Get documents about "Motorcycle safety how to stay alive
Document Sample
the
Serving the
frontline
Army of One
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid,
permit no. 43,
December 2, 2004 Hinesville, Ga. 31314
UAVs fly solo ... Fort Stewart
Road Closures
Fort Stewart Public
Safety officials announced
today that Georgia
Highway 144 on Fort
Stewart will be closed to all
traffic on the following
days: Dec. 13 and 14; and
Dec. 20 and 21 from 8:30
a.m. to 10:30 p.m., in order
for the 3rd Infantry
Division to conduct con-
voy operations on the
roadways during these
time periods.
The only exception to
this policy is traffic from
the Stewart cantonment
area to Evans Army
Airfield and back to
Stewart.
Military Police will be
stationed at all road
blocks/detours to direct
traffic.
Patrol vehicles will be
monitoring the highways
to ensure that only author-
ized vehicles are traveling
on them.
Questions may be
directed to the Stewart
Provost Marshal Officer’s
Operations office during
the duty day at 767-1721,
or the Military Police Desk
Spc. Robert Adams 24 hours daily at 767-
Spc. Joshua Eldridge, 1st Platoon, Shadow Company TUAV, STB, UAV maintainer, and Dan Autry, UAV maintainer, prepare the 4895.
unmanned aerial vehicle for flight Nov. 22 at Wright Army Airfield. See story and photo on page 3A.
Motorcycle safety: how to stay alive
Pfc. Ricardo Branch “The class is extremely important, many as 130 POV related deaths last year of the Army to take more recent action.
3rd Inf. Div. because many Soldiers are getting killed in alone) and is in the process of creating Recent effort to bring awareness of being
motorcycle accidents,” Willis said. another program to help reduce the number careful on the road can be seen today by
Motorcycle accidents can occur at any According to a Soldiers magazine article of fatalities in privately owned vehicles and country music artists and NASCAR drivers
place and any time and the 3rd Infantry from July 1994, the Army first implemented motorcycles. that have been enlisted to help encourage
Division is no exception to serious motorcy- the safety course for motorcycles and made “More soldiers were killed in privately Soldiers on good driving habits in various
cle accidents. it mandatory because there was and still owned vehicle accident fatalities than acci- commercials.
A chain of motorcycle accidents has are a high number of fatalities on motorcy- dental deaths in Iraq last year," said J.T. “Ultimately accidental fatalities on the
occurred in the past few weeks resulting in cles. Coleman, command information manager road will never go away but Soldiers can
the two unfortunate cases of 3rd Inf. Div. According to an internet website, AXcess at the U.S. Army Safety Center. help lower them and stop them from occur-
Soldiers being killed. News article from Oct. 28, 2004, the Army is According to the article, POV fatality ring so frequently by obeying traffic laws
“Two motorcycle fatalities have occurred currently alarmed at the number of Soldier numbers lately are the highest in the ten and being safe and aware on the road,”
within the last month in 3rd Bde. at Fort fatalities which have occurred recently (as years and prompted the Annual Association Walker said.
Benning,” said Jeff Willis, safety specialist,
installation safety office.
“Unfortunately both of the motorcycle
fatalities that occured involved an officer,
Future employment hindered by unresolved security issues
and a junior enlisted Soldier,” said William Jennifer Wingfield
Walker, safety technician, installation safety Managing Editor
office. “That tells you that it’s not just one
kind of person that can get in an accident Unresolved information can hurt you obtaining and maintaining
and lose their life, it can happen to any a security clearance. Especially if you are looking to continue your
Soldier.” career after your military service in any civilian federal position or
The 3rd Inf. Div. safety office is there to civilian firm not affiliated with the government, but who still con-
help motorcycle riders with a motorcycle ducts background checks.
defense safety course that is mandatory to Personnel security regulations require that commanders report
ride on Stewart. derogatory information to the Central Personnel Security Facility
“We run a course on Stewart at Building located at Fort Meade, Md. However, some commanders may feel
206 that brings Soldiers in for an all day class they are helping a Soldier by not reporting adverse actions, said Don
with the first few hours focusing on safety Cahill, chief of Fort Stewart’s Personnel Security Investigations.
tips and the latter half of the day riding, Even though a soldier may depart the military with a security
which navigates Soldiers on their bikes clearance, in most cases another investigation will be required for
through a small road course,” Willis said. federal employment. These subsequent investigations may reveal
The motorcycle safety courses combine information not previously reported to adjudication officials.
classroom teaching with hands-on training Unreported derogatory information, which occurred while serving
and skills testing. in the military, may be used as a basis to deny employment. Jennifer Wingfield
During the first four hours of classroom Commanders should realize that reporting adverse information
to CCF does not mean a security clearance would be revoked or Don Cahill, chief of personnel security investigations,
instruction, Soldiers learn basic common reviews one of the many files for a security clearance.
sense rules, such as avoiding riding in bad denied. If the offense is considered minor or isolated, in most cases
weather, not to weave through traffic, and the security clearance will be reaffirmed. Failure to report informa- merely something along the lines of a 201 file.”
never assuming that other drivers can see tion may keep a soldier from getting a position with the federal gov- Another point to consider is that a police file remains active in
you, because chances are, they don’t. ernment by having unresolved police files in their “dossier” or army your dossier for 40 years, which is considered the length of time you
The next four hours of class are conduct- file. are normally working.
ed at a parking lot for a hands-on assess- What commanders don’t realize is that when a police report is All derogatory information needs to be sent to the Central
ment of a Soldiers ability to handle a bike. created, an automatic distribution of that police report is placed into Clearance Facility at Fort Meade. Minor information can be sent
The road course takes Soldiers through a their dossier, Cahill said. directly to CCF. More serious incidents, such as felonies and crimes
variety of maneuvers to include riding in “Everyone who is affiliated with the Department of Defense, that would require suspension of access must be sent to Cahill at PSI.
circles and figure eights, turning, braking whether you are military or civilian, has a dossier,” Cahill said.
and accelerating. “Having a dossier does not mean that you have been in trouble. It is See SECURITY, Page 7A
News Sports Life & Times Guide
Weather Forecast
FRI
High Low
Voices and Viewpoints . . . . . . 4A
64 o 39 o
o
3ID In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A
S AT Marne TV Schedule . . . . . . . . 11A
High Low Blotters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12A
o
61 41 o
Worship schedule . . . . . . . . . . 3C
Chaplain’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . 4C
SUN
High Low DFACs deck out din- Interpost soccer Cooks display culi- Movie listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5C
63 o 50 o ing facilities ... 2A championship ...1B nary arts skills ... 1C Birth announcements . . . . . . . 5C
the
2A frontline Thursday, December 2, 2004
Photos by Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft
Maj. Gen. William G. Webster examines a holiday cornucopia set up by the DFAC personnel at the fires brigade DFAC Thanksgiving Day.
Division DFACs deck out dining rooms
Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft Thanksgiving Day. The winners of each of the four
Staff Writer “There’s so much joy and satisfac- competitive categories were:
tion in making sure the Soldiers’ •24th Corps Support Group, Best
Fort Stewart and Hunter Army morale is up,” she said with a smile. Centerpiece
Airfield dining facilities went out of “We just want them to know there are •Division Fires Brigade, Best
their way Thanksgiving Day to make people here willing to take care of Decorated
sure Soldiers felt festive, even without them and take care of their needs.” •Division Support Brigade, Best
their families surrounding them. Another reward, the more tangible Theme
The installations’ four DFACs were kind, was also given to each DFAC that •Aviation Brigade, Best Esprit de
adorned with colorful centerpieces, proved outstanding in one or more of Corps
Thanksgiving themed decorations, the four categories being judged by Master Sgt. Shelton Coppet, non-
ice sculptures and cornucopias — Maj. Gen. William G. Webster, the 3rd commissioned officer in charge of
not a simple task, according to one Infantry Division commander, and division senior food service opera-
DFAC manager. members of his staff. tions management, also visited the
“This took us about 10 to 12 hours Webster, along with Brig. Gen. DFACs, and had nothing but positive
for the total setup,” said Stacey L. Mark O’Neill, assistant division com- words for all those involved in the
Nellams, manager, Division Support mander (support), Brig. Gen. Karl Thanksgiving preparations.
Brigade’s facility. Horst, assistant division commander “The work they did was outstand-
Nellams and her staff worked (maneuver), and others, visited each ing, especially since the DFACs’ con-
through the night on their project, as DFAC and its workers to see the fin- tractors have only been working there
did the other DFACs’ personnel, but ished products and give compliments about a month,” he said. “They did
she said all their hard work paid off for a job well done. an excellent job.”
Webster spends some quality time with furry
wildlife on Thanksgiving Day.
(Top) Webster
presents 24th
CSG DFAC per-
sonnel with their
trophy for Best
Centerpiece.
(Right) Brig.
Gen. Karl Horst,
assistant divi-
sion comman-
der (maneu-
ver), and Maj.
Gen. William G.
Webster, 3rd Inf.
Div. command-
ing general,
examine a palm
tree, part of the
A fountain spewing orange punch fits with the har-
fires brigade
vest color scheme of the fires brigade DFAC at
DFAC display.
Stewart Thanksgiving Day.
Thursday, December 2, 2004 the
frontline 3A
Unmanned plane keeps eye in sky
Spc. Robert Adams It can look at anything on the The vehicles and equipment
50th PAD ground from the sky and it the platoon needs to possess to
transmits a live video to brigade execute their mission consists
1st and 2nd platoons of tactical operation centers for of nine components.
Shadow Company, Special analysis. The UAV itself consists of
Troops Battalion, were flying Though the UAV is an many pieces that is assembled
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at unmanned aircraft, it takes the and disassembled each time it
Wright Army Airfield Nov. 22. work of Soldiers on the ground is transported. The launcher,
The company has been train- to transport, assemble, operate, which is 30 feet long, can
ing Soldiers with and flying the disassemble, load and operate launch the UAV into the sky at
newly acquired UAV’s and it. 81 mph. Once the bird is in
equipment for the past three- There are about 20 Soldiers, a flight, the Ground Control
months to hone their skills in platoon sergeant, a platoon Station views and flies the bird
preparation for their deploy- leader, and a warrant officer in in the sky.
ment to Iraq. each platoon. After transport- Inside the GCS vehicle, one
The UAV’s mission is to per- ing the UAV to a designated site, Soldier will fly the UAV while
form Army tactical level recon- the platoon can set up compo- the other operates the camera.
naissance, surveillance, target nents, assemble their “birds” To track the bird in flight, the
acquisition, and battle damage and launch them in under an platoon uses a Ground Data
assessment. hour. Terminal.
