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Staff Sgt. Christopher Fincham, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

NSS participants share thoughts on issues facing nation

  June 8, 2007 -- More than 60 guests came together at the U.S. Army War College June 4-8 to take part in the 53rd Annual National Security Seminar.

    After welcoming the guests, Maj. Gen. David Huntoon, U.S. Army War College Commandant, looked forward to what the week accomplished.

    "We are happy that you are here, but we are also very confident that your time here will be well spent," he said.

    Since the beginning of the NSS program in 1954, the Army War College has hosted more than 6,000 participants from all walks of life and all regions of the United States, according to Huntoon.

    "Our diverse backgrounds are met here in a common love for our country and a common concern for its future," said Huntoon.

   The week-long seminar focused around a dialogue and discussions of various topics and according to Huntoon, served as a type of "final synthesis" of the year's education for the Army War College students.

    Numerous speakers were on-hand throughout the week including retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, who addressed the Global War on Terrorism, and Professor Alan Stolberg who discussed the U.S. and Europe in the 21st Century. The idea behind the seminar is for the speakers to address a given topic and then for everyone - Army War College students and NSS guest alike - to discuss it thoroughly in order to achieve broader perspectives and learn from one another.

    "Our intent is not solely to speak to you, but also to listen," Huntoon explained.

    During the week NSS guests also took part in a "world-class staff ride" to the battlefields at Gettysburg and participated in many social events which helped to reinforce the day's learning and were designed to build friendships and cohesion.

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

 

George W. Bush, President of the United States

2007 U.S. Army birthday Presidential message

    I send greetings to all those celebrating the 232nd birthday of the United States Army.

   Since our Nation's founding, members of the United States Army have answered the call to serve in America's times of need.  These brave citizens have triumphed over brutal enemies, liberated continents, and answered the prayers of millions around the globe.  From Valley forge, across Europe and Asia, and in Afghanistan and Iraq, our soldiers have made great sacrifices so that others could live3 in freedom.

   Today, courageous and selfless patriots from every corner of our Nation continue this proud tradition as they fight to uphold the ideals that make our country a beacon of freedom and hope. These find Americans are answering the call of duty and carrying out an urgent and noble mission with valor and unrelenting determination. They are taking their rightful place among the heroes of our country's history, and their dedication makes every American proud.

    On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank the members of the United States Army and Army veterans for protecting our citizens and laying a foundation of peace for generations to come.  All of us who live in liberty live in your debt, and we will never forget your service and sacrifice.

    Laura and I send our best wishes.  May God bless you and your families, and may God bless America.

 

MHI to celebrate 40th Anniversary

June 7, 2007 -- The U.S. Military History Institute will celebrate 40 years of preserving and telling the Army's stories with a celebration on June 16.

   MHI, which was officially established on July 27, 1967, mission is to preserve the Army's history and ensure access to historical research materials. It serves as the primary facility where researchers study Army history. MHI holdings include books, manuscripts, photos, and maps. It was named the U.S. Army Military History Records Center but was renamed the U.S. Military History Institute on April1, 1977. It was officially designated as an institute of the U.S. Army War College on Oct. 1, 1993.

The significance of the institute has been echoed by those who have used it for their research.  

   "I think Rick Atkinson said it best when he said that 'MHI is the 'mother lode' of history for the military historian,'" said Dr. Conrad Crane, MHI director. Atkinson is a Pulitzer Prize winning author who has used the institute during his periods of research for his books.

    Crane went on to point out that the same sentiment has been repeated by others who come to the facility.

    "Telling our story and top-notch personal service are both very important to us and we get constant feedback that people appreciate what we do," he said.   

    MHI became a component of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center on Nov. 1, 2002.

   In honor of this milestone, the public is invited to come to the facility for tours and other presentations on June 16. Tours will be held at 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-5:00 p.m. Dr. Conrad C. Crane, Director of MHI, will speak on 'The History of the Military History Institute' at 1:30 p.m..

Schedule of events for June 16

  • 10 a.m.-  5 p.m. -Ridgway Hall Open House

  • 10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. ; 2:30-5 p.m. - Organized, "behind the scenes" tours of Ridgway Hall. See how a nationally-scoped archive and historical repository operates.

  • 1 p.m. - Ceremonial Cake Cutting in Conference Room

  • 1:30 p.m. - An oral history presentation of "The History of the Military History Institute" by Dr. Conrad Crane, Director, Military History Institute

    MHI is recognized worldwide for its premier Army history collection of more than 14 million items, which includes diaries, photographs, letters, official documents, manuscripts, Army publications and books. The items are maintained in state-of-the-art, climate-controlled conditions, easily accessible to the many researchers, students, faculty, military planners, military history scholars and veterans who use the facility.

    AHEC is a cultural, educational and historical campus adjacent to Carlisle Barracks on a 56-acre site that will feature the Military History Institute, a conservation laboratory, an education center, an outdoor museum park, and the Army Heritage Museum. The AHEC, a component of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, is an institute of the U.S. Army War College and supports the electives and core curriculum of both the resident and distance programs.  Army War College students benefit greatly from the wealth of MHI research materials, in addition to their participation in conducting interviews as part of the senior leader oral history program.

Ridgway Hall closure June 15

    An important note for patrons, the Army Heritage and Education Center, including the Military History Institute's Reading Room, will CLOSE at 2:30 p.m., Friday, June 15 to celebrate MHI's 40th anniversary. The MHI Reading Room will be open for full patron service, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., June 16. Visitors may also view Army Heritage Museum artifact exhibits inside the AHEC that Saturday.

    The AHEC will resume its regular schedule of 9:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday, (closed Saturdays, Sundays, and the ten Federal holidays), starting on June 18.

    The U.S. Military History Institute is located at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Ridgway Hall, 950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013.

AHEC Fast facts

. Army Heritage and Education Center staff expertise is routinely sought for historical consultations to authors, publications and film productions, including motion pictures such as Gettysburg, Gods and Generals, Saving Private Ryan, and Cold Mountain

. Noted historians and authors Stephen Ambrose, Rick Atkinson, Ken Burns, Jim Lehrer, and many others credit the MHI archival source material in their books

. The Army Heritage Museum (galleries opening in the Visitors and Education Center in 2006) holds an extensive collection of uniforms, equipment, accoutrements and personal items linked to individual Soldiers and their service to the Army

. Living history educational programs are conducted on site throughout the year along the Army Heritage Trail, a unique open air gallery.

 

Army News Service

Dallas/Fort Worth Airport celebrates 500,000th R&R traveler

Army News Service, June 13, 2007) - A "shower of affection" greeted an aircraft carrying the 500,000th servicemember and DOD civilian returning home for R&R from operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom Tuesday.
     The Army and Dallas/Forth Worth International Airport celebrated the milestone by recognizing and thanking the hundreds of volunteers who made the "Welcome Home a Hero" program a success.
    Maj. Gen. Sean Byrne, commanding general of the Army's Human Resources Command, and dignitaries thanked the DFW community for their continued support over the last three years.
    DFW International Airport, the USO, the North Texas Commission, DFW Chaplaincy, Al Shamel SATO and Air Mobility Command were all presented with certificates of appreciation for their continued support of the troops since the inception of the R&R program in 2003.
    "We as a nation and as an Army have asked much of our servicemembers, DOD civilians and their families. And we, in turn, are doing everything possible to ensure their well-being today and in the future," said Maj. Gen. Byrne. "This program would not have been a success without your help."
    Approximately 420 servicemembers travel from combat zones daily to take part in the R&R leave program. Two chartered commercial aircrafts fly servicemembers and DOD civilians from Kuwait City International Airport to hubs in the United States, one in Atlanta, Ga., and the other in Dallas, Texas.
    DFW was not the only location celebrating this milestone. Both Kuwait City International Airport and the R&R team at Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport hosted a celebration in support of the historic event.
    In Dallas, servicemembers were greeted by more than 200 dignitaries and special guests as they reunited with families or caught connecting flights. One of the returning Soldiers, Sgt. 1st Class Marvin Jackson from Kansas City, Mo., is assigned to the 524th Combat Service Support Battalion on Schofield Barracks and has been deployed to Forward Operating Base Q-West near Mosul, Iraq, for the past nine months.
     "It makes me feel proud knowing I can come into a place like Dallas and see Americans like these cheering us on making us feel good. I'm happy to be home," said Sgt. 1st Class Jackson.

Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

Officials optimistic about Army recruiting despite May shortfall

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 11, 2007) - Defense officials said today they're not overly concerned that the Army fell slightly short of its recruiting goal for May, noting that the service is still 2,000 recruits ahead of its year-to-date goals.
    Bill Carr, acting deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, declared May "a successful month" for recruiting, noting that three of the four services met or exceeded their active-duty goals.
    "The Army missed, but is still ahead of the game, year to date," Mr. Carr said during a conference call with veterans' service organization members. "And we're optimistic that the year will close OK."
    The Army recruited 5,101 active-duty Soldiers in May, 399 short of its 5,500-Soldier goal, the Defense Department announced today. The Navy and Air Force both met their May goals, with 2,709 and 2,451 recruits, respectively. The Marine Corps exceeded its May goal by 34 percent, signing on 2,225 new Marines.
    Four of the six reserve components met or exceeded their May goals. The Army Reserve, with 3,929 accessions, topped its goal by 6 percent. The Marine Corps Reserve brought in 1,043 new members, 111 percent of its goal. The Navy Reserve recruited 913 sailors, 105 percent of its goal; and the Air Force Reserve signed on 675 airmen, 104 percent of its goal.
    The Army National Guard recruited 5,612 Soldiers, 12 percent short of its goal; and the Air National Guard signed on 736 airmen, 77 percent of its goal.
    Carr said retention remains solid across the board, with all services meeting or exceeding their May goals. Deployed troops reported during surveys that they are "a few percentage points" less inclined to reenlist, but Carr said the "flat" overall retention picture suggests that current retention trends will continue, at least for the near term.
    That flat projection is expected to apply to recruiting, too, with no major shifts expected in the propensity of young people to join the military, he said.
    This outlook isn't as positive among influencers and parents, those adults who help young people make decisions about joining the military. Support among this group "continues to dwindle as the war progresses," Carr said.
 

 

 

Tori Hennigan, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Summer hire program kicks off at Carlisle Barracks

June 7, 2007 -- You may notice a sea of new faces on post as Spring turns to Summer and local high school and college students are given an opportunity to hone their skills and gain experience working for the federal government.

    Many of those new faces are the 30 students participating in the Department of Defense's summer hire program which started this year on May 29th at Carlisle Barracks.

    "It's a program that allows students to have summer appointment," said Michelle Deshong human recourses specialist at the civilian personnel office. "It's an opportunity to give students a chance to get some experience, to be able to put on their resume, that they worked at the Army War College."

    Summer hires participating in the program agree.

    "I think it helps with responsibility, it's just a really nice environment, and everyone's really friendly and it's productive," said Debbie Canter, a summer hire working in the security office. 

    Supervisors said that the program is not only great for the students, but also them as well.

    "It helps us accomplish our mission and provide a great service and support," said Lewis Moral, administrative officer at the Army Heritage and Education Center.     

    A condition of the program is that the hirees are attending school and are scheduled for future classes.

    "Most of the summer hires end up being college students, because most of the supervisors want the students in May, but we do have a couple in high school," said Deshong.  

    Although all the students were hired as either office automation clerks, clerks, or laborers, each varies a great deal.  Some students work in offices, others help set up equipment for events, or work in labs. 

    Sean Raymond works as an assistant conservator in the Army Heritage and Education Center.  Raymond was working to restore a WWI helmet, called a picklehaube.

    "Its hands on learning about military artifacts." said Raymond.

    Many of the students said they are very happy to be here and working.

    "I really like working here, its quiet and the people I work with are really nice," said Erica Hockenberry, a first year summer hire working in the library.

 

 

Spc. Chris McCann, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

Counterinsurgency expert advises Soldiers in Iraq

 

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (Army News Service, June 5, 2007) - Recruit more Iraqi Soldiers and increase their divisions from 11 to 20 is what one counterinsurgency expert said he would do if he was in the shoes of the Multinational Forces - Iraq commander.
    Dr. David Kilcullen, an authority on counterinsurgency, was appointed to advise the MNF-Iraq commander, Gen. David Petraeus. Dr. Kilcullen visited Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade out of Fort Drum, N.Y., to take stock of the "Commando" brigade's progress June 2 and 3.
   Dr. Kilcullen served 21 years in the Australian army and has led Timorese troops, was a special advisor for irregular warfare during the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review, and remains a reserve lieutenant colonel in the Australian army.
   Col. Michael Kershaw, 2nd BCT commander, escorted Dr. Kilcullen around Patrol Base Dragon, the Yusufiyah Joint Security Station and the Mahmudiyah Iraqi Army Compound.
    "They've done a great job just setting it up," said Dr. Kilcullen of the JSS. "They've got the Iraqi army and Iraqi police working together, which is a great start, it's a good setup with the IPs doing municipal law and order, and the Iraqi army doing rural security. The next step is to set up a joint-operations room where they can plan operations together."
    He observed that U.S. forces' performance is improving, although the situation has - at least temporarily - taken a turn for the worse.
   "Your progress since the beginning of the year is substantial," Dr. Kilcullen said. "The trick now is putting the Iraqi structures into place. It's about sustainment and expectation management.
   "The 10th Mountain Division is the most-deployed division in the Army today," said Dr. Kilcullen. "That experience really shows in your approach to the area of operations. This is a tough, unforgiving AO which punishes the slightest tactical mistake. I am extremely impressed with the way the brigade has approached the mission, and with the progress in this district, which is the best I have ever seen it."
   Dr. Kilcullen also discussed ways to improve combined U.S. and Iraqi operations with Brig. Gen. Ali Jassim Al-Frejee, commander of the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.
    "What makes a local sheikh respect coalition forces more than terrorists?" Dr. Kilcullen asked. "Is it a case - like the Indonesians say - 'either silver or lead'?"
   "Either way is difficult," said Brig. Gen. Ali. "People are getting tired of Al-Qaeda in Iraq - they're tired of the ideology and killing. In Anbar, many tribes are fighting terrorism. We just need time to re-culture the people."
    "I'm very impressed with your progress here," Dr. Kilcullen told him. "The last time I came to this area, we couldn't even drive here. It's very impressive."
    Dr. Kilcullen asked Brig. Gen. Ali what he would do if he were in Gen. Petraeus' shoes.
   "More Iraqi army soldiers," Brig. Gen. Ali said without hesitation. "Right now we have 200,000 troops. The first reason is that we need more soldiers watching and protecting the people. The second thing is that it would improve the economy and reduce the unemployment rate - and when people are poor, it's easy to recruit them for terror. In my view, Iraq needs 20 divisions instead of the 11 (they) have now."
   Capt. Blake Keil, commander of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, spoke with Dr. Kilcullen about company-level operations.
   "It's great to listen to him speak," said Capt. Keil. "And it's cool to see him here as an adviser to Gen. Petraeus."
   "Everybody knows that July and August are going to be bad months," said Dr. Kilcullen, reminding several company commanders and other officers that Petraeus' plus up report, expected in September, will be a target for insurgents. "You should expect a spike in enemy activity. Civilian and U.S. Soldier deaths will look bad - I think we'll have a hot summer. But if we break (terrorists') backs, it might drop right after. You guys are an important reality check for what's going on, and you know things before division or corps-level people."
    He encouraged lower-level leaders to trust their gut feelings and their Iraqi army counterparts.
   "Even with Iraqi intelligence - if one of your Iraqi counterparts writes a one or two paragraph summary of what's going on, even if he can't justify what he expects, he knows his area."
    He also reminded the leaders to keep notes for handing over to the next unit.
   "I encourage you to write stories about your missions - everything from big issues to just personal recollections. Share them with the incoming guys, because they're valuable."
   Dr. Kilcullen seemed genuinely impressed by the Commando leaders' accomplishments.
   "You guys are doing one of the toughest jobs in this country, and I think you're doing it right. This brigade definitely 'gets it,'" he added. "They're doing it right. In this form of warfare, though, there are no shortcuts or gimmicks - it's all about keeping up constant, unremitting pressure over time. At the same time, you need to be alert to how the enemy and the environment is adapting, and constantly come up with new, entrepreneurial ways to work the area.
   "At this stage of your tour, it's all about consolidation, improvement and getting to steady state so that you can hand over a well-controlled district to your successor unit."
 

