd CST was tasked with re- sponding to a training scenario in which two men created a harmful biological agent and attempted to use it to contami- nate food and water sources. “We try to make the exer- cise as real as possible,” said Photo bySgt. Joshua Ford, U.S. Army North PAO Phillip Barnes, an operations Sgt. Anthony Rigano (left) and Sgt. Ryan Campbell (right), both survey team members, analyst with Team B. 92nd Civil Support Team, Nevada National Guard, prepare to enter the simulated con- During this exercise, the taminated zone while Phillip Barnes (orange vest), operations analyst Team B, West Divi- team used aerosol cans to sion, Civil Support Training Activity, U.S. Army North, evaluates the team during the 92nd simulate devices used to spray CST’s evaluation exercise Feb. 10 at the National Guard Readiness Center in Las Vegas. biological agents. The evaluation exercise tested the Soldiers and Air- defense.” said Murphy. only certify the CSTs, they men on 12 collective tasks that Rich Murphy, a contracted Additionally, a representa- also provide the CSTs, local, include more than 450 sub- role player and assistant fi re tive from the Federal Bureau state and federal responders a tasks. Tasks included setting chief in Florida, played the sit- of Investigation’s Las Vegas good understanding of what up a worksite to evaluate any uation commander, represent- offi ce played his role as the each agency does in the event harmful biological or chemical ing a unifi ed command under FBI’s representative. of a disaster or attack. threats found in a mobile labo- local, state and federal authori- “Every time we go out to “Once you get in and do ratory. ties, to provide more realism to one of these exercises, we the networking, you prove “Making sure that we don’t the training. learn something,” said Brett that you are competent in your grow complacent is the driv- “This allows law enforce- Handy, FBI weapons of mass ability and, more importantly, ing force behind this,” said ment agencies and civil sup- destruction coordinator. “It’s you show you aren’t a threat Maj. David Sellen, 92nd CST port teams to manage their a great opportunity to increase to another agency’s environ- commander. “We can’t afford own assets while key decisions our understanding of the dif- ment,” said Sellen. “You show to be complacent – especially are made collectively by local, ferent agencies.” when it comes to homeland state and federal offi cials,” Evaluation exercises not see CST, Pg. 5 March 2010 ARNORTH Monthly Page 5

Photo by Sgt. Joshua Ford, U.S. Army North PAO Left: Sgt. Ryan Campbell, a survey team member with the 92nd Civil Support Team, Nevada National Guard, tests a pud- dle of water for biological or chemical contamination during the 92nd CST’s evaluation exercise Feb. 10 at the National Guard Readiness Center in Las Vegas. Right: Staff Sgt. Roberto Caceres, decontamination noncommissioned offi cer, 92nd Civil Support Team, Nevada National Guard, prepares a decontamination site during the 92nd CST’s evaluation exercise Feb. 10 at the National Guard Readiness Center in Las Vegas.

from CST, Pg. 4 recovery efforts. “This is an experienced group,” said David Brown, Team B that you’re actually there to support and, with that, you take away operations analyst and observer/controller. “During the exercise, that ‘Hollywood’ stereotype that the military is coming to take (the 92nd CST) concisely made the effort. That’s what we look over when it’s the exact opposite.” for. They met all the tasks to standard. They’re a good team and The training and evaluation process proved essential for the did an outstanding job.” 92nd CST when it had to react to a real world situation. “ARNORTH has a vested interest in making sure we are In 2008, Nevada fi rst responders requested the 92nd CST’s as- trained; but at the same time, it is a reality check,” said Sellen. sistance when the highly toxic chemical Ricin was discovered in “They aren’t going to tell us things that are good and pat us on a Las Vegas motel. The team also assisted in Hurricane Katrina the back. They are going to tell us where we stand, good or bad.”

