Telling the story of the Kentucky National Guard. Mortar Platoon leads the way in digital fire mission. Page 1 of 21.

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1 Page 1 of 21 Skip to content Telling the story of the Kentucky National Guard Home About Us / Contacts Aviation Requests Multimedia Submit Story Mortar Platoon leads the way in digital fire mission August 27, 2010 tags: Det 1 HHC 149th, mortar live fire at ft knox, 149th live mortar fire by kyngpao MJO By 2nd Lt. David Doggette, Mortar Platoon Leader, th Infantry

2 Page 2 of 21 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 149th Brigade conduct a live mortar fire exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., August 6. They incorporated all the organic computer systems used in mortar operations to execute a successful digital fire mission. FORT KNOX, Ky. (August 27, 2010) Kentucky National Guard s Det. 1 Headquarters, Headquarters Company 1 st Battalion, 149 th Infantry conducted a live mortar fire exercise at Fort Knox August 6. They incorporated all the organic computer systems used in mortar operations to execute a successful digital fire mission, a first in the numerous mortar fieldings and training events across the Army in the last four years. This unit was the first unit in the many Product Manager Mortars M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) operational new equipment training events (OPNET) to incorporate all systems that are used in combat and peacetime operations, said Mr. Shane Wisley, a mortar NET trainer who congratulated the platoon leader and his team on a job well done. These systems send, process and adjust fire missions digitally over the SINCGARS radio, and do it much faster than the traditional manual method. With the fielding of the M252 81mm mortars, M224 60mm mortars, and M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC), Kentucky s only mortar platoon is fully equipped and trained to provide fire support to the battalion s maneuver forces.

3 Page 3 of 21 Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Battalion 149th Brigade adjust fire on their mortar system as they conduct a live mortar fire exercise at Fort Knox, KY., August 6. The mortar fire control systems digital computer consists of four systems, three of which are run by forward observers (FO) of the fire support platoon. The fourth computer, the M32 LHMBC, was used by the mortar platoon s Fire Direction Center (FDC) to compute all the data to formulate a successful fire mission. With the integration of the M32 LHMBC on Aug 6, the FO s and FDC were able to communicate a fire mission from a great distance with out ever speaking a word to each other. This mission was processed and fired by the mortar platoon. Wisley from PM Mortars said their instructors would typically run the FO portion of the fielding with the soldiers watching and learning. On this fielding, those Soldiers were very knowledgeable and with little assistance were able to fully incorporate all systems, said Wisley. Following the fielding of the M32 LHMBC and the new mortar tubes at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, Product Manager Mortars instructed the platoon leadership for a week on how to operate and integrate the computer systems. Simultaneously, PM Mortars gave instruction to the mortar gun crews on the M252 and M224 mortar systems. Lastly the PM Mortars representative worked with the forward observers, who had previously been fielded their three computer systems during an earlier training event. Wisley said other mortar units their equipment is usually not fully mission capable. With all of the instructor s knowledge and help, th Infantry Soldiers were able to work together to gain and maintain operational proficiency, said Wisley. Upon arrival the instructors watched and advised as the Soldiers ran through their missions on the 60, 81, and 120mm mortar systems. The team was successful in firing digital fire missions on all three weapon systems, making them the first to do so in the Army. Wisley stated this helped facilitate 1 st Battalion 149 th Infantry to incorporate the mortars into the digital world of the U.S. Army. The unit leadership was extremely proud of their Soldiers accomplishments during the mortar equipment fielding and training and looks forward to once again proving their capabilities during their next live fire exercise in September. Leave a comment

4 Page 4 of 21 from 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, KYARNG, KYNG, Kentucky National Guard, Training, Uncategorized Unbridled Service: Why they serve in Kentucky August 26, 2010 tags: kentucky national guard, families, KYNG, service, 149th MEB by kyngpao ACH By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Capt. Janee Wilson As a freshman in college, Capt. Janee Wilson made the decision to join the National Guard to help pay her way through school. Wilson expected to stay in for four years, pay for college and be done with it. After two years however, she joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and almost 10 years later, she is still in uniform as A. Co. Commander, 149th Brigade Support Battalion. Wilson says her life has changed because of the Guard which gave her the opportunity for a full-time job and leadership skills to excel in the future. The Kentucky National Guard has given me a sense of discipline, a sense of family and unity. I have built a relationship and camaraderie with the Soldiers I serve with, Wilson said. With a husband also in the military, she fully understands what it means to serve. Wilson recognizes the qualities given as a leader and a Citizen Soldier, and the benefits of serving her country and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Leave a comment from 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Employers, Families, KYARNG, KYNG, Kentucky National Guard, Recruiting

