FORT JACKSON SOLDIERS SAY GOODBYE TO ONE OF THEIR OWN P3 FINDING THE PERFECT FIT ARMY COMBAT FITNESS TEST SET TO BECOME NEW PT TEST OF RECORD IN 2020 P4 ALSO INSIDE ARMY WARRANT OFFICER CORPS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS, P6 OSHA OFFERS TIPS FOR BEATING THE HEAT THIS SUMMER, P7 www.fortjacksonleader.com @FortJacksonPAO www.facebook.com/fortjackson @fortjacksonpao
ON THE COVER U.S. Army Trainees assigned to Foxtrot 1st Battalion 34th Infantry Regiment conduct Physical Readiness Training on the Second day of Basic Combat Training. SEE PAGE 4 Photo by SPC. DARIUS DAVIS Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207 This civilian enterprise newspaper, which has a circulation of 10,000, is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Fort Jackson Leader are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Army or Fort Jackson. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army or Camden Media Co. of the firms, products or services advertised. All editorial content of the Fort Jackson Leader is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office of Fort Jackson. The Fort Jackson Leader is published by Camden Media Co., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with Fort Jackson. The civilian printer is responsible for commercial advertising. For display advertising rates and information call 803-432-6157 or write Camden Media Company, P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C. 29020. For classified advertising information only: call 800-698-3514 or e-mail nwilson@chronicleindependent.com or fax 803-432-7609. For questions or concerns about subscriptions, call 803-432-6157. To submit articles, story ideas or announcements, write the Fort Jackson Leader, Fort Jackson, S.C. 29207, call 803-751-7045 or e-mail fjleader@ gmail.com. Commanding General...Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr. Garrison Commander...Col. Stephen Elder Garrison Public Affairs Officer...Patrick Jones Command Information Officer...Robert Timmons Editor...Wallace McBride Website: www.fortjacksonleader.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortjackson Twitter: www.twitter.com/fortjacksonpao Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortjacksonpao Community Calendar TODAY Post Newcomer Orientation 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. NCO Club 5700 Lee Rd. Orientation is mandatory for Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians. Soldiers who bring their spouses will get a threeday pass through their chain of command. Attendees will also receive a 50 percent off meal coupon to eat at the NCO Club. Spouses in attendance, with or without their service member, will receive a Welcome to Fort Jackson gift from ACS. Free onsite child care will be provided, however, please call Parent Central Services at 751-4865/4824 to make reservations. For more information call 751-5256. TOMORROW Veteran interment 10 a.m. Fort Jackson National Cemetery. American Legion Post 193 is hosting a ceremony to lay to rest the remains of four service members. The veterans being laid to rest are: Leroy R. McAllister, Army, Marine Cpls. Michael K. Kopp and Robert L. Young, and Patricia G. Green, Army Air Corps. The ceremony is open to the public. JULY 14 AND JULY 21 5:30 a.m., Hilton Field Softball Complex. Qualify to make the team to go to Washington, D.C., in October. Runners can participate begins at the corner of Kershaw Street and Forest Drive. Open to active duty Soldiers 0184 or 751-5896. You can also sign up on the days of the runs from 4:45-5:15 a.m. JULY 17 Noon to 1 p.m. at the Education Center, Bldg. held on the third Tuesday of every month. program to include the process to enroll in our current Fort Jackson programs. For more information call 751-5341. Soldier for Life 9-11 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month at the Education Center, Bldg. 4600. Please call 751-5341 for more information. JULY 20 Change of Responsibility ceremony Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian will pass responsibility for U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson to Command Sgt. Maj. Jerimiah E. Gan during a ceremony 1 p.m. July 20 in the Solomon Center. Gan is currently the senior enlisted leader for the 1st Engineer Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. SPORTSMAN ADVISORY COUNCIL Are you interested in learning more about the Fort Jackson Sportsman Club? Come to a meeting of the Sportsman Advisory Council Working Groups. The Cycling Working Group meets Aug. 14, at Magruder s Pub. The next meeting for the Run/Adventure Working Groups is 6 p.m. July 31 at Magruder s Pub. The next Hunting and Angling Working Group meeting will take place 6 p.m. July 19 at Alpine Lodge. SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TO FJLeader@gmail.com Deadline for events to be included in the calendar or Happenings is one week before publication. Include the time, date and place the event will occur, as well as other necessary information. If you submit an article on an event that already has taken place, please send it as soon as possible. Tuesday is the last day we will we be able to accept an article for publication the following Thursday. Include the date and place of the event, as well as a description of what took place. Please include quotations, if possible. With any photo you submit, include IDs rank, unit, and Questions? Call 751-7045.