“It is beneficial because you “We have a lot of brand new This piece of equipment mon-
aren’t putting any pilots in jeop- Soldiers within the platoon and itors which direction and how Spc. Robert Adams
ardy,” said Pfc. Paul Witkowski, they are excited about their far away the bird is from their
An unmanned aerial vehicle descends to the runway after tak-
2nd Platoon, Shadow Company, jobs,” said 1st Lt. Kynnie Chan, location. And as the bird pre-
ing a training flight Nov. 22 at Wright Army Airfield.
STB, UAV operator. “It can be 1st Platoon, Shadow Company, pares to land, the platoon uses
used to perform improvised STB platoon leader. “But we the Tactical Automated Landing Other vehicles within the pla- Maintenance Shelter Mobile,
explosive device searches or to have some of the smartest System, which will lock onto the toon include Air Vehicle which carries all the needed
talk infantry units in and out of Soldiers in the Army working on bird to guide it in for a smooth Transporters which store and tools and spare parts needed to
areas.” them.” landing. transport the birds and the keep the bird flying.
Actionable Intelligence: UAs to beef up MI assets
Gary Sheftick manned at lower personnel levels. threat in Iraq, as well as the culture, Iwicki reconnaissance in G2.
Army News Service “You can’t just grow 9,000 overnight,” said. Agee was a panel member in the
Iwicki said, “particularly NCOs and warrant “Our Soldiers on the ground are our most Actionable Intelligence session Oct. 26 at the
WASHINGTON - The 3rd Infantry officers.” brilliant collectors,” Iwicki said. “They see, annual meeting of the Association of the U.S.
Division “units of action” deploying to Iraq Until now, MI companies have normally hear and understand their environment. Army. He said CDAs should make it easier for
will have unmanned aerial vehicles, the been in direct support to a deploying BCT, They sense something is different and out of patrols to send intelligence forward, and also
Prophet collection system and more Iwicki said. But UAs will now have assigned place.” easier for small units on the move to receive
assigned intelligence assets than a typical MI companies that will both train and fight Patrols will be able to drastically cut the intelligence.
brigade combat team. with the brigade, providing added synergy, time it takes to file an intelligence report In order for intelligence to be “action-
With the transformation to modularity, he said. when the new hand-held Commander’s able,” it must be delivered to the operational
about 9,000 new military intelligence posi- The Prophet system with the UAs will be Digital Assistants are fielded, Iwicki said. The level in time for commanders to act on it,
tions will be created over the next few years mounted on a Humvee and be capable of new Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and said Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin at the AUSA
Armywide, said Lt. Col. Steve Iwicki, director collecting and processing signal intelligence. Below CDAs are part of the “Land Warrior” session.
of the Actionable Intelligence focus area in Each of the 3rd Inf. Div. units of action will system, but 75 of them are scheduled to be “Windows (of opportunity) open and
Department of the Army G2. He said about also have a Distributed Common Ground fielded in Iraq first of the year with the 525th close quickly,” said Boykin, deputy under
5,000 of those will be with the brigade-sized System. DCGS beefed-up software will be MI Brigade, part of the XVIII Airborne Corps. secretary of defense for intelligence and
units of action. Another 3,000 will be at the loaded on a light laptop All-Source Analysis The CDAs are rugged handheld devices warfighting support.
division or UEx level and the final thousand System, or ASAS. It will provide: connectivity that provide two-way satellite communica- “At coalition level, we must get informa-
with UEy or corps. back to national intelligence agencies, geo- tions. They use some of the same software as tion where it needs to go,” said Maj. Gen.
Under the Objective Design built by Task spacial mapping tools, and the ability to Blue Force Tracking, officials said, and can Barbara Fast, former Combined Joint Task
Force Modularity, each of the new UAs will exploit captured documents, Iwicki said. show the locations of snipers or improvised Force-7 director of intelligence in Baghdad.
eventually have about 60 more intelligence The 101st Airborne Division UAs will also explosive devices as blinking red dots. The In the Cold War, satellite surveillance and
analysts than a Force XXI BCT, Iwicki said. receive tailored DCGS systems whenever CDAs can be used to both display current signal intelligence could be relied upon to
Each will have an organic MI company, a they deploy, Iwicki said, explaining the soft- intelligence information and also to feed provide the big picture of units on the move,
separate Analysis and Interrogation Platoon, ware they receive will be based on their per- reports into the system. panel members said. But when fighting an
a UAV Platoon with three or four Shadow 200 ceived needs. With CDAs, patrols may be able to send an insurgency, it’s often an individual that is tar-
unmanned aerial vehicles, and more MI “Anything that can save a Soldier’s life, intel report up the chain minutes after an geted, Fast said.
analysts in both battalion and brigade-level should be in their hands,” Iwicki said. incident, rather than two to six hours later, An example of this approach worked well
S2 sections. In addition to the new systems, the divi- Iwicki said, after they return to their base. with the capture of Saddam Hussein, Boykin
“This significant growth is a challenge to sion will also have about 15,000 “organic When Army intelligence officials visited said.
resource in the near-term as we simultane- sensors,” Iwicki said, pointing out that “every Iraq last year, they found 400,000 patrols had A series of raids and patrols gathered
ously grow the training base,” Iwicki said, Soldier is a sensor.” been conducted, but only 6,000 reports had intelligence, narrowing the search area until
adding that the first several transforming Before Soldiers deploy, mobile training been filed to higher echelons, said Collin Soldiers eventually found the former dicta-
units, including those in the 3rd Inf. Div., are teams now educate them on the asymmetric Agee, director of intelligence, sensors, and tor hiding in a spider hole.
the
4A frontline Thursday, December 2, 2004
VOICES AND VIEWPOINTS
Excerpted remarks of the Honorable R. L. Brownlee Marne Voice
Army News Service unconditional love the
and their steadfast Frontline
The following are loyalty to our Soldiers Readers respond to the question:
excerpted remarks of are invaluable in
the Honorable R. L. every aspect of what
Brownlee made dur- our Army does — “What is one way to alleviate holi-
ing his farewell cere- their devotion and day stress?”
mony at Fort Myer, support represent all
Va., Nov. 29. that we fight for and
… It is a privilege to all that we cherish.
have served as Under Today’s Soldiers are
Secretary of the Army following in the foot-
for the past three steps of their personal
“Spend time with
years, and concur- heroes and role mod- your family and chil-
rently for the past 18 els, their grandpar- dren.”
of those months as ents and parents, who
the Acting Secretary served with honor in
of the Army. I am hon- World War II, in Korea,
Spc. Matthew Meek
ored that President in Vietnam, and on Staff Sgt. Carmen Burgess D Co., 4/64 AR
Bush and Secretary of other battlefields. Just Conducting his final troop inspection, Honorable Les Brownlee
Defense Donald as many of my gener- walks Summerall Field on Fort Myer, Va., to begin his farewell cer-
Rumsfeld allowed me ation served multiple emony Nov. 29 after serving 42 years in government service.
the opportunity to tours in Vietnam, so, to the ideals of free- the United States, our Soldier in WWI, a
serve as the civilian too, have many of dom, and the willing- freedom, and our wonderful man who
leader of the Army as today’s Soldiers seen ness to fight and die way of life. rose to the rank of
our Nation has waged extended and multi- for those ideals. But On the 4th of General Officer in
the War on Terror. ple tours of duty in freedom is not free December, when I WWII and toward the
… To our Soldiers. I combat in and our successes in awaken, it will be the end of the book says,
want to speak directly Afghanistan and in the War on Terror are first morning in 42 "That's the whole
to all of you — serving Iraq. not without cost. years, 9 months, and challenge of life — to
"Only spend what
around the world in The characteristics Some of our 3 days when I will not act with honor and you can afford."
over 120 countries. of service that epito- Soldiers have lost be in the service of hope and generosity,
I believe that mize our American their lives, and we my country. But I no matter what Turessa Pugh
Soldiering is an affair Soldier today are mourn the loss of want to assure every you've drawn. You
of the heart, and it is timeless — they are each and every one. Soldier that all of you can't help when or
Childcare Center
that spirit, that funda- the same characteris- Many have been will remain in my what you were born,
mental commitment tics that have been the wounded. I have had thoughts and prayers you may not be able
to volunteer, to place hallmark of American the special privilege of wherever I go. And to help how you die;
the Nation’s needs Soldiers since the being able to visit with wherever you go — but you can — and
above one’s own, that time of the American many of these brave whatever else you you should — try to
makes our Soldiers Revolution. You have young men and may do in life — pass the days
the best in the world tremendous combat women as they are whatever other chal- between as a good
today. skills, resilience, and treated and begin the lenges, successes, or man." And if those
More than any courage in battle. You recovery from their failures you may have who have served in "Physical fitness
other single group of demonstrate great wounds. I am always in life — there is one our Army while I was
Americans, you, the initiative and adapt- amazed and inspired thing that you have here might believe because by exercis-
men and women of ability, as did your by their spirit, their earned and will that I was a good man ing, you relax the
the United States predecessors in previ- dedication, and love always have — one who always acted in mind and relieve
Army — Active, Army ous conflicts. And, like for their country. thing no one can ever their best interests — stress."
Reserve, Army previous generations In October I take from you — one then that is more
National Guard, and of our Soldiers serving attended the funeral thing you will always than I can ask.
Army Civilians — in faraway lands, you at Arlington National be able to say, either It has been a great Staff Sgt. Juan
have made possible display extraordinary Cemetery of Spc. out loud to others or honor to represent Serrano
the blessings of free- empathy and com- Brad Beard. His with quiet pride just the wonderful men
dom our Nation has
B Co., 4/64 AR
passion while helping mother, Mrs. “Betsy” to yourself — and and women who
enjoyed for the past the newly liberated Beard, said in a trib- that is — I was once have volunteered to
two centuries. Your peoples of Iraq and ute to her son, “The an American Soldier. be a part of this great
professionalism, ded- Afghanistan build highest complement I am humbled and Army — and their
ication, and valor are democratic govern- I can pay you is to call honored to share that families as well. The
the hallmarks of the ments. you ‘Soldier.’ You bond with you. Nation will be eter-
values our Army has Carrying the values have exceeded all the Last week I was nally indebted to
upheld for over 229 and ideals of our expectations I ever asked how I would them for their extra-
years of service to our Nation, you are light- had for you.” like to be remem- ordinary service and "Leave issues at
Nation. ing the path to In the final analy- bered by the Army. I sacrifice. work and enjoy time
With you stand our democracy for those sis, through their had to admit, I had Thank you again with your family."
