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Social Media Spotlight
Maj. Gen. Gregg Potter, commanding general of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence reflects on the Army's 237th Army Birthday.
"Walking the path blazed by 237 years of bootprints before us makes us Army Strong!"
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Perkins leads Army birthday celebration in Kansas City
Lt. Gen. David Perkins was the keynote speaker during the Army Birthday Celebration in Kansas City, Mo., June 9.
As part of his speech, he reminded those in attendance that Soldiers don't serve for personal glory or riches, but for the ideals set forth in the U.S. Constitution. About 500 people were in attendance for the celebration. Attendees included active, reserve and National Guard Soldiers; veterans from every conflict since World War II; several Gold Star families; and eight Wounded Warriors from Fort Riley, Kan. The event was sponsored by the Association of the United States Army, and commemorates the Army's 237th birthday June 14.
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Former NBA referee visits Fort Benning
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A former undercover New Jersey state trooper who went on to spend 25 years as an NBA referee returned to Fort Benning, Ga., last week to share his message of resilience, leadership and struggles with post-traumatic stress.
Bob Delaney, author of the book Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post-Traumatic Stress, gave a presentation Thursday to Maneuver Captains Career Course students and cadre in Derby Auditorium at McGinnis-Wickam Hall.
For the rest of this story, click here.
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Happy Birthday Army!
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Soldiers, civilians, family members and friends -- including a few of the four-legged variety -- joined in a 2.5 mile fun run and walk this morning led by TRADOC's Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey to celebrate the Army's 237th Birthday. "It (the run) was a good start for the Army Birthday. We have to remember the millions that were here before us and to honor them. They all decided to risk their lives and serve. Most Americans don't think like this. They don't have to; we take care of that. We serve so they don't have to worry," said Dailey following the event.
Around 100 people participated in the event including Maj. Gen. Bradley May, TRADOC's deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training.
Photos by Sgt. 1st. Class Kelly Bridgwater
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Celebrating the Strength of the Nation: the Army's 237th Birthday
From June 14th's Army Birthday Stand To!
What is it? Today the United States Army celebrates its 237th birthday. In the spring of 1775, a group of militiamen cobbled together from various New England colonies to confront British troops near Boston, Massachusetts. Recognizing the need for a professional American force, our nation's leaders established the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, beginning our Army's rich heritage of successfully defending this great country and her citizens. George Washington received his appointment as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army the next day, and formally took command at Boston on July 3, 1775.
What has the Army done?
Throughout the last 237 years, the U.S. Army has remained the strength of our nation, ensuring her citizens and our national interests are protected. From the Civil War, to World War I and II, to Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf, our Army has defeated tyranny and advanced the cause of freedom. And following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the Army was decisively engaged in Iraq and continues to serve in Afghanistan to combat violent extremism and keep terrorism from our shores.
click image to view video
 "As we celebrate 237 years of service to our great nation. Birthdays are commemorations and our Army has much to be proud of: today you are part of the greatest Army in the world, your selfless service, courage, dedication and sacrifice to our nation during 10 years of war has been remarkable. I am incredibly proud ..." - Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, in his message on the 237th Army Birthday.
To view more senior leader messages, click here. What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The Army will always remain true to its enduring professional values, honoring the sacred trust bestowed by the Nation. As we look towards the next 10 years and beyond, the Army will remain vigilant, preparing for the challenges of an uncertain future, while always remembering to value the strength of our Soldiers and the support for their family members, as it is the people who make our Army strong.
Why is this important to the Army?
Celebrating the Army's birthday is an opportunity to reflect on the birth of our nation and the establishment of our great Army. We also celebrate the Army family the Soldiers, family members and civilians that make up the Army community and to say thank you to all of you, who have stood by the Army family for more than 10 years of conflict. Additionally, this year we remember those who fought in the Korean War, as we celebrate its 60th anniversary with events throughout our country.
The strength of the Nation is our Army,
The strength of our Army is our Soldiers,
The strength of our Soldiers is our Families,
This is what makes us Army Strong! |
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Future Games gives leaders tools to chart Army's future
by Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Piper, Defense Media Activity
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Brig. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., director of the Mission Command Center of Excellence at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., speaks during the Future Games, part of Unified Quest 2012, June 3-8, 2012, at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Piper)
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The Army's role in the nation's future defense strategy is becoming broader and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command is working to ensure that it is ready.
"As we transition out of the wars [in Iraq and Afghanistan] and the national security policy becomes more broad, and we begin to look at the Pacific and other areas, then we kind of have to open the aperture more," said Col. Bob Simpson, the lead integrator of the Army 2020 Campaign of Learning.