Seeing you in our hearts Fort Jackson Soldiers say goodbye to one of their own Above, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Rodriguez, first sergeant of Headquarters and Bravo Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion conducts a roll call during a memorial service for Staff Sgt. Joseph Murphy July 10 at the Daniel Circle Chapel. Right, Col. Stephen Elder, Fort Jackson Garrison commander, touches Murphy s dog tags during the service. By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion said goodbye to one of its own July 10, as they held a memorial service at the Daniel Circle Chapel for Staff Sgt. Joseph Murphy. Murphy, who passed away July 2, was remembered as a good friend and leader. Staff Sgt. Murphy made an impression on the people around him, said Chaplain (Capt.) Christopher R. Ball, and not only that, but he allowed others to make an impression on him. One of those who Murphy made a lasting impression on was his company commander, Capt. Derrick Bishop. Bishop, Bravo Company commander, recalled meeting Mur- boots. Beyond that Bishop was touched by Murphy s professional- Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS in a Soldier. pany, HHBn, called Murphy his friend and brother in arms and big brother. multiple tours in the Republic of Korea, the most recent in 2013. post. He is survived by his wife Jane Jhanaye Murphy, his two sons Joseph Jr. and Jerome, his mother Velma Murphy and his brother Franklin Murphy Jr. The Soldier will be sorely missed, Bishop said, but he looks forward to seeing you in our hearts.
Fort Jackson Movie Schedule 3319 Jackson Blvd. Phone: 751-7488 Photo by SEAN KIMMONS Spc. Efren Gandara performs leg tucks during a pilot for the Army Combat Fitness Test, a six-event assessment designed to reduce injuries and replace the current Army Physical Fitness Test. Army Combat Fitness Test set to become new PT test of record in 2020 By SEAN KIMMONS Army News Service Army senior leaders have approved a new - - service. tended to replace the current three-event around since 1980. to see it. - - - will reduce attrition and it will reduce mus- went into the test s development as research- physical component of their Soldiers indi- - - lations. The current PT test is only a 40 percent - See TEST: Page 12 FRIDAY Tag (R) 7 p.m. SATURDAY Tag (R) 1 p.m. SUNDAY Tag (R) 1 p.m. WEDNESDAY Tag (R) 2 p.m.... TICKETS Adult: $6 / Child (6 to 11): $4 3-D TICKETS Adult: $8 / Child (6 to 11): $6 Ticket sales open 30 minutes before each movie. Movie times and schedule are subject to change without notice. WWW.SHOPMYEXCHANGE.COM
July 12, 2018 The Fort Jackson Leader Page 5
Fort Jackson: HOUSING NOTES Updates from Housing Services By DEVON L. SUITS Army News Service Photo by SGT. BRAD MINCEY Soldiers from the South Carolina National Guard commemorated a century of service for the Warrant Officer Corps, July 9, 2018 during a ceremony at the S.C. Military Museum. The celebration included a brief history of the Warrant Officer Corps, memorabilia and a cake cutting ceremony. Army Warrant Officer Corps celebrates 100 years See WARRANT: Page 18 Mayors Needed usarmy.jackson.imcom-atlantic. mbx.fort- jackson-dpw- housing@mail.mil, or Juvenile Curfew & Supervision of Children and Resident Guide Review www.fortjacksonfamilyhomes.com Voice Broadcast Refer a Friend: PCS Rewards