Army families — the who have never courage and selfless not thought much for your invaluable
wives, husbands, known it. Our Army is service, our Soldiers about it, but I did service to the Army
sons, daughters, far more than people have always recall a quote from a and the Nation. God Sgt. David Truax
mothers, fathers, and and equipment — it is answered the call to book I had read as a bless you all, and God B. Co., 3/69 Armor
other loved ones — made up of men and duty. I am confident, young officer — bless this great
who display an equal- women with hopes as are the American “Once an Eagle” by Nation we all love
ly tremendous com- and dreams, a pas- people, that you will Anton Myrer, a novel and so proudly serve.
mitment. Their sionate commitment continue to defend about a young Thank you.
Holiday shopping — better bring some armor
Spc. Emily J. and the biggest shopping mall lighting hits their eye- knocked to the ground by a
Wilsoncroft day of the year. balls, are on a mission to middle-aged woman on "Plan ahead and
Staff Writer I have to tell you, when I check off every single item crutches just because my don’t wait till the
was younger, I was a huge on their lists, no matter body was partially blocking last minute."
When I woke up fan of shopping. what or whom they have to a set of spoons marked
Thanksgiving morning, the I spent all my waking sacrifice to do it. down to 75 percent off, I
first thoughts in my head hours at the mall, and even The vultures are ignor- decided to go home and Staff Sgt. Leslie
were of how grateful I was got a job there so I would able most of the year, only come back when bodily Serrant
to be an American, living in never have to travel far to emerging for Labor Day harm was less likely. 3rd SSB
this great country where spend my entire week’s sales or special promo- Some of you may ask,
my freedom is something pay. In fact, for several tions, but on Black Friday “In these days of super-fast
that is too often taken for years, I didn’t eat anything they come out in full force. technology, why didn’t you
granted. that wasn’t available in a They’ve waited the just stay home and make
Well, not really … that food court or kiosk. entire year to take advan- your purchases online,
came a bit later in the day. Several years later, tage of these bargains, and thus leaving an extra park-
My first thoughts, like just though, I have come to they sprint from their vehi- ing space for us?”
about every other realize that the thrill I used cles into the shopping cen- “That’s a great idea!” I
American, were of the to experience as a spend- ters like the zombies from would have to respond.
fastest route to my local thrift teenager among end- “Dawn of the Dead” are However, since I am "Have fun and enjoy
shopping mall, and how less walls of holiday-priced chasing them, as they leave possibly the only human
early I would have to get up merchandise has vanished, behind friends and family left in this country who yourself."
Friday morning in order to and has been replaced with members who have been does not own a personal
find a parking space. the fear of getting trampled deemed “too slow” or “a computer, I’d have to add Jesse Powell
Yes, I was one of the jil- by groups of those formi- burden.” that you should all just take
DOT
lions of people who got to dable beings, the desperate Their motto? “Survival your own advice and leave
experience the over- sale-rack vultures. of the fittest and most nim- me to wander from store to
whelming joy and nausea You all know who I’m ble with a shopping cart.” store in solitary peace.
of what has come to be talking about — the so- I dodged them success- Now that would be
known as “Black Friday” — called “everyday folks” fully for a couple hours, something to be thankful
the day after Thanksgiving who, once that fluorescent but when I was almost for.
Vo i c e y o u r the Frontline
Director — Lt. Col. Clifford J. Kent
Deputy Director — Richard Olson
2nd Bde. — Spc. Ben Brody
3rd Bde. — Pvt. James E. Lewis
opinion! MILITARY NEWS: 767-3440
PAO Supervisor — Master Sgt. Gregory Kaufman
Editorial Staff
4th Bde. — Pvt. Dan Balda
Hunter Public Affairs Office
Write a letter to ADVERTISING: (912) 368-0526
Managing Editor — Jennifer Wingfield
Editor — Sgt. R. James Piper
Chief — Steven Hart
Volume 19, Number 48
the editor! Publisher
3rd Infantry Division Commander —
Associate Editor — Pfc. Ricardo Branch
HQ Cmd. — Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft
50th PAD — Sgt. Jonathan M. Stack Advertising Staff
Send to: Maj. Gen. William G. Webster Jr.
50th PAD — Spc. Robert Adams Advertising Manager — Maryann Wilson
Public Affairs Office Consolidated Public Affairs Office 1st Bde. — Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. Frontline Production Manager — Juanita Vandenbosch
Attn: The Frontline, Editor This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication 31314-5000. Phone number: 912-767-3440 or 767-8072 way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclu-
894 William H. Wilson Ave. for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Frontline are not Printed circulation up to 22,000. All editorial content of the sive written contract with Fort Stewart, Georgia. The civilian
necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Frontline newspaper is prepared, edited, provided and printer is responsible for commercial advertising. Subscription
Building 600C Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, approved by the Public Affairs Office of Fort Stewart, Georgia rates are $9 for three months, $16 for six months and $30 for
Fort Stewart, Ga. 31314-4941 or U.S. Forces Command. It is published weekly using offset and the 3d Infantry Division and is printed by Morris 12 months. Rates are for third class mail, inside the continen-
printing by the Public Affairs Office, Fort Stewart, Georgia Newspaper Corporation of Hinesville, Inc. a private firm in no tal U.S.
or fax it to 912-767-9366.
Thursday, December 2, 2004 the
frontline 5A
Pre-deployment support for single Soldiers and couples
Spc. Robert Adams tion takes places," said Dr. Dennis K. services. groups for children as well, with times being
50th PAD McCormack, Winn behavioral health clinic "It is very important to maintain family announced at a later date, preferably after
supervisory clinical psychologist. "The bonding and spend time together, for dur- the deployment has started.
Before deploying, a Soldier has to take anticipation of a separation affects all of us ing this time the Soldier, family and loved "It is difficult if you have younger children
care of many items with one being himself and, for some, it means leaving with unre- ones can discuss their fears and expecta- constantly asking whether mom or dad is
and his family. Discussing the future with solved issues and conflicts which only seem tions," Sawyer said. "Also having a safety going to be back, and just missing them as a
loved ones can be hard, but support groups to worsen with the passage of time." net, a strong positive support system, and whole," Sawyer said.
like "Partners in Prevention" can help with It is important for a couple to talk about people to lean on and talk to is important." There are also many other services avail-
the planning process. the separation before it is too late. The behavioral health clinic officially able for families prior to and during the
The "Partners in Prevention" program is a "Whether it is talking about the spouse took over division mental health affective deployment.
joint venture between Army Community who is left behind or getting rid of assump- Nov. 1, and is available to all Soldiers and "ACS is currently holding their awaiting
Services and Winn Army Community tions, it is important to talk before it is too family members with any needs. spouses group and childcare on post is
Hospital at the behavioral health clinic. late," said Cary Sawyer, behavioral health "I want families to walk away with a offering free childcare on the first Saturday
The program is a pre-deployment support clinic counselor. peace of mind and a relaxed feeling after of every month," Sawyer said. "Also, ACS
group for couples and single Soldiers. Another area of focus during a session is having open communication and knowing educators will visit every unit FRG and pro-
Partners in Prevention sessions can be as how to utilize personal strengths and areas that things will be okay here on the home vide them with stress management and
a group or individually based on what the family members are strong in, like a receiv- front," Sawyer said. "Especially Soldiers, deployment education."
individual or couple wants, and they focus ing a further education or taking on a hobby. because I think once a Soldier knows that For more information on the "Partners in
on many areas, including how to plan ahead Other areas of focus during a session their family will be here in tact and function, Prevention" program and other behavioral
for a deployment. include ways to strengthen and maintain then that would allow Soldiers to focus on health clinic programs call 370-6100 or
"Separation can cause anxiety for the family bonding and developing positive that mission." 6111. For more information on ACS family
military family long before actual separa- support systems and utilizing available The clinic is also going to start support programs call 767-5058 or 5059.
During block leave ... Rare blood infection
affecting some troops
Ways to keep children on track for school Special to the Frontline
Dave Smith timeliness; the more time High school School Graduation test and Division Surgeon
School Liaison Office you give your child's s t u d e n t s . end of course exams. It is par-
teacher to prepare During the ticularly important to avoid The Army has identified a rare blood
As deployment approach- homework assign- first cou- having your teenagers miss infection in some of the Soldiers return-
es, some families may have ments, the more ple of these tests. Remember having ing from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other
plans to visit relatives or go receptive the weeks in a high student miss a day of Mideast locations. It is a germ that sever-
on family vacations during teacher will be to school that has a 4x4 block al antibiotics can cure.
block leave. If block leave provide the nec- schedule is like missing two To understand how this has occured,
occurs during a time when essary support. days in a high school that has one needs to understand how germs sur-
children are still in school, Don't go to a traditional curriculum vive. Germs have an adapt and overcome
consider the following guide- your child's schedule. quality. Some of them can mutate after
lines to help keep your chil- school the Keep children on task by repeated exposures to an antibiotics so
dren on task with school day before having a homework checklist. that the antibiotic no longer kills them.
work: you plan to Ask your child's teacher for a This is called "antibiotic resistance" and
Minimize school absences. take your checklist of the upcoming is happening all over the world.
Try to plan vacation time child out homework assignments that This resistant germ multiplies and
around school holidays; if of school; your child will be missing and causes an infection that is much more
that is not practical, plan a try to keep your child on task dur- difficult to treat. This is one reason mod-
long weekend where children give the ing the missed school days ern doctors try not to overuse antibiotics
will only miss up to five days school by scheduling times to but instead save them for more serious
of schools. Remember, the at least ensure that they com- cases.
longer children are out of a four- plete their homework The germ the Army has identified is
school, the harder it is for to five- assignments. called Acinetobacter and is one that
them to catch up, especially if d a y Have a safe and grows in large medical center ICU's. The
they are currently having dif- notice thankful holiday sea- very strongest and most rare germs, such
ficulties. to pre- son! If you need any as Acinetobacter, are uncommon and can
Coordinate with teachers pare for school related sup- be found in very large medical centers
and school administrators. y o u r port, please contact where alot of people have been treated
Provide your child's school Dave Smith, school with strong antibiotics.
with a written request that liaison officer at Fort Fortunately, large medical centers
includes your block leave, Stewart, 767-6533 or such as Walter Reed and others, are pre-
unit, reason for the school December, high Barbara Jenkin, school pared for this phenomenon and have lab-
absence and projected dura- child's school students will be liaison officer at Hunter Army oratory methods to quickly identify the
tion of the absence. The key is absence. taking the Georgia High Airfield, 352-7562. best antibiotic to kill these germs.
the
6A frontline Thursday, December 2, 2004
Army’s top enlisted Soldier makes Thanksgiving visit to troops
Staff Sgt. Carmen Burgess a war with an all-volunteer force and this is
Army News Service subsequently putting pressure on those
throughout its ranks.