Main Post Location: Building 158, located at New Braunfels and Wilson Road. Tax Assistance Hours: Tuesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed: Sunday and Monday For appointments call (210) 295-1040 Center Brooke Army Medical Center Location: BAMC basement, Room L31-9V (BAMC Library) Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed: Saturday and Sunday For appointments call (210) 916-1040 Page 6 ARNORTH Monthly March 2010 ARNORTH trains for the unthinkable By Michelle Tan and director of operations for Multi-Na- “If we can’t stop al-Qaida in Afghani- tional Force — Iraq and is aware that the stan and they work their way to the United Army Times Army is stretched by the wars in Iraq and States, and they should be challenged ev- FORT SAM HOUS- Afghanistan. However, he said, the Army ery step of the way, we’re part of that last TON, Texas — Lt. plays a key role in protecting the home- line of defense,” he said. Gen. Guy Swan III, land. However, in this innermost ring, the U.S. Army North “I think 9/11 and (Hurricane) Katrina Army takes a step back and works in sup- commanding gener- were two events that showed there is a port of the local authorities, Swan said. al, and his Soldiers role for the Army and the other services in “I would say a good 90 percent of emer- at U.S. Army North the homeland, but we need to stay in our gency events are handled by local law en- are training for a lane,” he said, adding that in these cases forcement, local fi rst responders, the local mission they hope the active-duty military plays a supporting National Guard,” he said. “Army North they’ll never have role to local and stae authorities. … is the insurance against the big one.” to execute. “We can assist law enforcement agen- That leads to potential events that keep Swan, who took command Dec. 15, cies with capabilities they may not have,” Swan awake at night. said his new assignment is “sobering.” he said. “The one that scares me to death is a Army North, the component command For example, Army North’s Joint Task Chernobyl-type event,” he said, referring to to U.S. Northern Command, conducts Force — North in El Paso, Texas, supports the April 1986 incident at a nuclear reactor homeland defense and supports civil and America’s counter-drug operations by pro- at the Chernobyl power plant in Ukraine. local authorities. viding assets such as unmanned aerial ve- “We’ve made a lot of mistakes in “I can’t think of anything more noble hicles and intelligence analysts, Swan said. Iraq and Afghanistan … and we’ve fi xed to do than protecting the people of the Swan likened the defense of the U.S. to them,” Swan said. “In a catastrophic United States,” Swan said during a meet- a series of concentric rings, with the troops event, you don’t get a second chance.” ing Jan. 6 with Army Times. “With all due fi ghting overseas forming the outer ring. That is why one of Swan’s priorities is respect to the people of Iraq and Afghani- The innermost ring what Swan calls the training, he said. stan, protecting the American people is “no-penetration line,” is made up of local “We plan for the worst-case scenario job (number) one.” law enforcement, local fi rst responders, and hope that what you have is less cata- Most recently, Swan was chief of staff the National Guard and Army North. strophic,” he said. ARNORTH DCG inducts new recruits during S.A. Stock Show and Rodeo

Photos by Becky Garcia, San Antonio Recruiting Battalion PAO Left: Maj. Gen. Perry Wiggins (left), the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army North, rides out on horseback Feb. 12 to induct 40 new recruits into the U.S. Army during San Antonio’s annual Stock Show and Rodeo at the AT&T Center. Right: Maj. Gen. Perry Wiggins, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army North, shakes hands with a new U.S. Army recruit prior to a mass enlistment ceremony Feb. 12 during San Antonio’s annual Stock Show and Rodeo at the AT&T Center. Wiggins, along with his wife, Annette (right, cowboy hat), met with the 40 recruits and their parents during a “Future Soldier” function prior to the event. March 2010 ARNORTH Monthly Page 7 JTF-CS members earn ‘Employee of the Year’ Capt. Bruce Hill winner of the Civilian Cat- egory II award. “It’s a good JTF-CS PAO feeling to think your boss FORT MONROE, VA. – feels you are worthy of such Seven Joint Task Force – recognition and that the Civi Support employees at things you do are appreci- Fort Monroe learned in Feb- ated by the command.” ruary that they won JTF-CS You compete at the Employee of the Year 2009 NORTHCOM level if you in their respective catego- won at the JTF-CS level for ries. the year, said Sharita Burns, Names of the awardees Navy chief information spe- were released to all JTF-CS cialist, , JTF-CS. employees via email on Feb. “Categories and how 8. to submit a package are As a result of their se- listed in the instruction,” lections, their names were (North American Aero- Photo by MC1 Steven Weber, JTF-CS PAO forwarded to compete for space Defense Command Marine Col. Ben Hancock (left), deputy commander employee of the year at and NORTHCOM Quarterly of Joint Task Force — Civil Support, presents Col. the U.S. Northern Com- and Annual Awards Program Pat Stevens The Defense Meritorious Service Medal mand level the first week of Instruction 36-137), Burns Feb. 19. March. said. “At first I was surprised,” The program is designed ment during a specific pe- community involvement. said Paul Marcinko, deputy to recognize personnel for riod and applies to U.S. and Nominees must be per- surgeon for JTF-CS and outstanding accomplish- Canadian Forces personnel. manently assigned to Head- The JTF-CS Employee of quarters, NORAD and the Year award winners in NORTHCOM at least 180 their respective categories days to be eligible. are: Reserve and National Lt. Elizabeth Smith, U.S. Guard component members Navy – Company Grade Of- who have trained or worked ficer of the Year category. in the commands for at least Maj. Sueann Ramsey, 180 days, either consecu- U.S. Army – Field Grade tively or incrementally, are Officer of the Year category. eligible to compete as well. Petty Officer 3rd Class “Deadlines for NORTH- Aaron Shanahan, U.S .Navy COM submissions are put – Category I. out by NORTHCOM before Staff Sgt. Christopher the year’s end, but is nor- Hale, U.S. Marines – Cat- mally the end of January,” egory II. Burns said. Master Sgt. Lucas Han- Winners are normally srote, U.S. Air Force – Cat- announced shortly after egory III. the Annual Awards Board, Paul Marcinko – Civilian which is held the first week Category II. of March. Patty West – Civilian Nominations, publica- Category III. tions and forms for 2010 are According to the instruc- available on the Headquarters tion, each category submis- NORAD and USNORTH- Photo by MC1 Steven Weber, JTF-CS PAO sion is measured by achieve- COM e-publishing Web site Navy Command Master Chief Glen Hopkins is presented ments in the following three for downloading and ordering the Bronze Star for his actions and Mission Support while performance areas: leader- at https://operations.norad- deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship and job performance, northcom.mil/sites/Com- medal was presented by Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, com- significant self improve- mandGroup/ChiefOfStaff/ mander Joint Task Force — Civil Support Jan. 8. ment, and installation and pubsandforms/default.aspx. Page 8 ARNORTH Monthly February 2010 Senior medical NCO retires after 20-year ‘adventure’

