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AKO Security Changes
World War II Street Tours
From The Top
 
CG FerriterFort Benning is pleased to host the U.S. Army Championship Combatives Tournament Oct. 1-3, at the Paul R. Smith Fitness Center. This tournament will showcase the professionalism and talent of the U. S. Soldier as they hone their Warrior skills, exhibit the Warrior Ethos, and battle one another to determine the best fighters in the Army.
 
I encourage the Fort Benning community to come out and watch this competition. These competitors are the most adaptive, agile warriors in the world. The competition aspect of the Modern Army Combative Program is essential as it allows Soldiers to experience a confrontation against a fully-resistant opponent, motivates Soldiers to continue training, builds confidence in one's abilities, and inculcates the Warrior Ethos.
 
We are in for three-days of intense action as these Warriors compete. Also, be sure to stick around during lunch breaks and pauses in competition, as the U.S. Army Combatives School Demonstration Team will showcase new techniques being implemented in the Army Combatives program. For more information about the competition, I encourage you to visit https://www.benning.army.mil/combatives.
 
 
One Force, One Fight!

Maj. Gen. Michael Ferriter

Commanding General
News

Soldiers, families not alone after deployment

Soldiers, families not alone after deployment

When Soldiers returning from deployment exit the aircraft at Lawson Army Airfield and march through the doors into Freedom Hall, their families aren't the only people they see.

The USO, American Red Cross, Operation Homefront Georgia, and Association of the United States Army are among the community support organizations that rally every time there's a troop movement through the Fort Benning terminal. Primarily made up of volunteers, the nonprofit groups offer everything from free candy, coffee and doughnuts to coloring books, U.S. flags and the occasional hug.


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Army's top fighters to compete in tourney

Army's top fighters to compete in tourney

The 2010 Army Combatives Championship showcases the professionalism and talent of the U.S. Soldier and sharpens warrior skills, demonstrates the Warrior Ethos, determines the Army's best fighters, and furthers the Warrior mindset across the Army.

During the three-day competition, fighters will compete within a graduated set of rules, and through a process of elimination, reach the final round, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Oct. 3. An opening ceremony will kick off the event at 9 a.m. Friday. The public is invited to attend any portion of the combatives competition. There is no admission fee and parking is free.

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Vice chief: Army needs to address PTS, TBIs

Vice chief: Army needs to address PTS, TBIs

FORT HOOD, Texas (Sept. 23, 2010) -- The Army needs a significant cultural change so Soldiers who need behavioral health services and treatment will seek care, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter Chiarelli told Fort Hood's Health Promotion Council Tuesday at III Corps.

Wendy Lakso, III Corps and Fort Hood health promotion officer, said the council, an asset of Army Public Health, integrates medical, tactical and garrison assets on the installation to address public and behavioral health concerns.


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No monkey business: 'The Gorilla' strikes fear, respect in 3rd HBCT football players

No monkey business: 3rd HBCT football players

The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team is using a strength, conditioning and agility coach to help get ready for its Oct. 28 tackle football game against Columbus State University's club team.

And the players say she can be a real beast.


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Riders Beware: Death highlights the importance of motorcycle safety training

Riders Beware:

After two motorcycle crashes claimed the lives of two Soldiers in recent weeks, experts want to make sure motorcyclists are doing all they can to stay safe by riding defensively and brushing up on safety skills.

A Fort Benning Soldier died Tuesday after losing control of his motorcycle on Interstate 185. The accident is under investigation.


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AKO security changes block access for some; users urged to take action

AKO news release

A recent series of beind-the-scenes security changes at Army Knowledge Online has caused some users to no longer be able to access the web-based portal.

While the AKO team is working diligently to identify the issues and provide suggested ways to overcome them, users who are having access issues are advised to read the information below and take action as necessary.

Conversion to NIST/NIAP-approved Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption FAQ

Q: Why are these changes being made?
A: Army Reg 25-2, Sec 6-1B requires that all Unclassified and Sensitive Information systems use NIST/NIAP-approved SSL. AKO/DKO is making changes to support this requirement.

Q: How do I know if I need to make these changes?
A: If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher go to: Tools > Internet Options> Advanced Tab, scroll down to the Security section. If the "Use TLS 1.0" option is checked, you do not need to do anything. If it is not, check it and click OK.

If you use Mozilla Firefox, go to: Tools > Options > Advanced > Encryption. If the "Use TLS 1.0" box is checked, you do not need to do anything. If it is not, check it and click OK.

Q: What do I need to do to make my browsers compliant?
A: If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher , verify it is configured correctly. To do that, go to: Tools > Internet Options> Advanced Tab, scroll down to the Security section and ensure that the "Use TLS 1.0" option is checked, then click OK. If this option is not available, please ensure you have the latest updates for Microsoft Internet Explorer and then try again.

If you use Mozilla Firefox, go to: Tools > Options > Advanced > Encryption and ensure that the "Use TLS 1.0" box is checked, then click OK.

Q: What happens if I don't make these changes?
A: You will not be able to access AKO or any of its related services (e.g., IM, Webmail, files).

Q: What is SSL?
A: SSL, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer, is a commonly used method for managing the security of a message transmission on the Internet.

Q: How can I talk with someone about this?
A: You can call the Army Enterprise Service Desk 24x7 at 866-335-ARMY (866-335-2769).

Q: What about non-Web browser services like IMAP/POP?
A: All AKO/DKO Services like Portal, Webmail, and IM as well as e-mail based services like IMAP and POP will use only NIST/NIAP-approved SSL algorithms. Check your application's vendor documentation to ensure it is capable of using NIST/NIAP-approved cryptographic algorithms.

GREAT WEATHER FOR WORLD WAR II COMPANY STREET TOUR AT THE NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM AND SOLDIER CENTER

WORLD WAR II COMPANY STREET TOUR

Visiting the World War II Company Street isn't just a tour. Education Department specialist Becky Antrobius describes it as "walking in footsteps of veterans."  That's because all the docents are veterans who bring their own experiences to the tours and give life to the seven-building complex.

The wooden "series 700" buildings were mass produced in the 1940's to meet the demands of the burgeoning Army. After World War II, installations continued to use the structures but they were rapidly being demolished. When MG (Ret) Jerry White was Commanding General at Fort Benning he was able to save one of each kind of building. As President of the National Infantry Foundation, he had the buildings assembled next to the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center.


The barracks, mess hall, orderly room, supply room, chapel, General George Patton's headquarters building and sleeping quarters are the only fully-preserved set of series 700 buildings in existence. The structures are fully furnished with realistic touches like period music, photos and furniture. A Sherman tank and period Physical Training (PT) field add to the realism.  "It's really a place that comes to life for kids," says Antrobius, who points out the street is an important part of Army heritage and American history.


The cooler weather makes the hour-long tour particularly pleasant. Tours are scheduled hourly Wednesday through Saturday from noon through 3pm. Sunday through Tuesday one tour is provided at 2:00. The street is handicapped accessible and both transportation to the street and wheelchairs are available.


October 21 and 22 during a special WWII weekend, all the buildings will be open and reenactors in period dress will assist visitors in sensing what it would be like for a young draftee in the '40s.


For more information about the National Infantry Museum or World War II Company Street, call 706-545-2958 or visit www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com.

Thank you for taking the time to look through the Fort Benning E-Newsletter.  WePAO seal will continue to tell our Soldiers' great stories through this and other mediums. The Benning E-Newsletter will be sent out weekly. Please support us by forwarding this email to a friend via the "forward email" link at the bottom of the newsletter.
 
Sincerely,

Fort Benning Public Affairs Office