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Best Ranger Competition

U.S. Army Ranger Teams from around the world will pit their physical and mental endurance against the

David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition April 15-17.  The first event is scheduled to start at 6 a.m. April 15.  The formal awards ceremony will be April 18. 

www.army.mil/ranger  

Torch Run

Airborne Awards

This week, for the first time, the Maneuver Center of Excellence will host the 2011 Reconnaissance Summit - a conference with roots from Fort Knox that brings together senior Army leaders to discuss training and capabilities of reconnaissance. Change is on the horizon now that the Armor School is at Fort Benning, and change is a theme at this year's conference.  

Future operating environments will be characterized by increasing complexity and ambiguity where hybrid threats operate in populated areas. In order to prevail in this environment, we must continue to evolve our reconnaissance doctrine, organizations, training and leader development to meet these emerging threats. Through open dialogue, presentations and simulated scenarios that challenge us to think outside the box, this conference will focus on identifying and developing the way ahead.  

I'd like to welcome the conference attendees to Fort Benning and the Columbus area. I'd also like to encourage the public to come out to Harmony Church to see all of the displays and exhibits that will be part of this conference.  

2011 Armor Reconnaissance Summit

website

Location:  Patton General Instruction Building

April 7th: 

• 0730-0830 No host breakfast @ BCC
• Vendor Displays 0800-1700 
• 0900 MCoE Welcome (CG)
• 0915-1015 Guest Speaker: Reconnaissance OPS against a Hybrid Threat" (JRTC)
• 1030-1130 Guest Speaker: Reconnaissance Ops against a Hybrid Threat (NTC)
• 1130-1300: Lunch: Guest Speaker "Army Operational Concept" (MCoE CG)
• 1300-1730: VBS2 Recon Mission and Working Groups
• 1700-1745: GO Executive Session
• 1830-2030: Recon Dinner @ BCC; Guest Speaker: The Future Role of Cavalry

April 8th:

• 0730-0845 : Armor and Cavalry Association Annual Breakfast
• 0915-1015: Reconnaissance for Corps and Division Command
• 1030-1230: HBCT/BfSB Back brief (AR CMDT)
• 1230-1430: Working Lunch: IBCT/SBCT Back brief (IN CMDT)
• 1430-1500: Develop MCoE Reconnaissance Way Ahead
• 1500-1600: Back brief TRADOC
• 1600-1615: CG MCoE Closing Remarks 

BRAC Community Update 

Click here to view the update 

Program manager Derek McCrea presented the latest news about the relocation of the 43rd Equipment Concentration Site from Fort Gillem, Ga. to Fort Benning at the April MCoE Community Update. He said the move is on track as about 20 trucks are arriving at Fort Benning from Fort Gillem each day.  About 1,350 pieces of equipment total are expected to arrive here by July.  The construction of the new Armed Forces Reserve Center at Harmony Church is also expected to be completed by fall in compliance with BRAC law.  Some new faces of BRAC were also presented at the Update showing Soldiers of the 194th Armor Brigade AIT completing Warrior Training Exercises.

The next MCoE Community Update is May 3 at 3 PM at the National Infantry Museum.

News: 

Tankers go digital with Abrams upgrade

The Army's Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems is rolling out its newest fleet of Abrams tanks.

Fifty-eight M1A2 Abrams Tanks with the second version of the system enhancement package were fielded to two 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team battalions this week, the first 3rd Infantry Division units to receive them.

The brigade is trading out older M1A1 tanks in a roll out marking the division's move from an analog Abrams platform to digital.

Post prepares for emergencies

When crisis strikes, Fort Benning's Emergency Operations Center stands ready to respond.

The post's Department of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security drew in elements from across post to stage a force protection exercise Wednesday morning.

In the scenario, a fuel tanker carrying 3,000 gallons of jet fuel explodes at a fueling station just after 9 a.m., less than half a mile from a child care center. Witnesses report casualties. Fire and emergency workers rush to the scene to contain the fire before it can ignite the station, which contains more than 480,000 gallons of the kerosene-based fuel.  

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13th CSSB returns from Iraq

Family and friends gathered in Freedom Hall Saturday to welcome home 75 returning Soldiers of the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

The battalion left for Iraq in April 2010 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. That mission changed in September to Operation New Dawn. Their mission was to support the withdrawal of forces and equipment in Iraq, said Capt. Henry Vazquez, rear detachment commander.  