YONGSAN, South Korea — For the sec- With the growing number of year-long
ond time in his first 10 months on the job, unit deployments, he said he wants
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston vis- Soldiers to know that there is a light at the
ited Soldiers stationed in South Korea to end of the tunnel and the Army is making
thank them for their service and to update changes that will positively benefit them
them on current Army issues. and their families.
“From the strategic level it’s important Preston said with the increase in the
right now that you know what’s happening number of brigades and the introduction
in the Army,” he told troops during his Nov. of “life cycles” for units, troops should see
21 to 26 trip to the peninsula. “It’s my a reduction in the length and frequency of
responsibility to look out for Soldiers and deployments and can anticipate lengthier
ensure that you are informed.” periods between permanent change-of-
At each motor pool, dining facility and station moves, which will create more sta-
post theater that he visited, the top enlist- bility for families.
ed Soldier’s message never changed and For example, if Soldiers spend the
his enthusiasm and drive never waivered. majority of their careers at one installation
He continued to talk about the issues that then their spouses will have the opportu-
impact Soldiers the most — Army nity to have a career versus a job.
Transformation, deployments, promo- Employers will likely be more willing to
tions, families, education and the new invest time and money into an individual if
Army Combat Uniform. they anticipate that person will be there for
Keeping Soldiers informed is an impor- a longer period of time, he said.
tant issue for Preston. He remembers a The sergeant major also pointed out edu-
time after Desert Shield/Desert Storm cational benefits for Army dependents.
when there was a lot of angst and anxiety High school students will be more com-
felt throughout the Army because Soldiers petitive with those in the civilian world for
weren’t informed about what was down things such as academic and athletic schol-
the road, he said. arships if they spend a significant period of
Staff Sgt. Carmen Burgess
“I want Soldiers to understand what the time at one school.
senior leaders of the Army are doing for Preston reminded the Soldiers that the Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston talks to 2nd Infantry Division Soldiers at
them and to understand the benefits of senior Army leadership appreciated their Camp Hovey during his trip to the Republic of Korea Nov. 21 to 26.
Army Transformation,” he said. service to their country and that they there is a real threat just north of the border. tion of heroes. Whether you are here on
He reminded the troops serving in Korea weren’t forgotten during the holiday season. We are here for a reason and our friendship ‘freedom’s frontier,’ serving on drill sergeant
that the Army’s number one mission right “We are proud of what all of you are with the Republic of Korea is an important duty or patrolling some mountain trail in
now is the Global War on Terrorism. For the doing here,” he said. “Anyone who has ever one.” Afghanistan, your contributions are impor-
first time in its history, the Army is fighting visited the demilitarized zone knows that “You are part of the next greatest genera- tant and much appreciated.”
Thursday, December 2, 2004 the
frontline 7A
SECURITY
from page 1A
The S-2 of a unit or security manager of DA Form 5248-R to the CCF at Fort Meade. ment suitability determinations are often supervisors are also required to report
a organization handles security issues and There the information is reviewed and a made solely on the existence of a police information on their employees to CCF.
is the one who does the leg work for securi- security determination is made. CCF will file. Interviews are often conducted to There is no double standard, the require-
ty matters in the unit. Personnel in the S-2 either reaffirm or forward a memorandum ascertain information explaining the file. ment to report information to CCF is
office confer with the commander on form of intent to either revoke or deny the secu- Often, an unresolved police file is the rea- required for all personnel who work for the
completion and recommendations for rity clearance. son why applicants are denied employ- federal government.
continued access. However, if any negative “PSI here does not have any control over ment or a position with a federal contrac- “For applicants applying for a position
report is withheld from the S-2, he will not the letters of intent from Meade,” Cahill tor. at Fort Stewart, there is a system in place
know. All adverse reports are submitted via said. “Once they are suspended there, it is “Think about your life? Wouldn’t you that before a job is obligated to the
suspended.” The only thing we can do want CCF to know your side of the story?” employee, the Civilian Personnel Advisory
here is to assist the person in preparing asks Cahill. When you don’t provide the Center will receive a favorable determina-
their rebuttal statement.” report to CCF, there is no circumstance tion from my office” Cahill said. Not all
Therein lies the saving grace. CCF offers reported behind the incident. All they derogatory information is considered a
due process, Cahill said. “You are given have on hand is the police report. CCF disqualifying factor; however when the
the opportunity to provide a rebuttal state- requires detailed information for them to information falls within certain adjudica-
ment to explain or mitigate the issues in make an accurate adjudication. tive standards, the employment offer may
question.” S-2 personnel will work with But what if your command did report be withdrawn.
the soldier to help gather supporting doc- the incident? The S-2 or security manager Many of the revocations are related to
umentation needed for a favorable securi- is required to send out the report to CCF, financial obligations and can be
ty clearance decision. In the event that the Fort Meade and tell of the circumstances explained.
CCF revokes or denies the security clear- surrounding it, Cahill said. “The comman- “These are all common sense matters,”
ance, the individual still has an appeal der can state his recommendations. He explained Cahill. “Pay your bills. Don’t
option through the Personnel Security may include such things as how the person drink and drive. Don’t do acts of felony or
Appeals Board located in Washington. is a wonderful officer/noncommissioned violence. All of these can affect a security
Reporting all incidents to the CCF will officer, capable to perform the mission, clearance. The ultimate responsibility for
accomplish one of two things: a chance to potential for outstanding achievements, maintaining continued eligibility for a
explain that a person is eligible to main- etc. Please continue his access.” position of trust rests with the individual.
tain their security clearance or to explain When this happens, CCF will pull up the It is a privilege to have a security clear-
why a person should have their clearance police report and make an assessment ance, not a constitutional right.”
taken away. whether the soldier still has those charac- The local military police blotters and
As the instrumental gatekeepers, PSI ter traits that are necessary for the protec- criminal investigation reports also impede
has on-line databases that show all tion and safeguarding of our nation’s most clearances.
Department of Defense investigations. sensitive information. “Our office reviews all of those reports.
“A review is conducted every time some- When Soldiers PCS here or to another When the offenses are serious, we suspend
one is hired or tries to get network access. installation, they may not be able to reval- or restrict the person’s access.
If we note that there is a police report that idate their clearance. It is all because of Commanders then have to make recom-
was never reported to CCF, in most cases, the unresolved information or police file mendations for access,” Cahill said.
we cannot hire or allow you access to clas- noted on their records. In some instances Statements explaining police reports
sified defense information,” Cahill said. this may impact upon the mission of the are accepted. Depending on the explana-
“The on-line database only notes that a unit the soldier is being assigned to, some tion, Cahill is authorized to continue your
Jennifer Wingfield person was the subject of a police report,” personnel may be assigned to key posi- access.
Spc. April Hampton, HHC, 1st Brigade Cahill added. tions requiring immediate access to classi- This information and more can be
finance specialist, receives fingerprint On-line databases do not provide fied information. found in the security Army Regulation
training from PSI Security Assistant details concerning the police report. The same information applies across 380-67, The Department of the Army
Ollie K. Washington. Without detailed information, employ- the board to civilians as well. Civilian Personnel Security Program.
the
8A frontline Thursday, December 2, 2004
Savannah port takes on 3rd Inf. Div.’s equipment
Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft from rusting them,” explained
3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Thomas Christian, a B
Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd
In preparation for the 3rd Aviation Regiment flight engi-
Infantry Division’s upcoming neer.
deployment, vehicles and air- Although civilian contractors
craft belonging to its units are are the ones doing all the dirty
being transported to the Port of work down at the port nowa-
Savannah, where they are days, Christian said he and his
loaded onto ships and carried crew wrapped up their own
across the sea. Chinooks during past deploy-
Many of the machines being ment preparations.
worked on there Nov. 23 were “It’s a team effort,” he said.
Apaches which had just been “It’s a pain in the butt to do it …
flown in by 3rd Battalion, 3rd but from my own experience,
Aviation Regiment in Fort we’ve gotten 12 aircraft done in
Bragg, N.C. two days.”
“All we’re doing here is taking Although the careful process
the blades off (of the aircraft),” that goes along with transport-
said Capt. Merv Brott, C ing heavy machinery overseas is
Company, 3/3 Avn. company no piece of cake (according to
commander. “Things are going Christian), it is a necessity for
very smoothly … it might look those who want their equip-
like there’s not much going on ment to be functional in com-
here, but that’s just an indica- bat.
tion of a well-thought-out Of course, the completion of
plan.” the process is the best part,
After the aircraft were taken according to Brott, because it
apart, they were shrink- means the unit can move on to Photos by Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft
wrapped to ensure protection its next pre-deployment task. (Above) An Apache lands at the Savannah port to prepare for shipment Nov. 23
during their long trip. “We’re pretty excited,” he
“The shrink wrap protects said. “And all the guys in the (Below) Track vehicles belonging to various Hunter and Stewart units await shopment to Iraq at
the aircraft from debris, and battalion are excited, which the Savannah port.
keeps most of the salt water feels pretty good.”
Recently-shrink-wrapped Chinooks sit in a hangar at the port
until they are transported overseas.
Thursday, December 2, 2004 the
frontline 9A
Task Force Eagle leaving Bosnia
Jason Austin to have left more than 200,000 people dead.
U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs "It's important to understand that prior
to the Dayton Peace Accord, the people of
TUZLA, Bosnia — Just like the 14 rota- Bosnia — the Serbs, the Croats and the
tions before them, the Cyclone Soldiers of Bosniacs — were involved in a terribly tragic
the 38th Infantry Division (Mechanized), long-standing conflict; a war between three
Indiana National Guard, are packing up and peoples that had gone on for nearly four
preparing to go home. However, this years," Nash said. "There was a great deal of
Stabilization Force rotation will end differ- destruction."
ently than previous rotations. "Bosnia looked like the end of a major
Task Force Eagle, the U.S.-led effort of the war," said retired Lt. Gen. John Abrams,
SFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina, will case its USAREUR's V Corps commander during the
colors during a disestablishment ceremony onset of TF Eagle. "It had earmarks of terri-
Nov. 24. tories where large armies had engaged in
"It's appropriate now for the Army," said combat. Buildings were destroyed; every
Gen. B.B. Bell, U.S. Army Europe comman- bridge in Bosnia … had been damaged or
der. "That's why we're here today, as the last completely destroyed."
vestige of this great joint and combined Civil War included ‘ethnic cleansing’
force under North Atlantic Treaty The war began in 1992 when, following
Organization and under EUCOM, to finally Slovenia and Croatia's lead, Bosnia and
disestablish the Army component of this Herzegovina declared its independence
joint, combined, magnificent team." from the six-republic nation of Yugoslavia.