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres, U.S. Army North PAO Retired Master Sgt. Miguel Contreras congratulates Sgt. 1st Class Isaac Lester on his retirement. Contreras served as Les- Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres, U.S. Army North PAO Maj. Gen. Jefferey Jacobs, Contingency Command ter’s fi rst noncommissioned offi cer in charge. He had the rare Post 2 commander, pins the Meritorious Service opportunity to mold and direct Lester for his fi rst years in the Medal on Sgt. 1st Class Isaac Lester Feb. 26 at the military. Now 20 years later, Contreras sees how Lester’s career Quadrangle for his signifi cant contributions to U.S. was everything he knew it’d be. “He was always willing to learn Army North and the U.S. Army. and grow,” said Contreras.

ARNORTH welcomes new EEO manager ARNORTH EEO diation director, EEO manager and senior Awards, an Army Certifi cate of Achieve- EEO specialist. He has served in fi ve dif- ment and two Achievement Medals for Ci- Gerard Francis serves ferent countries: Germany, Japan, Panama, vilian Service. as a member of the Spe- The Netherlands and Belgium. Other duty cial Staff for the Army assignments include New York, Massachu- North and as the chief of setts, Oklahoma and Arkansas. the Equal Employment Francis holds a Bachelor of Science in Opportunity section. Gerard Francis Business with double majors in Manage- He began his assignment in February. ment and Marketing from Indiana Univer- He is responsible for Army North’s Equal sity. Employment Opportunity program and its He is a certifi ed mediator and EEO execution. counselor for the Department of the Army, Francis has more than 25 years of ex- is registered in the states of Massachusetts perience in various assignments, such as and New York, and is a certifi ed trainer for an EEO offi cer and manager, complaints prevention of sexual harassment. manager, federal employed women’s pro- In 2004, he received a Meritorious Civil- gram manager, black employment program ian Service Award as the Complaints Man- manager, hispanic program manager, asian ager for the Defense Contract Management pacifi c islander program manager, me- Agency. He has also received Commander March 2010 ARNORTH Monthly Page 9 When it comes to standards, there is the wrong way and the “Wright Way”

By Sgt. Maj. Tyrone Wright Sr. As Gen. Casey so eloquently put it at the kickoff of 2009 as the Year of the NCO, he stated: “NCOs are the drivers of the Army and ARNORTH Chaplain Sgt. Maj. the keepers of standards.” Let me say that I am proud to be a Soldier We must tell our story and lead by our actions. The ARNORTH and a noncommissioned offi cer – a leader leadership team expects us to lead, and authority has been given of Soldiers. NCO leadership, like the Army to us by regulatory guidelines. As I look at the imperatives listed culture, has transformed over the years and by the Chief of Staff of the Army, as well as Lt. Gen. Swan’s com- will continue to do so as we serve during this mander’s vision and philosophy, one of the overarching themes is critical time in the history of our nation. the well-being of our Soldiers and Civilians – People really matter! Being a member of the U.S. Army North NCOs must be the solid force to ensure this philosophy remains team of highly competent and confi dent a compelling need in order to build a cohesive and dynamic team, noncommissioned offi cers who support the both in our command and across the Army. I have lived by this enduring DSCA mission, I have established a genuine respect and ap- quote as a “Wright Way” rule of thumb, which states: “Soldiers preciation for this team and the core values we represent. Indeed, our don’t care about how much you know until they know how much mission is unique and NCOs and Soldiers are charged with shaping you care.” This applies at all levels and to all leaders. the environment for success. As our command continues to evolve, I am confi dent the state As I look back over nearly a decade of supporting persistent con- of our organization will continue to grow strong under practical fl ict and contingency operations overseas, NCOs have truly stood at and relevant leadership. Our role is to remain fl exible, adaptable the tip of the spear in the realm of leadership. We are relevant and our and available to those whom we serve: seniors, peers and subor- roles, functions, skill sets and capabilities continue to enhance as we dinates alike. lead our nation’s sons and daughters in combat zones. NCO leaders, I applaud your dedication and commitment to It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to set and main- excellence. Let’s continue to keep our Corps relevant, strong and tain standards, order and discipline, take the moral high ground, shape ready by making the necessary impact in our Army, this command, junior leaders for the future, care for Soldiers and their well being and the lives of Soldiers and our Civilians. We are the fi nest Corps on remain the professionals personifi ed by our NCO Creed. We are the the face of the planet, and we are Army Strong – Hooah! driving force behind our commander and command sergeant major. For God and country!

