Upload
bd-six
View
255
Download
3
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
US Army BN FRG Newsletter
Citation preview
BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words
OCTOBER 4, 2012 VOLUME 9
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
BN CSM 3
Chaplain’s Corner 4
HHB Hardcore 5
ALPHA Apaches 6
BRAVO Bulldogs 7-8
GOLF Ghost riders 9
Event Fliers 10-15
Current Events 16-18
Inside this issue:
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
BLACK DRAGON Soldiers, Families, and Friends : I would like to start my note to you all this month, by saying that
today the Department of Defense officially announced the 4th Bri-
gade, 1st Cavalry Division was going to deploy to Afghanistan in
the winter of 2012 (official release posted here: http://
www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15598). We
have all been talking about the deployment for the last 4-5
months, and in fact have spent the majority of our summer train-
ing for our possible deployment, so now that it is here it is time
that we make our final preparations. As a command team we re-
alize that deployments not only involve the Soldier but their fam-
ily (and extended family) as well. That is why we have commit-
ted to having involved families and empowered Family Readi-
ness Groups ever since I had the privilege of taking command.
Over the last several months we had several events focused on
informing our families so they can be better prepared for the up-
coming deployment, but we realize this is an ongoing process
and will continue to host events that involve and inform our fami-
lies throughout the deployment.
There are lots of ways that we will put out information to our fami-
lies, for announcements and updates on how the battalion is do-
ing we will continue to leverage our Social Media platforms (both
our Facebook pages and Twitter). For specific questions, con-
cerns, or help your Battery/Company Family Readiness Groups,
Group Leaders, and our FSRA Ms. Sheryl Banner are ready to
assist you. We will continue to publish their contact information
to your Soldier and through Social Media sites. We all under-
stand that deployments can be difficult times with the separation
as well as concern for your loved one; however as long as we
remain united, like the family we have become we will become
stronger during this deployment.
I have just returned from a two week reconnaissance trip to Af-
ghanistan; where I had the opportunity to visit with and receive
briefings from the Division all the way to the platoon level. After
hearing their briefings, observing their mission, and seeing the
terrain I am extremely confident in the ability of our Soldiers to
excel at the mission that is required of them. They are well
trained, they are well lead, and they are the best and the bright-
est of our nation they will be able to do whatever is asked and
then some more, they have our utmost confidence.
Part of the preparation for deployment is the re-alignment of the
battalion with some of our Soldiers becoming part of other bri-
gades here at Fort Hood. Right now we are taking less than 200
Soldiers from the 440 Soldiers that are currently assigned. To
make sure the remainder of our Soldiers is taken care of some
Soldiers will leave the battalion to join other units in the Division.
Golf Company along with some remaining elements of HHB and
Alpha will remain in 4th Brigade to support our Soldiers forward
and the equipment we have left behind. Bravo Battery will move
as a unit and be temporarily assigned to 1st Brigade (1-82 FA) so
that they can continue their Artillery Training. It is understand-
able that with all of these moving parts along with the deploy-
ment that some folks may become confused or frustrated, that’s
okay. If you have concerns or are confused please don’t hesitate
to bring those concerns forward to your unit leadership, and we
will do our best to answer your questions.
I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming 4-day Colum-
bus week-end or Block Leave period, everyone has
definitely earned some well-deserved time off.
Please take care of yourself during the holiday pe-
riod and we look forward to your safe return. Once
we come back from Block Leave (October 21) we will
shortly begin our movement into Afghanistan and
our unit re-alignment, please stay connect to your
battery/company leadership, Family Readiness
Group, and our Facebook page(s) for information
and updates.
As always, thank you for supporting your Soldier.
The Command Team of 5-82FA realizes that the Bat-
talion could not be as successful without your sup-
port and understand. Stay in touch with your FRGs
and follow us on our Social Media sites to keep up
with the latest information and opportunities.
Will and Jessy Johnson
FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/
groups/582black.dragons/
Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/
pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-
Black-Dragons/288593261191191
Twitter Account: @5th82fa
Pictures from BN Commander
OCTOBER 4, 2012 VOLUME 9
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
View of the rugged terrain of the Kapisa
Province in Afghanistan.
A M777 gun position in Laghman Province at
one of our outposts.
