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MANEUVER CENTER OF EXCELLENCE - TEAM OF SOLDIERS, FAMILIES, AND CIVILIANS FROM THE BEST ARMY IN THE WORLD!
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Army Family Team Building helps participants understand Army culture, and it gives them the skills and resources they need to be self-reliant, self-sufficient members of the military community. AFTB will host a Spring Fling March 21-24. This event will include training in AFTB levels I, II and III. For more information, call 706-545-2794.
Upcoming events:
Meet the Columbus Lions
March 15 at Doughboy Stadium. This event starts with team practice at 3 p.m., a meet-and-greet with the kids, a skills clinic and competition for Soldiers and an information briefing about Fort Benning Football Tryouts at 6 p.m.
The Fort Benning Equal Opportunity Office is hosting a Women's History Month Celebration luncheon March 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Benning Conference Center. For more info, call 706-544-9026.
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From the Top
BRAC is alive - that was my message to the media last week and to anyone who asks me what is happening at the Maneuver Center of Excellence. For years now, the $20 million Jeopardy question has been "When will BRAC be here?" - which translates to "When will we see all of the people and feel the impact from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision to relocate the Armor School from Fort Knox to Fort Benning?"
All you have to do is take a trip out toward Harmony Church and you can see - it is happening - BRAC is here. Take a drive out there and you will be awestruck by the state-of-the-art training environment and facilities that have taken shape. As spring is in the air, so is change - the Armor School is here.
We began Armor courses in January and each week more come online. It makes me proud to be an American and it should make you proud too. Our nation is doing a great job to ensure our Soldiers have the best training possible, and rightly so. Our Soldiers and their families deserve nothing less.
One Force, One Fight!
Robert B. Brown
Major General, U.S. Army
Commanding General
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"Ask a Ranger" tonight on Facebook!
Interested in learning more about one of the premier schools in the Army? U.S. Army Ranger School instructors will be on hand to answer your questions about Ranger School and the upcoming Best Ranger Competition, 15-18 April, tonight on Fort Benning's Facebook Fan Page, www.facebook.com/fortbenningfans.
Don't miss out, tune in tonight from 6-7 p.m. EST.
Join the conversation on Fort Benning's Facebook Page!
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 News Channel 3 special coverage of Fort Benning's transformation What does more than $3 billion in Maneuver Center transformation construction look like? Find out Monday night at 6 and 11 p.m. as WRBL News Channel 3's Phil Scoggins takes you on an aerial tour of Fort Benning featuring the impacts of BRAC and the Armor School's home at Harmony Church. In addition to the aerial tour, go inside one of the largest simulations centers in the Army as Soldiers train on Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Abrams Tank maneuvers and tactics. Check your local listings for channel. WHAT: Fort Benning/MCoE Transformation New Story WHEN: 6 and 11 p.m., Feb. 28 WHO: WRBL, News Channel 3 WHERE: Your living room |
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News
Fort Benning commander recaps first 100 days
As the Fort Benning work force expands, the positives outweigh the negatives, the MCoE and Fort Benning commander said Wednesday. With his first 100 days "on the ground" behind him, Maj. Gen. Robert Brown met with local media to discuss the Maneuver Center's transformation and upcoming initiatives to break down walls between the installation and its 10 neighboring counties. more _____________________________________
Face-lifts continue at Indianhead Village
A housing area on Main Post for enlisted Soldiers, junior noncommissioned officers and their families that dates back half a century is getting a hefty overhaul.
All 414 units at Indianhead Village - 282 town homes and 132 single-story duplexes - are being thoroughly refurbished in a project scheduled for completion by mid-2012, said Mike Douglass, development executive for Clark Realty Capital, the developer and builder for Fort Benning Family Communities LLC. Work began last February.
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Stressful conditions set tone for Ranger School 
If you can survive 61 days of some of the Army's most intense, rigorous training, you earn the right to wear the Ranger tab. But Ranger School isn't about just surviving - it's about succeeding and leading your team despite struggles and stresses the instructors use to challenge you. Why? Because making the wrong decision in combat is not acceptable, no matter how tired or hungry you are, said Ranger instructor Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Hirata. more _____________________________________ Soldiers complete 'Amazing Race' 
It was a race against time and against the odds as NCOs and officers of the Mailed Foot Battalion sprinted across Sand Hill Wednesday to complete a series of challenges.