Technology can pose security risk in workplace By James Parker These systems are designed can intentionally or uninten- located within “cells,” which to help save time by offering tionally be used as surveillance broadcast in a radius of vary- ARNORTH Security Manager the advantages of a face-to-face equipment if the devices are not ing distance. Our nation’s security can be meeting without the travel. properly used or controlled. As your automobile travels damaged by new technology They have been introduced Cellular phones pose a seri- from cell to cell, the signal car- that is being introduced into our into both secure and unclassi- ous security risk to safeguard- rying your voice is transferred work place. fi ed areas in ing information. to the nearest transmitter. Ra- This is especially true if we an effort to Very simple and dio scanners can intercept these don’t understand the capabili- save time, low level tech- signals. ties as well as the vulnerabili- money Newer models of cell ties of our technological won- and re- phones can be turned on re- ders. sources. motely and can be used to We learned how to deal with The prob- intercept and monitor all con- phones and computers in a se- lem is that versations occurring within cure environment and we must these systems were a room; they can record and do the same with ever evolving not designed with secu- many have camera capability. new communications equip- rity in mind, and specifi c secu- There is no privacy or se- ment. rity procedures were developed nology is available to intercept curity in using cellular phones. For example, video telecon- to accommodate them. and capture conversations. This is why cellular phones ferencing systems contain both Other time saving and work- Cellular phones send radio sig- must be turned off in secure a microphone and a camera. enhancing electronic devices nals to low-power transmitters work areas. Page 10 ARNORTH Monthly March 2010

1. Purpose: Outline my vision and command philosophy for the future of U.S. Army North as the Joint Force Land Component Command and Army Service Component Command for U.S. Northern Command.

2. Mission: U.S. Army North, the Joint Force Land Component Command and the Army Service Component Command to U.S. Northern Command, con- ducts homeland defense, civil support operations, and theater security cooperation activities in order to protect the American people and our way of life.

3. Vision: The Army’s Center of Excellence for Civil Support and Domestic Operations and NORTHCOM’s “go to” command to lead, coordinate, and sup- port land domain operations in NORTHCOM’s area of responsibility.

4. People — our most vital resource. This command has come a long way since reaching full operational capability on 16 October 2006, and I applaud the efforts of all the men and women of Army North who have gotten us to this point. I will continue to focus on building a highly competent, disciplined workforce operating in a World Class environment. We will actively hire the best Civilian and military professionals available and build career progression paths that place you at the top of our profession. I count on your professionalism, expertise, and initiative to get the job done and you have my total trust and confi dence. My job is to provide top cover and to underwrite well-considered risks. And, don’t forget to take time with Family and friends to recharge and enjoy the unique benefi ts that San Antonio offers. That being said, we are an operational command with an operational mission and may be called upon on very short notice.

5. Five areas where we must be the best: a. Training — U.S. Army North is the recognizcd training center of excellence for civil support operations and defense support of civil authorities — in order to provide the DoD response to any emergency in the NORTHCOM area of responsibility — includes exercise design, observer-trainers, SMEs, skilled senior mentors, and non-DoD players. b. Theater Security Cooperation — The security of our Nation is inextricably tied to the security of Mexico and Canada. Our role includes traditional mil -to-mil partnerships as well as military support to U.S. law enforcement agencies that are assisting Canadian and Mexican law enforcement in countering transnational threats. c. Planning — Our military training has provided us skills that are equally important to our many partners. We will share that expertise in ways that make others successful, in a respectful manner, and helps build planning capacity in other agencies, departments, and jurisdictions. Planning also helps us anticipate and get ahead of the inevitable confusion that goes with catastrophic events. d. Command and Control — C2 of DoD response forces in large scale operations is our strength. We will be able to build teams, staffs, organizations on short notice in what will be “come as you are” chaotic operational environments. Must be practiced constantly. e. Synchronization and integration — We will assist our interagency, international, and State partners in synchronizing and integrating a response or operation. For example, our DCOs play this role when integrating requested DoD response forces into a USG response within a State. Our military train- ing has made us experts in this crucial area.

6. Measuring Success. We operate in a complex environment and must aid others — international, interagency, intergovernmental partners, our subordi- nate Joint Task Forces (JTF), and the Defense Coordinating Offi cers/Elements (DCO/E) to accomplish their missions. I will measure our success by how successful we make others in our theater of operations.

7. JFLCC. This is why Army North was conceived to be the NORTHCOM Commander’s single point of contact for all land-based operations. Our author- ity comes from being the Land Component Command; therefore, we will emphasize our JFLCC roles and responsibilities.

8. Value. In a resource-constrained environment, we must demonstrate our value every day to our partners, the States, NORTHCOM, and HQDA. We will strive harder to ensure we prove our relevance to homeland defense and civil support by being the best in the fi ve areas above.

9. To do all of the above, we must see ourselves as true Theater Army headquarters. Staff training and synchronization must step up a level. As we move U.S. Army North forward with the DA-approved Concept Plan, adding much-needed personnel, capacity, and capability, we can only be successful and of value to our higher headquarters and our subordinates if we operate as a true 3-star headquarters at the operational/strategic level in our theater of operations.