Army.mil

Army Chief of Staff discusses plans for 'Way Ahead'

 

HEIDELBERG, Germany (Army News Service, June 5, 2007) - Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, called the U.S. Army in Europe's mission "an important part of our overall Army effort" during a stop at Grafenwoehr June 1, part of a theater-wide visit to talk to troops about the "way ahead" for the Army.
    During a three-day sweep of U.S. Army, Europe, Gen. Casey, accompanied by his wife, Sheila, visited Heidelberg, Baumholder, Kaiserslautern, Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Schweinfurt, Kosovo and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
    During a press conference in Grafenwoehr, Gen. Casey outlined his seven initiatives, which he said are designed to sharpen the focus on transformation efforts:
. Accelerate growth and readiness improvements in the Army;
. Increase support to Soldiers and Families;
. Maintain continuity and momentum in modernization;
. Enhance the reserve components' operational capabilities;
. Refine the Army's institutional policies and programs to better serve an expeditionary Army at war; and
. Improve the Army's strategic communications.
    He added, "I was the vice chief of staff of the Army when we began this transformation effort, and so I bought into the basic correctness of the direction of that effort four years ago. So you're not going to see any sharp right- or left-hand turns in the direction the U.S. Army is headed in its transformation."
    Gen. Casey, who in February completed 32 months as Multinational Force-Iraq commander, said Army transformation is closely tied to operations and preparing Soldiers for conflict, as the war on terrorism nears the end of its sixth year.
    "I can tell you that the Soldiers that I've seen across the Army, a lot of them preparing to go back to Iraq or Afghanistan, understand what's at stake here for the Unites States and for our allies," he said. "I must say, I saw it on the ground in Iraq every day: the young men and women of the coalition, they get it. They understand what they're doing for their countries."
    His advice to Soldiers preparing to deploy, he said, is to pay attention to their training.
    "At the small-unit level, success in Iraq and Afghanistan, much like success in any conflict, is grounded on effective standards and discipline in the small units," he said. "We are getting better and better in ... replicating the environments that these Soldiers are going into, and if they take full advantage of the training that they'll get here (in Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels), I think they'll be quite successful."
    The chief of staff also addressed the recent increase in deployment tour length. He said there were three primary reasons for instituting 15-month deployments: first, to give the commanders more flexibility; second, to give Soldiers and families predictability; and finally, to ensure deploying brigades had sufficient training time at home station.
    Sheila Casey, in a separate set of interviews, said spouses across the Army have told her frequency and duration of deployments is a top concern.
    She said her central message to the Soldiers, spouses and family members of U.S. Army, Europe, is, "Hang in there. This is tough, I know it's tough. I know these extended deployments are hard. Thank you for everything you're doing each and every day."

 

Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense

Safety message from Secretary of Defense Gates

    I am committed to reducing preventable accidents as one of the cornerstones of the Department of Defense's Safety Program.  Consistent with the President's Safety, Health, and Return-To-Employment (SHARE) initiative, I have set some very specific mishap reduction goals for the department.  We are focused on closely monitoring our most pressing mishap areas: civilian and military injuries, aviation accidents, and the number one non-combat killer of our military, private motor vehicle accidents.

    We can no longer tolerate the injuries, costs, and capability losses from preventable accidents.  Accidents cost the Department about $3 billion per year, with indirect costs up to four times that amount.  We have made progress in reducing aviation accidents and civilian last work days, but have much more to do to address military injuies and private motor vehicle fatalities.  Our goal is zero preventable accidents, and I remain fully committed to achieving the 75% accident reduction target in 2008.

    The current focus of our Safety Council is on increasing the accountability of individuals and leaders, as well as pursuing safety technologies.  Accountability and leadership are key to an effective safety program.  I urge you to continue to emphasize safety in the workplace ad hold leaders accountable for their safety programs.  Your efforts will make the Department a safer place to work, and more capable of defending the nation and her interests.  We have no greater responsibility than to take care of those who volunteer to serve. 

 

Mary Tanzer, Installation Management Command's Mentorship Program Manager

IMCOM Accepts Applications for Mentoring Program

ARLINGTON, Va. (Army News Service, May 31, 2007) - The U.S. Army Installation Management Command is accepting applications through June 11 for the fiscal 2008 Centralized Mentoring Program.
    Employees who are GS-11 through GS-13 or equivalents, to include those covered by the National Security Personnel System, may apply to be matched with senior leaders for a one-year mentoring partnership.
    Mentees complete a one-week shadow assignment, stretch assignments, eLearning courses and regular meetings with their mentors.
    The Mentoring Program is designed to develop high-potential employees into well-rounded managers at the middle or senior level by preparing them to assume higher levels of responsibility. Headquarters IMCOM centrally funds the program.
    Senior leader volunteer mentors also are being solicited, and will be matched with selected mentees.
    Applications require supervisors' approval, and garrison applicants require endorsement from the garrison commander or manager or the deputy garrison commander. Region applicants require an endorsement from region director or designee. Applicants at Headquarters IMCOM must obtain their supervisors' and division chiefs' approval.
    Announcements and application forms are available at www.imcom.army.mil/site/hr/wfdhcmp.asp.
    Send applications by mail or e-mail to the IMCOM mentoring program manager, Mary Tanzer. For more information call Tanzer at (703) 602-5487 or DSN 332-5487, or e-mail Mary.Tanzer@hqda.army.mil.
    Applicants selected for the program will attend a two-day orientation in October.

 

American Forces Press Service

New Scam Targets Military Spouses

The American Red Cross is warning military spouses about a new identity-theft scam that targets family members of deployed troops.

The Red Cross was alerted of the scam earlier this month, said Devorah Goldburg of the Red Cross.

The scam involves a person with an American accent calling a military spouse, identifying herself as a representative of the Red Cross, and telling the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and was medically evacuated to Germany. The caller then says that doctors can't start treatment until paperwork is completed, and that to start the paperwork they need the spouse to verify her husband's social security number and date of birth.

It is hard to determine how many spouses have been targeted by this scam, Goldburg said, as there are many ways for spouses to report problems like this. However, one confirmed report was enough for the Red Cross to act, she said.

"We know that it happened to one person; it was probably going to happen to others, and we wanted to be prudent and alert people," she said.

American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant, according to a Red Cross news release. Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed.

In addition, Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member, the news release said. The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members; the Defense Department will contact families directly about family members' injuries.

It is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for a person to fraudulently pretend to be a member of, or an agent for, the American Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material, according to the news release. Any military family member that receives such a call is urged to report it to their local family readiness group or military personnel flight.

 

Judd Anstey, Army Air Force Exchange Service

"Gifts from the Homefront"

Troops get the support they want, without all the mess

As the military command charged with meeting the retail needs of more than 100,000 American troops deployed to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF), the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's (AAFES') leadership has seen it all when it comes to setting up shop in a war zone.

"If you can go buy it in your corner store in America, there is a pretty good chance AAFES has shipped it to the desert," said AAFES' Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Eaton. "Our people have learned a lot of lessons most retailers have never even had to think about since AAFES hit the ground in April 2003."

Anyone planning on mailing a traditional care package to a Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine this summer can avoid some potentially messy situations by listening to the lessons AAFES has learned in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Sand and electronics don't mix, chips mailed in the same container as laundry detergent taste funny and chocolate melts really, really fast when the temperature is 120 degrees," said Eaton. "The trip from here to there can be an extremely rough one. As a result, many items don't look, or work, the same when they finally reach their destination half way around the world."

After more than four years serving troops throughout OEF/OIF, AAFES has refined its logistics operations to ensure that more than 50 BX/PXs in the contingency theater have a steady supply of portable music players, soft drinks and candy bars that troops can easily access.

"We want to deliver a close to stateside shopping experience to troops, regardless of where they are called to serve," said deployed AAFES Area Manager, Robert Little, from his Operations Center at Victory Base Camp near Baghdad. "More than 400 AAFES associates, who have voluntarily deployed to the contingency theater, work diligently to ensure anything we put on BX and PX shelves show very little signs of the long trek to Tikrit, Bagram or Mosul."

Any American can leverage AAFES' supply chain on behalf of deployed troops through the "Gifts from the Homefront" program. Started soon after programs that allowed the general public to send mail addressed to "Any Service Member" were cancelled due to security concerns and transportation constraints, AAFES' troop support campaign allows anyone to make a direct and tangible contribution to military morale with a gift certificate that can be redeemed for nearly anything that a specific service member wants.

"It's the foolproof care package," said Eaton. "Whether the service member who receives the gift certificate wants a Military Exchange phone card and a tuna 'lunch to go' or a new DVD and some batteries, the recipient gets support that is tailored to their need. The BX/PX gift certificates are easy and convenient and allow troops to shop for items that are already stocked and in theater."

"Gifts from the Homefront" can be sent to troops deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas by logging on to www.aafes.org <http://www.aafes.org> or calling 877-770-4438. From there, "Gifts from the Homefront" are sent to individual service members (designated by the purchaser) or distributed to "any service member" through the Air Force Aid Society, American Red Cross, Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, Fisher House, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Operation Homefront, Operation Interdependence® or USO.

As of April 30, 85,204 "Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates have been sent since the Department of Defense approved the exchange support campaign in March 2003. More than 23,000 of these have been delivered to service members and their families via AAFES' 8 charitable partners.

 

 

Lori Yerdon, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center

Army buckles down to reduce losses

Every year the Army loses Soldiers not only to combat-related injuries but also to vehicle accidents, both on- and off- duty vehicle accidents.

In effort to reduce these losses, Army installations across the globe are joining state and local law enforcement and highway safety officials in the nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of wearing seat belts. The campaign begins this month and concludes on June 3. 

This year's initiative involves an aggressive seat belt enforcement mobilization that will crack down on low seat belt use and in an attempt to reduce highway fatalities with a new emphasis on convincing more motorists to buckle up - day and night. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect drivers and passengers and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. In 2005, 77 percent of passenger vehicle occupants who were buckled up in a serious crash survived it. When worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent (by 60 percent in pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans). 

However, some Soldiers don't perceive seat belts as a convenience. A Soldier wearing full "battle-rattle" might not fit comfortably into a HMMWV seat, especially on a patrol mission. But seat belts have been proven to save lives even in combat situations.

Recently in Afghanistan, while driving a 5-Ton wrecker with two other Soldiers, the driver hit a bump in the road with the vehicle causing it to flip. All three Soldiers were ejected from the vehicle. None of the occupants were wearing seat belts, and two of the Soldiers died as a result of their injuries.

A separate situation involved a Soldier driving at 3:00 a.m. in Texas. After losing control of his privately owned vehicle, it flipped three times. Because he wasn't wearing his seat belt, he too was thrown from the vehicle and died from injuries sustained in the accident.

According to the Office of the Provost Marshal General, traffic fatalities during the summer months involve three distinctive factors; excessive speed, lack of seat belt use, and alcohol/drug use. Since these contributing factors are well known, most installation provost marshal offices and Directorate of Emergency Services Traffic Accident Investigation sections focus on conducting selective enforcement techniques. A few examples include use of unmarked patrol vehicles, random safety/DUI/DWI checkpoint at various locations, and increasing TAI patrols during high-peak traffic times such as weekends, rush hour and holidays.

Installations also support campaign year-round with other program and initiatives. Fort Hood, Texas, posts wrecked vehicles adjacent to its gates to deliver a valuable seat belt message to the majority of its motorists; while Fort Stewart, Ga. has posted large billboard-size slogans and safety messages along its main roads.

For more driving and POV information, visit the USACRC Web site at https://crc.army.mil/DrivingPOV. For more information on the National Click It or Ticket campaign visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

 

Lost and found property

   The post lost and found currently has a knife, bicycle, purse and keys in the Found Property Room.  To claim ownership of lost property or to arrange for turn-in of found property contact Investigator Roy Carte, Military Police Investigator at (717) 245-4328.

 

Annual drinking water quality report announced

The Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2006 is now available on the Carlisle Barracks Internet Explorer. Let them know if they have any questions or comments, please call Mr. Keith Bailey at 245-3612

Here's how to review the report: Go to Carlisle Barracks Internet Explorer, click the spotlight at the top of the page and then go to the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2006.

 

Tom Zimmerman, Public Affairs Office

Priceless piece of Army history now part of Army Heritage Center

May 18, 2007 - The Lewis and Clark Air Rifle, one of the most historic pieces of Army history, was donated to the Army Heritage Education Center Foundation to become a part of its already unrivaled collection May 18. 

    The Girandoni Repeating Air Rifle was used by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their 1803-1807 Corps of Discovery expedition to chart a water route to the western coast of North America. The rifle was donated to the Army Heritage Center Foundation on May 18, during a ceremony in Ridgway Hall.