EUFOR to take over mission Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic sent
Photo by Jason Austin
The close of the nine-year mission of TF the Yugoslav national army April 5, 1992,
Eagle is part the completion of the SFOR along with Serb nationalist forces, into east- Guards at Eagle Base Bosnia complete a roving patrol at the Pedestrian gate of
mission and the inauguration of the ern Bosnia to quell the secession. Eagle Base days before the Task Force Eagle disestablishment cermony, Nov. 24.
European Union Force. The EUFOR is a Serbian rebels (Orthodox Christians) U.S. was destined to become involved mili-
coalition involving 33 countries, 11 of which were already conducting "ethnic cleansing" tarily, and on Dec. 20, 1995, the UNPROFOR
are non-EU members. in Croatia and continued these practices in transferred authority in the northern sector
The EUFOR will reinforce the EU's politi- Bosnia. Croats (Roman Catholic) also began to the 1st Armored Division.
cal engagement, its assistance programs a campaign of "ethnic cleansing" killing IFOR brings peace
and its ongoing police and monitoring mis- Bosnian Muslims. "The United States' long-term involve-
sions, officials said, to help BiH continue to As a result, the United Nations sent a ment with NATO came to fruition when
progress toward European integration. peacekeeping force, the U.N. Protection 60,000 Soldiers, less than 20,000 of which
"There are a lot of things that still need to Force or UNPROFOR, to establish peace. were Americans, went to the Balkans in
be done which the follow-on EU forces will U.N. failed to keep peace December of 1995," Nash said.
continue," said Brig. Gen. T.J. Wright, TF "My assessment at the time was that the "The United States entered Bosnia from
Eagle's final commander. U.N. was following a bankrupt strategy," the North, complimenting forces it had
"Bosnia still has a way to go politically said retired Gen. George Joulwan, Supreme already put in by air to Tuzla and the flood
and economically to be a viable front-line Allied Commander Europe during IFOR. of the 1st Armored Division overcame the
country in the world today," said retired Maj. "They were peacekeepers and there was no flood of the Sava River and peace was
Gen. William Nash, the commander of 1st peace to keep. To me, it was only a matter of brought to that area of the world," Bell
Armored Division at the onset of TF Eagle, time until NATO would have to get involved. said. Photo by Maj. Markus Novosel
and the Task Force's first commander. "But "In Europe it brought back all kinds of With that long-standing peace comes an A TF Eagle convoy nears the Liaison and
boy o' boy they are so much better today concern and fear. So, it was an issue of cred- end to the primary mission of SFOR to pro- Observation Team house in Bratunac. TF
than they were nine years ago." ibility for the Alliance and since (the United vide security and stability for the region. Eagle has several LOT houses to assist
Dayton Accord launched IFOR States is a) lead member of that alliance, it "We came here for one year, it's nine citizens in the local community.
Almost nine years ago, on Dec. 16, 1995, was very important for the United States to years later, it's time for us to go," Wright "NATO will maintain a small, but meaning-
NATO launched the largest military opera- lead, not just militarily but politically as said. "We took a country that was devastat- ful headquarters in Sarajevo. Also the
tion ever undertaken by the Alliance with well." ed and helped them stand themselves back United States will contribute small but
the Implementation Force or IFOR, in an The efforts of then U.S. Assistant up and get back on their feet and I think important numbers of forces that will be
effort to enforce the General Framework Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke, as well they will be a contributing member of the stationed both in Sarajevo and at Eagle
Agreement for Peace, negotiated in Dayton, as NATO air strikes against Serbian positions European community in the future." Base in Tuzla," Bell said.
Ohio, and generally referred to as the and a successful Muslim and Croat offensive Small U.S. force to remain Nash, TF Eagle's first commander, said
Dayton Peace Accord. against the Serbs in Western Bosnia, helped The disestablishment of TF Eagle does he will "look back with pride and say that
The Dayton Peace Accord brought to an set the stage for the Dayton Peace Accord. not, however, mark the end of NATO or I'm glad we are disestablishing TF Eagle,
end a four-year civil war which is estimated In addition to political involvement, the U.S. involvement in Bosnia, officials said. because that means the work is done."
Thursday, December 2, 2004 the
frontline 11A
3ID IN BRIEF
Stewart Hunter Winn /Tuttle
Public Safety Wild Adventurers Christmas Tree Lighting Wilson Blvd. In the vicinity of Health Fair Dec. 11 Do you know how to seek
Fort Stewart Public Safety Buses depart Bldg. 443 The Hunter Christmas tree the Wilson Gate. Join us at Winn Dec. 11 from 10 health care outside of the area?
officials announced Nov. 28 that Dec.18, 8 a.m. for Wild lighting is scheduled for Dec. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Winn Health Do you have other TRICARE or
the vehicle registration office Adventures Theme Park in at 4:45 p.m. in front of garrison Wild Adventurers Fair. This will be a chance to dental questions?
has moved from its old location Valdosta, Ga., returning 8 p.,m. headquarters. Buses depart Outdoor learn about your health care Need to know who your
in building 295 to building 102. The cost is $43 per person Refreshments will be avail- Recreation Area Dec.18, 8 a.m. resources, but it is also an oppor- Primary Care Manager is?
Building 102 is the new brick and includes transportation able and Santa Claus will make for Wild Adventures Theme tunity to have some healthy Interested in losing or gain-
building located at the main and admission. For more infor- an appearance for the chil- Park in Valdosta, Ga., and interactive fun. ing weight? Do you know how to
gate to Fort Stewart. mation call 767-8609. dren. return at 8 p.m. The cost is $43 Get your flu shot. Eligible maintain your current weight?
All vehicles requiring a pass per person and includes trans- beneficiaries are those who meet Do you have questions about
to enter Stewart or re-new their Red Cross CPR Instructors Christmas Toy Drive portation and admission. the following criteria and have a your medication?
registration should enter If you are a current The Hunter Commissary is For more information call valid military ID: How about a quick class on
Stewart's main gate in the far CPR/First Aid Instructor with conducting a Toy Drive now 767-8609. •adults aged 65 years and how to use TRICARE Online?
right lane to gain access to the American Red Cross, you through Dec. 18 to collect toys older; For more information, call
building 102. need to register with the to be distributed to needy mil- Hayride lights tour •persons aged 2–64 years 370-6662.
For more information call Savannah Chapter - Liberty itary families based at Hunter. Participants meet at ACS, with underlying chronic med-
767-5195/1721 or the Military Branch to keep your certifica- The commissary is asking for Dec. 20, 6 p.m. for tour of the ical conditions; Holiday Schedule
Police Desk 24 hours daily at tion current. new, unwrapped toys for boys holiday lights on post and •all women who will be Tuttle will be closed Dec. 23, 24
767- 4895. You can call (912) 876-3975 and girls ages 2 through 12. return at 7 p.m. for hot apple pregnant during the influenza and 31. Services at Winn will be
or visit the local office in the Contact Marcus McDonald cider. season; limited Dec. 23, 24 and 31. The
Tree Lighting Ceremony Winn-Dixie Shopping Center or Linda Harrington at 352- •residents of nursing homes Winn main pharmacy will be
The tree lighting ceremony between Goodwill and Pro-Feet 5007/5711 for more informa- Jazzercize and long-term care facilities; open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec.
and arrival of Santa Claus is for more information. tion. Jazzercize programs are •children aged 6 months–18 23.
scheduled for Dec. 9, 5 p.m. on being offered at the Hunter years on chronic aspirin thera-
the front lawn of Bldg. 1. Special Olympics Road Closure Army Airfield Fitness Center py; Update DEERS
The Fort Stewart community Due to the installation of a Mondays, Wednesdays and •health-care workers Beneficiaries must keep
Ribbon cutting ceremony will host Special Olympics new sewer line, the intersec- Fridays from 9-10 a.m. Classes involved in direct patient care; their DEERS information up-
The Dental Clinic #4 has Friday, 9 a.m. at Marne and tions of Gannam Ave. and S. are free; sign up at any time. and to-date. Winn and Tuttle use
scheduled their grand re-open- Stewart Lanes. Perimeter Rd. (near the youth For more information call Lori •out-of-home caregivers DEERS information to contact
ing Tuesday, 1 p.m. The clinic sports fields) and Gannam O’Neill at 459-0161. and household contacts of you regarding referrals and
has undergone a multi-million HInesville Christmas Parade Ave. between Farie Dr. and children under age 6 months. appointments. DEERS informa-
dollar renovation and will be The Hinesville/Fort Stewart Oliver Ave. will be closed to Winterize Your Boat Learn your foot type so you tion can be updated by calling
tentatively open for business community will have their vehicular traffic until Dec. 10. Class will be held at Outdoor can find the best shoes for you. 1-800-538-9552, visiting:
Dec. 13. and will provide annual Christmas Day Parade During these dates, motorists Recreation Center Dec. 11 at 10 Learn how you really see www.tricare.osd.mil/deers/def
Specialty Dental Care for Fort scheduled for Saturday, 6 p.m. may access Wilson Acres hous- a.m. to 12 p.m. For more infor- while intoxicated through DUI ault.cfm or stopping by
Stewart and Hunter. in Hinesville. ing area by the side street off mation call 352-5722. Goggles. Building 253.
5 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Army Newswatch 1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Force News
Marne TV 5:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . MARNE REPORT
6:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . Air Force News
4:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . Navy News
5 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . MARNE REPORT
7 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Navy News
6 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Army Newswatch
December 2004 7:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . Army Newswatch
6:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . Air Force News
Schedule 8 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . MARNE REPORT
7 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Navy News
9 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Force News
Marne TV can be found on Comcast Cable 9:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . Navy News 10 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . MARNE REPORT
Channel 16 every weekday.
Tune in to the Marne Report six times a day for the 11:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . . Army Newswatch 11 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . Army Newswatch
latest from Stewart and Hunter.
Noon . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARNE REPORT Midnight . . . . . . . . . .MARNE REPORT
the
12A frontline Thursday, December 2, 2004
POLICE REPORTS
• Subject: Private, 26-year-old ing drag
male, 1st Bde. • Location: Fort Stewart
• Charge: possession of drug
paraphernalia • Subject: Private 1st Class, 20-
• Location: Fort Stewart year-old male, 1st Bde.
• Charge: Assault consummated
• Subject: Private 1st Class, 29- by a battery
year-old male, 1st Bde. • Location: Fort Stewart
• Charge: Driving while license
suspended • Subject: Specialist, 23-year-old
• Location: Fort Stewart male, 4th Bde.