Air Assault Training at Fort Hood. Great
Job to Alpha Battery as the work with the
Aviation Brigade at Fort Hood to practice
moving the M777 Howitzer by Air.
BLACK
DRAGONS BULLETIN
BN CSM Words
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
Page 3
Black Dragons, Families and friends; I continue to witness excellence among the Black Dragon formation
every day and I’m amazed of the things that you all accomplish day after day. As Soldiers, I ask you to re-
main mission focused and ready to meet the demands of the deployment and look out for each other in
everything that we do.
I am reminded of a quote from James H. Webb who was a former Marine and Secretary of State
(1987-1988) who stated, “I go anywhere in the world they tell me to go, any time they tell me to, to fight any-
body they want me to fight. I move my family anywhere they tell me to move, on a day’s notice, and live in
whatever quarters they assign me. I work whenever they tell me to work….And I like it.” What James H.
Webb described is what you are doing as a Soldier and a Black Dragon every day. Living and breathing
the Warrior Ethos. As you know, the Warrior Ethos has not changed. It is part of the Soldier’s Creed that
we know so well. It starts with the understanding that you are an American Soldier and a member of an
elite team that took an oath to serve the people of the United States and to live the Army Values. As a
Knight Warrior, you always place the mission first; you never accept defeat; you never quit; and you
never leave a fallen comrade. You are disciplined physically, mentally tough, trained and proficient in
Warrior Tasks and drills. You always maintain your arms, your equipment and yourself. You are an expert
and a professional. You are ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States and in
close combat. You are guardians of freedom and the American way of life and you are American Soldiers.
Again this could not be possible without the support of our Families and friends. Thank you all so
much for all the support as we move forward through the deployment. I’m very proud of each and every
one of you for maintaining a positive attitude leading up to this stressful time for all of us. I ask that you all
continue to maintain during this deployment. Although it can be hard being away from home and family
and friends, you must maintain your positive attitude. This will prove essential as we continue through this
deployment. Remember, we are BLACK DRAGONS!
Lastly, it is an honor and a privilege to serve with such a great team. Thanks to all of you for your sacrifice
to our country.
Can and Will!
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
Chaplain's Corner—FRG Newsletter – 30 September 2012
“Before You Get Married” – Part 4 of 4 (Surviving the In-Laws)
We end the series, “The BIG FOUR of a Successful Marriage,” with the final area you must discuss before
marriage – How to get along with the “In-Laws.”
"As a son-in-law or daughter-in-law, what are my obligations in relating to my spouse's parents?" How do
you view your in-laws? Is it a warm relationship or do you see your in-laws as a burden? Perhaps you feel
caught between trying to please them and just wanting to be yourself and have your own "space."
For some the response to the in-laws is to ignore them. The problem is that they're not just anyone.
They're connected to your spouse through genetics, history, and complex psychological dynamics. If you
avoid or argue, your spouse may feel caught in the middle between parents and you. If you feel your in-
laws are intruding into your married life, the old saying, "Good fences make good neighbors," may apply.
In concert with your mate, set reasonable boundaries; ask that he or she firmly and kindly insist that your
in-laws respect these limits.
What are those limits? Here are three things that "honoring" your in-laws does not mean:
It doesn't require that you submerge all your own feelings, desires, preferences, and needs in the service of "doing things their way."
It doesn't mean you must permit them to disrespect, control, or manipulate you for their own selfish ends.
It doesn't mean "obeying" their "parental" requests or requirements.
Sometimes the most honoring response is to diplomatically but firmly say, "No." It is important that both
you and your spouse stand together in your approach to the parents. In-law conflicts grow more compli-
cated when a spouse seems to side with the parents and against his or her mate.
This isn't so much an in-law problem as a marital one. If a spouse remains too dependent upon his or her
parents, or is blaming the in-laws for a disagreement between the couple, the result may be a deeper
problem developing in your own marital relationship. If you've become engaged in a quiet (or not so
quiet) war with your in-laws—or your spouse—about these issues, don't let it erode your marriage. Seek
out a marriage counselor.