    "After inventing an ingenious, but unreliable and unsafe, multiple feed system for powder burning firearms, Bartholomäus Girandoni of Vienna very successfully adapted the system to large bore airguns," said Dr. Robert Beeman, who donated the rifle to the AHEC Foundation. Beeman and his wife Toshiko attended the ceremony where the rifle was officially transferred.   

    According to Beeman, this rifle has been called the key to the American West.

   "It evidently served as the "Key to the West"- by allowing the survival of this little band of explorers," he said in his website. "Because of this key, they were able to bring back the spark that made the West, formerly a dim concept - even in Jefferson's mind, and he was way ahead of the contemporary American public's mental curve, real as a place of great riches and resources -  a place that actually could be reached. That spark, like the "small event" of the Wright air flight which made flight by man real, led to the Western Movement."   

    The importance of the donation wasn't lost on the foundation's leadership either.

    "This is a very important day in the history of this facility," said Mike Perry, executive director of the AHEC Foundation.

    The significance of the weapon was also stressed by others at the ceremony.

    "This is an early example of how the American Soldier used technology to their advantage," said retired Maj. Gen. Robert Scales, former U.S. Army War College Commandant and current Capital Campaign Director for the AHEC Foundation.

     Scales pointed out that the expedition was another example of what Soldiers have been doing since the inception of the country.

    "This is another example of what Soldiers have done for our nation for more than 200 years," he said.

    The donation was very important to Beeman.

    "The donation matter was a very big decision for us. We are now feeling how it feels to give up the star item of a collection developed over four decades; a wonderful and beloved artifact which had become like a family member," he said.

    He went on to say on his website that the AHEC was the perfect place to donate the air rifle.

    "Especially important were the extremely strong professional opinions in favor of this rifle's role in the L&C expedition expressed by John Giblin, Curator, and Christopher Semancik, Arms Curator, both at the U.S. Army War College's Army Heritage and Education Center at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania," said Beeman.  "Their strong professional opinions and their huge desire to have this rifle led to our surprise donation."

    Dr. Jeffrey Clare, Chief Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, accepted the air rifle on behalf of Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George Casey.

 Air Rifle Background

   The 1803 Corps of Discovery, an Army expedition under the command of Captain Merriwether Lewis and William Clark, embarked on a four year journey at the direction of President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. Along the way, Lewis carried a unique weapon, a .46 caliber air rifle that fired without using gunpowder and made almost no sound.

    Now, 200 years after the Corps of Discovery's voyage, the Lewis and Clark air rifle returned to the control of the U.S. Army. This air rifle, designed by the Austrian clock maker Bartolomeus Girandoni, was donated to the Army Heritage Center Foundation in September 2006 by its former owners, Beeman and his wife, Toshiko, founders of Beeman Precision Airguns. On loan to the National Firearms Museum in Virginia until recently, the Beeman-Girandoni was officially transferred to the custody of the U.S. Army at the ceremony. 

   This military technology was beyond comprehension to the Indian tribes that the Corps of Discovery encountered, and became a symbol of "powerful magic." Impressive firing demonstrations of the weapon created great respect for the travelers and significantly contributed to the ultimate success of the expedition.

   Over time the Lewis and Clark air rifle became one of the more mythic weapons in American military history. After the expedition the air rifle was last recorded as part of a Philadelphia estate in 1847 before disappearing from the pages of history. Recent forensic examination of an Austrian Girandoni air rifle owned for over 30 years by Beeman and his wife Toshiko, founders of Beeman Precision Air Guns, revealed that this rifle perfectly matched the damage and repairs to Captain Lewis's weapon as recorded in the journals of the expedition.

    More information of the history of the air rifle can be found on http://www.beemans.net/lewis-assault-rifle.htm

Army Heritage Center Foundation background

    With the mission of helping the Army to bring the Army Heritage and Education Center to life, the Army Heritage Center Foundation provides the following:  

·                Helps provide the mechanism for generating funds for construction of the Education Center and Army Heritage Museum portion of the USAHEC

·                Create and sustain an endowment to fund educational programs, acquisitions and selected unprogrammed expenses of the USAHEC.

·                Manage business operations and selected visitor services.

AHEC Background

    The Army Heritage and Education Center archives a unique and extensive collection of military history documents, photos and personal memoirs; and sponsors educational programs in military history for students of history, veterans of military service, and the American public.

 

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Army Heritage Day celebrates history of post, U.S. military

May 19, 2007 - Under a beautiful and sunny May sky, visitors to the Army Heritage and Education Center were able to immerse themselves in more 200 years of Carlisle Barracks and U.S. Army history during the 2007 Army Heritage Day.

    Among the displays at the day-long event were a French and Indian War artillery demonstration, a flag-raising to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Carlisle Barracks and a Union Calvary Operations demonstration.

    The big hit for most visitors were the helicopters that were on display.

    "It was a real treat to be able to show my kids exactly what kind of choppers they fly nowadays, which are a lot different than those I flew during Vietnam, said James Henderson, a retired major who flew during the Vietnam War. "This event is great it really gives us old guys an opportunity to share our past with our family." On display were an Apache and BlackHawk helicopters.

    One of the key events was the raising of the Kings Colors at Redoubt #10 on the Heritage Trail. The event was one of the events held to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Carlisle Barracks.

    "For 250 years Carlisle Barracks has been a major part of this heritage, and today we begin a yearlong commemoration of our important and timeless contribution to the Army," said Col. Tom Torrance, U.S. Army War College Deputy Commandant. "'Honoring the past, and shaping the future,' that is our theme this year, and we want to recognize 250 years of excellent military-civilian co-existence and partnership at Carlisle." 

    During the ceremony living historians portraying the 77th Regiment, Muskets of the Crown raised the flag over the structure.

    Also part of the day's events was an opportunity to talk with men who created history as members of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.  Retired Air Force Maj. John Harrison Jr., retired Staff Sgt. Henry L. Moore and retired 2nd Lt. Dr. Eugene J. Richardson each took part in the event and shared their experiences with visitors. Harrison was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and served during World War II.

    "This is a great opportunity to let people today know what it was like to serve our country during the war," said Harrison. "Life was much different then, and we had many obstacles to overcome, but I'm proud of what we accomplished."

    Overall, the day was a great opportunity to get out, enjoy the weather and learn a little more about our nations' military said one of then attendees.

    "This couldn't be a more beautiful day," said Jayne Porter, who attended the event with her husband Steve and 15-year-old son James. "My son is thinking about joining the military when he graduates and I would be proud to have him serve and continue the tradition that I've been able to see here today."

 

 

 

Suzanne Reynolds, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Empowerment key message of Carlisle Barracks Women's Symposium

 May 22, 2007 -- "Establish your credibility" "Empower your future" are just a few of the key messages addressed to attendees at the second annual Women's Professional Development Symposium.

   Approximately 60 women from Carlisle Barracks and Carlisle Communities, Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg and the Mechanicsburg Naval Logistics Support Activity attended the Symposium on Wednesday, May 16 at the Letort View Community Center, according to Dot Overcash, Federal Women's Program manager.

  The symposium was co-sponsored by the Carlisle Barracks Equal Employment Opportunity and Equal Opportunity Offices.

  Symposium topics ranged from social and economic conditions for women in Iraq to the changes that are ahead as a result of the conversion to the National Security Personnel System.

Challenges faced by women in Iraq

  Dr. Sherifa Zuhur, Strategic Studies Institute, presented an eye-opening discussion on the many challenges Iraqi women face on a daily basis ranging from economic and educational to kidnappings and honor killings. 

  "Literacy has slipped tremendously for rural women and older women and something has to be done," said Zuhur.  "Criminal gangs have kidnapped women for prostitution rings, because of this, a lot of women stopped going to school and work." 

  In her USAWC publication, Iraq, Women's Empowerment and Public Policy, Zuhur states that as of 2006, Iraqi women face many new obstacles.  Nadje Al-Ali, founding member of Act Together:  Women's Action for Iraq, hypothesizes that women "might be the biggest losers of regime change." 

  Zuhur informed attendees that if they want to help the women in Iraq, charities exist such as the Iraqi Women's Coalition and Act Together.

How did I get here as a farmer's wife

  "Try something new," "Push yourself past your comfort zone" are a few of the positive thoughts discussed by Brenda Davidson, a farmer's wife, mother, grandmother and professional woman. 

  In 1977 Davidson was involved in an automobile accident which left her with severe head injuries, broken bones and loss of memory.

  "I had to start over," she said.  "I tried to go back to work but couldn't because of the dizziness." 

  After learning to manage her physical problems, Davidson went back to work and was hired as a GS-2 motor pool dispatcher through the handicapped program on Carlisle Barracks in 1984. She held numerous positions in the USAWC from file clerk in the Admin Office, to teaching word processing classes in the Executive Skills Center before leaving Carlisle Barracks for job opportunities at Letterkenny Army Depot.

  Today, Davidson is a GS-15 and the chief, Strategic Certification section, Defense Information Systems Agency in Chambersburg.  

   Even with all of her professional accomplishments, she said that her biggest success is her family of 17.   

  Predicting your future

  "The best way to predict your future is to invent it," said Lynn Ramsey, director of civilian personnel services here.

  Ramsey and Rhonda Newcomer, Human Resources specialist, provided information on the NSPS, the new personnel system for Department of Defense civilian employees.

  "I see a lot of positive and negative aspects of it," said Ramsey. 

  Under NSPS pay increases will be based on performance, rather than longevity, and the pay banding structure will allow flexibility in assigning work. 

   They also touched on Assessment Boards, promotions and reassignments.

    Employees will not lose pay when converting to the NSPS pay system. Some Garrison employees have already transitioned to NSPS in April and the USAWC will transition on November 11, according to Ramsey.

  Ramsey and Newcomer advised employees to educate themselves on NSPS prior to the conversion.  For more information visit the DoD's NSPS website: http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps

Women leading change

   Col. Susan Myers, director of First Year Studies, Department of Distance Education, spoke to attendees about "Women Leading Change," and how to accomplish this through development of leadership competencies, leadership feedback systems and leadership skills. 

  "We generally get synergism in considering both a male and female perspective in leadership issues since both genders have different approaches in the way we get things accomplished," said Myers. 

The Power of Self-talk

  Self-talk is the "internal dialogue we use to view the world, our daily perception," said Dr. Pamela Lemons, director, joint applications and development, Motorola.

  Lemons communicated to the audience the process needed to attain this power through our thoughts and feelings. 

  "Replace the negative with positive," she said.  Lemons also stressed that instead of expecting the worst, or focusing only on the problems and not solutions, learn to change.  Learn to make positive statements, personalize your affirmations with I, me, my.  Write the affirmations down and repeat them. 

  Midway through her presentation, Lemons distributed hula hoops for attendees to use to reinforce the idea of being positive about trying new and old activities.

 Transitioning during mid-life

  "You can get there from here, you just need to know what to do," said Col. Lisa Windsor, DDE.  "All that matters is how you see yourself." 

  Her message was that transitioning is difficult for everyone, but for a woman over 40 there are many roadblocks-age discrimination, relocation, physical limitations and more. 

  The briefing also asked attendees to ask questions of themselves -- Ask yourself where do I want to be - take an inventory of your skills and competencies, and wants versus needs and decide on a plan of action whether it be education, financial resources or support from family. 

  Remember, do it for you.

  Attendees said that the program was a success.

  "It was an excellent program as far as touching upon a wide variety of current issues regarding women," said Marianne Cowling, Strategic Studies Institute.

  According to Janet Jacobs, AHEC, "I was glad I took the time to attend the Women's Symposium.  It was excellent. The sessions were all very interesting and informative."

 

 

Carlisle Barracks Army Substance Abuse Office

Summer Sense: Throwing a party responsibly

    While everyone loves a great party, it's the hosts' responsibility to ensure everything runs smoothly.  The following are some tips to make sure everyone has a safe AND fun time:

  • Get together a list of emergency numbers (police, fire, etc) as well as that of some taxi companies to have available beforehand

  • Have a bartender (someone not drinking) to help keep an eye on how much everyone is drinking

  • Make sure you have non-alcoholic beverages available

  • Keep food available throughout the entire time you have guests (high protein foods like meat and cheese are best)

  • Avoid having drinks that mix alcohol and carbonated beverages available.  Carbonations speeds up the body's alcohol consumption rate

  • Stop serving alcohol about 2 hrs before the party's anticipated end

  • Encourage the Designated Driver Program

  • Never ever let anyone who's had too much to drink drive!

 

Suzanne Reynolds, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

 2007 Senior Games to be held on Carlisle Barracks

June 3, 2007 -- The 2007 Senior Games for adults 50+ will be held on Carlisle Barracks on Thursday, June 14.

  Presented by the Cumberland County Office of the Aging & Community Services, and hosted by Carlisle Barracks, the senior games combine sports, recreation, friendly competition and fellowship into one fun-filled day.

  Events include golf, darts, bowling, basketball (foul shooting) horseshoes, track and field, pinochle and more.  Non-sports events include tours of the Army Heritage Center, ballroom & line dancing lessons, health and wellness services, yoga and Tai Chi demonstrations and much more.

  Awards will be presented by gender and age categories, in each event, to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.  A free commemorative 2007 Senior Games T-shirt will be given to the first 100-paid participants.

  All participants must pre-register by filling out the registration form, signing the participant waiver and mailing $10 payment prior to the registration deadline of June 12 to HQ Carlisle Barracks, Attn:  Sports Branch, 120 Forbes Avenue, Carlisle, PA  17013.

  For additional information on the event and to register, contact the Carlisle Barracks Sports Office, 717-245-4343/4375 or the Cumberland County Office of Aging and Community Services, Heather DeWire, 717-240-6110 or hdewire@ccpa.net

 

Flag Day ceremony to be held June 14   

    A Flag Day Ceremony will be held at the Carlisle Elks Lodge on June 16 at 11 a.m. This event is open to the public. The Elks Lodge is located at 120 West Ridge Street in Carlisle.

 

School Liaison services

  • Do you have questions about the schools at your gaining installation?

  • Are you interested in contacting the SLO at your gaining installation?

  • Do your children have questions about what it will be like at your gaining installation?

     For school transition assistance contact Jacqueline Schultz, School Liaison Officer at 717-245-4638 or email Jacqueline.Schultz@carlisle.army.mil 

 

 

 

Public Affairs staff report

Army to celebrate 232 birthday June 14

 

  The U.S. Army will celebrate its 232nd birthday on June 14, 2007. The birth of the U.S. Army took place on June 14, 1775, when Congress adopted "the American continental army."

  In honor of this historic event, Carlisle Barracks will celebrate an installation-wide event to commemorate the 232nd birthday in the Bliss Hall Foyer at 11:30 a.m. on June 14.