Fort Jackson Newcomer Tour Army Community Service NEWS Leader file photo Mary Reardon, a Fort Jackson safety specialist, looks on as Headquarters, 193rd Infantry Regiment Drill Sergeants Staff Sgt. Roger Webber Jr. and Staff Sgt. Wanda Rodriguez demonstrate procedures of evaluating and applying an ice sheet to a Soldier displaying signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion last summer. Water. Rest. Shade. OSHA offers tips for beating the heat this summer Did you know Columbia is the second largest city in and the state of South Carolina? You can learn more additional interesting facts about our state capital by taking a guided bus tour. Army Community Service in partnership with Experience Columbia, S.C. (formerly known as the Columbia Visitor s Bureau) to offer a free monthly guided bus tour the third Friday of each month with the next scheduled for July 20. The tour includes the state capital, University of South Carolina horseshoe, Five Points, the Vista, all three local hospitals, S.C. state museum, Edventure, Riverbanks Zoo, Spirit Communications Park baseball stadium, Forest Acres, shopping and entertainment districts, and much more. This is an opportunity for newly arriving personnel and Family members, ages 10 and up, to familiarize themselves with the local community. The bus departs ACS at 9 a.m. and returns at 1:30 p.m. You may bring a bag lunch or eat at a local restaurant. For more information or to register call 751-5256. Registration is required. School time changes Leader staff reports The school hours for C.C. Pinckney and Pierce Terrace elementary schools has changed. The hours are: By ASHLYN LANDGRAF U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Now that we are fully immersed in the summer months, there are several considerations that need to be taken into account when planning for work. The most important is preparing the workforce for working in the heat. Every year, thousands of workers become victims to heat-related illnesses, but with the proper preventive measures, we can eliminate their occurrence. As part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration s campaign to Keep Workers Safe in the Heat, a variety of resources have been made available to help in planning work tasks so action can be taken to prevent heat-related illness. As part of this campaign, OSHA has partnered with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to develop the Heat Safety Tool. This tool is available as an app on Android and Apple devices in both English and Spanish. Due to the tool s mobile capability, it can easily be accessed to provide real-time information on demand. Once downloaded, the tool permits workforce planners, and even the workforce itself, to input their workplace location to determine the corresponding heat index for a given day, even hour-by-hour. The heat index is a more accurate value in determining the susceptibility of heat-related illnesses than only using the air temperature. It takes into account the relative humidity along with the air temperature into a single value that represents how hot the weather actually feels to the individual working in the heat. Once the heat index is calculated, the tool will display an associated risk level (low, moderate, high, very high/extreme) and provide suggested measures to be implemented to aid in the protection against heat-related illnesses. All applicable controls should be considered during the planning of work to ensure the appropriate resources are available so the workforce can be protected in the hottest weather. See HEAT: Page 15 C.C PINCKNEY Breakfast: 7:15-7:45 a.m. (Students at C.C. Pinckney must be in the cafeteria by 7:30 a.m. to eat) Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 7:55 a.m.-2:40 p.m. Thursday: 7:55 a.m.-1:35 p.m. PIERCE TERRACE Breakfast: 7:30-7:55 a.m. (Pierce Terrace students must be in the cafeteria by 7:40 a.m. to eat breakfast) Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Thursday: 8 a.m. -1:40 p.m. The schools ask Families to enjoy their summer and are excited to see you the Families at their Sneak-A-Peek from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 21. For more information contact Thelma Bivins at 803-787-6815.