The Future Games is a capstone exercise held to test the ideas that have been generated by Unified Quest 2012 over the course of the past year. The games were held June 3-8, at Carlisle Barracks, Penn.
"We have brought in a collection of people to challenge our notions -- to subject (our notions) to some critical thinking," Simpson said.
Participants in the games were broken into two groups. The operational group participated in the game and tested ideas and concepts. The strategic working group looked at the tactical results of the game and discussed how doctrine could be developed to support Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno's vision of how to deal with future threats to the Army.
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Army Learning Model to begin fiscal year 2015
by Tatjana Christian, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
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Michael Haith, highly qualified expert for human dimension integration, briefed the Army Learning Model concept during the Basic Officer Leaders Course Conference hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Initial Military Training Center of Excellence, held June 5-6, 2012, at Fort Eustis, Va. (U.S. Army photo by Stephanie Slater)
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Army senior cohorts gathered at Fort Eustis, Va., June 5-6 for the Basic Officer Leaders Course Conference hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Initial Military Training to exchange information and discuss how the Army Learning Model can assist with the ongoing development of instruction programs.
The U.S. Army Learning Concept for 2015, also known as Pamphlet 525-8-2, identifies the Army Learning Model being spearheaded by TRADOC.
"Learning in the Army has to be inspiring," said Michael Haith, with TRADOC's human dimension integration program. "It has to make you want to be who you are and give that spark to learn and execute or perform the things that we need to do as leaders. Frankly, that's what leaders are -- they're teachers. At the bottom of it all, they're teachers and mentors."
ALM is a new concept that describes the Army's shift in training from platform centric and place-dependant to an adaptable mode of learning available to all Soldiers. The model places emphasis on learning strategies centered on digital technology and face-to-face interaction.
"The key to the ALM is to teach instructors how to facilitate the curriculum by engaging and interacting with the students," said Dr. Rick Swain, Dean of Academics for U.S. Army Cadet Command. Swain is responsible for educating instructors who teach Soldiers. "It's about taking the curriculum and making it interesting to the students so that it will resonate," Swain said.
For the rest of this story, click here.
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Gen. Austin: Army War College graduates set to shape future
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Gen. Lloyd Austin, Army vice chief of staff, celebrates with Beth Wald, the last member of the Army War College Class of 2012 to receive her diploma. (U.S. Army photo)
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When then-Maj. Dwight D. Eisenhower graduated first in his U.S. Army War College class in 1928, he went on to gain a reputation as a trusted and respected adviser whose counsel was sought by many senior military and civilian leaders of his day. Eisenhower went on to help shape an Army and a strategy that would lead the Allied powers to victory in World War II. In recounting the story of Eisenhower, Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, Army vice chief of staff, told graduates of the Army War College class of 2012, "With the knowledge you have gained here, you will make significant contributions. Your time here has prepared you for the challenges you will face in the future." More than 360 senior U.S. and international military officers and civilian leaders were recognized here today during the graduation ceremony for their academic achievements and professional excellence. "Now is the time for action and to determine how you will make the rest of your lives count," said Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, commandant of the Army War College. "Continue this investment in yourselves as you leave here." Graduates who complete course requirements during the 10-month resident education program in a curriculum focused on national defense, military science and responsible command earn a Master's of Strategic Studies degree. "Your goal as Army War College graduates is to be considered as an invaluable commodity in your units and your organizations," said Austin as he spoke about how many senior leaders seek counsel and advice from the graduates here. Among the many things the War College prepared graduates for, Austin, a 1997 Army War College graduate, indicated they now will be counted on to lead organizations, advise senior strategic leaders, and shape the future of our armed forces. "Your responsibility is to help strategic leaders develop the best courses of action, to think critically, challenge assumptions, and push for better solutions," he said. "Expand your aperture, think strategically and serve as the bridge between strategic leaders and the operational and tactical world. "We will look to you to lead our formations through some challenging times," he continued. "During this period of transition, the responsibility to maintain a strong, capable force will rest on your shoulders."
For the rest of this story, click here.