• Charges: Disorderly conduct
• Subject: Private 1st Class, 20- (striking police animal), interfer-
year-old male, 1st Bde. ence with government property
• Charges: Reckless driving • Location: Savannah
(83/55), no passing zone
• Location: Fort Stewart • Subject: Private 1st Class, 21-
year-old male, 2nd Bde.
• Subject: Private, 19-year-old • Charge: Wrongful use of mari-
male, 4th Bde. juana
• Charges: Wrongful possession • Location: Fort Stewart
of marijuana, wrongful use of of open container, speeding, fol- • Charge: Disorderly conduct eral order (weapons), larceny of
marijuana lowing too closely • Location: Hinesville private property • Subject: Private 1st Class, 20-
• Location: Fort Stewart • Location: Savannah • Location: Fort Stewart year-old male, Fires Bde.
• Subject: Private 1st Class, 21- • Charges: Driving under the
• Subject: Specialist, 22-year-old • Subject: Specialist, 22-year-old year-old male, 4th Bde. • Subject: Specialist, 20-year-old influence, possession of alcohol
male, Div. Sup. Bde. female, separate unit • Charge: Wrongful use of mari- male, 2nd Bde. by a person under 21, speeding
• Charges: Carnal knowledge, • Charges: Frauds against the juana • Charges: Wrongful use of 72/45
indecent acts upon a child United States, larceny of private • Location: Fort Stewart cocaine, wrongful use of mari- • Location: Liberty County
• Location: Fort Stewart property, conspiracy juana
• Location: Kuwaiti • Subject: Private 1st Class, 22- • Location: Fort Stewart • Subject: Staff Sgt., 28-year-old
• Subject: Staff Sgt., 39-year-old International Airport, KU year-old male, 1st Bde. male, separate unit
male, 1st Bde. • Charges: Damage to private • Subject: Family member, 33- • Charge: Indecent assault
• Charge: Assault consummated • Subject: Private, 20-year-old property, drunk and disorderly year-old male • Location: Fort Stewart
by a battery male, 2nd Bde. conduct, communicating a • Charge: Assault consummated
• Location: Fort Stewart • Charge: Larceny of AAFES threat by a battery • Subject: Private, 19-year-old
property • Location: Fort Stewart • Location: Fort Stewart male, 1st Bde.
• Subject: 1st Sgt., 36-year-old • Location: Fort Stewart • Charges: Assault consummat-
male, Avn. Bde. • Subject: Private, 21-year-old • Subject: Private 1st Class, 19- ed with a battery, underage
• Charges: Driving under the • Subject: Private 1st Class, 22- male, 2nd Bde. year-old male, 1st Bde. drinking
influence (alcohol), possession year-old male, 2nd Bde. • Charges: Failure to obey gen- • Charges: Drunken driving, lay- • Location: Fort Stewart
Whenever something needs
to be sold, we’ll be there.
Whenever something needs
to be found, we’ll be there.
Call 368-0526 to place
your ad today.
Thursday, December 2, 2004 the
frontline 13A
Army science conference attracts field professionals, music video crew
Sgt. Lorie Jewell large-vocabulary speech recogni-
Army News Service tion.
Human knowledge of informa-
ORLANDO, Fla. — Since 1957, tion technology, computer tech-
the science that makes warfight- nology and health science is dou-
ing possible has brought together bling annually, he said. In nearly
top minds in the field for a bien- every area, “We are experiencing
nial collective look at new devel- exponential growth in knowl-
opments and unfolding tech- edge.”
nologies. Sgt. Major of the Army
About 1,500 government, aca- Kenneth Preston thanked the sci-
demic and industry leaders are entists, engineers and others
gathered this week for the 24th whose work has led to technolo-
Army Science Conference, which gies currently being used in con-
for the first time includes partici- flict areas like Iraq and
pation from allies and coalition Afghanistan.
partners. Industry and academic Remote-controlled robots, for
partners joined at the last confer- example, are aiding in investigat-
ence, two years ago. ing suspicious items that may
Thirty-one countries are repre- contain improvised explosive
sented this year, said John devices. Soldiers can check the
Parmentola, director for research items from a safe distance, great-
and laboratory management in ly reducing the threat of death or
the Office of the Assistant injury, Preston said.
Secretary of the Army A large balloon that looms over
Acquisition, Logistics and Victory Base in Baghdad is a float-
Technology. ing platform that houses a J Lens
Fifty-four technologies — from system that allows Soldiers to
liquid body armor and a nasal- view large sections of the city sur-
spray painkiller to an artificial rounding them, he added.
exomuscle that may someday be Improved body armor like small
capable of binding wounds or arms protective inserts, also
giving cardio-pulmonary resusci- known as SAPI plates, are also
tation — are also highlighted in making a big difference, Preston
Sgt. Lorie Jewell
the conference exhibit hall. said.
The focus this year is on the “I’ve seen first hand the tech- Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston tours the exhibit area of the 24th Army Science Conference
needs of the current force, as well nology that many of you helped with a group of Soldiers. The conference, held every two years, brings together government, indus-
as speeding up future force tech- design that’s keeping our Soldiers try and educational professionals who work to advance Army science and technology.
nologies, according to conference alive,” Preston said. “Their suc- ders more concise and quickly- The crew is focusing on mili- For example:
officials. Technologies like minia- cess is, in many ways, your suc- understood information; tech- tary technology that will also •Lasers in weapon systems
turization and virtual reality will cess.” nology that allows vehicles and make its way into the civilian stemmed from the work of
become common in the near Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard equipment to consume less fuel market, said creative director Charles Townes of Columbia
future, said Ray Kurzweil, founder Cody gave an update on Army and generate more water; and Shawn Mattaro. Bendable televi- University; Nicolaas
and chief executive officer of transformation from the more tactical mobility and agility sion screens — officially known Bloembergen of Harvard
Kurzweil Technologies, Inc. Pentagon through video telecon- in the Future Combat Systems. as flexible display technology — University and Arthur Schawlow
Kurzweil, who was inducted ferencing. The Honorable A New York City-based produc- medical robots and holographics of Stanford & Bell Labs. Townes
into the National Inventors Hall Michael Wynne, Acting tion crew from the music televi- have caught the crew’s attention. was awarded the 1964 Nobel
of Fame in 2002, was the princi- Undersecretary for Defense sion video channel MTV2 is also Clips of their footage will air over Prize in Physics; Bloembergen
pal developer of first-ever tech- (Acquisition, Technology and at the conference, with a handful a three-month span, Mattaro and Schawlow shared that same
nologies: the omni-font optical Logistics), also used the technol- of other media, to document the said. honor in 1981.
character recognition, print-to- ogy to address the audience. conference for a new show called “What better place to come?” •Discoveries by Gerald
speech reading machine for the When asked to name three top High Tech Theater that will debut Lahaye said. “The Army has the Zacharias and Hans Dehmelt,
blind, CCD flat-bed scanner, text- problems the Army would like in February. coolest stuff, clearly.” another Nobel Prize winner for
to-speech synthesizer, music syn- scientists and engineers to priori- The show will highlight the lat- Army-funded research has led physics, led to the development
thesizer capable of recreating the tize, Cody asked for more work on est in technology, targeting male to many technologies that are of atomic clocks that make possi-
grand piano and other orchestral intelligence-gathering technolo- viewers aged 12 to 24, said pro- common today, according to con- ble the global positioning system,
instruments and commercial gy that gives battlefield comman- ducer Jodi Lahaye. ference information materials. or GPS.
the
14A frontline Thursday, December 2, 2004
Walter Reed breaks ground for amputee training center
Bernard S. Little Medical Command and Walter Reed,
Walter Reed Army Medical Center praised "the record time" at which the pro-
ject "has gone from concept to reality." He
WASHINGTON — Military officials credited "the dynamic leadership and sup-
joined recovering service members in port of congressional appropriations com-
breaking ground Nov. 19 for a new multi- mittees" along with individual senators and
million-dollar amputee training center congressmen.
being built at Walter Reed Army Medical Farmer said the amputee center is a con-
Center. tinuation of Army medicine's long history of
The center is expected to be completed in "taking care of the nation's Soldiers and
December 2005 at a cost of $10 million. The wounded-in-action" that began during the
29,000-square-foot facility will be able to American Revolution. He said Walter Reed
support about 300 appointments a week, has been a part of this history since it first
planners said. It will include a combined- opened its doors to 10 patients in 1909, and
function running track, rope- and rock- that the military "has played a vital role in
climbing wall, gait lab, military vehicle sim- advancing the art and science of medicine."
ulators, and other training areas. The amputee center will provide a place
Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul for the military's continued "innovative
Wolfowitz and new Secretary of the Army thinking and technological advances so
Dr. Francis J. Harvey were among those par- today's wounded warriors can receive
ticipating in the groundbreaking ceremony. unprecedented levels of care that are the
"The Military Amputee Training Center best that can be found anywhere," Farmer
will provide a structure to bring together all said.
aspects of amputee patient care," said Walter Reed patients continue to "amaze
Charles Scoville, program manager for the and inspire," Farmer said. Everyday, he said,
U.S. Army Amputee Patient Care Program. visitors come to Walter Reed to cheer up Lt. Col. Michael Negard
The center will also bring together all of patients. "Everyday, those visitors leave, Officials break ground in a ceremony for the Amputee Training Center at Walter
the services caring for Walter Reed's having been cheered up. Reed Army Medical Center.
amputee patients, including social work, "It is a Soldier from this very mold I asked
Veterans Affairs counselors, and the staff of to be our guest speaker," Farmer said in As VII Corps commanding general, "They are the first of many who will
physical medicine and rehabilitation service introducing retired Army Gen. Frederick M. Franks led the 146,000 U.S. and British reach out and help us back up again,"
(which includes occupational therapy, Franks Jr. forces during operations Desert Shield and Franks said of medics.
physical therapy, and prosthetics). In May 1970, Franks was wounded in Desert Storm that attacked over 250 kilo- To troops injured and recovering, Franks
"The facility is designed to return patients action in Cambodia. After having his leg meters in 89 hours as part of the coalition said, "It's not getting knocked down that's
to the highest levels of activity, and to pro- amputated below the knee and rehabilita- that liberated Kuwait in February 1991. important, it is the getting back up again
vide a place where research can be done to tion at Valley Forge General Hospital, he was Franks said the commitment of and going on. It is the reaching inside and
share our advances in rehabilitation and permitted to remain on active duty and "wounded warriors" to their fellow service finding that steel in all of us."
prosthetic design with all amputee returned to active service in early 1972. members and country "are striking." He Franks said the groundbreaking for the
patients," Scoville said. Franks subsequently commanded Seventh also praised medics and corpsmen, who amputee training center continues to fulfill
Maj. Gen. Kenneth L. Farmer, command- Army Training Command, 1st Armored "stand between life and death" on the bat- the military's promise to never leave a fall-
ing general of the North Atlantic Regional Division, and VII Corps in Germany. tlefield. en comrade behind.