Leader file photo An employee with the Scales Child Development Center helps children create differet crafts July 10 at the center. Scales was recently reaccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Accreditation increases Soldier readiness By ROBERT TIMMONS Fort Jackson Leader nounced one of the post s child development centers has received its national accreditation. - Bolton, Fort Jackson s Child, Youth Services coordinator, in NAEYC, or the National Association for the Education of cluding parents, teachers, children and managers. teams, management teams must all come together to complete program and classroom portfolios that meet standards as de- well. - one-hour classroom observations where the validator watched was meeting the strict NAEYC program criteria and standards, Bolton said. ness, Bolton added. increases, she said. Programs work hard to ensure the stan- sustained long after a validation visit. diers to focus on training and not their child s care. It is critical to the mission on Fort Jackson that the CYS - work and focus on their mission because CYS is there to sup-
FORT JACKSON WORSHIP SCHEDULE Training spotlight U.S. Army photos Trainees at Fort Jackson go head-to-head with pugil sticks, above, while another trainee prepares to fire on targets down range, left. CATHOLIC Sunday 7:30 a.m., Confessions, Solomon Center 8 a.m., IET Mass, Solomon Center 9:30 a.m., CCD, Education Center 9:30 a.m., Mass, Main Post Chapel 10:30 a.m., Reconciliation (after Mass or by appointment), Main Post Chapel Monday through Thursday, First Friday 11:30 a.m., Mass, Main Post Chapel CHURCH OF CHRIST Sunday 10:30 a.m., Worship Service, Magruder Chapel EASTERN ORTHODOX Sunday 9 a.m., Worship and Liturgy, Hospital Chapel JEWISH Sunday 9:15 a.m., Worship, Anderson Street Chapel 10:15 a.m., Fellowship, Anderson Street Chapel LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday 10:30 a.m., Worship Service, Anderson Street Chapel ISLAMIC Friday 12:45 p.m., Jumah Services, Main Post Chapel Sunday 8 a.m., Islamic Studies, Main Post Chapel PAGAN Sunday 11 a.m., Pagan Circle Sacred Well Congregation worship and study, Magruder Chapel HISPANIC PROTESTANT Sunday 9 a.m., Worship Service, Magruder Chapel PROTESTANT Sunday 8 a.m., Worship Service, Main Post Chapel 8:30 a.m., Anglican/Liturgical, Lightning Chapel 9 a.m., Service, McCrady Chapel (SCARNG) 9:15 a.m., Adult Bible Study, Main Post Chapel 9:30 a.m., Sunday School, Main Post Chapel 10 a.m., Gospel Worship Service, Daniel Circle Chapel 11 a.m., Service, Main Post Chapel 11 a.m., Chapel Next, Lightning Chapel 5 p.m., Aspire! Protestant Youth, Chaplain Family Life Center Monday 7 p.m., Protestant Women of the Chapel Woman s Bible Study, Lightning Chapel 7 p.m., Protestant Men of the Chapel, Bible Study, Chaplain Family Life Center Tuesday 9 a.m., Protestant Women of the Chapel, Main Post Chapel Wednesday Noon, Protestant Bible Study, SSI Library 7 p.m., Gospel Bible Study, Daniel Circle chapel Thursday 11:45 a.m., Fresh Encounter Bible Study, Chaplain Family Life Center ADDRESSES, PHONE NUMBERS Anderson Street Chapel, 2335 Anderson St., 751-7032 Lightning Chapel, 9476 Kemper St., 751-4101/4542 Chaplain Family Life Center, Bldg. 5460, 751-4961 Daniel Circle Chapel, 3359 Daniel Circle, 751-1297/4478 Education Center, 4581 Scales Ave., 751-5341 Fort Jackson Garrison Chaplain and Religious Support Office, 4356 Hardee St., 751-3121/6318 McCrady Chapel, 3820 McCrady Road at McCrady Training Center, 751-7324 Magruder Chapel, 4360 Magruder Ave., 751-3883 Main Post Chapel, 4580 Scales Ave., 751-6469/6681 Warrior Chapel (120th Adjutant General Battalion), 1895 Washington St., 751-5086/7427
I became a soldier... 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment PFC. ROBERT C. CALHOUN, 21 Dacula, Georgia PVT. SPENCER SISSOKO, 18 Louisville, Kentucky PVT. JAMUNJI LIGGONS, 21 Baltimore PVT. SYANTRIA BROWLEY, 23 Charleston, Mississippi PVT. ROBERT R. JONES, 19 Leavenworth, Kansas SPC. TARAN HOLT, 26 Platte City, Missouri
A Chief of Chaplains initiative moves forward U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School The U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School s transformation is about leveraging the best of its history as chaplains look back while moving forward all with the intent to better serve key constituents: The corps, our commanders, and our students. As part of Department of the Army Execution Order 265-16, a key part of Chaplain Corps transformation is the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School transformation.currently transformation is underway along three historic lines of effort. First, the organization is undergoing thoughtful reorganization, to become an Army Center of Excellence-like institution. This will align the structure of USA- CHCS more closely with the structure of centers and schools doing Army things the Army way. Second, integration will better take place as the ACOE-like organization becomes a nexus of communication, coordination, and cooperation for the Corps. See CHAPLAINS: Page 22 NEWS Courtesy photo USACHCS Commandant, Chap. (Col.) Jeffrey Hawkins shares inspirational words with Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course Class 18-002 to mobilize next generation chaplains into combat-ready professionals.