10. A Final Thought. We will not be afforded much time to respond to an emergency or catastrophe. So, we must do all we can ahead of time to prepare ourselves as completely as possible for all missions. In today’s homeland and national security environment, you and I will at some point be asked to execute our mission on short notice. When that call comes, our fellow Americans will count on us — we will not let them down! March 2010 ARNORTH Monthly Page 11

Army launches ‘Apps and Reserve servicemembers, regardless of News activation status, as well as spouses, depen- for the Army’ dent children and Family members standing in for a deployed servicemember. Army-Wide challenge Participants can e-fi le up to three state res- By Ashley McCall ident returns for each federal return, Thomas U.S. engineers train said. However, he added, they should ensure Haitians to assess Army News Service they’re fi ling through Military OneSource. People who fi le through H&R Block directly WASHINGTON – The Army announced its building damage may be charged for services, he cautioned. fi rst internal applications development chal- The program is set up for basic returns. lenge March 1, dubbed Apps for the Army or By Sgt. Richard Andrade People who wish to upgrade to the premium A4A. 16th MPAD program also may incur charges. Open to all Soldiers and Department of the For tax assistance, fi lers can call a Military TOURGEAU, Haiti – The Naval Facilities Army Civilians, A4A offers Army personnel OneSource tax consultant from 7 a.m. to 11 Engineering Command partnered with Army the opportunity to demonstrate their software p.m. EST, seven days a week, at 1-800-730- engineers, Navy Seebees, engineers from the development skills and creativity. 3802. Air Force, Feb. 26, to train Haitian engineers In return, the Army hopes to improve its on building assessment, to ensure Haitian current capabilities or to add new ones - all citizens are living in structurally-sound build- through the ingenuity of its people. The Army Gates issues terms ings. will recognize the top submissions at the Land- “The work we are doing today is to sys- WarNet Conference in August 2010. Winners for ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t tematically walk through neighborhoods as- will receive monetary awards. The total cash sessing damage,” said Vince Sobach, a NAV- pool is $30,000. Tell’ review FAC Joint Task Force Engineer. “The primary “We’re building a culture of collaboration By Lisa Daniel goal is to get people back in their homes. The among our Army community to encourage American Forces Press Service second part of the mission is training the lo- smarter, better and faster technical solutions to cal Haitian engineers. Basically we are doing meet operational needs,” said Lt. Gen. Jeff So- WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Robert a technology transfer. We are trying to both renson, the Army’s chief information offi cer. Gates released the guidelines and parameters things at the same time, since time is of the of a Defense Department review of the so- essence.” Department of Defense called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law March 2 Sobach explained that many of the resi- in preparation for its potential repeal. dents of Tourgeau are in one of the local in- Military OneSource The 10-month review should include ternally displaced persons’ camp that is very input from service chiefs and all levels of much overcrowded. He said it is essential that offers free tax fi ling the force and their families, Gates said in the camp is decompressed. By Elaine Wilson a memo to Army Gen. Carter Ham, com- “The goal today is to evaluate all the American Forces Press Service mander of U.S. Army Europe, who was cho- houses and structures in the neighborhood sen to head the effort along with Jeh John- of Tourgeau for earthquake damage and get WASHINGTON – Defense offi cials encour- son, the Pentagon’s top lawyer. people back to safe houses or tell them if they age military families to once again take ad- Gates established the review Feb. 2, say- are living in a dangerous one,” said Bryan vantage of the free electronic tax fi ling ser- ing it would be critical to ensuring a smooth Haelsig, a NAVFAC engineer. vices offered through Military OneSource. transition if the law that bans gays from The group of engineers walked from People can access the H&R Block at serving openly in the military is repealed, as house to house knocking on doors, looking in Home program by going to Military One- President Barack Obama has proposed. and around buildings and talking to residents. Source at http://www.militaryonesource. The review also should engage Congress All of the Haitian citizens opened their doors com/ and clicking on “Tax Filing Services.” members, Gates said, as well as “key in- with no protests and confi dently showed the More than 200,000 servicemembers fi led fl uencers of potential servicemembers and cracks on the walls of their homes. their tax returns through this resource last other stakeholder groups.” It should also “We are here to do the assessments for year, offi cials said. take into account the experiences of foreign two reasons,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Scott “We have such a mobile force, and you militaries, he added. Shaulis. “According to a United Nations have folks dispersed all over the world. It’s “To be successful,” Gates said in the poll, it is estimated that the people living in a quick link for the Family to link up with memo, “we must understand all issues and the large displaced persons’ camp near the the (servicemember),” said Tommy Thomas, potential impacts associated with repeal of palace, about 85 percent of them are from deputy undersecretary of defense for military the law and how to manage implementa- Tourgeau. If we fi nd that their homes have community and Family policy. “It’s a conve- tion in a way that minimizes disruption to little to no damage from the earthquake,” nience for you to be able to go on that site and a force engaged in combat operations and Shaulis said, “it is hoped that they will come fi le that tax form.” other demanding military activities around home and alleviate the strain on that camp.” The program is open to active-duty, Guard the globe. Page 12 ARNORTH Monthly March 2010