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Army gears up for large-scale network evaluations

FORT BLISS, Texas (Army News Service, April 5, 2011) -- As preparations for the Army's Network Integration Evaluation kick into high gear, Soldiers, engineers, combat developers and test officials are joining forces at Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

The Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE, scheduled to get underway in earnest by June at White Sands, will be the Army's largest and most robust network test and evaluation effort to date, according to program officials.

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Newman's car will pay tribute to U.S. Army Reserve in Texas

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Ryan Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet will pay tribute to the men and women of the Army Reserve in the Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race April 9, at Texas Motor Speedway.

The paint scheme on the hood and rear-quarter panel of Newman's car will showcase Army Reserve.

 Click here to read more news    

From the Garrison

Harmony Church ACP open

The new Harmony Church Access Control Point  (new ACP 7) located along Route 27 will open for 24/7 hour business with 2 lanes open and limited visitor pass services on March 15. Department of Emergency Services is currently in the process of hiring additional guards to increase lane availability on this ACP and we expect to achieve full operational capability by the end of the summer. The opening of this ACP necessitates the current closure of the old facility servicing 1st Division Road, which will closed on March 14.

Clean Air Campaign

Fort Benning is working in partnership with the Clean Air Campaign to reduce air pollutants. The first step is the commuting survey, which will determine commuting trends on Fort Benning and help determine the pounds of pollution that are being eliminated when vanpools and carpools are formed.

Click on the link below to download a copy of the Application Form http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FortBenning

Bring a printed copy of the completed application to:
Room 385, Building 35, 35 Ridgeway Loop, Fort Benning, GA 31905.

NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM SEARCHING FOR GULF WAR VETS AND THEIR FAMILIES

If you are a veteran of the Gulf War or know someone who is, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is looking for you.  The museum is hosting a 20^th anniversary national tribute on May 26^th to honor all the men and women who served or lost their lives during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  

During the event, a section of Heritage Walk containing commemorative granite pavers for each service member who died during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm will be unveiled.  

Top service commanders from all branches will participate. Among those scheduled to attend are:  General Charles Horner (Ret), Admiral Stanley Arthur (Ret), and Lieutenant General William M. Keys, USMC (Ret), who commanded the 2nd Marine Division in the Gulf War. Retired four-star General Barry R. McCaffrey, who served as a division commander in the Gulf War, will emcee.    

In addition to speeches from the military leaders and the paver dedication, a military honor guard will march, taps will be played and a  new, dedicated flag for the Gulf War will be raised.  

The National Infantry Museum and Foundation is seeking information from families and unit members of the 408 service members killed in the Gulf War to include at the event.  All are invited to attend the ceremony. Persons with information or photos of the 408 are asked to send them to Cyndy Cerbin at ccerbin@nationalinfantryfoundation.org or contact her.

 "We want families and friends to feel that this is home for recognition of their heroes," said Ben Williams, Executive Director of National Infantry Foundation.

"This event is a long overdue national tribute to the sacrifices our military heroes made to enable a clear victory by the United States and coalition forces," added retired Col. Greg Camp, Executive Vice President of the National Infantry Foundation.  "This will be the first official recognition of all Gulf War men and women who died in service."  

More information is available on line at www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com.

Taking care of the best military community in the Army!

Upcoming DFMWR events:

SKIESUnlimited Dance

Registration begins April 1 for the SKIESUnlimited summer dance, tumbling and cheer classes. For more information, go to http://www.benningmwr.com/cyss-skies.php or call 706-545-0522.

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.

TGIF

The Benning Conference Center's Concord Lounge will host TGIF beginning April 8, starting at 4:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month. Don't miss the fun.

Bark to the Park

Join us for Bark to the Park from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 8 at the dog park at the Blue/French soccer complex on Main Post. Bring the family and your four-legged friends to this free event. We will have people food and dog treats. All four-legged participants must be registered at the Fort Benning Vet Clinic, and children must be accompanied by an adult. For information on pet registration, call 706-545-4444.