Army updates sexual assault policy
Sgt. 1st Class Shaun Herron promote steps leaders and Assault Web site and incorpora- and acted upon through the mili- Assistance; Rape, Abuse, and
Army News Service Soldiers at all levels can take to tion of the new Army guidance tary criminal justice system,” Incest National Network (RAINN);
prevent and respond to instances into AR 600-20 reinforces Army Mack said. The Miles Foundation; Navy;
WASHINGTON — New Army of potential sexual assault. leadership’s ongoing commit- These efforts are the first steps Coast Guard; the University of
guidance on sexual assault pre- Included in this Web site are links ment to ensuring that adequate at incorporating the recommen- Arizona and Purdue University in
vention and response was released to training materials developed by prevention programs and poli- dations of an Army task force that Indiana.
Nov. 12, and will be included in the Training and Doctrine Command. cies are in place, said Col. Paris conducted a 90-day detailed Both universities were given
upcoming revision of AR 600-20, Sexual assault prevention train- Mack, chief, Human Factors review of the Army’s policies and grants from the Department of
Army Command Policy, in 2005. ing will be part of initial entry Division, Human Resources & programs on sexual assault. That Justice for their prevention pro-
The new guidance is one of sev- training, semi-annual training, Policy Directorate, G-1. task force issued an 80-page grams, and the age category for
eral steps the Army has recently installation in-processing and pre- It will also ensure that soldiers report with 24 recommendations Soldiers who report assaults and
taken to re-emphasize that any deployment training for all who are victims of sexual assault to improve the system. their assailants are in the same
offense of sexual assault is incon- Soldiers. The website also includes receive proper treatment, medical When looking for ways to age category as the university stu-
sistent with Army Values and links to additional resources for and psychological care; that the improve the Army’s policies and dents. Nearly 84 percent of
Warrior Ethos, officials said. victims of sexual assault, and a chain of command will provide programs, the task force sought alleged perpetrators were identi-
In addition to the new policy checklist for commanders to help full support, dignity and confi- advice from outside agencies to fied as junior Soldiers, and 95 per-
guidance for commanders, the the recovery of sexual assault vic- dentiality to victims; and that any include the Department of cent of the victims were Soldiers
Army has launched a Web site at tims. reported incidents of sexual Veteran Affairs; National in the rank of staff sergeant and
www.sexualassault.army.mil, to The newly launched Sexual assault will be, “fully investigated Organization of Victim below.
WANTED!
YOUR CLASSIFIED
ADS
Call
The Frontline
(912) 368-0526
Thursday, December 2, 2004 the
frontline 15A
Authorization Act funds 3.5 percent troop pay raise, cuts housing costs
Gerry J. Gilmore issues involving those ranks. housing units largely built in the 1950s. and other material they require to success-
American Forces Press Service And, he noted, money is contained in Chu pointed to privatization success fully prosecute the global war against ter-
the 2005 act to boost allowances that now stories, such as contractor-provided hous- rorism.
WASHINGTON — Money contained eliminate servicemembers' out-of-pocket ing for soldiers and their families at Fort The bill also provides extended health
within the 2005 National Defense expenses used for on- or off-post family Carson, Colo. Such private sector-provided coverage for some reservists, Chu noted, as
Authorization Act will fund a 3.5 percent housing. Stateside and overseas family housing offers contemporary quality and well as better Montgomery G.I. Bill bene-
troop pay raise and eliminate service- housing allowances are calculated accord- "design flair" for servicemembers while fits.
members' out-of-pocket costs for family ing to regional markets. providing more bang for the buck for tax- Another change contained in the '05
housing, DoD's top military personnel Another provision in the 2005 NDAA payers. NDAA enables reservists to be called up for
official noted. removes a previously established ceiling The act also contains three special pay training before possible overseas deploy-
The January troop pay raise will be limiting how much military family-hous- and bonus authorities, Chu noted. For ment. This, Chu pointed out, is a more effi-
applied across the board to all service- ing inventory could be privatized, Chu example, the bill makes permanent the cient means of force management.
members and won't feature pay hikes tar- said. increase to military family separation pay A major highlight of military personnel
geted to specific ranks as in past years, Privatization enables DoD to modernize to $250 a month and likewise hostile management during his tenure, Chu
David S. C. Chu, undersecretary of defense its military family housing more quickly fire/imminent danger pay at $225 a observed, involves successive increases in
for personnel and readiness, said during a and efficiently, Chu said. About one-third month. troop compensation.
recent Pentagon interview. of military families live in on-post housing. The bill also provides "a much stronger "The president has been willing to carry
The targeted raises issued to mid-level If DoD funded all of its existing family- set" of re-enlistment bonuses for Guard the torch for us to argue for significant pay
officers and noncommissioned officers housing needs by itself, Chu explained, it and Reserve members. increases," Chu noted, as well as to reduce
over the past two years, Chu explained, would take the department "forever" to Chu said the '05 NDAA ensures that and eventually eliminate servicemembers'
"have fixed," for now, most pay disparity make needed repairs or to replace aging troops in the field receive the equipment out-of-pockets costs for military housing.
Army helicopters borrow NASCAR Department of Defense makes Announcment
windshield technology Troop Extensions for Iraq
Donna Miles windshields for years to add the coatings to all its
American Forces Press Release resist cracking, chipping aircraft windshields. DOD News Release Marine Expeditionary Unit, Okinawa,
and scratching. The coatings go on Armed Forces Press Release Japan, will be extended beyond their cur-
WASHINGTON — A Periodically throughout a much like a typical win- rent rotation dates.
laminate that protects race, pit crews peel away dow tint, Bordick said, Today the Secretary of Defense This extension also includes the
NASCAR racecar wind- a layer, leaving a clear, but must be applied in a approved a request by the Commander 66th Transportation Company, Kleber
shields from rocks and undamaged windshield relatively controlled envi- of Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF(I)) Kasern, Germany. The length of
debris will soon give extra for the laps ahead, he ronment — inside a to extend two Army brigades and a extension varies between the units.
protection to Army heli- said. building or hangar or Marine Expeditionary Unit operating Two battalions from the 82nd Airborne
copters flying in Iraq and Field tests on Black within a bag constructed in Iraq. The Secretary also approved Division will deploy to Iraq for an
Afghanistan. Hawk and Chinook heli- around the aircraft. the Commander’s request for two anticipated duration of approximately
The Army's Aviation copters showed that the Initially, the coating will additional infantry battalions to 120 days to support security efforts
Applied Technology coatings, which cost be applied at the depot deploy to Iraq. during the election period.
Directorate at Fort Eustis, about $100 to apply, level, but the Army will General George Casey, Commander, This approved request adds an addi-
Va., started testing the could significantly begin training aircraft MNF-I, requested the extension of the tional 1,500 active duty soldiers, and
concept in March and extend the life of aircraft maintenance crews to units, as they are the most experienced extends approximately 10,400 active
just got the green light to windshields, which run apply it themselves, he and best-qualified forces to sustain the duty combat forces, which includes
begin applying the Mylar $3,000 to $5,000 a piece, said. momentum of post-Fallujah opera- 2,300 Marines from the 31st Marine
polyester coating to the Bordick said. Bordick called the tions and to provide for additional Expeditionary Unit off of the ESSEX
windshields of opera- First priority for the Army's use of a ready- security for the upcoming elections, in Expeditionary Strike Group. This
tional aircraft. new coatings will go to made solution to its conjunction with the Iraqi Security extension is in conjunction with the
Nathan Bordick, an helicopters flying in Iraq windshield problem a forces. current force rotation, and will
engineer working on the and Afghanistan, where "proactive" decision The United States Army’s 2nd Brigade, increase the U. S. forces in theater
project, said the Army sand and harsh desert that's saving tax dollars. 25th Infantry Division, Schofield from 17 to 20 brigades, increasing the
borrowed the idea from conditions quickly batter "This is an example of Barracks, Hawaii, the 2nd Brigade 1st force size in Iraq to approximately
NASCAR, where teams windshields and render incorporating technology Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas and 150,000 personnel during the election
have been applying mul- them unsafe. But, for military uses so we the United States Marine Corps’ 31st period.
tiple layers of the pee- Bordick said, the Army don't have to reinvent the
lable coatings to vehicle would eventually like to wheel," he said.
the
16A frontline Thursday, December 2, 2004
Course trains 'select
few' on biological
warfare agents
Caree Vander Linden own way." The cost — $7,000 per student
Special to American Forces Press Service for the four-week course — means "we get
a select few," he added.
FORT DETRICK, Md., — The narrow The course's first two days are spent
gravel path leads to a cluster of mobile tac- largely in the classroom. Students receive
tical shelters at Fort Detrick's "Area B," 400 an overview of the history of biological
acres of farmland on this Maryland base. A warfare, along with briefings on laboratory
brown sign marks the Field Identification concepts, current techniques, and field
of Biological Warfare Agents, or FIBWA, laboratory operations. The fundamentals
Laboratory Training Site. Inside, the air of biological safety are also introduced.
conditioning is blasting while Top 40 Next, they spend nine days learning how to
music plays from a portable stereo atop a extract genetic material — deoxyribonu-
file cabinet. Two laboratories, each with cleic acid and ribonucleic acid, or DNA
four workstations, adjoin a central tactical and RNA — from multiple sample types,
shelter that serves as a conference room. along with a technique called polymerase
In this nondescript setting, eight stu- chain reaction, or PCR, which is used to
dents at a time learn to set up, maintain, identify the extracted DNA and RNA.
and operate a deployable laboratory under "Sensitivity" and "specificity" are two
field conditions. The four- week, hands-on frequently heard buzzwords in the field of
FIBWA course offers training in the most medical diagnostics. Sensitivity refers to
advanced field technologies for confirm- the ability to detect even a small amount of Steve Fernando
ing identification of biological-warfare biological agent in a sample. Specificity is Spc. Kelly Miller runs a test to identify a substance during a course in field iden-
agents. Developed by the U.S. Army the ability to detect a particular agent. tification of biological warfare agents.