long-awaited policy today, establishing con- offi cers once insisted could never change. News sistent rules for all military members and em- Despite a policy designed to keep women ployers. away from units engaged in ground combat, Regenerative medicine Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn the confl icts in Iraq and Afghanistan have III, who signed the policy, said it strikes a placed women in battle with insurgents who shows promise for critical balance between the benefi ts and po- do not operate along defi ned front lines. wounded warriors tential vulnerabilities of these applications. As a result, women have earned medals for “This directive recognizes the importance valor and praise for their mettle. By Donna Miles of balancing appropriate security measures “My best combat interrogator was a woman American Forces Press Service while maximizing the capabilities afforded Soldier, my best tank mechanic was a woman by 21st-century Internet tools,” he said. Soldier,” John Nagl, a retired lieutenant colo- FORT DETRICK, Md. – Movie-goers While authorizing access to these tools, nel who served in Iraq, told AFP. have seen the concept play out time and the new policy also recognizes the impor- Getting the two women in the unit required time again on the big screen. Sinister tance of protecting military networks and “a little paperwork sleight of hand,” as the Borg drones reconstitute missing digits operations, explained David Wennergren, rules formally barred them from that role, said and limbs before their eyes in the “Star deputy assistant secretary of defense for in- Nagl, president of the Center for New Ameri- Trek” series. Alien Jack Jeebs in “Men in formation management and technology. can Security, a think tank. Black” regrows his head after it’s dam- For example, the new policy allows com- Nagl and others say the wars in Iraq and Af- aged or blown off. manders to temporarily limit that access as ghanistan have been a watershed for women in The military is working to bring required to maintain operations security or the US military, and that policies written in the some of that science-fi ction capability address bandwidth constraints. It also prohib- 1990s will have to be rewritten to catch up with to wounded warriors so they can harness its malicious activity on military information the realities on the ground. their own body’s power to regenerate it- networks and denies access to sites promot- “I believe it’s time we take a look at what self and repair disabling and disfi guring ing prohibited activity such as gambling, por- women are actually doing in Iraq and Afghani- battlefi eld injuries. nography and hate crimes. stan and to look at our policy,” Casey told The Armed Forces Institute of Regen- While information sharing may seem the senators. erative Medicine is leading the charge polar opposite of security to some people, Defense Secretary Robert Gates has yet to with an ambitious program that aims to Wennergren said the Defense Department weigh changing the policy but his press secre- help Soldiers with burn and blast injuries can no longer afford to consider just one or tary, Geoff Morrell, acknowledged that despite regrow muscle, skin, tendons, nerves and the other. the rules, “effectively many women in uniform even bone, said Army Col. Robert Van- “If you look at either one individually, are in combat missions every day, be they heli- dre, the project director, based at this you will fail,” he said. “You will have great copter pilots, be they medics, be they logistical western Maryland Army post security, but no ability to access information support personnel ...” “Ultimately, we will be able to grow sharing. (Or), if you think only about sharing, Even as the military signaled a willingness limbs,” Vandre said. “But in the next you will run into issues of operational secu- to break with tradition when it comes to wom- decade, we should be able to reduce the rity and letting bad things into your system. en’s roles, Casey and other top commanders number of limbs that have to be amputat- So you can no longer think of them as two have voiced apprehension and even outright ed, just because we will have new ways separate subjects.” opposition to allowing gays to serve openly. to fi x things that can’t be fi xed now.” The performance of female Soldiers in the 1990-91 Gulf war helped prompt an earlier Wars force U.S. wave of reform, opening the way for women New policy authorizes to serve in combat aircraft and naval warships. military to review ban The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are like- social media access on women in combat ly to have the same effect, said Nancy Duff with caveats Campbell, co-president of the National Wom- By AFP en’s Law Center. By Donna Miles WASHINGTON — U.S. commanders are Commanders want the most talented peo- American Forces Press Service taking a second look at policies that bar wom- ple for their units, “and they’re asking why do en from ground combat, as the wars in Iraq and we have these old rules,” she said. WASHINGTON — Attention all Facebook- Afghanistan have thrust female Soldiers into Future policies should set “gender-neutral ers, Twitter tweeters and YouTubers: a new the thick of the fi ght. standards,” focusing on the skills or physical Defense Department policy authorizes you The Army chief of staff, Gen. George strength required for a military job instead of to access these and other Web 2.0 platforms Casey, told lawmakers last week that it was assuming no woman could meet the criteria, from nonclassifi ed government computers, as time to review the rules in light of how women she said. long as it doesn’t compromise operational se- have served in the two wars. Sending women to battle remains a sensi- curity or involve prohibited activities or Web His comments came as the military un- tive issue, however, and some lawmakers have sites. veiled plans to lift the ban on women serving tried unsuccessfully in recent years to reassert Defense Department offi cials issued the in submarines, an all-male bastion that Navy limits. March 2010 ARNORTH Monthly Page 13