5 Page 5 of 21 KYNG ADT, PRT deliver motorcycles to Afghans August 25, 2010 tags: kentucky national guard, Afghanistan, Agribusiness Development Team, KYNG ADT II, Donations by kyngpao ACH By U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada (back, left), Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team leader with Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, Abdul Monan (back, right), Panjshir National Environmental Protection Agency director, and three NEPA employees pose in front of brand new motorcycles.(photo by U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith, Panjshir PRT Public Affairs) Panjshir Province, Afghanistan (August 25, 2010) Members of the Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team with Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered four brandnew Corola motorcycles to the Panjshir Province National Environmental Protection Agency director August 17th. Now, the NEPA director says the agency can enforce standards and do the government s work.

6 Page 6 of 21 We have a vehicle, but our vehicle was not able to go to a lot of places we needed to go, said Abdul Monan, Panjshir NEPA director, through an interpreter. We can say that we re blessed now. We have motorcycles. The 150cc motorcycles cost about $4,500 total, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada, Kentucky ADT leader with Panjshir PRT. They were paid using Kentucky ADT Commander s Emergency Response Funds, said the London, Ky., native. In addition to the four motorcycles, the ADT delivered four helmets, winter riding mittens and motorcycle covers. Casada also had Monan sign a letter of agreement stating Monan would be responsible to properly care for and service the new bikes. The Panjshir NEPA will now be more active in inspecting water, air quality and other NEPA-related responsibilities, said Casada. If they re here without transportation, then they re not doing their job, said Casada. This gives them the freedom to get to the places they need to get to. They ll be a big part of inspecting the proposed Anaba slaughterhouse. Along with increased inspections, Monan said he is looking forward to some other important projects. It s my responsibility to take care of the forest and the animals, said Monan. There are some leopards and wolves that people are killing. They re illegally destroying all of the leopards and wolves, and we re going to try to stop them. With a little help from their American partners, the nine Afghan NEPA employees and their director will be riding to inspect standards and enforce policies. Leave a comment from Afghanistan, Agribusiness Development Team, Agriculture, Humanitarian Assistance, KY ADT, KYARNG, KYNG, Kentucky National Guard, KyANG

7 Page 7 of rd Airlift Wing aids in Pakistani flood relief August 24, 2010 tags: Kentucky Air National Guard, 123rd Airlift Wing, Pakistan, Col. Nelson, Deputy Director 123rd Airlift Wing mobility forces by kyngpao ACH By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Johnathon Orrell, National Guard Bureau ARLINGTON, Va., (Aug. 24, 2010)- The Air National Guard has been working since the beginning of the operation in late July to provide relief supplies to areas in Pakistan affected by flooding. Air Force Col. Greg Nelson, deputy director of mobility forces for U.S. Air Forces Central Command, is a member of the Kentucky Air National Guard s 123rd Airlift Wing. He is now at Chaklala Air Base in Islamabad, Pakistan, one of the main air hubs for the flood relief effort. We are working in concert with the Pakistani air force and the government of Pakistan to try to bring air relief in here and then dispatch it throughout the nation where it is needed, Nelson told a military reporter Aug. 18. The 10,000-square-foot warehouse where he works can fill up in a day, Nelson said, depending on how many aircraft arrive from the supporting countries. This is a large airfield, so larger aircraft can come in and bring shipments of medications or supplies, Nelson said. We will break it down into smaller loads on tactical airlift aircraft like the C- 130 to go into flood-affected areas. Air Force Capt. Robert Dodson, a C-130 Hercules pilot deployed from the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard, was the aircraft commander on the first mission into Pakistan. We had a quick response from the time we were notified to the time the pallets were on the airplane, he said. The whole reason why we re here is to help others when we can, and the whole crew is happy to do it. Dodson and his crew are currently assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing s 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. On July 31, Dodson s crew in a C- 130 from the 133rd Airlift Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard delivered nearly 8,000 packaged meals that conform with Islamic law to Pakistan. Nelson said the U.S. and Pakistani air forces, along with several government and nongovernment agencies, are working together to provide relief to the devastated areas. Check out the below video of Col. Greg Nelson the Deputy Director of Mobility Forces, Air Force Central Command with the 123rd Airlift Wing from the Kentucky Air National Guard and Master Sgt. John Metcalf from Montgomery, Ala., with the 746 Expeditionary Airlift Squadron talk to a military reporter about the Pakistan flood relief efforts. Produced by Cpl. Jenie Fisher.