    The master of ceremonies, Lt. Col Patrick Sweeney, U.S. Army War College operations officer, will provide opening remarks followed by the invocation from Chaplain (Col.) Arthur Pace, remarks by the Commandant, Maj. Gen. David Huntoon, a cutting of the birthday cake by Huntoon and assisted by Spc. Ryan Tuazon, chaplain assistant, the playing of the Army Song, and refreshments.  

Army-wide celebrations slated for June 14

 Installations and commands all over the world will celebrate the Army's 232nd birthday June 14.
    With the theme "Call to Duty - Boots on the Ground - Army Strong," the celebration honors Soldiers answering the call to duty during one of the most dangerous periods in history.
   "Today's Soldiers symbolize the nobility of selfless service," said Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, reflecting the Army's heritage. "Today's Soldiers are motivated by an unwavering belief that they will be victorious on the field of battle, because we have fought this way since 1775 and always will."
    Special birthday events will begin on June 9 and run through the following week, with a cake-cutting ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center June 12 and a Twilight Tattoo June 13 at the Washington Monument.
   Major League Baseball will pay tribute to the men and women in uniform by hosting birthday activities during several of its games. A veteran of the war on terror will throw out the first pitch of a Florida Marlins vs. Cleveland Indians game in Miami June 14. New recruits will also be inducted into the Army during a pre-game ceremony.
   Similar events are scheduled for a Tampa Bay Devil Rays' home game June 13, and a member of the Army Ground Forces Band will lead "Take me out to the ball game" during an Atlanta Braves game June 10.
   The Army's precision parachute demonstration team, the Golden Knights, will jump June 14 into Camden Yards, where a Soldier will throw the first pitch of an inter-league game between the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles.
   Lt. Gen. John Brown III will host U.S. Army Pacific's Birthday Ball in Waikiki on June 9. The U.S. Army Band's Strolling Strings will perform during the event to an expected crowd of nearly a thousand Soldiers and civilians.
   On June 14, Acting Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and SMA Preston will participate in the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns.
   Department of Army-level birthday events will continue June 15 with a Birthday Run that starts at Fort Myer, Va., and culminate with the Army Birthday Ball on June 16 in Washington, D.C.
   "The U.S. Army is a brotherhood of warrior leaders dedicated to the cause of freedom. To me, celebrating the Army's Birthday is celebrating my freedom and brotherhood," said Capt. Chris Joyner, North Carolina National Guard public affairs officer.
   A full list of Army birthday events and birthday messages from Army leaders are available at www.army.mil/birthday/232.

 

Class of 2007 Graduation information

  Graduation exercises for the U.S. Army War College Class of 2007 will take place at 9 a.m., on Saturday, June 9, at Wheelock Bandstand.

All guests and friends are invited to the guest seating areas to observe the ceremony. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in Bliss Hall with guest seating in Reynolds Theatre and throughout Root Hall.

Information on the graduation location will be recorded on the Carlisle Barracks Information Line 245-3700 and DA Police will make announcements at post entry gates, and signs will be posted at entrances.

Change to normal traffic flow

Lovell Ave will be one-way traffic from Pratt to Guardhouse Lane and Flower Road will be changed to two-way traffic from 8 a.m. until the ceremony is concluded. Traffic will remain two lanes on Garrison Lane. Several main intersections on Carlisle Barracks will be controlled by Military Police, and you are asked to obey all directions given. Normal traffic routes are expected to open by noon.

Shuttle bus for graduation ceremony

Bus service will be provided from 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. to transport students and guests to the USAWC graduation ceremony. Shuttles will pick up guests from the PX parking lot, housing areas and other parking lots on post. The graduation site unloading/loading point will be behind Anne Ely Hall. Return shuttle will be provided following the ceremony. In the event of inclement weather, the bus route will change to drop off guests in front of Reynolds Theatre and graduates at Bliss Hall.

Reserved parking for USAWC graduation

On Sat, June 9, the following parking areas will be reserved for graduation: DRM (Bldgs 314/315) parking lot for parking of VIPs and the handicapped; parking lot adjacent to Reynolds Theatre for the civilian press; Anne Ely Hall (Bldg 46) parking lot for guests. Guests may also park in the PX parking lot and Collins Hall Parking lot, which will have shuttle service to the graduation site. These lots should be open to the public after noon. Please use alternate parking areas on graduation day. Off-post students may park in the College Arms housing area and use the shuttle service to the graduation site.

Child care available for graduation

The Child Development Center will be open on Saturday, June 9 from 8 a.m. to noon for child care. The charge will be $14.00 per child and must be paid in advance by check when you sign up for care. There will be no refunds and no discounts for second child. If your child is not registered you will need to fill out a short registration form and provide your child's shot records.

There will be activities and a morning snack will be provided.

For more information on child care call 245-3701.

Attention residents of Coren apartments and area adjacent to the Wheelock bandstand

Preparation of the USAWC graduation site will begin Wed, June 6. It will encompass the area bounded by Lovell Avenue, Quarters 2, Coren Apartments, and the Thorpe tennis courts. Residents are asked not to walk pets in the area of the USAWC graduation site Wed - Sat, June 6-9.

 

Suzanne Reynolds, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Identity theft brought to light in a program sponsored by local FEW chapter

  May 16, 2007 -- Everyone has seen the specials on TV, read stories in the newspaper and online about the millions of cases of identity theft across the world, but Carlisle Barracks employees recently had the opportunity to learn how to protect themselves from being the next victim.

   On May 16 in the Post Chapel Assembly room, Joyce O'Brien, from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, provided eye-opening information on identity theft to attendees of the Carlisle Chapter of Federally Employed Women's May Program.

   "The tools of this trade are your name and Social Security Number," she said.  "Protect your Social Security number like your child or anything else - it stays with you forever."

  O'Brien provided important information to protect oneself from identity thieves who can rob you blind.  Listed below are a few steps to help you from becoming a victim: 

  • Do not carry your Social Security card with you.  If asked for your Social Security number remember to ask three questions-why do you need it, what protection do I have if I give it to you, and what will happen if I don't give it to you.  There are times when it is necessary to provide this information, e.g., obtaining bank loans and credit cards, but if you have any doubt, remember the three questions.

  • Do not carry all credit cards in your wallet or purse at all times, only when needed.

  • Monitor your credit report by obtaining a copy of the report periodically to check for unauthorized activity.  You may obtain one free credit report from each major credit bureau per year. 

  • Place your mail in a secured mailbox, not your "steal me flag" mailboxes.

  • Never give out your credit card number or bank account number over the phone to a business or organization unless you are sure they are reputable.

  • Remember, identity thieves obtain information by theft, trickery and carelessness. 

    "Ten million Americans have their identity stolen each year," said O'Brien.  "And we pay $54 billion a year in identify theft."

   A Carlisle Barracks employee had a recent first-hand experience with identity theft.

  "I had my identity stolen in February," said Rita Rummel of the Strategic Studies Institute. "If I would have known to check my credit report on a yearly basis, this could have been avoided. You have to become aggressive in protecting yourself and also in dealing with the results created by identity theft."

     If you become a victim, make sure you immediately contact the police and the Federal Trade Commission, close all accounts at all institutions, and open a new account with a different personal identification number, according to O'Brien.

  Don't allow yourself to become a victim of identity theft, think before you act, be proactive.

  To obtain a free annual credit report, contact the Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105283, Atlanta, Ga. 30348-5283, phone number 1-877-322-8228, or website: http://www.annualcreditreport.com

    O'Brien also told the group about a new law that allows consumers to place limited "freezes" on their credit reports with the three major reporting agencies. For more information on this law and identity theft protection, visit the attorney general's website at www.attorneygeneral.gov  

 

 

Michael Hotovcin, Internal Review Director, Internal Review and Audit Compliance Office

Fraud prevention: What can one person do?

  May 17, 2007 -- According with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) surveys, the most powerful tool available for stopping a cycle of abuse are the employees.  Individual comments make the difference. 

ACFE statistics

  • 48% of fraud cases in government agencies are uncovered through a tip

  • Agencies lose an average of $45,000 per fraud scheme

  Fraud burdens our budgets, and disrupts our ethical culture.  The Secretary of the Army has directed that all the Army's federal employees be trained and educated regarding their ethical obligations and responsibilities.  Ethics Training creates an awareness of workplace ethics, which diminishes fraudulent activity.  Government agencies now demand compliance with ethical standards and, government employees and our customers expect us to comply with our ethical and legal obligations, including the reporting of fraud, waste and abuse.

  The Internal Review email hotline is an option for those who wish to remain anonymous and file a confidential report on questionable activities.  Support your organization's core values, and report fraud, waste, and abuse.  Simply click on the Anonymous Reporting/Audit Request Form on the Internal Review page on the Carlisle Barracks website, or go directly to the Internal Review page by clicking on the following link: http://carlislebarracks.carlisle.army.mil/sites/installation/ir.asp

  Employees can be assured that this hotline has been designed with the express purpose of keeping your identity anonymous.  Any action against an employee for reporting fraud, waste and abuse would be a violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act and subject to prosecution and disciplinary action.

 

Department of Defense release

Department takes steps to ensure DoD computer networks available for operations

    May 16, 2007 -- To ensure DoD networks are available for combat operations and critical support activities, the Department issued a directive May 14 that prohibits DoD computers from accessing specific recreational web sites. The measure preserves military bandwidth for operational missions and enhances DoD computer network security.

    The selection of these particular sites was based on the volume of traffic moving from official DoD networks to the Internet.  The sites include: YouTube; 1.fm; Pandora; MySpace; PhotoBucket; Live365; hi5; Metacafe; MTV; ifilm.com; Blackplanet; stupidvideos; and filecabi.    Additional sites may be added in the future as part of ongoing efforts to ensure DoD networks have sufficient throughput available to conduct operational and supporting missions as well as enhance DoD network security.

    This directive does not prohibit any individual, including DoD personnel or their families, from posting to or accessing these sites from personal or commercial network providers; it only restricts the use of DoD computer network resources to access these sites.

    In Iraq and Afghanistan, many of these sites as well as others have been blocked by DoD for more than two years, some for as long as four years. Consequently, this directive does not prevent deployed DoD personnel from communicating with family members or loved ones. There are a wide variety of commercial communication services such as e-mail, telephone calls and video teleconferencing at many locations in Southwest Asia. In addition, the Army Knowledge Online/Defense Knowledge Online network is available to military members and their families providing a rich information sharing environment, including email, file sharing (pictures, videos, and documents), discussion forums (blogging), instant messaging chatrooms, and video messaging.

    Commercial Internet services are also provided by DoD Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities, which are widely available throughout Iraq and Afghanistan and are not affected by this directive. Deployed personnel can access recreational Internet web sites from Internet cafes and other facilities in many locations around the world. These alternative sites do not rely on military bandwidth.

 

Post residents reminded to clean up after pets

    Post residents are reminded that they are required to clean up after their pets, in accordance with Carlisle Barracks regulations.

 

 

Tim Kilbride, New Media, American Forces Information Service

Soldiers' armor best in the world, General says

May 22, 2007 - The Army spares no expense or effort to provide soldiers the top level of protection technology available, the officer in charge of outfitting and equipping Army soldiers said yesterday.

    The service has fielded the most effective body armor tested thus far, said Army Brig. Gen. Mark Brown, Program Executive Officer Soldier, on a call with "bloggers" and online journalists.
    His comments came in response to May 17 and 20 NBC News reports challenging the Army's use of Interceptor body armor vs. the newer "Dragon Skin" armor developed by Pinnacle Armor Inc.
     The NBC reports claimed Dragon Skin performed better in independent testing than the body armor currently in use by Soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
    That was not the case in a series of Army-run tests, Brown stated.
    In Army testing conducted May 16 to 19, 2006, the Dragon Skin armor "failed catastrophically," Brown said. The armor sustained "13 out of 48 complete penetrations under a variety of conditions," Brown explained.
    When comparing armor manufacturers, "it's a sudden-death playoff," the general noted. "One failure is failure."
    As a matter of policy, the Army does not publicly release testing information, Brown said, but in this case, leaders believed the value of reassuring soldiers' families and loved ones trumped other concerns.
    "We generally don't talk about our vulnerabilities and our counters to those vulnerabilities in public because we believe that informs a very media-savvy and Internet-savvy al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, etc.," Brown said.
    "However, there's a balance to be struck," he said, "and we think the NBC reporting tipped the balance in favor of 'we had to go public in order to support the soldiers' confidence in their equipment.'"
    Even the opening shots of the NBC segments showed a soldier wearing Interceptor armor, taking a shot from an enemy round, falling over, and getting up to re-engage the enemy, Brown described. "If one picture is worth a thousand words, that should have been quite impressive right there," he said.
    Furthermore, the general noted, his organization operates with all of the financial and leadership support it requires to best equip deployed forces by actively pursuing new measures and technologies.
    "We are always researching for the next best thing," he said, with expenditures for basic research, nanotechnology, off-the-shelf systems and other avenues for research and development.
    In the case of body armor, Brown explained, "It is about the bullet, but it's not all about the bullet. It also has to cover the maximum amount of area. It also has to be light enough for the soldier to use. And, it has to work in conjunction with all the other soldier equipment."
    Interceptor armor weighs 28 pounds; while the Dragon Skin equivalent weighs 47 pounds.
   "You should not load up the human body with more than one third of their body weight for extended periods of time," Brown said. "For a 150-pound soldier, a 47-pound vest would be the entire one third of their body weight" before accounting for other equipment such as helmet, rifle, boots and canteen, he explained.
    Those demands recommend use of the Interceptor armor over and above its stronger performance in testing, Brown said.
    "Today we have the best body armor in the world, bar none," he stated. "It is live-fire tested; it is proven in combat."

 

 

 

 

Ann Marie Wolf, Army Substance Abuse Program

Summer Sense Campaign: Drinking, Boating & the Law

    May 23, 2007 -- The following information is provided by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

     It's a bright sunny day on the water. It might seem like an ice-cold beer or a mixed drink would make your day of boating just about perfect, but think again. Alcohol and boating are a dangerous combination. Each year, about 800 people die in boating accidents, and about half of these fatalities involve alcohol.

    Long before a person becomes legally intoxicated, alcohol impairs his or her balance, reaction time, vision, and judgment. On the water, elements like motion, vibration, sun, wind, and spray can intensify alcohol's effects. Alcohol can affect a boater much more quickly than it would an automobile driver, but with the same tragic results.

 

Know the Basics.

  • Balance: A 1.5 ounce shot of liquor, 5 ounce glass of wine, or a 12 ounce can of beer, can impair a person's sense of balance. When combined with the motion of the boat, this may be enough to cause a boater who has been drinking to fall overboard. Alcohol can also confuse a person to the point where he or she is unable to swim to the surface.