Modeled after the reality TV show The Amazing Race, the event included written clues, puzzles, skill tests and teamwork exercises. Teams had less than 90 minutes to earn as many points as possible and return to battalion headquarters. more _____________________________________ Aviation brigade flies final hours in Iraq  | |
Army Black Hawk crew chief Spc. Christopher Wilmeth watches the Iraqi countryside Feb. 10, during a mission near Baghdad. Photo by Spc. Roland Hale
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CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Feb. 17, 2011 - The Army's last active-duty aviation brigade in Iraq is heading home after a year-long deployment in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. The Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, deployed from Fort Riley, Kan., in March, and quickly became an integral player in U.S. Forces - Iraq's mission here. When it first arrived, the unit was one of four aviation brigades in Iraq. Over the course of the deployment, however, it rapidly assumed responsibility for all Army aviation operations in the country. It is now the Army's only aviation brigade here, bolstered to meet that charge with increased numbers of troops and aircraft. more _____________________________________ Special ops grows, increases optempo  | |
Staff Sgt. Jakob Anderson enters shot data into a ballistics PDA during a long-range target session while a student of the Special Forces Sniper Course at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Fort Bragg, N.C. Photo by Staff Sgt. David William McLean
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ARLINGTON, Va. (Army News Service, Feb. 17, 2011) - U.S. Army Special Operations Command has more than doubled its manpower since Sept. 11, 2001, and according to its deputy commander, mission requirements and operations tempo will continue on an upward glide path. more _____________________________________ Experts meet to further Soldier head protection  | |
The Advanced Combat Helmet is one of many pieces of protective gear fielded to Soldiers by Program Executive Office Soldier. Photo by PEO Soldier
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WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 17, 2011) - Soldiers can have some of the same brain damage as boxers, according to one researcher who presented at the Soldier Protective Conference. Dr. Ann McKee, a neural pathologist from Boston University, discussed her team's research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, during an Army conference set up to discuss ways to protect Soldiers' brains, Feb. 17. _____________________________________
2011 Bataan Memorial Death March opens  | |
A volunteer medic applies a dressing to a participant's blisters. Photo by Lea Jones.
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Get your walking and running shoes ready. It is time to start preparing for the 2011 Bataan Memorial Death March to be conducted March 27, at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Training recommendations can be found at www.bataanmarch.com. more
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DoD outlines improved health care services
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Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff testifies at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the department's 2012 budget request in Washington, D.C., Feb. 17, 2011. Photo credit Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 - The Defense Department has taken a number of recent steps to improve health care and family support services for military members and their families, the depart-ment's two top leaders told a Senate panel yesterday.
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Afghans take lead in COIN operations
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Afghan National Security Forces members and their Australian mentors receive training Feb. 17, in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, on counterinsurgency tactics as a part of an ongoing effort to give the Afghan military the lead in upcoming operations. Photo by Spc. Edward A. Garibay, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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MULTI-NATIONAL BASE TARIN KOT, Afghanistan -- Counterinsurgency, also known as COIN, is the main focus in Afghanistan. It is a partnered effort between Afghan government and coalition forces to bring peace to the nation by gaining the confidence of the people; and it will soon be fully led by Afghan National Security Forces. On Feb. 16, a class of 20 ANSF members and their Australian mentors received training on COIN tactics as part of an ongoing effort to give the Afghan military the lead in upcoming operations.
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Gates: Funding cuts would cause crisis
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Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, testifies at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the department's 2012 budget request in Washington, D.C., Feb. 16, 2011. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2011 - The Defense Department would face a crisis if it's forced to continue operating under a continuing resolution or doesn't receive the funding it needs, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told Congress today.
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The 2011 Best Ranger Competition is coming soon! April 15-18
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The three-day competition will challenge the two-man Ranger teams in events that will test their physical conditioning, Ranger skills and team strategies. The events are purposely scheduled back-to-back and around the clock from the start of the competition to the finish line.
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Click on the image to check out the video!