8 Page 8 of 21 1 Comment from 123rd Airlift Wing, Humanitarian Assistance, KYNG, Kentucky National Guard, KyANG, Media Unbridled Service: Why they serve in Kentucky August 23, 2010 tags: kentucky national guard, families, KYNG, service, 149th MEB by kyngpao ACH By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Pvt. Taylor Powell

9 Page 9 of 21 Pvt. Taylor Powell, an Automated Logistics Specialist with the 149th Brigade Support Battalion, joined the Kentucky National Guard while still in High School. The first benefit of his decision was receiving his G.E.D. Other benefits include his job training, a monthly paycheck and the ability and requirement to stay in shape. Powell says he now understands the changes that occur when one answers the call to step up and serve their country. Now that I have something going for me, this uniform, this flag on my shoulder, a lot of people want to shake my hand, Powell said. It feels nice, feels good and makes me feel like I m doing something for myself and for everybody else by keeping this country safe. Leave a comment from 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Employers, Families, KYARNG, KYNG, Kentucky National Guard, Recruiting Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund grows with newest donation August 20, 2010 tags: kentucky national guard, KYNG, Memorial Fund, 138th Fires Conference, Col. Rod Hayes, Historian by kyngpao SRR By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

10 Page 10 of 21 Photo by Spc. Scott Raper/KYNG Public Affairs Office FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 20, 2010) A check for $2500 was presented to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund by Col. Rodney Hayes on behalf of the Bluegrass Chapter of National Guard Fires Conference at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., August 19. Representing the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, Inc. were board chairman SFC (R) John M. Trowbridge and board secretary Jason M. LeMay, along with Brig. Gen. Joseph Richie, the Deputy Adjutant General of Kentucky. Vision of the new Kentucky National Guard memorial to be built at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. The donation was from funds raised during the 2010 National Guard Fires Conference held earlier this year in Louisville. The Memorial Fund is closing in on $60,000 in total donations and is

11 Page 11 of 21 receiving more on a regular basis. They are actively pursuing donations to make this memorial a reality in the near future. The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, Inc. a non-profit organization has one mission to raise money to design and construct a memorial at the entrance to Boone Center honoring all Citizen- Soldiers who have served in the Kentucky National Guard, in any duty status, from March 1912 to present especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending the Nation and the Commonwealth. Currently 96 names of Kentucky Guardsmen who perished in the line of duty have been identified and another 40 names have been suggested and are being researched. (Learn more at Leave a comment from 138th Fires Brigade, Ceremonies, Employers, Joint Forces Headquarters, KYARNG, KYNG, Kentucky National Guard, Media, Promotions/Awards, Public Affairs Kentucky Guardsman promoted to Lieutenant Colonel August 20, 2010 tags: kentucky national guard, National Guard, promotion, KYARNG, Joint Force Headquarters, JFHQ, Lieutenant Colonel, Dennis Hawthorne by kyngpao SRR By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Dennis Hawthorne receives his Lieutenant Colonel ranks from his wife Laura and father-in-law Retired Army Colonel John Haluski during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., August 19.

12 Page 12 of 21 FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 19, 2010) Dennis Hawthorne was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort Aug. 19. Brig. Gen. Joseph Richie presided over the event. Hawthorne was pinned by his wife Laura and father-in-law Retired Army Colonel John Haluski. The silver oak leaves were the same worn by Haluski when he served as Lt. Col. during his career in the U.S. Army. A rich military tradition respected by all in attendance. This provides me with the opportunity to affect more Soldiers and Airman in the organization, said Hawthorne. Hawthorne has served in the Kentucky National Guard for 22 years, the first seven as an enlisted Soldier. He counts this promotion as one of many goals he has had during his career. Hawthorne currently serves as the State Training Officer for the Kentucky National Guard. He and Laura live in Lexington, Ky. with their three children. 1 Comment from Ceremonies, Families, History, Joint Forces Headquarters, KYARNG, KYNG, Kentucky National Guard, Media, Media Advisory, Press Release, Promotions/Awards, Public Affairs 438th takes to the woods for training August 20, 2010 tags: kentucky national guard, 438th Military Police, Riot training by kyngpao SRR By Sgt. Mark Owen, 438th Military Police Unit Public Affairs/Historian Representative