Photos by SEAN KIMMONS Left, Pfc. Alex Colliver, foreground, pulls a 90-pound sled 50 meters that simulates the strength needed in pulling a battle buddy out of harm s way during a pilot for the Army Combat Fitness Test, a six-event assessment designed to reduce injuries and replace the current Army Physical Fitness Test. Above, Sgt. Bruna Galarza demonstrates the deadlift event during a pilot for the Army Combat Fitness Test. Right, Soldiers conduct a 2-mile run as part of the pilot program. Test Continued from Page 4 - - - - - - TEST SCORING - - - See FITNESS: Page 16
Saluting this BCT cycle s honorees DRILL SERGEANTS OF THE CYCLE PASANA Staff Sergeant Miguel Pasana Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Staff Sgt, Jesse Kelley Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment CAULDER Staff Sergeant Caleb Caulder Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Staff Sgt. Leal Potter Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment Heat Continued from Page 7 Heat-related illnesses are 100 percent preventable. Take proactive measures to protect your workforce. To download the Heat Safety Tool smartphone app, visit OSHA s website at https://www.osha.gov/ heat/. OSHA s Heat Illness Prevention campaign, launched in 2011, educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. Through training sessions, outreach events, informational sessions, publications, social media messaging and media appearances, millions of workers and employers have learned how to protect workers from heat. Our safety message comes down to three key words: Water. Rest. Shade. DANGERS OF WORKING IN THE HEAT Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. More than 40 percent of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry, There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT WORKERS Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat. An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program. Provide workers with water, rest and shade. Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat. Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention. Monitor workers for signs of illness. OSHA s Occupational Exposure to Heat page, https://www.osha.gov/sltc/ heatstress/index.html, explains what employers can do to keep workers safe and what workers need to know, including factors for heat illness, adapting to working in indoor and outdoor heat, protecting aid training. The page also includes resources for place standards. Also look for heat illness educational and training materials on our Publications page at https://www. osha.gov/pls/publications/publication. athruz?ptype=industry&pid=571. KELLEY POTTER MOON Staff Sgt, LaToya Moon Echo Company 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment This We'll DEFEND
Fitness Continued from Page 13 Soldiers will still get adequate time to rehabilitate from an injury. But under a new deploy-or-be-removed policy, Defense Secretary James Mattis said in February that troops who are non-deployable for more than 12 months will be processed for administrative separation or referred to the disability evaluation system. Generally speaking, somebody who has a long-term perma- able for duty in the Army, McGurk said. At about $20 million, the new test will be more costly for the Army to conduct. A single lane of equipment at full retail value is about $1,200. A battalion set of equipment will range from $12,000 to $20,000. Those prices will likely drop as the Army buys more sets at wholesale. Equipment should last about 10 years, meaning it will cost less than $3 per Soldier over time. If I have a femoral neck fracture in the hip of a Soldier, that injury will cost the government about $1 million, McGurk said. So, if I avoid 20 of those injuries a year I ve paid for the program for the next 10 years for equipment. The potentials on COST AVOIDANCE The Army estimates $4 billion is spent each year due to injuries, non-deployable Soldiers, accidents and other health-related costs. As part of its culture change, the Army is building a Holistic diers. The new test is one piece of the system, in addition to the at chow halls. Army researchers studied foreign militaries that have rolled out similar holistic programs and found them to be highly successful. The Australian army, for instance, introduced it to their basic training and saw a roughly 30 percent reduction in injuries. Do I know we re going to have a 25-30 percent reduction? No, but I certainly hope we will, McGurk said. We think (the test is) well worth it and it s the right thing to do for Soldiers in any case. Feedback from Soldiers so far has also been overwhelmingly positive. monotonous if people train the same way, McGurk said. So, a lot of them saw this as a great change and how it required them to use different muscles. While some Soldiers may disagree with replacing the cur- In 1980, running shoes were relatively a new invention, he said. The Army was still running in boots for the PT test back change. ARMY VISION In early June, senior leaders outlined what the Army should focus on over the next decade to retain overmatch against potential adversaries. The 2028 vision statement, signed by the Army s secretary and chief of staff, calls for modernized equipment, particularly the development of autonomous systems. It also stresses the