Medical Research Institute of Infectious Both are critical. According to Dorman, if a
Diseases, FIBWA is the only course of its testing agent is not sensitive enough, false the most surprising aspect of the course, laboratory and said she finds the FIBWA
kind in the Defense Department. negatives can result; if it's not specific he said, though he was quick to add that all focus on environmental samples "totally
According to Mark Wolcott, head of the enough, false positives can happen. bacteria and viruses are deactivated before different." Unlike a clinical lab, she said,
field operations and training branch with- "Operation Desert Storm taught us that students handle them. "It still gives you a "out here you don't realize you messed
in USAMRIID's diagnostic systems divi- we need to have sensitive and specific new level of respect for what we're doing," up until you get your results back. In the
sion, FIBWA grew out of the need for bat- technologies in a deployable laboratory, he noted. field we would have to do it over; in the
tlefield detection of biological warfare capable of analyzing both biomedical and Dorman strolls through the labs, paus- classroom, we try to figure out where the
agents. As field detectors were developed environmental samples," said Army Maj. ing to check on each student's progress. error occurred."
and deployed, the ability to confirm what John Scherer, chief of the diagnostic sys- Despite being peppered with questions Miller has been in the Army two years
the detectors were "seeing" was crucial to tems division. Biomedical samples consist from course attendees, he patiently and said she plans to make it a career. Like
add confidence for battlefield, medical, of tissue or bodily fluid samples from describes the scene for a visitor. His group Brown, she'll do a tour of duty at the
and National Command Authority deci- humans or animals, while environmental keeps busy; six student courses are offered CENTCOM lab and says she is looking for-
sions. The requirement for a deployable samples include air, soil, foliage, and water per year, along with three "manager" ward to it. Right now, though, she's up to
BW agent confirmation laboratory was samples. All are important in a field set- courses. The latter are designed for deci- her ears in the final field exercise.
born. ting, where the medical laboratory has sion makers like laboratory officers and "You have to put together everything
Since the FIBWA course was first offered three major roles: to support medical- commanders, who would get the lab you learned in the past three weeks, in one
in 1999, nearly 200 students from the mili- treatment facilities, to support preventive- results and act upon them. week!" she exclaimed.
tary services and other government agen- medicine surveillance, and to analyze During the course, students take both While the FIBWA course is designed for
cies have attended. To ensure that the samples from field detection systems. written and practical exams. The true test, organizations within DoD, special consid-
training stays on the cutting edge, con- One component of the FIBWA training however, comes during the final week of erations can be made for other govern-
cepts of operations and diagnostic materi- is "real time" PCR using an instrument the course, when they perform a field mental agencies. Several civilian employ-
als, equipment and technology are contin- called the "Ruggedized Advanced training exercise. According to Dorman, ees of the Department of Homeland
ually evaluated and transitioned into the Pathogen Identification Device," which this provides an opportunity to integrate Security's National Biodefense Analysis
field. was specially designed for military field the course material with real-world sce- and Countermeasures Center recently
Bill Dorman is the FIBWA training coor- labs. RAPID is a portable, impact- resistant narios that challenge the students' under- completed the course. In addition, stu-
dinator. A former noncommissioned offi- package about the size of a briefcase that standing and skills. dents from National Guard Weapons of
cer, he came on board as a civilian during offers quick, safe and accurate field identi- Participants are given five scenarios to Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams in
the first course in 1999. At that time, fication of potentially dangerous respond to and must set up and operate a Georgia and West Virginia attended over
USAMRIID had put together a laborato- pathogens. lab under field conditions. Working the summer, and Scherer is in the process
ry/training package at the request of U.S. Sgt. Sean Brown, Fort Leonard Wood, together as a team, they develop and of designing a specialized course just for
Central Command, which wanted its own Mo. native, is a microbiologist with clinical implement a test plan based on the sample those units.
full-time lab capability. The demand grew, laboratory and blood bank experience. type and information received with each "USAMRIID continues to demonstrate
and there are now six laboratories under "Pretty cool!" he said when asked to scenario. They are then expected to ana- its commitment to the warfighter,
five major commands. CENTCOM, U.S. describe the FIBWA course. "I love the field lyze the sample, troubleshoot any prob- whether it's through research, direct ana-
Pacific Command, U.S. Army Center for work. It's a lot of fun." lems that may arise, and provide a final lytical support, or training courses like
Health Promotion and Preventive Having a good grasp of molecular biolo- identification, if any, to the instructor. FIBWA," said Army Col. Erik Henchal,
Medicine, and U.S. Army Medical gy helped, said Brown, who had done PCR Evaluations are based on how well the stu- USAMRIID commander. "In addition, as
Command each have one laboratory; before but enjoyed being trained on the dents respond and solve problems a partner in the National Interagency
Army Forces Command has two. latest instruments. In January, he will be throughout the exercise. Biodefense Campus at Fort Detrick, we
"The course is unfunded," said Dorman, assigned to the CENTCOM testing lab. Army Pfc. Kelly Miller, from Fort contribute to the nation's overall defense
"so everyone who comes has to pay their "Getting to work with the real agents" Is Eustis, Va., works in a hospital clinical against bioterrorism."
Thursday, December 2, 2004 the
frontline 17A
CENTCOM News
Plane wreckage forces rounded up 32 suspected throughout the country imme-
found, no survivors anti-Iraqi militants and uncov- diately.
ered a stockpile of more than
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 1, 500 artillery rounds in heavy MSSG-31
2004 — Searchers who reached activity south of Baghdad Nov. reduce weapons
the wreckage of an aircraft miss- 27. cache inventory
ing since Nov. 27 in Afghanistan Iraqi national guardsmen,
on Nov. 30 found no survivors, backed by elements of the 24th FALLUJAH — Marines and
Combined Forces Command Marine Expeditionary Unit, Sailors of MEU Service Support
Afghanistan officials reported detained five individuals in a Group-31 of the I Marine
today. raid near Musayyib. Marines Expeditionary Force continue to
Three U.S. soldiers and three captured 21 suspects in two dispose of weapons caches — a
civilian aircrew members were separate raids near Lutafiyah voluminous amount of weapons,
killed when the aircraft crashed and five more in a pair of raids ordnance and bomb-making
near Bamyan province. near Haswah. materials — that have been dis-
The CASA 212 civilian fixed- Meanwhile, Marines attacked covered by Multi-National Forces
wing aircraft was reported miss- by a roadside bomb southwest since the insurgent-held city of
ing Nov. 27 after it departed of Lutafiyah chased down two Fallujah was seized by Iraqi and
Bagram Air Base on a troop- suspected attackers, killing one, MNF earlier this month.
transport and supply mission capturing another, and recover- The MSSG task organized a
en-route to Farah. The aircraft ing what they believe was the weapons cache removal and
never arrived at its destination remote detonator used in the demolition task force that col-
or alternate airfields in the attack. lects the weapons caches daily
country. and transports the caches out-
Coalition forces launched MNSTC-I dispatches side the city of Fallujah where
ground and aircraft search mobile training teams demolition takes place. The task
efforts immediately when the to Iraqi staffs force includes military skill sets
.
Photo by Cpl. James P Johnson
aircraft was reported as missing. of explosive ordnance disposal,
Coalition aircraft received an BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Staff Sgt. Joshua Herbig with the 307th Psychological Operations combat engineers, motor trans-
emergency locator transmitter Multinational Security Company, Ft. Louis, Mo., mans a loud speaker system broadcast- port, corpsmen and military
signal in a mountainous region Transition Command — Iraq ing in Arabic "there is humanitarian packs to be given away" police.
in central Afghanistan. began dispatching nine, five- Nov. 15, 2004. “There must have been a sus-
Late Nov. 29, coalition aircraft member training teams to the “What we’re doing is giving the work “hands-on” in nature. tained effort on the part of the
saw signs of what was believed Multinational Force’s six major each MSC one or two teams and “They have some formal insurgent leadership to build
to be the aircraft wreckage, but subordinate commands, Nov. allowing them to determine the classes, but the bulk of it is these massive weapons caches,”
extreme weather and moun- 28, to assist in the training of priority of training (and) who coaching – one-on-one coach- said Lt. Col. James A. Vohr, com-
tainous terrain complicated Iraqi brigade and division gets them first,” Sullivan said. ing,” Sullivan said. manding officer of MSSG-31.
search efforts. On Nov. 30, a senior staff officers. “When we give them to the (U.S. Each team is headed by a “One of the most striking aspects
ground coalition rescue and The teams — comprised of Army’s 1st Cavalry Division, for lieutenant colonel certified in is what must have been the total
recovery team made it to the U.S. Army personnel — will run example), their priority might the U.S. Army’s Command and disregard on the part of the
accident site and was able to Iraqi Army and National Guard be the 40th ING Brigade. General Staff College’s year-long insurgents for the safety of the
make positive identification of officers through 30-day training “So that’s who gets them instructor training program. citizens of Fallujah. Had any one
the aircraft and recover the cycles before rotating on to new first,” he said. The CGSC in Fort of these caches detonated in
remains of those killed in the staffs at the discretion of the Sullivan said that one of the Leavenworth, Kan., prepares town it would have leveled city
crash. various MSC commands. All teams could also be involved in field grade officers for wartime blocks.”
The names of the deceased trainers were formerly instruc- assisting Iraqi staffs setting up a duties by developing student The task of removing the
are being withheld pending tors at the U.S. Army’s tactical operations center in reasoning and decision-making numerous weapons caches is
notification of next of kin. Command and General Staff Fallujah as part of the ongoing ability, character self-expres- conducted in a deliberate,
Military officials said the cause College or Combined Arms stability operations mission sion, and teamwork from a methodical manner, and results
of the accident is under investi- Service Staff School. there, with the overall mobile command position. The North in the daily reduction of what
gation. “We’re teaching military deci- training teams’ mission in Atlantic Treaty Organization’s was left of the Fallujah-based
sion-making,” MNSTC-I, country lasting at least nine Iraqi training team — under the insurgents’ weapons and muni-
Iraqi, marine forces Strategy and Plans Officer, U.S. months as the teams make the operational control of MNSTC-I tions inventory. This action by
capture 32, find large Army Lt. Col. Sean P. Sullivan rounds throughout the nation. – is currently standing up a sim- the Marines and Sailors of the
weapons cache said. “How to operate a tactical According to Sullivan, the ilar school at the Iraqi Military task force is one step of a multi-
operations center, battle staff training will be organized with Academy Al Rustamiyah, out- step process that will ensure the
FORWARD OPERATING BASE procedures, individual staff limited “classroom-type side Baghdad. city is safe when civilians eventu-
KALSU, Iraq — Iraqi and U.S. responsibilities, etc. instruction” with the majority of Training will commence ally return.
Related docs