13 Page 13 of 21 Members of the 438th Military Police conduct Riot Control training at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Lyon County Aug 7. LYON COUNTY, Ky. (August 18, 2010) While most people were putting in their last few hours of sleep, the soldiers from the 438th Military Police were wide awake. Several teams from the unit based out of Murray, Ky., spread out with a task to complete before most people even had their morning cup of coffee. The mission: be ready for a full weekend of training within one hour. There s always gotta be teamwork, said Spc. Robert Gray from 2nd Platoon. I always look forward to drill. I deployed with a lot of guys in this unit, and it is always good to get back together, said Gray. Gray looked forward to the weekend as it was unlike most other weekends. The unit took training outdoors for a Field Training Exercise in Lyon County, Ky., at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Aug. 7. It s a big change for everyone, Gray said. Some people might live in a big city and really don t get to go camping. This gets people to experience the outdoors. With the tents set up, MRE s (meals ready to eat) settling in their stomachs and hours of daylight still left, the Soldiers still had much to do. Those in need of new or renewed driver s licenses used the miles of open park to conduct HUMVEE driver s training. Cadet Faron Ipox, Murray State University ROTC, and Spc. Robert Gray from the 438th Military Police Co. set up tents during their training at Land Between the Lakes Aug. 7. Soldiers who did not participate in the driver s training took over a shady spot near the campsite for Civil Disturbance and Riot Control training.

14 Page 14 of 21 I was a rioter during most of the scenarios causing disturbances, said Spc. Chance Ray from 1st Platoon. Ray was one of a half dozen soldiers playing the role of an out-of-control group. A wall of soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder with shields in a parallel line against the rioting crowd. This is serious, Ray said. This could be what we do overseas if we do end up going back over there to Afghanistan or Iraq again. The rioters tested the ways the MP s maneuvered the shields so they could learn techniques to correct any bad habits. The training came as a surprise for some of the first-time soldiers. Pvt. Anthony Burton of 3rd Platoon also goes by Pork Chop, a nickname that stuck with him after his brother gave him the title as a child. Burton got an entirely new image of drill while driving to Murray from his hometown of Russell Springs, Ky. I thought it was going to be more like basic and AIT with pretty much screaming but really it was more homey, like family, said Burton. He and Ray both agree it is easier for the new troops to train with the lower ranking enlisted soldiers for the first few drills. Ray adds, It s less intimidating for a Spc. with a combat patch to come up to them rather than a Sgt. or Staff Sgt. coming up and telling you how to do it. I can talk with them, and they can talk with me easier. Burton liked the way training was conducted. It is serious training and we still get everything accomplished without the screaming and yelling, he said. 2 Comments from 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, KYARNG, KYNG, Training Kentucky Guardsman promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 August 19, 2010 by kyngpao SRR By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

15 Page 15 of 21 Chief Warrant Officer William Wason is pinned by his wife Connie as the newest CW5 during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., August 17. Chief Wason has been a member of the Kentucky National guard since 1979 and is Deputy Director of Family Programs. FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 19, 2010) William R. Wason was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort on August 17. Brigadier General Joseph Culver presided over the event. Wason enlisted in the Guard in 1979 following active duty service in the Army. He currently holds a State Technician position as the Deputy Director of Family Programs. According to Wason, only 4 out of every 100 warrant officers are chosen for CW5. He makes only the 13th currently serving in the Kentucky National Guard. To be among a select group of warrant officers that have to be good enough and lucky enough to reach CW5, I feel very honored. And lucky, says Wason. Chief Wason plans to finish his service and retire in three years. He and his wife Connie live in Richmond, Ky. 1 Comment from Ceremonies, Families, Joint Forces Headquarters, KYARNG, KYNG, Kentucky National Guard, Media, Media Advisory, Press Release, Promotions/Awards, Public Affairs, Uncategorized