  • Reaction time: Alcohol slows the reaction time. It is difficult to process the sights and sounds around you in time to react after you've been drinking.

  • Judgment: Alcohol can keep a person from making sound decisions. A boater who has been drinking may take risks her or she normally would not.

  • Vision: Alcohol causes tunnel vision and makes it harder to focus. It can also impair depth perception, night vision, and peripheral vision, making it harder to judge speed, distance, and follow moving objects.

  • Illegal: It is illegal to operate a watercraft (including personal watercraft and jet-skis) on all waters of the Commonwealth while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

 

What Happens if I Get Caught?

    If you are arrested for operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, you could face:

  • Fines between $500 and $7,500

  • Up to 2 years in jail

  • Suspension of your boating privileges for up to one year

    If you refuse to take a breath, blood, or urine test, the Boating Commission will suspend your boating privileges for one year.

    Homicide by watercraft carries fines up to $15,000, and three to seven years in prison.

Boaters who drink can often face other charges, such as:

  • Reckless or negligent operation of boats

  • Public drunkenness

  • Disorderly conduct

  • Open containers

  • Underage drinking

 

Boat Safely

    Whether you're operating a sail boat, a motorboat, or a jet-ski, safe boating requires a clear heard, steady hand, and observant eye. A boater who has been drinking cannot function as sharply as one who has not. If you drink before or while operating a boat, you risk your own life, as well as the lives of your passengers, crew, and others on the water. 

 

Stay safe. Don't operate a boat under the influence of alcohol.

    For additional information contact the Substance Abuse Office at 245 - 4576 or visit the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board web site at www.lcb.state.pa.us/edu/  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lt. Col. Robert Whetstone, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Officer

250 Years and Growing -- Carlisle Barracks set to celebrate milestone

 

    Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw coined the phrase, "Youth is wasted on the young." Those words seem to be a perfect fit for humans, but what about a military installation? Maybe the opposite is true, "The older you are, the younger you look."

    Much has been written about Carlisle Barracks, the nation's second, oldest, active military installation, but one thing is for sure, age has only made this quaint post more attractive to the eye and to the military community as time passes.

    Established in 1757, Carlisle Barracks has seen much change over the years, and there is more change on the horizon. If you're doing the math, it is easy to calculate that this year marks the 250th anniversary of Carlisle Barracks.

    Carlisle Barracks has a deep, unique history. Originally known as "Washingtonburg during the War for Independence, the post served as an arsenal for the Continental Army, was later home to the Carlisle Indian Industrial school, several military schools, including the prestigious Army War College. For 250 years, Carlisle Barracks has been a community partner through good citizenship, an Army leader through education, and a servant to our Nation.

    Beginning in May, a number of events will take place in and around the Carlisle Barracks community to commemorate the 250th anniversary. Keep an eye on the community calendar located on our website, http://carlislebarracks.carlisle.army.mil the message boards on post, and always read the Banner to stay current and up to date!

    Be sure to help us celebrate as we honor the past while shaping the future.

 

Maj. Gen. David Huntoon, USAWC Commandant

Memorial Day safety message

    May 13, 2007 -- On Memorial Day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. With the Global War on Terror, this day takes on an even greater meaning. We need all of our team members to be safe during this important holiday. Our country depends on your continued contribution.

    Memorial Day also begins the 101 days of summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), with its myriad of fun and work experiences. With this new season comes a greater potential for accidents. More driving increases the possibility of traffic accidents. More outdoor time exposes us to heat, humidity, lightning storms, and lawn equipment accidents. Warm weather allows us to use pools, lakes and the ocean more, thus exposing us to boating and swimming danger. Be mindful of the hazards of the season, obey the laws of the road, buckle up, and don't drink and drive.

    Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend activities in a safe and responsible manner.

 

Memorial Day Events 2007

    Memorial Day events scheduled throughout Cumberland and nearby counties by Veterans Organizations and Townships.

Sunday, May 20, 2007  

    Newburg (Newburg Area Veterans Association) will hold their annual Memorial Day observance with a morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. on the Village Green.  A prayer service, rifle salute and Taps will take place at the cemetery at 1:15 p.m. The annual Memorial Day parade will form at 1:30 p.m. at the former Newburg-Hopewell Elementary School and move through town promptly at 2 p.m.  Inclement weather schedule: same, except the 10:30 a.m. Memorial Service will be at the New-Hope United Methodist Church. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Todd Wheeler, CSL, U.S. Army War College.

 

Friday, May 25, 2007

    Mt. Tabor (sponsored by the Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church) will hold their Memorial Day observance at 6 p.m.  The parade will start at the church followed by the service at the cemetery.  In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the church.  The guest speaker will be Col. Dennis Young, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

 

Saturday, May 26, 2007

    Bendersville (sponsored by the Biglerville American Legion) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 3 p.m.  The parade will form at 2:45 p.m. at the Fire hall.  The guest speaker will be Col. Chad Rotzien, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Halifax (sponsored by Riverview Memorial Gardens) will hold a Memorial Day Tribute at 2 p.m. to remember all Veterans and PA Soldiers who have fallen since 2003.

The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Richard Price, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Mt. Holly Springs (American Legion Post 674 and VFW Post 7343)  will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Mt. Holly Springs Cemetery on Watts St. In the event of inclement weather the ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post 674 at 601 Pine St.  The guest speaker will be Earl Schorpp II, a Vietnam veteran. 

 

Sunday, May 27, 2007

    Arendtsville (Biglerville American Legion) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 1 p.m.  The parade will form at 12:45 p.m. at the Fire hall.  The guest speaker will be Mr. Dan French, U. S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Biglerville (Biglerville American Legion) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 3 p.m.  The parade will form at 2:45 p.m. at the Fire hall. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col Scott Horton, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Boiling Springs (Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8851) will hold a memorial service at Otterbein United Methodist Church, 647 Forge Rd. beginning at 9 a.m.  The annual parade will form at 1 p.m. at the Iron forge Elementary School on Forge Road and start promptly at 1:30 p.m.  The parade will end at the Memorial Clock Tower at Children's Lake where ceremonies will be held.  In the event of inclement weather the ceremonies will be held in the Boiling Springs High School Auditorium.  After the ceremonies a cookout will be held in the Boiling Springs Tavern parking lot.  The guest speaker will be retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Larry Babitts.

    Codoras (Jefferson Community) will hold a Memorial Day community service with a parade beginning at 1:15 p.m. followed by a service at the cemetery.  The guest speaker will be Col. Darin Talkington, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007. 

     Landisville (Landisville-Salunga Community) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 2 p.m., Hempfield Fire Department park pavilion.  The guest speaker will be U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Basham, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007. 

    Spring Grove (Pvt. Allen J. Beck, Jr., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5265) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Post, 1st Water Street.  The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Christopher Bentley, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007. 

 

Monday, May 28, 2007

    Carlisle (The Joint Veterans Council of Carlisle) will hold the Annual Memorial Day Parade forming at 8:30 a.m. and starting promptly at 9 a.m. with services following the parade at Veterans' Memorial Courtyard.  In the event of inclement weather the parade will be cancelled and the ceremonies will be held in the Old Courthouse. The guest speaker will be Col. John Maietta, PAANG.   

    Carlisle (American Legion Post 826) will hold a memorial service in Memorial Park at 11 a.m. followed immediately by a roll call and service at Union Cemetery at noon.  The guest speaker will be Col. Bobby Lipscomb, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Elizabethville (American Legion Post 404) will hold a Memorial Day service and parade at 10:30 a.m.  The guest speaker will be Col. Roger Wilson, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Maytown (Donegal American Legion Post 809) will hold a Memorial Day parade at 5 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at the Square at 5:45 p.m.  The guest speaker will be Col. Joseph Gill, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Glen Rock (American Legion) will hold a Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. at the cemetery followed by a parade at 12:30 p.m.  The guest speaker will be Col. Darrell Fountain, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    McConnellsburg (American Legion Post 561) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at Union Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.  The guest speaker will be Col. Joseph Lofgren, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Mechanicsburg (The Mechanicsburg Area Veterans Council) will hold a Memorial Day Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. from behind St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  The parade will be followed by a ceremony at the Mechanicsburg Cemetery on Marble Street at 11 a.m.  In case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held at VFW Post 6704, 4907 Carlisle Pike.  Lunch will be served at the VFW after the memorial service.  The guest speaker will be retired Army Col. Thomas Faley.

    Mechanicsburg (Lower Allen VFW Post 7530) will hold Memorial Day services at 11 a.m. at the Post Headquarters, 4545 Westport Drive.  Cedar Cliff High School Jr. ROTC will participate.  In case of inclement weather the ceremonies will be held in the Post Headquarters.  The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Timothy Clarke, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Mechanicsburg (Vietnam Veterans) will hold a memorial service at the Lincoln Cemetery, Upper Allen Township on Winding Hill Road in honor of 12 Civil War veterans buried there.  The service will be conducted rain or shine.

    Mercersburg (VFW and American Legion) will hold a Memorial Day service and parade at 8:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Crismon Brayman, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

    Newville (The Joint Veterans Council of Newville) will hold a Memorial Day parade starting at 1 p.m.  Memorial Day services will immediately follow the parade.  In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled and the Memorial Day services will be held in the Big Springs Community Center.  The guest speaker will be Mr. Jim McNally, AHEC, U.S. Army War College.

    Red Lion (American Legion Post 543) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony.  The parade will form at 9 a.m. followed by a service at Fairmount Park at 10:45 a.m.  The inclement weather site will be Red Lion High School.  The guest speaker will be Col. Bruce Foreman, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007. 

    Shippensburg (The Joint Veterans Council of Shippensburg) will hold the annual Memorial Day Parade beginning at 1:15 p.m.

 

Tuesday, May 30, 2007

    Littlestown (Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6994) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony beginning with a parade at 5:30 p.m.  The guest speaker will be U.S. Marines Lt. Col. Mary Choate, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.

 

Suzanne Reynolds, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Carlisle Theatre hosting Memorial Day salute to veterans

  May 17, 2007 -- The Hollywood on High film program at the Carlisle Theatre will show two-time Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood's critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated films--Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima beginning on Friday, May 25, through Thursday, May 31.

  The double feature Memorial Day Holiday event salute to veterans includes the film showings, a discussion by a noted military historian, displays, and dinner tie-ins at neighborhood restaurants. The film schedule includes one of the country's only "double-feature" screenings of the companion movies shown back-to-back on Saturday, May 26, beginning at 3 p.m.

  World War II Veterans will be admitted free, and all other Veterans pay half-price for any of the showings.

Film Schedule:

Friday, May 25 - Flags of Our Fathers - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 26 - Flags of Our Fathers - 3 p.m.; Letters from Iwo Jima - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 27 - Letters from Iwo Jima - 2 p.m.; Discussion, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 30 - Flags of Our Fathers - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 31 - Letters from Iwo Jima - 7:30 p.m.

  A discussion by Retired Maj. Gen. Robert H. Scales, Jr., former commandant of the U.S. Army War College and a military analyst for Fox News and National Public Radio, will follow the Sunday matinee of Letters from Iwo Jima at approximately 4:30 p.m.

  The Army Heritage Center Foundation will have a display in the theater's inner lobby throughout the run, and the publisher of America in WWII magazine will distribute complimentary copies of the publication while supplies last.

  Sponsors who helped make this salute possible include Members 1st Federal Credit Union, VFW Post 477 (Carlisle, Pa.), Carlisle Barracks & Cumberland Valley Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, the United States Army War College Alumni Assn., the Army Heritage Center Foundation, Hamilton Restaurant, America in WWII Magazine, First Command Financial Planning, VFW Post 7343 (Mt. Holly Springs, Pa.), and Marine Corps League Detachment 524.

  Neighborhood restaurants are participating in this salute to veterans by offering specials to filmgoers.

  Hollywood on High is the film component of The Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center, bringing critically acclaimed foreign and independent films to the Carlisle Theatre. The center also features live performances of music, comedy, and dance plus programs for children in a restored art deco theater in historic downtown Carlisle.

    For more information, call the box office at 717-258-0666 or visit the theater website at www.carlisletheatre.org.

 

 

John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service

Six arrested for plotting to kill Soldiers at Fort Dix, N.J.

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2007 - FBI agents arrested five radical Islamists for allegedly plotting to "kill as many U.S. soldiers as they could" at the Army's Fort Dix, N.J., and a sixth defendant is charged with aiding and abetting members of the domestic terror group, authorities announced today.

    The arrests occurred last night in Cherry Hill, N.J., as suspects tried to buy three AK47 assault rifles and four semi-automatic M-16s from a confidential government witness. These apprehensions culminate a 16-month FBI investigation into the groups' alleged plot to kill soldiers with assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades, according to a complaint filed in the Camden, N.J. Federal court.
    "The philosophy that supports and encourages jihad around the world against Americans came to live here in New Jersey and threatened the lives of our citizens through these defendants. Fortunately, law enforcement in New Jersey was here to stop them," Christopher Christie, U.S. Attorney for the district of New Jersey, told reporters outside the courthouse.
    "We were able to do what American law enforcement is supposed to do in the post 9/11 era, and that is to be one step ahead of those who are attempting to do harm to American citizens," he said.
   The special agent in charge of the FBI in Philadelphia, Jody Weis, described the "homegrown" group as new brand of terrorism that's inspired by al Qaeda, but not necessarily affiliated with the international organization.
    Weiss called the suspects a platoon that sought to take on an Army.
    "They identified their target, they did their reconnaissance, they had maps, and they were in the process of buying weapons," he said. "Today we dodged a bullet. In fact, when you look at the type of weapons this group was trying to purchase, we may have dodged a lot of bullets."
    The FBI's investigation began January 2006 when a video store representative tipped off officials after a man brought a "disturbing" video to be converted to DVD format. Weiss thanked the unnamed clerk for displaying vigilance, calling the worker an "unsung hero."
    According to the court complaint, the video "depicted 10 young men who appeared to be in their early twenties shooting assault weapons at a firing range in a militia-like style while calling for jihad and shouting in Arabic 'Allahu Akbar,'" or God is Great.
   Three of these men were suspects Dritan, Eljvir and Shain Duka, brothers born in former Yugoslavia who have been living in the U.S. illegally and operating a roofing company. Other suspects include legal U.S. residents Serdar Tatar, a convenience store clerk born in Turkey, and Mohamad Irahim Shnewar, a Jordanian-born taxi driver.
   Agron Abdullahu, a shop clerk born in former Yugoslavia, is charged only with aiding and abetting the Duka brothers' illegal possession of weapons, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, Justice Department officials said.
    Transcripts of the recorded conversations between two witnesses and suspects appear in the court complaint. During one conversation, Shnewer stated that he and the first witness, called CW-1, should view a video stored on the suspect's computer, but that they had to do so in private because "it's about something that can lead to prison."
    "The DVD contains video footage of various jihadist images while a narrator recruits the observer to the jihadist movement," the court complaint states. The court document describes another video that contained what appears to be the last will and testament of at least two of the highjackers involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
    After undergoing weapons training in Gouldsboro, Pa., in January 2006, Shnewer and the witness conducted surveillance on several military bases, including Fort Dix; Fort Monmouth, N.J.; Dover Air Force Base, Del.; and the U.S. Coast Guard Building in Philadelphia.
    Shnewer explained to the witness in August 2006 that he and the other suspects had saved up money to purchase weapons and were "not afraid to die." The document describes Shnewer lamenting the missed opportunity to attack U.S. military personnel during the Army-Navy football game that had been recently played in Philadelphia.
    He recommended to CW-1 they use six or seven jihadists to attack and kill at least 100 soldiers with rocket-propelled grenades or other weapons, the court document states.
    "If you want to do anything here, there is Fort Dix, and I don't want to exaggerate, and I assure you that you can hit an American base very easily," Shnewer is quoted as saying in the court complaint. "You take a map and draw it, and then you calculate that there are areas where there are 100-200 individuals and you should allocate six to seven persons for this alone."
    When asked how he would obtain a map of the base, Shnewer told the witness that the suspect Serdar used to deliver pizzas nearby. "I know that Serdar knows it like the palm of his hand," Shnewer allegedly said.
    In a conversation recorded March 2007 between the second informant, CW-2, and two of the Duka brothers, Shain Duka "explained that (the suspect) Tatar wanted to join the U.S. Army so that he could kill U.S. soldiers from the 'inside,'" the court document states. The complaint includes no evidence suggesting Tatar tried to enlist in U.S. Armed Forces, however.
    In January 2007, three of the suspects obtained handguns, shotguns and semi-automatic assault weapons to be used for further training, according to the court complaint.