News National Guard runs Friday, leaving it at 50.86 seconds. “It’s incredible,” Holcomb said. Youth ChalleNGe “We’ve been working so hard the last Veteran Affairs four years and it’s fi nally paid off. It’s program nears kind of overwhelming. It’s been stressful VA announces $41 but awesome, kind of all over the place.” 100,000 graduates Five-time Olympic medalists Andre million in construction By Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill Lange and Kevin Kuske teamed with contracts for San Alexander Roediger and Martin Putze National Guard Bureau aboard Germany I to win the silver med- Antonio WASHINGTON – With increasing govern- al with a time of 3:24.84. The Canada I quartet of Lyndon Rush, Chris Le Bi- By Veteran Affairs PAO ment and private support, a National Guard program that helps high school dropouts trans- han, David Bissett and Lascelles Brown WASHINGTON – The Department of form their lives is closing in on its 100,000th claimed the bronze in 3:24.85, marking Veterans Affairs announced the award graduate. the fi rst time in 46 years Canadian bob- of two contracts totaling $41.5 million “The National Guard is proud of the suc- sledders have medaled at the Olympics. to create a “polytrauma center” that cess of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Team USA’s .38 margin of victory is cares for the most severely injured Vet- Program,” said Air Force Gen. Craig McKin- considered a landslide in the sport of bob- erans and to improve the existing wards ley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau. “It sleigh. at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical is essential that we reduce the number of high Center. school dropouts, and Youth ChalleNGe is part “A top priority for VA is providing of the solution.” Guard’s fi rst weapons greater access to VA’s health care system McKinley was hosted by retired Air Force school graduate tops and higher quality of care for the nation’s Lt. Gen. John Conaway, chairman of the Na- Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs tional Guard Youth Foundation, along with the class Eric K. Shinseki said. “America’s Veter- several other corporate and military leaders, ans have earned the very best that this na- politicians and celebrities at the 2010 Chal- By Master Sgt. Carlos Claudio tion as to offer.” lenge Champions Gala held Tuesday evening. Virginia National Guard One contract announced by Secretary “Gen. McKinley and the National Guard Shinseki provides $37.2 million to Rob- are not only fi ghting our nation’s wars over- LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Maj. ins and Morton of Birmingham, Ala. seas and helping here inside the United States Michael “BOK” Schaner, a weapons offi cer The contract calls for construction of … but they have another mission – helping to and F-22 Raptor pilot with the 149th Fighter a three-story, 84,000-square foot “poly- save America’s youth, so they can be produc- Squadron of the Virginia Air National Guard trauma center.” tive citizens,” Conaway said. was recently selected as the F-22 Outstanding It would include physical medicine, Graduate for the elite United States Air Force rehabilitation services, prosthetics ser- Weapons School. vice and research. Former Utah Guards- Not only did Schaner win the top honor, he “Polytrauma” refers to health care for was also the fi rst Air National Guard pilot se- Veterans who have more than one severe, man wins Olympic gold lected to attend the F-22 program. life-threatening medical problem. Lt. Col. David Nardi, Virginia ANG, 149th Many of VA’s polytrauma patients are By Tim Hipps FS commander, said there was an excellent recent combat Veterans injured by road- Family MWR Command reason why the major was the best selection side bombs and other explosives in Iraq for attending weapons school. and Afghanistan. WHISTLER, B.C., – Former Utah Na- “He was unanimously selected by the Air A second contract, valued at $4.3 mil- tional Guard bobsledder Steven Holcomb Force as the fi rst choice for the Weapons In- lion, went to Strategic Perspectives De- ended Team USA’s 62-year gold medal structor Course across the community, be- velopment of San Antonio. drought in Olympic bobsleigh compe- cause he is one of the most highly experienced It provides for upgrades and expan- tition by driving Justin Olsen, Steve Raptor pilots with great depth of experience in sion to ward 4-A, including electrical Mesler and Curtis Tomasevicz to victory both the operations and the test communities,” work, utilities, fi re alarm and fi re protec- in the four-man event at Whistler Sliding Nardi said. “He is one of the very best pilots tion systems, telephone and data systems, Centre Feb. 27. and instructors in the F-22 and in the Air Force and asbestos abatement. Holcomb, 29, of Park City, Utah, pi- total force”. Last year, VA spent more than $7.8 loted “The Night Train” sled designed by Class 09 Bravo Instructor Course, which billion in Texas on behalf of the state’s former NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine ran from July 9 through Dec. 13, 2009 at Nel- 1.7 million Veterans. VA operates 11 ma- down the fastest bobsled track in the lis Air Force Base, Nev., was designed by Maj. jor medical centers in the state, more than world to a four-heat combined time of Micah “Zeus” Fesler to take top instructor pi- 40 outpatient clinics, 14 Vet Centers and 3 minutes, 24.46 seconds. They lowered lots to new zeniths using the latest technology six national cemeteries. the track record in each of their fi rst two and instructor guidance available. Page 14 ARNORTH Monthly March 2010

Q. Can my unit have their own website and or facebook page? A. Yes, however certain steps must be taken in order for the page to adhere to DoD guidlines on Social Media. • Clearly indicate the role and scope of the external offi cial presence. • Provide links to the organization's offi cial public Web site. • Be actively monitored and evaluated by DoD Com- ponents for compliance with security requirements and for fraudulent or objectionable use

Q. Can I update our unit page on a government computer? A. Yes, Commanders at all levels and Heads of DoD Com- ponents shall continue to defend against malicious activity af- fecting DoD networks (e.g., distributed denial of service attacks, intrusions) and take immediate and commensurate actions, as required, to safeguard missions (e.g., temporarily limiting ac- cess to the Internet to preserve operations security or to address bandwidth constraints).

