Hot Topics

Free Brew Pub Concert 

Thompson Square performs a free concert at the Benning Brew Pub tonight at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit http://www.benning mwr.com

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 Friday to Monday.  The first event is scheduled to start at 6 a.m. Friday.  The formal awards ceremony will be Monday. 

www.army.mil/ranger  

Torch Run

From the Top

This is an exciting week at Fort Benning, as 50 two-man U.S. Army Ranger teams from around the world compete in the annual Best Ranger Competition.  

The Best Ranger Competition is one of the most grueling, mentally draining, and physically demanding competitions in the Army.  Team events, while not announced until the competition begins, challenge the Ranger's physical stamina, technical and tactical proficiency, and most importantly, team building strategies.   

Fort Benning is proud of the role it plays in the Best Ranger Competition as not only does it host this event annually, it is also the home of the Infantry and the Army's premier leadership course, Ranger School,  where these Rangers earned their coveted Ranger tab. 

Many of the competition events are open to the public, so be sure to check out the official Best Ranger Competition site - www.army.mil/ranger - for more details.  

One Force, One Fight!  Follow Me!  Rangers Lead the Way!

Brigadier General Bryan Owens  

Infantry School Commandant 

 From the Garrison

Harmony Church ACP open

The new Harmony Church Access Control Point  (new ACP 7) located along Route 27 is open for 24/7 hour business with 2 lanes and limited visitor pass services. Department of Emergency Services is in the process of hiring additional guards to increase lane availability on this ACP, with full operational capability by the end of the summer. 

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.

M2/M3 BFV System Maintainer course graduates tomorrow  

The Maneuver Center of Excellence, U.S. Armor School graduates its inaugural 12-week M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer course tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the 3rd Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, Headquarters, Bldg. 4322.

The BFV System Maintainer course is the Armor School's first course to commence under the Maneuver Center of Excellence since the School's relocation to the post as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision to move the Armor School here from Fort Knox, Ky. 

F Company, 3rd Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, led the M2/M3 Bradley System Maintainer Course, which lasts 12 weeks and four days.  The course features a 40-1 ratio of students to instructor in the classroom and 4-to-1 during the hands-on portions.

News:   

Airborne Battle Memorial dedicated

The 2011 Airborne Awards Festival's Fort Benning stop was highlighted by the dedication of a new $112,000 monument Friday on Eubanks Field.

The Airborne Battle Memorial commemorates every major parachute and glider combat assault carried out by U.S. paratroopers and glidermen, from Operation Torch in 1942 during World War II to Operation Northern Delay eight years ago in Iraq. The platform is shaped like the oval worn behind the parachutist's wings, while each of the 19 white granite monuments lists unit names, dates, place of battle, and number of jumpers or glidermen - roughly 72,000 total.

more _______________________________________    

Leaders discuss capabilities at Recon Summit

The Army must define a future strategy to deal with hybrid threats that operate along increasingly intricate networks in a "realm of uncertainty" on the battlefield, officials said last week at the 2011 Reconnaissance Summit.

Hosted by Fort Benning's Maneuver Center of Excellence for the first time, the seminar brought together senior Army leaders for discussions on reconnaissance training and capabilities. The summit, staged previously at Fort Knox, Ky., took place Wednesday through Friday at the Patton General Instruction Building on Harmony Church.

Competitors gear up for BRC 2011

The events are set for another grueling 60-hour demonstration of mental toughness and physical strength among contestants in the 28th annual Best Ranger Competition.

more 

_______________________________________  

'Soldier's Soldier' becomes 37th Army chief of staff

ARLINGTON, Va.  - Gen. Martin E. Dempsey was sworn in as the Army's 37th chief of staff April 11, surrounded by an enormous family, mentors, his classmates from the 1974 graduating class at West Point, the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of Defense.

"I'm confident that Martin Dempsey will bring the same passion and dedication to building the Army's next generation of leaders, guiding them with strength and vision as he has to every other position during his impressive career," said Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates during the ceremony on Summerall Field at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

more

_______________________________________   

Military family support a 'national priority,' Obama says

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama today made caring for military families a national priority, calling to action his entire administration and communities across the United States on their behalf.

"The strength and the readiness of America's military depend on the strength and readiness of our military families," the president said. "This is a matter of national security. It's not just the right thing to do. It also makes this country strong."

Obama made the remarks at the White House accompanied by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and other senior officials as he announced a national initiative aimed at increasing support for the families of American servicemembers.

Month of the Military Child: Autism on the rise

FORT HOOD, Texas - For nine long months, parents anticipate the birth of a new baby. They buy clothes and diapers, assemble furniture, pick out names and dream about a happy, healthy, bright future for their impending arrival.

However, many parents find themselves facing a very different reality when they discover their child is autistic.

The Centers for Disease Control's latest published study in 2006 estimated one in every 110 children was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

more  

_____________________________________   

Click here to read more news    

International Dignitaries to Tour National Infantry Museum

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center will be one of only two stops as the Georgia Department of Economic Development's 25th annual International VIP Tour travels to Columbus next week. The visitors include top diplomats representing 21 countries. The tour, which runs from April today through Friday, will feature economic development partnerships, businesses, academic institutions and tourist destinations in Macon, Perry, Columbus, Pine Mountain, Warm Springs, LaGrange and West Point. The visit to the museum takes place tomorrow beginning with a lunch sponsored by the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce at noon and a tour of the museum at 1:30 p.m.

The tour enables Georgia's diplomatic corps to meet Georgians in their own communities.  This experience also provides regions in Georgia with opportunities to promote their businesses and academic and cultural assets to the leadership of Atlanta's international diplomatic and trade communities.

"As home to so many significant businesses, tourism attractions and fine academic institutions, central and western Georgia really do characterize a lot of what makes our state globally competitive," said Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The tour provides Georgia's communities with direct access to representatives from global markets, which can be quite useful in developing future opportunities."   

This year's International VIP Tour will include representatives from Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Nigeria, Philippines, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

In addition to the National Infantry Museum, the tour will include visits to Mercer University, Ocmulgee Indian Mounds Park, YKK U.S.A., NCR, the Little White House, KIA and the Hills and Dales Estate.

Taking care of the best military community in the Army!

Upcoming DFMWR events:

"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 tonight at 7:30 p.m. This is an outdoor family event. Bring your lawn chairs, but leave the pets and the coolers at home! Refreshments will be available.

Purchase a ticket to the Toby Keith concert during the Thompson Sqaure concert, and enter to win a chance to meet Thompson Square after the show.  If you've already purchased a ticket, bring it and you'll be registered.

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 hosts "TGIF"  the second Friday of each month at 4:30 p.m.  Don't miss the fun.

Archery shoots

Uchee Creek hosts competitive archery shoots the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m.  This event is open to the public. For more info, call 706-685-3060.

Sayers Library Easter Celebration

Sayers Library will host an Easter celebration from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday. 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 Saturday 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. Saturday 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. this Tuesday, 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.

Check out MWR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BenningFMWRfans.