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TRADOC honors legendary commanding general in building dedication ceremony
by Senior Airman Jason J. Brown, 633rd Air Base Wing
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U.S. Army Gen. Robert W. Cone, commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, joins family members of the late Gen. Donn Starry in cutting the ribbon to ceremonially reopen Ft. Eustis' Building 611 as "Starry Hall," June 8, 2012. The building was renamed for General Starry, a prolific commanding general of TRADOC and the architect of the Army doctrine FM-100-5, "AirLand Battle," which modernized the Army's warfighting concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Farnsworth/Released)
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The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command honored its second commanding general, the late Gen. Donn Starry, in a building dedication ceremony at Fort Eustis June 8. The command renamed Building 661 "Starry Hall" in honor of the general, who is credited with revolutionizing the Army in the post-Vietnam era through his doctrinal renaissance and intuitive leadership concepts. Gen. Robert W. Cone, TRADOC's commanding general, addressed the audience before joining Starry's wife, Karen, and his son, Michael, to unveil a bronze plaque at the entrance to the building and ceremonially cut a ribbon to "reopen" the building under its new name. "For me, having been exposed to the military my entire life, this is a big deal," said Michael Starry, who serves as TRADOC's deputy director of concepts development and leadership. "My siblings and I grew up as kids in an Army family, and we recognize the effort, energy and commitment it took from TRADOC to have the building named after our father. "We're so very proud to experience this," he continued. "It's an incredible honor." From 1977 through 1981, Starry commanded TRADOC, and was credited with formulating the Army's AirLand Battle doctrine. That doctrine better prepared the Army for modern-day warfare in the 1980s, 1990s and into the early 21st century. Through his AirLand Battle doctrine, Starry headed modernization initiatives that eventually led to procurement of weapons systems still in use by the Army today, including the M1 Abrams tank and the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Starry's maneuver-based warfighting vision proved itself in defeating the Iraqi army in 1991 and 2003. The general capped his 40-year career as commander in chief of the U.S. Readiness Command, retiring in 1983. He passed away in August 2011, and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery the following January. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Army News Service's J.P. Leipold contributed to this report.
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Website of the Week- The 237th United States Army Birthday  TRADOC This Week recognizes the official U.S. Army birthday website. Visit the site to track the latest news and information on the Army's 237th birthday. The homepage features an interactive map so viewers can see where some of the Army birthday festivities are taking place.
You can also watch and listen to Army leaders deliver a special Army birthday message through video. These messages include the Secretary of the U.S. Army John McHugh; Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno; Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General Lloyd J. Austin III and more.
To learn more about the website, click here.
Have a website that you feel needs to be highlighted? Contact Ryan Poole at Frederick.r.poole.civ@mail.mil or call 757-501-5881.
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Soaring above their peers: Fort Leonard Wood basic trainees' APFT scores land them helicopter ride
by Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Guidon
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Team leaders in Company B, 795th MP Bn., conduct a review of the air assault mission. (U.S. Army photo by Melissa K. Buckley)
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It's not uncommon to see helicopters fly over Fort Leonard Wood. What is uncommon is seeing a UH-60 Black Hawk soaring above, full of Soldiers in Basic Combat Training.
"We want to give them some good training," said Capt. Chad Koenig, Company B, 795th Military Police Battalion commander. "Last cycle, our APFT wasn't as high as we would like for it to be. This was an incentive for Soldiers to motivate them to do good on their Army Physical Fitness Test."
Two squads of basic trainees from Company B, 795th Military Police Battalion, were rewarded for having the highest APFT scores by taking part in an air assault mission May 29.
"They got to fly on the bird for about 15 minutes. They had a good time," Koenig said. "With the budget cuts, most of them may not have the opportunity to get in another helicopter."
After the 27 basic trainees departed from the Missouri National Guard airfield on post, they flew to an assembly area where they dismounted and began a squad direct attack on the opposing force, played by their fellow trainees.
The cadre tried to make the mission feel as realistic as possible as the Soldiers set up an ambush on the enemy guarding a hidden weapons cache.
"The fact that they were on a bird upped their adrenaline a little bit, so they pushed themselves a little bit harder. They used blank ammunition and the OPFOR, which is basically the simulated bad guys, were in Arabic garb," Koenig said. "In addition, they used Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System gear so it actually beeped when they were shot. This FTX, we also had what we call a Close Combat Mission Capability Kit. It's almost like a simunition -- they found out how it feels to get hit by a round."
Pfc. Daniel Jackson, Company B, 795th Military Police Battalion, enjoyed being in the Black Hawk so much he wants to do it all the time.
"I want to push for Airborne school now because being up there was absolutely awesome," Jackson said.
Following the operation, Pfc. Emily Sweeney, Company B, 795th Military Police Battalion, was all smiles.
"My favorite part was the takeoff. I have never been in a helicopter. Getting in a Black Hawk and going straight up was unlike anything I have ever experienced," Sweeney said.