 

Honorable Pete Geren, Acting Secretary of the Army

Message from the Acting Secretary of the Army

May 10, 2007 -- For the second consecutive year, Soldier accidental fatalities are on the decline. Nevertheless, the estimated 220 soldiers we will lose this year to accidents are 220 too many. Moreover, our active and reserve force will suffer over a half million non-battle injuries - an average of one per Soldier - and our civilian workforce injuries are rising, resulting in personal tragedies and degraded abilities of a valuable component of our Army team.

    Two thirds of our major accidents occur off duty, and even for those on duty, poor decisions are at the heart of most incidents. The vast majority of military and civilian mishaps are clearly preventable. It is our obligation to ensure that our Soldiers, Civilian Employees, Family members and Contractors have a safe, healthy working and living environment.

    To best preserve our combat power, our strategy is to fully achieve what we have already begun through implementation of the following.

  • Establish a culture where safety is a way of life during training, operations and off-duty

  • Build a command climate where preventable loss is unacceptable

  • Ensure Leader engagement and accountability for their programs

  • Develop executable safety plans for mission success

    We will institutionalize these tenets through all Army commands, with our ultimate aim to personalize safety for each individual. The lynchpin for our success is the leader, and we expect leaders at all levels to personally engage those you lead. Know your Soldiers and civilian employees. Coach, teach, and mentor them.

    As we continue to fight terror across the globe, we can not squander our precious human capital on senseless losses. Through firm resolve in this most vital endeavor, together we will stay ARMY STRONG.

 

Carrie Williams, Defense Commissary Agency

Online health and wellness forum puts customers in touch with DeCA dietitian 

FORT LEE, Va. - Defense Commissary Agency officials are excited to announce the start of a new, interactive health and wellness page on the agency's Web site, http://www.commissaries.com. The forum, hosted by DeCA dietitian Maj. Karen Fauber, is scheduled to "go live" May 14.

    "More and more consumers indicate they look to grocery stores for nutrition education and guidance," said Patrick Nixon, DeCA Director and Chief Executive Officer. "Now that we have a dietitian on staff, it's critical that she has a forum for discussing health and wellness with commissary customers."

    According to Nixon, the page will include a weekly column, "The Dietitian's Voice," and a discussion forum, "Ask the DeCA Dietitian," which will allow customers to exchange comments, experiences, views and opinions regarding nutrition topics with the DeCA dietitian and other registered users.

    "DeCA has made great strides in promoting health and wellness within the military community," Nixon explained. "We've partnered with TRICARE for the past several years in educating commissary customers on the importance of weight maintenance, and we feel that making DeCA's staff dietitian readily available to the millions of people who shop in commissaries worldwide will strengthen our position as the nutritional leader for the military community."

    Fauber says she is thrilled to be touching base with commissary customers and hopes that the forum will encourage an open-ended conversation about the very thing many of us take for granted: good health.

    "Working with commissary customers is the best part of my job," she said. "Nutrition science becomes the real thing when it is applied and makes a difference in people's lives. Our goal is to accomplish this with the health and wellness forum." 

    In her role as host of the forum, Fauber will tap into her extensive education and experience. She is a registered and licensed dietitian with more than 16 years of military service: 10 as an Army Reserve dietitian and six on active duty, including experience as a certified diabetes educator in Army medical facilities and public health clinics. Fauber developed, coordinated and evaluated health and nutrition programs in Virginia, and served as the state's "5 A Day for Better Health" program coordinator.

    Fauber has a bachelor's degree in dietetics from Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Ga., and a master's degree in education and human development from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She interned at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Continuing her studies, Fauber is currently enrolled in an online doctoral program in health education through A.T. Still University, Kirksville, Mo.

 

Sgt. Sara Wood, American Forces Press Service

National Guard responds to Kansas tornado

 

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 8, 2007) - More than 300 members of the Kansas National Guard have been activated in response to a powerful tornado that almost destroyed the town of Greensburg, Kan., May 4.
   Guard members are assisting in search-and-rescue efforts in the wake of the tornado, which was classified as an F-5, the highest rating given by the National Weather Service.
    The tornado wiped out much of the small town, knocking out power, water, natural gas and communications. To date, 10 deaths and more than 100 injuries have been reported.
   The Kansas National Guard's 278th Sustainment Brigade has established a joint task force near the incident site. In addition to search-and-rescue efforts, the troops are working on power generation, logistical support, debris clearing, support to law enforcement, supporting establishment of shelters and distribution of food and water.
    Currently, the Kansas National Guard has 88 percent of its forces available, 60 percent of its Army Guard dual-use equipment on hand, and more than 85 percent of its Air Guard equipment on hand, said Randal Noller, public affairs officer for the National Guard Bureau. Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a national partnership agreement that allows state-to-state assistance during governor or federally declared emergencies, Kansas has more than 400,000 Guardsmen available to it, he pointed out. However, Kansas has not yet requested assistance from other states.
    The National Guard Bureau has offered liaison, operational, communications, contracting, search-and-rescue, public affairs and community relations support, and is prepared to support the governor in any way possible, Mr. Noller said.
    The National Guard also has been activated in response to other severe weather in the Midwest. In South Dakota, 27 Guardsmen were activated in response to severe storms that moved through the region yesterday, destroying high voltage transmission lines and power poles and leaving several thousand customers without electricity. The Guard troops are transporting water pumps and generators and providing sandbags to prevent flooding.
    In response to heavy rainfall Sunday night and yesterday, the Iowa National Guard deployed 47 troops in support of local authorities to assist in sandbagging operations in the city of Red Oak, Iowa. Iowa National Guard troops worked with civilian first responders moving sand, filling sand bags and building temporary dams to mitigate the effects of the rising waters.

Debi Dawson, Program Executive Office Soldier Strategic Communications Office

PEO Soldier to unveil new Army combat shirt

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Army News Service, May 4, 2007) -- The Army Program Executive Office Soldier will soon provide an improved Army combat shirt to Soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
   The flame-resistant long-sleeved shirt, which retains the moisture-wicking capability, breathability, and durability of other components in the ACU, also has many of its other features, including cargo pockets, infrared identification tabs, and hook-and-loop fasteners for the American flag.
    The new shirt has a foliage green torso and sleeves in the universal camouflage pattern, and sports seamless shoulders and side panels for comfort, along with integrated anti-abrasion elbow pads, and a small Army Strong logo centered on the chest.
    The high performance shirt, designed to be a base layer, can be worn directly under the Interceptor Body Armor, according to Maj. Clay Williamson, assistant product manager for clothing and individual equipment.
    The ACS is made of an anti-microbial cotton and rayon blend fabric treated with a new process that penetrates to the fiber level. It provides fire-resistance for the life of the garment. "It is completely safe, non-toxic, and allows us to treat fibers that were once not treatable," Maj. Williamson said.
   The shirt integrates with other flame-resistant components, such as the Army combat pants, to provide head-to-toe protection against burns. The Army combat pants are the same as the ACU pants, except they are made of a flame-resistant material, according to the major. Soldiers' hands are protected by flame-resistant gloves that have been a part of the Army's Rapid Fielding Initiative.
   This ensemble further complements the Army's system-of-systems approach to force protection, which integrates layers of protection for Soldiers on the battlefield.
    "I want to assure the American public, the Soldiers, and their Families that they have the best equipment when and where they need it. If there were something better, we would buy it; and we're always looking for something better," said Brig. Gen. R. Mark Brown, Program Executive Officer Soldier.

 

 

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

RCI: Young Hall progression, plan for other housing areas

May 14, 2007 - The coming months will see periods of large-scale change for Carlisle Barracks housing as the Residential Communities Initiative kicks into high gear.

    Work is progressing on Young Hall, and everything is on track for a June completion and July occupancy for residents in the newly renovated C and D bays.

    "Most of the major renovation work in those two bays is done," said Ty McPhillips, project director for GMH Military Housing. "The tile has been put down, the kitchen cabinets are being installed now, and the carpets are being installed next week." The elevator for the buildings are also en route and will be installed in the coming weeks.

     Once work has been completed in the C and D bays, work will commence on the A and B bays of the building. It's anticipated that the entire building will be renovated and available in May of 2008 for the AY09 USAWC Class.

The Meadows

 

    The Young Hall project isn't the only part of RCI that's going on at Carlisle Barracks. Residents and employees of Carlisle Barracks have probably also noticed the work that has started for the Meadows housing area, located off of Claremont Road.

    "Right now the focus has been to remove the top soil, which should be done in about two weeks," said McPhillips, "After that work is done, the property will be marked, trenching for utilities will begin and framing will begin in the fall." Once complete, the housing area will consists of 52 duplex units. 26 of the units will have three bedrooms, and the other 26 will have four bedrooms. The first turnover of housing units will begin in April 2008, with the remainder turned over in June 2008.   

Marshall Ridge

    Once the topsoil is removed from the Meadows, work will begin on the first phase of the Marshall Ridge project.

    "The process will be very similar to the work done at the Meadows," said McPhillips. "In about two weeks we will see the topsoil being  removed, with the same steps to follow." Site and concrete work will begin as early as the end of May, with the first housing units being available in July 2008. There will be a total of 58 new units in the Marshall Ridge project, 27 four bedroom, single family houses, 37 duplex units (17 three bedroom, 20 four bedroom). 24 of the duplex units are what is being constructed in phase one of the project. The new houses are being constructed on the area that used to be called Heritage Park.

    Phase two on the Marshall Ridge project is slated to start in July 2008. This phase of the project will involve the demolition of the current housing on Marshall Ridge.

    "The red houses that are there now will be replaced by 21 four bedroom single family houses and 13 duplex units," said McPhillips. This area is scheduled to be fully complete by August 2009.

Delaney Field Club House

    Another important piece of the RCI project is slated to kick off in the next few weeks as well.

    "Site work on the Delaney Field Club House will start to take place once the topsoil is removed at the Meadows as well," said McPhillips.

    The club house is a 6,000 square foot office and activities center that is scheduled to open in April of 2008.

    "The club house will have a large reception area, sports fields, conference rooms and also will be the home of the community management offices," said McPhillips.

New construction only one part of overall project

    McPhillips pointed out that the new housing construction is only one part of the overall RCI project.

    "Once the new housing units are complete and available for occupation, we'll begin the second phase, which is the renovations of the historic housing on post," said McPhillips. "There will be 67 historic renovated units across the Installation that also include Forbes Avenue homes. Additionally, 58 other units are scheduled for renovation in the College Arms area as part of the project." When the additional Army funding is available in the out years, College Arms is also scheduled to be razed and rebuilt.   The upfront new construction allows the project to maintain enough housing on post for new U.S. Army War College students, staff and faculty and other Carlisle Barracks personnel.

   "Our goal is to always have 277 housing units available on post," said McPhillips.

    At the conclusion of the project, Carlisle Barracks will have 277 housing units and a community center. Previously, there were 316 housing units on post.

RCI background

    Carlisle Barracks and Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., are part of a combined project under the RCI, a partnership between the Department of the Army and the private sector to improve housing for military families. Carlisle Barracks was originally partnered with Picatinny Arsenal and Ft. Monmouth, N.J. but the project was delayed due to Ft. Monmouth being scheduled for closure under the latest Base Realignment and Closure Recommendations in 2005.

    More updates on the RCI project can be found each month in the Carlisle Barracks Banner and at the next community town hall meeting, which is slated for August.

 

 

 

 

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Heart health topic of APFRI lecture

 

May 7, 2007 - We all know that a long, stressful day can lead to a headache, but did you also know that prolonged periods of stress can also affect your heart?

    That was one of the messages relayed to students, staff and faculty who gathered in Bliss Hall on May 7 during a noon-time lecture given by Dr. Jeffrey Boone.

   Boone, a well-known consultant in preventive cardiology, stress medicine and hypertension counts the Denver Broncos among his many clients.

    "Dealing with professional athletes and their health really isn't any different that any other person's," said Boone. "We all need to take steps to help make ourselves healthier."

    Boone pointed out that heart health is a life-long effort, not something that happens overnight.

    "There is no magic bullet or technique that will fix damage that may have been done, you can just take steps to mitigate further damage and live a longer and healthier life," said Boone. 

    During the talk, Boone addressed the cardiovascular consequences of mental stress and ways to identify how people can help lower the impact of such stress. He pointed out that simple lifestyle changes, like exercise, weight control and stress management can help mitigate these factors.  

    "Exercise, good nutrition, and weight control provide the basic physiological strategies for stress

Control," said Boone. "These efforts allow the stress to occur in a lean, sleek, well-oiled body that can stand a lot of punishment."