Q. i want to update my blog/page or status can i do that all day long? A. No. LIMITED AUTHORIZED PERSONAL USE. You are per- mited limited personal use of Federal Government resources when authorized by the agency designee on a non-interference basis. When accessing Internet-based capabilities using Federal Govern- ment resources in an authorized personal or unoffi cial capacity, individuals shall employ sound operations security (OPSEC) mea- sures in accordance with Reference (g) and shall not represent the policies or offi cial position of the Department of Defense.

These are parts of the policies taken from orginal memo to dissimate DoD’s recenty policy for Res- ponisble and Eff ective Use of Internet Based Capabilities. For full article and memorandum expliana- tion, full memo details are available at the following website. http://www.defense.gov/NEWS/DTM%2009-026.pdf

All logo’s are registered trademarks of offi cial products, twitter, youtube, United States Army, facebook, myspace, apple inc, yahoo inc. March 2010 ARNORTH Monthly Page 15 LLookingooking fforor SSpring?pring? Follow the Bluebonnet Trail The only sure sign of The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock Spring a true Texan will ac- is to Ireland, the cherry blossom is to Japan or cept is the site of beautiful the tulip is to Holland. It was named the offi cial blue blossoms lining Texas state fl ower of Texas, March 7, 1901 and since highways and fi elds as far as has become intangibly woven into the state’s so- the eye can see. Those lovely cial conscience. blue blossoms are Texas’ be- Tour buses, hiking trails, country roads and loved Bluebonnets. state parks are full of people hoping to take in According to folklore, the fl oral extravaganza and capture that perfect it is the Indians we owe photo. our thanks to for our Thanks to Lady Bird Johnson and the Texas cherished state Highway Department’s Highway Beautifi ca- By Laurri Garcia, fl ower. Legend has tion Program, roadways throughout the USARNORTH PAO it one summer state are bordered by acres and acres of the land was very dry and the buffalo gorgeous wild fl owers — many of which had no food to eat and soon the Indians are bluebonnets. faced starvation. Bluebonnet season begins in late The Great Spirit spoke to the chief in a vision March and runs through the end of and said that the rains would come if the May but peaks in mid-April. tribe sacrifi ced its most precious posses- Wildfl ower experts say the upcoming sion to the Great Spirit. Fine horses bloom should be exceptional through- and beautiful blankets were of- out much of the state, thanks fered, but the rain never came. to heavy rains the past several One evening, a small Indian girl months. So expect fi elds of blue sacrifi ced her favorite corn-husk painted on the ground with splat- doll. terings of red, yellow and pink wild fl ower abound Tearfully, she laid it on the coals of the sacrifi ce this time of year. I encourage each of you to get fi re. In the morning, a miracle happened, the out and explore this uniquely Texas treasure. life-saving rains came, the dry fi elds were cov- Below are a few of the bluebonnet festivals ered with grass for the starving buffalo and ev- happening around the state, so mark your cal- erywhere the ash from the fi re had blown was a endar you have no excuse. “Get out and see carpet of beautiful blue fl owers – the bluebonnet. Texas”!

2010 Texas Ennis Burnet 27th An- Kingsland Llano Lampasas Bluebonnet Bluebonnet nual Bluebonnet Bluebonnet Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Fair Festival Trails Festival, Festival Festival Bluebonnet Trail First Saturday in Chappell Hill, April 17-18 April 9 First weekend in Second and April. Texas 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in 11 a.m. April. Third weekends Lampasas April 10 & 11 downtown Burnet is the Kingsland and in April. County Cham- Hours & Fees Ennis, Texas. Bluebonnet Lake LBJ Cham- Llano Chamber ber of Com- Saturday, Capital of Texas. ber of Com- of Commerce, merce, P.O. Box 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. merce, P.O. Box 700 Bessemer, 627, Lampasas, Sunday, noon - 465, Kingsland, Llano, TX 78643, TX 76550, 5 p.m. TX 78639, 915-247-5354. 512-556-5172. 915-388-6211 Admission: Free Admission: Free Page 16 ARNORTH Monthly March 2010

Women’s History Month Commemoration

March 30, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Army Community Service (Bldg. 2797) Stanley Rd. Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

Sponsored by Fort Sam Houston Installation EO POC for this event is Master Sgt. Peters at 295-0561.

To request reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact 295-0561.