S.C. Army National Guard preparing for training exercise in Texas By LT. COL. CINDI KING South Carolina National Guard Did you see all the military vehicles lined up on Shop Road in Columbia, South Carolina last week? It wasn t anything but the South Carolina Army National Guard s 4-118th Combined Arms Battalion, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, preparing for a training exercise called, Exportable Combat Training at Fort Bliss, Texas. More than 200 wheeled and tracked vehicles from the 4-118th CAB are being moved and staged for transport via railcars along Garners Ferry Road, Leesburg Road and Assembly Street near the State Fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina, throughout the weeks of July 9 and 16. Our more than 500 Soldiers will be joining National Guard Soldiers from West Virginia and North Carolina for the XCTC in August, said Lt. Col. Joe Bulwinkle, commander of the 4-118th CAB. See TEXAS: Page 19 NEWS Soldiers from the South Carolina Army National Guard s 4-118th Combined Arms Battalion, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, rail load Humvees, armored infantry vehicles and other equipment, almost 200 wheeled and tracked vehicles in all, in preparation for their annual training exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas in August 2018. Photo by SGT. BRAD MINCEY
Warrant Continued from Page 6 Throughout the war and beyond, warrant - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Texas Continued from Page 17 This event is important for us as we prepare for our evaluation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California in 2019, Bulwinkle said. As the vehicles were being loaded on the railcars, passers-by would wave or honk their vehicle horns to show support. Many stopped to ask where the equipment was heading. Things have been going very well with our Soldiers working with the contractors at the railhead, said 1st Company, 4-118th CAB. There is a tremendous amount of experience between our NCOs and with the contractors. They are guiding our Soldiers on what to do and making things happen. There were roughly 30 Soldiers working to drive and secure the vehicles on the railcars, which included M1 Abrams, M2 Bradleys, along with heavy trucks. According to Bowens, the most challenging part was driving the larger track vehicles onto the railcars. Being out in the heat all day while we load these vehicles is actually good preparation for us to be in the summer Texas heat, said Bowens. Morale for our troops is very good. We have a top notch group of NCOs who enjoy looking out for the Soldiers and making them feel a part of the Family. Once the last vehicle is loaded, the rail cars will depart for Fort Bliss and are expected to be on station when the Soldiers arrive to begin the month-long XCTC in early August. Photo by SGT. BRAD MINCEY Soldiers from the South Carolina Army National Guard s 4-118th Combined Arms Battalion, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, rail load Humvees, armored infantry vehicles and other equipment, almost 200 wheeled and tracked vehicles in all, in preparation for their annual training exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas in August.
Chaplains Continued from Page 11 Exciting days are ahead as branch capabilities and capacities expand on the campus and relocate to the campus in order to better in- What this means is higher quality formation and leader develop- - Changes coming to Guard tuition assistance By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy National Guard Bureau - they complete basic and Advanced Individual Training, Previously, until this policy change, Soldiers had to complete AIT and then, when they came back to their units they had to wait a year before they could use the - now come home (from AIT) and they can immediately Also eliminated in the coming changes is the requirement to complete 10 years of service to use tuition as- - - - The military education requirement holds true if tuition assistance was used for even a part of earning an