How to lower your risk of having a heart attack

    According to the American Heart Association, by following these simple steps people can reduce risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

·         Stop smoking

·         Reduce blood cholesterol

·         Total Cholesterol - Less than 200 mg/dL
   LDL (bad) Cholesterol - LDL cholesterol goals vary.

o         Low risk for heart disease - Less than 160 mg/dL

o         Intermediate risk for heart disease - Less than 130 mg/dL

o         High risk for heart disease including those with heart disease or diabetes - Less than 100mg/dL

        HDL (good) Cholesterol - 40 mg/dL or higher for men and 50 mg/dL or higher for women

          Triglycerides - Less than 150 mg/dL

·         Lower high blood pressure, your goal is less than 120/80 mmHg

·         Be physically active every day

·         Aim for a healthy weight

·         Manage diabetes

·         Reduce stress

·         Limit alcohol

For more information or to find the latest schedule of APFRI lecture, check https://apfri.carlisle.army.mil/ or the Carlisle Barracks Community Calendar

 

 

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Accreditation consultant visits USAWC

    May 4, 2007 --  Dr. Andrea Lex, Vice President, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, visited the U.S. Army War College on May 3 to learn more about the current status of the college's curriculum and acquainting individuals and groups that will have crucial roles in the self-study with the purposes and procedures of the accreditation process.

     "Dr. Lex is helping us identify relevant issues and find the most appropriate means of addressing them, discussing USAWC plans for self-study, and otherwise assisting with preparations for self-study and peer review," said Dr. Anna Waggener, MSCHE Steering Committee chairman.

    "MSCHE is the accrediting body for all academic institutions in our geographical region," said Waggener. "Accreditation is the way of self-regulating and peer review adopted by the educational community. It's to make sure that an institution has the resources necessary to do the job."

    Accreditation for the USAWC certifies that the program has the means and resources to offer graduate level education comparable to other graduate institutions across the nation.

    "Every graduate program, no matter if it is military or civilian goes through this process," said Waggener. She explained that the commission has 14 standards that it uses to measure each institution.   These measures include students, faculty and curriculum data.

    "Her visit was helpful in setting the tone and climate of the next steps of USAWC in the accreditation process," said Waggener.

    When an institution receives accreditation, it is subject to periodic reviews, with the first coming five years after accreditation, and then every 10 years after that. The War College was accredited in June 2004 and covers both the resident and distance education programs.

 

Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

DOD Announces Army Units Up for Next Iraq Troop Rotation

 May 8, 2007 - Defense Department officials today announced the next 10 Army brigade combat teams to deploy to Iraq to replace units currently operating there.
    The announcement affects about 35,000 active-duty troops, who all will deploy between August and the year's end to serve as replacement forces for those returning home, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.
   The units will deploy for up to 15 months.
    Whitman emphasized that the announcement is unrelated to the troop surge under way to increase security in and around Baghdad.
   "Let me be real clear about this," he said. "This deployment ... is not a decision with respect to the surge. It is simply identifying the next 10 units that will receive deployment orders and to provide the kind of predictability" they need to prepare.
    Any decision regarding the surge will be based "entirely upon the conditions on the ground," Mr. Whitman said.
    Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, is expected to assess those conditions later this year and make recommendations regarding the surge to the commander of U.S. Central Command, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, defense secretary and president, Mr. Whitman said.
    Major Army units receiving deployment orders include:
- 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas;
- 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigades, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.;
- 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.;
- 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood;
- 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.;
- 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii;
- 2nd Cavalry Regiment (Stryker), Vilseck, Germany; and
- 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany


 

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Army War College again captures Commandants Cup with Jim Thorpe win 

 

 May 1, 2007 -- The U.S. Army War College continued its recent dominance of Jim Thorpe Sports Days with a 120-94 win over the second place finisher the Air War College. The Naval War College finished in third place, followed by the National War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

    The win marked the ninth time in the last ten years that the Army War College won the sports competition pitting the nation's military service schools against each other in events like basketball, soccer and softball.

    "Congratulations on your outstanding victory in the Jim Thorpe Sports Days competition. You won the Commandants Cup through exceptional athletic skill, commitment, and teamwork," said Maj. Gen. David Huntoon, USAWC commandant, in a message to the students, staff and faculty. "Those attributes will serve you well in accomplishing the tough strategic missions that lie ahead. I am proud of all of you, and equally proud of the same qualities I saw in your classmates from every service college -- comrades with whom you will serve on the same team very soon."

    The event is named in honor of Olympian Jim Thorpe, among the top athletes of the 20th century and a student of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School at the turn of the 20th century.

 

 

Carol Kerr, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office 

USAWC faculty member inducted into South Carolina State Hall of Fame

May 1, 2007 -- An Army War College faculty member celebrated a legacy of service at South Carolina State University on its 60th anniversary, April 21. "It was a day to celebrate the nation's leading producer of African-American officers in the U.S. Army," reported Charlene Slaughter in the Orangeburg Times and Democrat newspaper.

    Col. Nicholas J. Anderson was inducted into the Army ROTC Hall of Fame at SCSU, with a bronze plaque and bust to be featured in the ROTC Department's Soldiers Hall.  As the USAWC director of sustainment operations since 2002, he is the senior logistician for the War College, according to his department chair, Col. Paul Jussel.  "Nick is the epitome of a dedicated professional officer who is always giving of himself to get a mission accomplished," said Jussel. He takes the lead in all things associated with Army and joint logistics and sustainment for the full range of War College classes, the majors' Basic Strategic Art Program, the general officers' courses such as JFLCC, and for regional military coordination with the National Defense Transportation Association, added Jussel.

    "This is a great honor and well deserved," said SCSU President Andrew Hugine Jr. at the ceremony that spotlighted the ROTC program's contributions to the SCSU story. "You represent the legacy and excellence of South Carolina State. You made and continue to make a great sacrifice for the freedom of the world. We do not take that lightly."

    As keynote speaker, Anderson urged community support for Soldiers engaged in the war on terror.  "We are serving in difficult times. Make sure when Soldiers come home, they receive a warm welcome and take care of their families while they are away."

    Anderson is a graduate of the SCSU Class of 1979; he has since earned two master's degrees from Webster University and the Army War College, and is a PhD candidate in organizational management from Capella University.

-- excerpted in part from a T&D news article by Charlene Slaughter, with her permission

 

 

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Carlisle Barracks, Army history focus of May 19 AHEC event

Army Heritage Day kick-off of posts' 250th Anniversary celebration

 

May 17, 2007 -- Visitors to the 2007 Army Heritage Day on May 19 will be able to step back in time and re-live and learn more about the 250 year history of Carlisle Barracks and the events that helped to shape the nation.

    The day-long series of events, starting at 9 a.m., includes a lecture on the history of Carlisle Barracks at 10:15, and a flag raising to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Carlisle Barracks at noon, as well as numerous other demonstrations and exhibits from the French and Indian War to World War II.

    Another highlight gives visitors a rare opportunity to meet, ask questions and hear the experiences of retired Staff Sgt. Henry L. Moore and retired 2nd Lt. Dr. Eugene J. Richardson. Both Moore and Richardson were not only World War II veterans, but two veterans of the famous Army Air Corps unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

   This opportunity to meet and relive the experiences of these two veterans is just one part of a full program looking at the history of the American Soldier. Visitors to the Army Heritage Trail at AHEC can also see the men of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry as they demonstrate warfare tactics of the Civil War period for mounted Soldiers. Introduce yourself to a World War II U.S. Army nurse as she prepares her belongings for service overseas. Talk with World War I Soldiers as they work on the trenches of Mont Sec.

    Also during the event the World War II-era barracks building on the Heritage Trail will be unveiled. Army Heritage Day is free and open to the public. The hours of the event from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, go to to www.usahec.org or contact the AHEC at 717-245-4491.

 

 

Public Affairs staff report

2007 Safety and Awareness Fair set for May 18

 May 17, 2007 -- Not only should you have a safe summer, but you should also have fun while you're at it!  Plan now to attend the Safety Awareness and Leisure Time Fair Friday, May 18 from 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. at the Letort View Community Center.

   The fair gives attendees the opportunity to find out what summertime activities are available in the local area and how they can make sure they're safe at the same time. 

    Post activities participating include: Fire Department, Veterinary Services, Provost Marshal Office, Environmental Health, Army Substance Abuse Program, Army Physical Fitness Research Institute, Force Protection, Environmental Management Office and Dunham U.S. Army Health Clinic ,Carlisle Barracks Post Exchange,  

    Many off-post organizations are slated to come, including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau and the South Central Pennsylvania Highway Safety department.

    Door prizes are also available for those who attend. Prizes include Ski Roundtop Paintball, Learn to Ski packages, Baltimore Aquarium tickets, Lake Tobias family five pack admission, Six Flags America tickets, Six Flags Great adventure tickets, PA Renaissance Faire Tickets and more.

    The Safety Office and the Information, Ticketing and Registration Office are sponsoring this event. For more information, contact Jim Aiello, Safety Manager, at 245-4353.   

 

United In Freedom: Armed Forces Day 2007 returns to City Island

    On May 19th, Armed Forces Day 2007 will make its return to Harrisburg's City Island. This FREE, fun-filled, family event is a salute to both the men and women now serving our nation and our veterans.
    Now in its sixth year, Armed Forces Day 2007 will transform City Island into a sprawling and bustling military base for the day. Visitors will experience nearly 80 indoor and outdoor military displays, exhibitions, living history demonstrations, speakers, family and children's activities, and musical performances, all of which are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and will take place rain or shine.
   The day's activities kick off with a YMCA 5-K Run at 8:00 am followed by joint service military displays from 9 am to 4 pm.
   This year's opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in the North parking lot and will feature an A-10 Thunderbolt flyover, a 21 gun salute by the 108th Field Artillery, local dignitaries and military speakers, and performances by the American Legion Post 733 Youth Soul Steppers and the 307th Army Band.
   A new and exciting element at this year's event is the addition of musical performances including the Army's rock band "Checkmate" and contemporary gospel and patriotic singer/songwriter, Jim Worthing. Worhting will début his new song "Soul of Liberty" written to show his gratitude to our veterans.
   There will be a wide variety of static and interactive displays and activities including Chinook and Apache helicopters; the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle, M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank, and the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle; the Air Force's F-22 Raptor mini-jet/interactive display; Navy SEABEE demos, the Navy Ship Models and other displays. The famous Schmidt's Army Challenge Obstacle Course returns and many information booths, including blood pressure checks and veterans benefits counselors from the Lebanon VA Hospital, will be other highlights of the event.
    Also new this year will be a special "Make and Take" model program for young people five to 14 years old, sponsored by The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society.
    For more information please visit www.harrisburgevents.com and click on the Armed Forces Day logo or contact Mike Randazzo at the Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg Public Affairs Office at 717-605-2448.

 

Army Heritage Center Foundation release

Lewis & Clark Air Rifle to transfer to AHEC Foundation

Lost Army artifact returns to Army control

    May 16, 2007 -- A 200-year journey is nearly over for one of the most historic pieces of military equipment as the Lewis and Clark Air Gun is set to return to the U.S. Army during a ceremony May 18, 3:30 p.m., at the Army Heritage and Education Center.

    Accepting the weapon on behalf of the U.S. Army will be Dr. Jeffrey Clarke, Chief of Military History, U.S. Army Center of Military History. Dr. Robert Beeman and retired Maj. Gen. Robert Scales, former Commandant of the Army War College, will make remarks. Beeman and his wife Toshiko will formally donate the weapon to the Army Heritage and Education Center Foundation.

Air Gun Background

   The 1803 Corps of Discovery, an Army expedition under the command of Captain Merriwether Lewis and William Clark, embarked on a four year journey at the direction of President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. Along the way, Lewis carried a unique weapon, a .46 caliber air rifle that fired without using gunpowder and made almost no sound.

    Now, 200 years after the Corps of Discovery's voyage, the Lewis and Clark air gun returns to the control of the U.S. Army. This air rifle, designed by the Austrian clock maker Bartolomeus Girandoni, was donated to the Army Heritage Center Foundation in September 2006 by its former owners,  Beeman and his wife, Toshiko, founders of Beeman Precision Airguns. On loan to the National Firearms Museum in Virginia until recently, the Beeman-Girandoni is being transferred officially to the custody of the U.S. Army at the ceremony. 

   This military technology was beyond comprehension to the Indian tribes that the Corps of Discovery encountered, and became a symbol of "powerful magic." Impressive firing demonstrations of the weapon created great respect for the travelers and significantly contributed to the ultimate success of the expedition.

   Over time the Lewis and Clark air rifle became one of the more mythic weapons in American military history. After the expedition the air rifle was last recorded as part of a Philadelphia estate in 1847 before disappearing from the pages of history. Recent forensic examination of an Austrian Girandoni air rifle owned for over 30 years by Beeman and his wife Toshiko, founders of Beeman Precision Air Guns, revealed that this rifle perfectly matched the damage and repairs to Captain Lewis's weapon as recorded in the journals of the expedition.

 

 

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Campaign to stomp out drunken driving kicks off May 18

    May 8, 2007 -- Summer is upon us and once again the Army Substance Abuse Program will support the Summer Sense Campaign, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

   "For many people summer time means more time outside with friends and family. Be it at the beach, the pool, a BBQ or any other outdoor activity, summer means more social time for many," said Anne Wolf, Carlisle Barracks Army Substance Abuse Office. "Unfortunately, summer brings with it an increased rate of alcohol abuse and drunk driving."

    Wolf points out that there are steps to be taken to help avoid these types of incidents.

    "Increased education combined with an increased law enforcement presence on the roads and at sobriety checkpoints, will result in more people realizing that if they're going to drink they need to stay at home or identify a sober designated driver," she said.

   This summer program will emphasize healthy and safe ways to engage in summer activities. The event kicks off this year at the Installation Safety Awareness Day, May 18 at the Letort View Community Center.

    "Information about safe and healthy activities; laws regarding drinking and driving, drinking and boating will be available,"  said Wolf.

   To raise the awareness level of the community, the Army Substance Abuse Program will be highlighting a variety of topics and venues.

    "Check the Banner, Current Events, and bulletin boards throughout the installation for important facts and information that will help you and your family enjoy a safe summer," said Wolf.

    Additional information on both campaigns can be found at: www.acsap.army.mil.  You can schedule unit or organization training by contacting the ASAP office at 245-4576.