16 Page 16 of 21 Kentucky Citizen Soldiers train for possible deployment August 19, 2010 tags: kentucky national guard, Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, 149th MEB, largest mobilization in Kentucky history, pre-mob training, PTAE by kyngpao ACH By Spc. Scott Raper, 133rd Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment Soldiers of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade conduct a vehicle search during Entry Control Point training at Wendell H.Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., August 2. Entry Control Point training is part of the 149th's annual training in preparation for possible deployment in GREENVILLE, Ky. (August 19, 2010) Kentucky National Guard Soldiers of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade recently began the long road to possible deployment as their first of three scheduled Annual Training rotations kicked off at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky. Troops of the 149th MEB will complete the pre-mobilization training tours at WHFRTC over the next several months to qualify Soldiers and reach the necessary required strength. Their current stay is concentrated on preparing themselves for deployments and is organized for Soldiers to take care of basic service matters.

17 Page 17 of 21 Staff Sgt. A.J. Huddleston of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade participates in Close Quarter Marksmanship drills at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., August 2. Close Quarter Marksmanship is a unique to the Kentucky National Guard in its requirement of CQM for all deploying units. The 149th MEB is preparing for possible mobilization in We are focused on getting the Soldier as an individual ready to deploy, says Col. Scott Campbell, 149th MEB Commander. Later AT s will work on collective training, but right now, it is individual focused, he adds. Soldiers are required to complete tasks included in the Soldier Readiness Program, including Periodic Health Assessments, equipment showdowns and other personal issues. Field exercises for individual Soldier skills include: Individual Maneuver and Tactics Course, Close Quarters Marksmanship, Military Operations in Urban Terrain training, Humvee Egress Assistance Training, Virtual Convoy Operation Training, and Entry Control Point training. A Soldier of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade low crawls through an obstacle of the Individual Maneuvers and Tactics course at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., August 3. The 149th MEB

18 Page 18 of 21 annual training is a preparation for possible mobilization in Soldiers battled excessive heat conditions during training, but were reminded of how appropriate it is in a real world understanding of their possible deployment. Morale remained extremely high throughout as they kept the mission first and drove on. Morale has been excellent, states Cpt. Janee Wilson, Alpha Company Commander, 149th BSB, based in Benton. I have not seen anyone not enjoy training, not engage or not grasp what we are doing, they are asking questions and getting involved, she says. The efforts of the Soldiers has been observed and noted by all members of their command staff. Col. Campbell comment, This annual training has exceeded my expectations. The Soldiers are motivated, enthusiastically attacking the training. The attitude, the way they are going about their business is heartwarming. Pfc. Natasha Sydnor of the 1149th Forward Supply Company takes up a defensive position during instruction on room clearing at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky., August 4. The 1149th is part of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, which is in preparations for a possible deployment in Units of the 149th stretch entirely across the Commonwealth, with armories in Benton, Bowling Green and Hopkinsville out west, Williamsburg, Somerset, Harlan, Middlesboro, Barbourville, and Ravenna in eastern Kentucky with a headquarters in Louisville. The 149th could also be in the process of making history for the Kentucky National Guard, as their possible deployment of nearly 1,400 Citizen Soldiers would be the largest deployment since World War II. For more photos and information on the Kentucky National Guard visit our flickr site. Leave a comment from 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 149th Vertical Engineers Company, Iraq, KYARNG, KYNG, Media, Media Advisory, Press Release, Public Affairs, Training, WHFRTC

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20 Page 20 of 21 Army Knowledge Online (AKO) Guard Knowledge Online (GKO) KY ADT II blog KY Dept. of Military Affairs National Guard Bureau Twitter Feed 149th Live Fire Mission 6 hours ago KY ADT donates motorcycles to Afghans 2 days ago I posted 63 photos on Facebook in the album "KYNG Wounded Warriors in Alaska!" 2 days ago KY Air Guard assists in Pakistani flood relief efforts 3 days ago Why they serve in the Kentucky National Guard 4 days ago National Guard News McKinley meets with Empire Shield troops in New York City Hurricane Katrina response: National Guard's 'finest hour' Florida chaplains support comprehensive fitness, resiliency in Kuwait Eagles soar for last time at Hickam Soldiers, Airmen engage targets down range under stress Archives August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 Contributor Login Site Admin Log out Entries RSS Comments RSS WordPress.com Blog at WordPress.com.

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