Watch other MCoE and Fort Benning Videos at our Vimeo page! www.vimeo.com/fortbenningtv
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Faces of BRAC
People behind-the-scenes shaping the MCoE
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Curtis Grover is a division chief of the Ground Systems Materiel Management Division and is responsible for setting up operations of the $45.1 million vehicle maintenance complex and its adjoining concrete hardstand that occupy nearly 140,000 square feet of real estate along 8th Division Road on Harmony Church.
GSMMD is responsible for maintaining and performing all field level maintenance for the training fleet at Fort Benning. "From preventative maintenance to repairing circuit boards, it's now all done right here," Grover said. "I can do it cost effectively right in this bay opposed to moving equipment to an intermediate provider."
In April 2007, GSMMD Headquarters became the field maintenance provider for TRADOC units at Fort Benning and AMC took responsibility over everything from TRADOC as it concerns maintenance, said GSMMD Director James Logan. According to Logan, GSMMD has the lead for the Fleet Management Expansion at Fort Benning and now provides one central point of contact for all things related to the field level maintenance of the Maneuver Center's training vehicles.
"We really have come a long way from when I first came in (23 years ago)," Grover said, talking about a time when lieutenants, new to the unit, had never seen an Abrams tank. "We now train as we fight." Putting the M1 Abrams with the Bradley fighting vehicle at the schoolhouse is the best thing the Army has ever done, Grover said.
Grover has been Armor for more than 13 years now and said he has learned plenty about tanks. Grover points to one of the five tanks that arrived here from Fort Knox this past August. "This tank here is 70 tons," Grover said. "And they put this guy with the Bradleys to kind of play big brother."
According to Grover, cancelling classes due to maintenance troubles would be particularly problematic to training missions at Fort Benning. The challenge has been the ability to train and maintain vehicles and equipment simultaneously. |
2011 Reconnaissance Summit The 1st annual Reconnaissance Summit is April 6 - 8 at Harmony Church, Fort Benning. This year's summit will focus on professional discussion on future reconnaissance capabilities to define a strategy for the future. Briefings from senior leaders will shape the discussion, leading to break out sessions divided into Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Stryker Brigade Combat Team and Battlefield Surveillance Brigade working groups facilitated by an hour long VBS2 vignette and the opportunity to discuss each reconnaissance formation. The summit will again include a variety of vendors displaying the latest Reconnaissance and Surveillance technologies, and will include several social events. The Armor and Cavalry Association will also conduct a breakfast meeting on Friday, 8 April, 2011. The culminating event will be an out-brief to the TRADOC Commanding General in the afternoon of 8 April. The Reconnaissance Summit will be held. For more information go to http://www.benning.army.mil/armor/reconsummit/ |
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NIM hold Presidents' Day paver dedication Revolutionary soldiers were among the guests at the paver dedication at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center on President's Day, February 21. The Sons of American Revolution donned period militia uniforms, for the quarterly ceremony.  The more than 300 new pavers joined thousands that already flank the 20-foot wide, flag-lined Soldier Center's Heritage Walk that runs alongside the museum and leads to the graduation field. The small stone monuments, purchased by individuals, honor not just soldiers but wives, moms, dads and others who support the military. One of those being honored on President's Day was COL E.B.
Cheston, a distinguished WWII and Vietnam veteran. His three sons, who attended the ceremony, are all Army officers. The Chestons were joined by hundreds of families from across the country that traveled to the Infantry Museum for the dedication of their special paver. More opportunities are available for those wishing to support the museum and honor a loved one. Groups and associations can now purchase, at a reduced rate, multiple pavers ranging from a row of 25 to 30 engraved granite blocks to a whole section of 178 stones. Organizations purchasing a section will receive a distinguishing marker and can either sell the pavers to their members at cost or use as a fundraiser for their organization.
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Taking care of the best military community in the Army!
Upcoming DFMWR events:
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Comprehensive Soldier Fitness and Resiliency Training Course
Fort Benning's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is proud to introduce the virtual Comprehensive Soldier Fitness campus at http://www.benningmwr.com. This site offers information and links to resources that support the five dimensions of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program: physical, family, social, spiritual and emotional fitness.