Boater Safety Course

Outdoor Recreation will host a free Boater Safety Course from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. April 9 at the Sand Hill Recreation Center. Each participant will receive a safety guidebook and a certificate from the Georgia Department of Natural resources upon completion. This allows Alabama residents to forego the written exam traditionally required for a boating license. Boat inspections will be available after class in parking area. Reservations your spot by April 8 by calling 706-545-7978.

Archery shoots

Uchee Creek will host competitive archery shoots, starting at 9 a.m., the second Saturday of each month - April 9, May 14 and June 11. This event is open to the public. For more info, call 706-685-3060.

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

"Whose song Are you gonna kiss me or not?"

Thompson Square is topping country charts all across the country, will perform free at the Benning Brew Pub at 7:30 p.m. April 13. This is an outdoor family event. Bring your lawn chairs, but leave the pets and the coolers at home! Refreshments will be available.

Sayers Library Easter Celebration

Sayers Library will host an Easter celebration from 6:30-7:30 p.m. April 15. This free, family event will include an Easter egg hunt, snacks and games. For more information, call 706-545-4911.

Kings Pond Campout

Mark your calendars with the spring Kings Pond campout schedule. Call 706-545-7978 to reserve your spot for the 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.

Spring Eggstravaganza

Join the Easter Bunny for the annual Easter egg hunt at the Spring Eggstravaganza. This free event, sponsored by TIC, will start at 10 a.m. April 16 at Riverside, the home of Fort Benning's commanding general. For more information, call 706-545-1853.

Family Fishing Night is back!   

Outdoor Recreation will host Family Fishing at Russ Pond from 5-7 p.m. April 19, May 17 and June 21, weather permitting. Reserve your free pole and bait now by calling 706-545-7978. Fishing at Russ Pond is restricted for to those 15 and younger, but parents and older siblings are encouraged to help.

Child fingerprinting

Plan now to have your child fingerprinted from 2-4 p.m. April 22 at the Main Post PX. This event is sponsored by Army Community Service in observance of Child Abuse & Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Paintball

Spend your next training holiday playing paintball in the Woodlands off Dixie Road, between 1st Division and Soldiers Plaza. Rent paintball equipment at Outdoor Recreation while supplies last. Form a team and challenge another unit or group. Paintball tournaments are scheduled for April 22, May 27 and Sept. 2. To register, call 706-545-9636.

Family Entertainment Center Easter Party

The Family Entertainment Center will host an Easter party from 1:30-3 p.m. April 23. This event includes a free Easter egg hunt with a chance to win an FEC family party package! Bring your camera - the Easter Bunny will be there. For more information, call 706-545-4272.

BCC Easter Brunch

Enjoy and elegant Easter Brunch at the Benning Conference Center's regimental Ballroom from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 24. Brunch - $15.95 for adults, $7.95 for children 6-12, and free for the younger ones - will include a classic breakfast menu, carving stations, pastries and desserts. The Easter Bunny has reserved his spot. Reserve yours today! Call 706-682-0640.

Brown Bag Lunchtime Discussions

Sayers and Donovan libraries and Dr. Douglas Campbell will host two brown bag lunchtime discussions about the 1865 Battle of Columbus at 11:30am April 26 at Sayers Library and 11:30 a.m. April 27 at Building 9230, room 200, in the commissary mall. Bring your lunch! For more information, call 706-545-8932.

Single Soldier Bowling

Single Soldiers, get two FREE games of bowling and free shoes when you register for BOSS Cosmic Bowling, from 8-10 p.m. April 29 at the Mall Bowling Center. Sign up by April 15 at the Kelley Hill Rec Center or call 706-544-1411. You must be 18 or older to participate.

Love Your Body Week

April 25-29 is Love Your Body Week at Smith Fitness Center. We've planned a full week of fun, with prizes and activities for the whole family. On Monday, April 25, join us at 11:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. for one-hour personal training information sessions, with free body fat testing and prizes. We will offer aromatherapy and massage classes on Tuesday, April 26 and free power yoga at 6:40 p.m., Wednesday, April 27. Thursday, April 28 is all about outdoor fun. We'll give away pool party packages, canoe rentals and more from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, April 28, for a grand finale, we will host our annual Fitness-a-thon from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Try five hours of fitness classes free! For more information about Love Your Body Week, call 706-527-2393.

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