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Army Marksmanship Unit shooter grabs last Olympic spot
by Mike Molinaro, Army Marksmanship Unit
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Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, takes aim while rain pours onto Pool Range during the last day of the Men's Three-Position Rifle Olympic Trials match June 11. Parker built a large enough lead in the two days prior that not even the unexpected downpour could derail his fourth trip to the Olympics. He will be joined by six Soldiers from the unit along with three family members who also qualified for Team USA, making London the USAMUs home away from home later this summer. (U.S. Army photo by Mike Molinaro)
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A U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldier locked down the final spot on the U.S. Olympic shooting team June 11 with a dominating performance at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials held at Pool International Range Complex.
Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker won the Men's Three-Position Rifle match, securing his fourth trip to the Olympic Games and the opportunity to settle some unfinished business.
"It's always an honor to represent the Army and your country at the Olympics," said Parker. "It's been a long four years working hard for another Olympics while fulfilling our mission here, and I can't wait to get over there.
"Everybody goes to the Olympics to win a gold medal and I'm no different. That's the ultimate goal. But my expectations going over there are to compete hard, represent my country well and do my best and train my best leading up to it," he said.
Parker came into the match fresh off a gold medal performance in Italy last month, providing momentum prior to the Olympic Trials, a grueling three-day mental grind on even the most seasoned of shooters such as Parker. He shot a first day score of 1,166 and followed that with an even better second day score of 1,172 to distance him from the rest of the pack.
"The toughest obstacle to overcome in Olympic trials is obviously the pressure," Parker said. "You get out there and your heart is beating and you know you have the expectations that you are going to do well. You have been preparing the past four years and it all comes down to three days and you just want to do your very best those three days."
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Prison guards: Life on the other side of the bars by Brittany Carlson, The Guidon
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Sgt. 1st Class Brian Watts acts as a detainee and struggles against Spc. Brandi Thomas, left, and Spc. Frenda Newell, all Co. C, 701st Military Police Battalion, during unarmed self-defense training June 12. (U.S. Army photo by Brittany Carlson)
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Military Police are known for enforcing military law and regulating traffic, but a small fraction of them do something very different: guard the military's prisons. MPs in the military occupational specialty of 31E, called internment/resettlement specialists, are trained to be prison guards -- and every one of them is trained in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in Company C, 701st Military Police Battalion. "Anywhere from eight to 10 percent of actual MPs are 31-Echos," said Capt. Jason Boston, executive officer for Co. C, 701st MP Bn. Roughly 700 31E Soldiers are trained here each year, including the 10-15 percent of 31Es from the Army Reserve and National Guard, he added. "They're important for the fact that, when there's misconduct, those Soldiers have to be sent somewhere. The only ones that are trained to handle that are 31-Echos," he said. These Soldiers are the only ones qualified to work with detainees in a deployed environment, he added. "They're a big portion of the military, even though they are a small 10 percent." Company C provides Advanced Individual Training for 31Es for seven weeks. Training includes communication, restraining inmates, searching for contraband, unarmed self-defense and riot control.
For the rest of this story, click here.
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Army Today - Sergeant Major of the Army talks about troop cuts, higher standards and Army professionalism
click on image to watch  Sergeant Major of the Army talks about troop cuts and higher standards for Soldiers while the Army announces the expansion of the Involuntary Early Separation Program during the Basic Officer Leader Course conference hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Initial Military Training Center of Excellence at Fort Eustis, June 5.
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'Music Under the Stars' concert series kicks off at Fort Eustis
by Senior Airman Jason J. Brown, 633rd Air Base Wing
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A sign welcomes music lovers to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band's "Music Under the Stars" concert series opener at Ft. Eustis' Magnolia Park, June 7, 2012. The band will perform every Thursday night at Magnolia Park through the end of August. (U.S. Army photo by Senior Airman Wesley Farnsworth)
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Under a warm spring twilight sky beside the sparkling James River, music filled the air at Fort Eustis' Magnolia Park as the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band kicked off the annual Music Under the Stars concert series June 7.
The concert was the first of 13 shows this season, which marks the 80th anniversary of the concert series. The institution is the longest running concert series in Hampton Roads, tracing its roots back to outdoor concerts performed in 1932 at now-decommissioned Fort Monroe in nearby Hampton.
The musicians performed a wide variety of tunes for concertgoers, ranging from military band staples like "The Star-Spangled Banner," and Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," to modern pop and country hits, including Jason Aldean's "Don't You Wanna Stay," and even classic jazz, such as George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess."
Second Lt. Silas Huff, the band's executive officer, said the band wants to "appeal to everyone," carefully choosing music to cater to fans young and old.
"Each week will feature a different theme this year. One week, we'll bring out our jazz troupe; another week we'll have rock music; and another week, we'll do country," the lieutenant said. "We have a lot of talented folks and a lot of musical range, and we definitely have something for everybody.
"You may not see grandmom and granddad come out to the rock night, but you never know," Huff joked.