CSF, an Armywide initiative, underscores the Army's investment in readiness of the force and quality of life for Soldiers, family members and civilians by giving the same emphasis to psychological, emotional and mental strength that we have previously given to physical strength.
The program uses individual assessments, tailored virtual training, classroom training and embedded resilience experts to provide Soldiers and family members the critical skills needed to take care of themselves, their families and their teammates in this era of persistent conflict.
The CSF program is based on more than 30 years of scientific study.
As part of the program, MWR's Army Community Service will offer the CSF Resiliency Training Course. This free, 21-hour course will be offered at varying times, including evenings, for the convenience of Soldiers, family members and civilian employees. The first course will be 8:30am-4:30pm Feb. 24 and 25 and noon-4:30pm Feb. 28. Classes are also scheduled for March, April and May.
For more information about the program, to inquire about training schedule or to reach a master resiliency expert, call 706-545-7517 or 706-545-4043. Register for the Resiliency Training Course at http://www.benningmwr.com.
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More events:
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Shane Smith caught this 61.14 lb, 47" catfish while fishing at Uchee Creek Feb 21. The fish was caught on cut SkipJack in about 20 feet of water. It was released back into the river.
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Uchee Creek Fishing Tournaments
Uchee Creek hosts monthly fishing tournaments, open to the public, with cash prizes and boat rental discounts for active-duty Soldiers. The next tournament is March 19. For more info, go to benningmwr.com or call 706-685-3060 ext 200, 201 or 202.
Archery shoots
Uchee Creek will host competitive archery shoots, starting at 9am, the second Saturday of each month - March 12, April 9, May 14 and June 11. This event is open to the public. For more info, call 706-685-3060.
Starry Nights
MWR's Outdoor Recreation will host Starry Nights, an astronomical adventure, from 8-9:30 p.m. March 10 on the field at the intersection of Ingersoll and Brockman streets on Main Post. This is a free event and open to all ages. Telescopes will be provided by the Coca
Cola Space and Science Center. Astronomers will answer questions and assist with telescopes. For more info, call 706-545-9636.
Track and Field
Register your child, between 8 and 18 years old, for Track and Field by March 31 at CYSS Parent Central, Building 104 on Marchant Avenue. The cost is $25. For more info, call 706-545-2079.
Mardi Gras
Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Benning Brew Pub. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 26. Includes an "in the spirit" costume contest, the crowning of a king and queen, limbo, free spicy jambalaya and drink specials. The Benning Brew Pub is located in Building 2784, Sightseeing Road, next to El Zapatas.
CG Golf Scramble
Putt up or shut up! Test your game against the commanding general in the CG's Golf Scramble February 24 at the Fort Benning Golf Course. $30 in advance, $35 on game day. Call 706-687-1940.
King Pond Treasure Hunt
Take the family on a treasure hunt! ODR will host geocaching at Kings Pond Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. We will provide the treasure and the GPS. This event is free.
Preschool Story Hour
Sayers Library will host a Mardi Gras celebration during Preschool Story hour at 11a.m. March 8 and 9. This event will include singing, dancing, beads and Mardi Gras masks! For more info, call 706-545-4911.
Developmental Baseball
Register your child for Developmental Baseball by March 11 at CYSS Parent Central, Building 104 on Marchant Avenue. The cost is $20. For more info, call 706-545-2079.
Kings Pond Campout
Mark your calendars with the spring Kings Pond campout schedule. Call 706-545-7978 to reserve your spot for the March 19, April 16 or May 21 campout, which will include boating, games, fireside stories and s'mores. This event is free and designed for all ages. Pets are welcome.
Movies Under the Stars
Warmer weather means Movies Under the Stars! Join us at 8:30 p.m. every Friday in April at Wetherby Field for a free family-friendly movie. Coolers and pets are welcome, but we'll supply the free popcorn.
Hit the trail!
The Fort Benning Mountain Bike Race will start at 9 a.m. April 9 at the Fitness Trail on Main Post. This is a rugged course, 6 to 10 miles long. Registration begins March 21 at Smith Fitness Center. The top three male and female finishers will receive awards. For more info, e-mail joanne.cain@us.army.mil
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