 

 

 

 

Michael Knapp, US Army Military History Institute, US Army Heritage and Education Center

General Pershing Creates an American Expeditionary Force

 April 29, 2007 -- Ninety years ago this week, General John J. Pershing was selected to lead an American Expeditionary Force to France to assist the Allies in their fight against the Central Powers of Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Freshly recalled to Washington from the Mexican border where he was involved in the Punitive Expedition chasing the bandit Pancho Villa, Pershing would have to create a force unlike any previous force in the history of the U.S. Army.
    The U.S. Army entered the 20th Century still using the basic structure it used in the Civil War. During the Spanish-American War , this was found to be unwieldy and slow to mobilize and move large numbers of men overseas. War Department studies, commissioned early in the century by Secretary of War Elihu Root , and the National Defense Act of 1916 had begun to address this problem, yet serious challenges still faced Pershing. He would have to craft a plan to use the small Regular Army along with the mobilized National Guard as well as the newly created National Army of draftees and form these into Divisions which would fight this new war.
   Just as today's Army is undergoing a transformation to more mobile, lethal and self-contained units, the Army of the First World War became Pershing's vision of the force needed to fight for America's cause among the Great Powers of Europe. He began to build a 100 Division force; the same divisions are still with us today, having seen service in all of America's wars since 1918. The American Expeditionary Force was crafted to address the new realities of modern war. The technological leaps forward in weapons gave rise to new formations in the Army Air Service , the birth of the Tank Corps , and the Chemical Corps . Another field which evolved to meet new and horrendous aspects of this war was military medicine , and an enormous logistic need arose to supply the millions of men in army bases and on the front lines overseas. Pershing realized that such a force would require a great deal of organization and leadership. In response to this, he created the concept of a General Staff , complete with staff sections dealing with the various aspects of an army in the field.
    Chosen as a proven leader, with a strong personality and known public persona from his service with the 10th Cavalry and most recently on the Mexican Border, "Black Jack" Pershing seemed the obvious choice to lead a fledgling force to France. Few could have foreseen his strenuous efforts to avoid sending American soldiers piecemeal to fill the ranks of the depleted British and French armies. Instead, he insisted on maintaining the integrity of American divisions, and he eventually formed them into the American First , Second , and Third Armies. The structure which he created would be the template for the American Army as we know it. Just as it did in 1917-18, the Army is once again transforming itself to meet the challenges of warfare in the 21st Century. Pershing would be proud.

 

The AHEC has joined with Army.mil to bring to the Army, to veterans, to the American public, and to the world the continuing history of the United States Army. Please visit this weekly feature for insights into the past, present, and future of America's senior military service. http://www.army.mil/history/

 

Gleason, American Forces Press Service

Month of May dedicated to appreciating Servicemembers

May 1, 2007 - In an effort to draw attention to the personal sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces and their families, Congress has designated May as National Military Appreciation Month.
    "Our military has played a major role in the development of our country chronicled through their unbending honor, their dedication to duty and their love of country," the National Military Appreciation Month Web site states. "Federal, state and local governments and private sector entities are invited to participate in this special month and to encourage everyone to sponsor and participate in programs."
   The Web site, www.nmam.org, encourages citizens to draw attention and express appreciation to military families across the nation by engaging schools, civic organizations and businesses to organize events like visiting veterans hospitals, making trips to military memorials and museums, and decorating with patriotic themes.
    The site also features a map of the United States which lists local Military Appreciation Month events in each state.
    The Defense Department is taking part in the month-long celebration with America Supports You, a DoD program highlighting the support of grassroots groups and corporate partners to the armed forces, co-hosting events throughout the nation.
   The program will take part in events like the McDonald's Air & Sea Show in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; the Joint Services Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; and Professional Golfers' Association events across the nation. An America Supports You concert featuring singer Jenny Boyle is slated for May 4 at the Pentagon. NASCAR will unveil an ASY car at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., on May 8.
   The Washington Capitals hockey team have scheduled a Military Appreciation Day at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., for May 11.
   ASY team member Shauna Fleming, founder of A Million Thanks has teamed up with Buick, Pontiac and GMC divisions of General Motors to collect thank you letters from the public for the troops. People can drop off their letters in Shauna's red, white and blue boxes at GM car dealers across the nation. For more information and to see Shauna's videos go to www.amillionthanks.org.
   Discovery is producing a series of "Thank You's" for The Military Channel where citizens from all over the country will be "thanking the troops" for all their service to our country.
    The months of May and June host a number of other patriotic commemorations, including Victory in Europe Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Week, Memorial Day, Flag Day and the observance of the Navy and Army birthdays.

 

Staff Sgt. Christopher Fincham, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

College pauses to remember fallen graduate Col. Brian D. Allgood

    April 24, 2007 -- Leaders, Soldiers and members of the Carlisle Barracks community paused April 24 to honor the service of U.S. Army War College graduate Col. Brian D. Allgood in a memorial dedication ceremony.

    Allgood, a graduate of the U.S. Army War College class of 2002, was serving as the top medical officer for U.S. troops in Iraq when he was killed after the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter he and 12 other Soldiers were riding in crashed Jan. 17, in northeast Baghdad.

   Quoting Robert Ingersoll, U.S. Army War College Commandant Maj. Gen. David Huntoon said that, "When the will defies fear, when duty throws the gauntlet down to fate, when honor scorns to compromise with death - this is heroism."

    "Brian Allgood was the very measure of a hero, and his life honors all of us today," said Huntoon.

    The son of an Army doctor, Allgood was remembered as a dedicated, natural leader and friend by his classmates and as an exceptional military medical professional by the commandant of the Army War College.

   "He loved this Army, this Nation, and taking care of Soldiers - both under his command and those sick and wounded entrusted to his care. Steadfast in his commitment to living the Army Values, he answered the call to duty time and again and lived the warrior ethos every day," recalled retired Army Col. Joe Curtin, who was a classmate of Allgood while at the Army War College.

    Dubbed a "Soldier's Soldier," Allgood always looked for a challenge. Graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1982, he went on to the University of Oklahoma where he received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1986. After completing his internship and residency, Allgood went on to serve as, among other assignments, the battalion surgeon in the 75th Ranger Regiment and parachuted into Panama in 1989 for Operation Just Cause.

 

    Though his time at Carlisle Barracks was brief, Allgood left his mark and will forever be remembered as a leader who used his exceptional military and medical skills to bring hope and healing to those for which he cared so deeply, according to his classmates at the ceremony.

    "Today we remember Brian by placing his name on this plaque that memorializes those graduates who have given their lives in this dangerous fight. And here at Carlisle Barracks as we pass by in the future, we should pause for a moment, and remember that this man, more so than many, understood the cost and the sacrifice of this struggle," said Huntoon. "Because we will never forget his shining example of courage, compassion and commitment that gives us all breathtaking pause."

    An endowment in his name, The Allgood Medical Scholarship, is being established at the University of Oklahoma.

 

Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Sweet sixteen

Carlisle Barracks celebrates 16 years of being a Tree City USA

 

April 25, 2007 - Under a bright and sunny spring sky, Carlisle Barracks celebrated it's recognition of being named a Tree City USA for the 16th straight year during a ceremony April 25, in front of the post chapel.

    Pennsylvania State Forester Bruce Kile, who was presented for the very first Tree City presentation at Carlisle Barracks in 1991, was pleased to be present for the latest award.

   "Being named a Tree City USA for a sixteenth straight year is quite an accomplishment," said Kile. "This just shows the dedication the people of Carlisle Barracks have to the environment."

   To qualify for the Tree City USA award, the post had to meet certain criteria. The installation established a tree board, a community tree ordinance and a comprehensive community forestry program. Each year the post must apply for the certification.

    A moment was also taken during the ceremony to recognize Keith Bailey, who is credited with helping to keep the post beautiful by caring for the trees.

    "I know we wouldn't be here without him," said Tom Kelly, head of the post public works department. "His work with this and other projects will be missed." Bailey is planning to retire later this year.

    To celebrate Arbor Day the CDC children created art, learned and sang songs and came out to plant a tree at the Arbor Day event. Each person in attendance was also given a tree to plant. The trees were donated by GMH Military Housing.

Arbor Day history

    The idea for Arbor Day originally came from Nebraska. A visit to Nebraska today wouldn't disclose that the state was once a treeless plain. Yet, it was the lack of trees that led to the founding of Arbor Day in the 1800's.

    Among pioneers moving into the Nebraska territory in 1854 was J. Sterling Morton. He and his wife had a great love of nature. As Morton was a journalist and soon became editor of Nebraska's first newspaper, he was able to spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees to an equally enthusiastic audience.

    Arbor Day was officially proclaimed by the young state's Governor Robert W. Furnas on March 12, 1874. Later in 1885, the date was switched to Morton's birthday, April 22, for permanent observance.

 

Carol Kerr, Public Carlisle Barracks Affairs Office 

Anne Ely Personnel Service Center open at 46 Ashburn Drive

 

May 1, 2007 -- With yet another mission, Anne Ely Hall is rehab'd, refreshed, and recreated as the post's new Personnel Service Center at 46 Ashburn Drive - a one-stop center for ID Cards, military records, civilian personnel help, EO/EEO guidance and more.

    The Personnel Service Center will streamline in/out-processing and dozens of service actions for military, retired military and civilian employees. A central location and 30-minute parking spots will make access easier for employees, residents, and the Pennsylvania military community.  

   Call ahead to confirm services during the early May transition period. Phone service will transfer with the phone numbers listed here. Moving vans are scheduled to move the following offices during the first week of May.

Headed for new Anne Ely PSC location 

    The Transportation Office leads the way in moving from its 635 Wright Avenue office to fully resume operations in Anne Ely PSC no later than May 2.  Call 717-245-3172 for questions about transportation or passports.

    Army Community Services will transfer operations and be ready for clients as of May 3. A range of Soldier and Army Family programs available at Anne Ely PSC includes family advocacy, Army Emergency Relief, financial readiness, employment assistance, relocation assistance. Call 717-245-3775.  

   Civilian Personnel Services will open no later than May 4 at Anne Ely PSC. Phone 717-245-3942.

    The offices of the USAWC Human Resources Directorate for out-processing, leave forms, 'bio book' entries, and a wealth of local personnel actions for USAWC military faculty and students and Garrison military staff;  Equal Opportunity for military personnel;  and Equal Employment Opportunity for civilian employees --  will be ready for business in Anne Ely by May 4.  To phone ahead:  HRD at 717-245-4159, EO at 717-245-3661, and EEO at 717-245-3950.

    The Carlisle Barracks Directorate of Human Resources includes Military Personnel Services and the Army Substance Abuse Program.  The office of HR director Elton Manske will remain in Upton Hall; ASAP will remain at 632 Wright Avenue.  
Personnel Services Division will be fully functioning in Anne Ely by May 7 for records, awards, promotions, reassignments, personnel actions, retirement services, transition center. Phone 717-245-3889 to check schedules and location.

    ID Cards are provided by the Personnel Services Division, but the additional steps to reestablish online DEERS service is expected to delay start-up of ID card services until May 9.  Beneficiaries should call ahead to 717-245-3533 to check operations during early May, and will be referred to other Pennsylvania locations for emergency needs.

    United States Postal Service operations remain in Anne Ely Hall.

 

 

 

 

Carol Kerr, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office

Ssshhhhh . NSPS is here ... 

May 1, 2007 -- With all the fanfare of a shadow crossing a pool of light, civilian employees of the Army Garrison here passed into the National Security Personnel System on April 15.  Just as the familiarization and training occurred quietly at dozens of work stations, so too will new NSPS processes seem transparent to those who are not yet in NSPS.

    Don't let the quiet fool you.

    NSPS employees are in the thick of the important new ways of doing business, with an emphasis on employee-supervisor communication.

    Joe Manning, the deputy garrison commander, has asked those he supervises to send him bullets on a biweekly basis, to keep him up-to-date on accomplishments. His system helps the employee because keeping track of accomplishments becomes a requirement, rather than a good idea. Every employee-supervisor partnership will be working out ways to track accomplishments throughout the year.

    "We're telling everyone that they really should on a biweekly basis write down achievements to make it easier for evaluation time when they do self-assessments," said George Fritz, a key NSPS trainer here. Self-assessments initiate the evaluation process, and the next step is for supervisors to add an assessment that will confirm or strengthen - or minimize - the employee's comments. It's essential that achievements be clearly tracked by the employee, directly linked to performance objectives, and recognized by the supervisor.

What's the secret to living with NSPS?

    "The secret is to be focused on the mission," said Lynn Ramsey, the director of civilian personnel services here. "I need to be able to sit with an employee and say, 'you're a great person, but let's talk about the mission and your contributions to it," he explained. 

   As members of the Civilian Human Resources Agency, Ramsey and civilian personnelist Rhonda Newcomer have been NSPS employees for more than a year, and they admit they're still getting the hang of it.

    "We have a running dialogue, but we'll get better at this," said Ramsey, whose office is next to Newcomer's. They plan to start meeting weekly to discuss goals and accomplishments. "We'll talk about things that I can do to help her meet objectives," said Ramsey.

   "The secret to NSPS is keeping track of what you do," said Newcomer. "How else can you explain why you're a valued performer, or better?"

    It doesn't come easily to government workers to be rated in the middle, or a '3,' but under NSPS, employees who work to standard are considered a 'valued performer' with a 3 rating.  "We think of ourselves, and have been rated in the past, as 5s but in NSPS, 5s are 'role models,' and we really aren't all role models," noted Newcomer.

    On the day of this interview, Newcomer was finishing her mid-year self-assessment.  Ramsey had started the process as supervisor, prompting her to enter MyBiz online. She reviews her performance objectives, and does a self-assessment by identifying achievements relevant to each objective. She pointed to calendars and her Outlook files as examples of the systems she uses to track what she does and what she accomplishes. Her final step is to send it back to Ramsey, who adds a supervisor's assessment.

The goal? No surprises for employer or supervisor.

    Garrison employees will test the processes sometime this summer when Carlisle Barracks will run a mock pay pool. It's planned for some time after the pay pool training that George Fritz and Rhonda Newcomer will give to pay pool managers in June.

What are Pay Pools and Pay Pool Panels?

    Pay pools are groups of employees who work in an organization and share funding for performance payouts. Each employee is in only one pay pool at a time, and employees are informed about the pay pool they are in. Pay pools vary in size from approximately 50 members to over 300 members and are typically structured by organization or function. Regardless of pay pool size or configuration, under NSPS, performance is the key determinant of any salary increases or awards received, and work performance is evaluated within the context of the mission.

    Pay pool panels are groups of managers/supervisors that gather to review employee evaluations to ensure that the same standards for evaluating performance are applied, and that performance payouts are consistent with the ratings. Each pay pool has a designated pay pool manager who is responsible for managing the pay pool. The pay pool manager oversees the process of reconciling the rating and reward decisions and settles discrepancies between pay pool panel members.