About 500 fans of all ages packed the sprawling glen at the park before the musician's stage. For many fans, Music Under the Stars is a tradition. Tabb residents Pat and Mary Madden have attended the shows since 1995, and said they plan to continue the tradition at Fort Eustis.
"They picked a beautiful venue to have the show here," Mary said. "Lots of space, lots of shade and good views. They did a good job."
Maj. Scott McKenzie, the TRADOC Band commander and conductor, said the band hopes to continue the rich tradition of Music Under the Stars at Fort Eustis. He said the performances had grown synonymous with the gazebo near the Chesapeake Bay at Monroe, but hopes to expand the band's audience base at the command's new home.
"When the command decided to move to Eustis, the decision was made to bring the concert series here as well. This is TRADOC's home, and this is our home," McKenzie said. "We have a beautiful venue here under the magnolia trees, and we hope to bring longtime fans and new fans alike out to our shows this season."
For the rest of this story, click here.
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3rd Chemical Bde. conducts leadership certification course at Fort Leonard Woodby Robert P. Johnson, Fort Leonard Wood Guidon
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Jeff Maddy, Public Affairs operations chief, questions Staff Sgt. Antoinette Reid, Company E, 1st Bn., 48th Infantry Regiment, in the media response portion of the 3rd Chemical Bde. leadership certification course. (U.S. Army photo by Robert P. Johnson)
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Getting everyone in an organization working together can be a challenge, but when those in the unit have the same level of skills, that task can become easier.
That was the thinking behind the 3rd Chemical Brigade's leadership certification course May 30, said Capt. Jason Gramling, 3rd Chem. Bde. assistant operations officer.
"We wanted to have a way to get everyone on the same page, so to speak," Gramling said. "This certification course helps us make sure that everyone in leadership positions has the same basic level of knowledge in certain skills."
From learning how to conduct physical training to understanding when and how to conduct counseling, Soldiers moved from station to station to do a litmus test on their abilities.
"While (the leadership certification course) is designed to make sure personnel new to the brigade have the required working knowledge of these skills, everyone in the grades from sergeant to lieutenant colonel will be going through this process," Gramling said.
The certification process includes weapons qualification, the Army Physical Fitness Test, several Soldier common tasks in skill levels one and two, as well as qualification in level one combatives, Gramling said.
For the Soldiers going through the process, it was a good refresher.
"If you've been on the trail for a minute (being a drill sergeant), you start to make it your own and do things your way. This is a good refresher and check on yourself to make sure you're teaching Soldiers the right way," said Staff Sgt. Julian Spottedbear, Company A, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment.
For the rest of this story, click here.
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Col. (P) White leaves CAC-T for new assignment
by Mike Casey, Combined Arms Center - Training
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Robert Naething, deputy to the commanding general of the Combined Arms Center, presents Col. Robert "Pat" White with the Legion of Merit Award to honor his service as the deputy commander of the Combined Arms Center Training. White's wife, Emma (center), received the Commander's Award for Public Service. (U.S. Army photo by Mike Casey)
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Col. Robert "Pat" White received the Legion of Merit Award on June 12 for his service as deputy commander of the Combined Arms Center -- Training, or CAC-T.
After nearly a year at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., White is leaving to be the Assistant Division Commander (Support) of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga. In April, the Senate confirmed his promotion brigadier general.
White received his award from Robert Naething, the deputy to the commanding general of the Combined Arms Center. Naething said in preparing for the ceremony, he talked to White about CAC-T's accomplishments.
"I said, 'You did this.' And then he said, 'No, my organization did this.'" Naething recalled explaining that response was typical of White, who has been exceptionally successful yet humble throughout the years Naething has known him.
During the last year, Naething said CAC-T had many accomplishments including:
* Emphasizing training's role in leader development.
* Publishing Army Field Manual 7-0 that addresses training and leader development.
* Improving the Army's distributed learning capabilities.
* Enhancing the Army Training Network, a one-stop shop for all things training.
In addition, the Legion of Merit Award recognized White's leadership in ensuring the development of the Integrated Training Environment stays on track. The ITE is a strategy to combine live, virtual and constructive training enablers to create realistic training exercises by replicating the operational environment's complex nature.
White thanked the members of CAC, CAC-T and the Fort Leavenworth community for their support and help.
Naething also presented White's wife, Emma, with the Commander's Award for Public Service.
CAC-T supports training and develops training throughout the Army.
To learn more about CAC-T, check out their Website or Facebook and Twitter pages.
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TRADOC This Week is the official newsletter of Training and Doctrine Command. Contents of TRADOC This Week are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government or the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertising found on links included in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army.
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