Adapted from Focus on the Family's Complete Guide to the First Five Years of Marriage, published by Tyn-
dale. Copyright © 2006
CH (CPT) Robert D. Patterson
Battalion Chaplain
5-82 FA, 4BCT, 1st Cavalry Division
(254) 287-9574
Page 3
Page 5
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
HHB NewsletterWritten By: CPT Scott Hastings Volume 9
FRG Newsletter for HHB, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
September has been a challenging month for the HARDCORE Battery. There were many competing demands placed on the Soldiers of this Battery, and as always your HARDCORE Soldiers found a way to accomplish everything that was asked of them. We had Soldiers going to Ranges, going through RFI to receive the new uniforms and gear they will be taking to Afghanistan, pushing through the SRP stations to verify that they are medically cleared to deploy and conducting the mandatory training that is part of the pre-deployment requirements that we all must complete. There were also the task of inventorying the equipment that is staying here and ensuring that it is assigned to Soldiers that can be accountable for it and ensure that it gets serviced as needed.
To the right you will see a few photos from some of the many ranges that we have done this month to include M4 Day and Night Qualification (Top Right), Hand Grenade Range, Crew Serve Weapons Range for the .50 cal and the M240B (Bottom Right) and the 9mm Range. We execute these ranges in order to verify that all Soldiers are properly trained and prepared to operate any weapon system at any time and under any conditions.
On top of everything else that we did this Month, we took the time to address a serious issue that is facing the Army at this Time. HHB conducted multiple training events as part of the III Corps Suicide Prevention Stand Down Day. This training was well received by the Soldiers of HHB as many of the events involved an open dialogue between the me and the Soldiers of the Battery as we discussed thing such as warning signs and how they can help by bringing these issues to the attention of someone in order to get the Soldiers the help that they are needing.
As always I would just like to express my thanks to the Soldiers and Family Members of HHB for all that you do. It has truly been a fantastic experience for me to be the Battery Commander for such a Great group of Soldiers and I continue to be amazed at the level of work and participation that we have from everyone in the organization!!
HARDCORE 6
HHB Soldiers getting ready for the M4 Night Fire Qualification
HHB Soldiers preparing to engage targets with the M240B
Page 6
VO BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
The Apaches spent the month of September
completing pre-deployment training and
requirements to complete their training for the
upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
The month began with NCOs from Alpha Battery
signing for two M777A2s and their LMTV prime
movers from 3CR. Shortly after they signed for the
equipment, NCOs and Soldiers from the battery
completed the ASPT and Gunner’s Test to sustain
their skills.
While the 13Bs conducted their training, 13Ds from
throughout the battery received training on the
Centaur Lightweight Technical Fire Direction
System. The Centaur is a handheld, automated
technical fire direction system that serves as a
backup to the AFATDS or manual gunnery for
technical fire direction.
To culminate their training, Apache Battery
conducted one final live fire exercise where they
certified seven new section chiefs and fired over
100 rounds of HE, Smoke, and Illumination!
Apache Battery also utilized the M777A2 howitzer
to gain valuable air assault and sling load training
conducted by instructors from the III Corps Air
Assault School.
September was not spent only conducting artillery
training. Every Apache Soldier conducted day and
night qualification on their M4 and in addition,
received training on hand grenades, the M320,
M249, and M2A1. All Soldiers also completed
Counter-IED training. When Soldiers weren’t
conducting training, they were busy conducting
SRP operations and drawing their RFI.
Once again Apache Battery proved that they are
able to accomplish any task above standard!
GREAT JOB APACHES!
Apache NewsletterWritten By: CPT Martin Piecuch Volume 9
FRG Newsletter for Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Apache Battery certified seven new section chiefs and fired over
100 rounds safely during their M777A2 sustainment LFX!
Apache Battery was loaned two M777A2 Howitzers from the Fires
Battalion of 3CR!
Apache Battery received outstanding air assault training from
instructors from the III Corps Air Assault School.
Upcoming Events-Oct 3rd :Family Day BLORA
-Oct 5th-21st : Block Leave
-Late Oct/Early Nov: ADVON and Main Body Flights
*All dates are tentative and subject to change
Page 7
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
Bulldog Newsletter
Family and friends of the Bulldog
Battery, the month of September has been
focused towards supporting the deploying
units within 5-82 FA. In addition, to
conducting recovery from JRTC 12-09.
Bravo Battery recovery involved a 100%
inventory of each piece equipment on the
hand receipt. The primary purpose of
this inventory is to ensure each piece of
equipment was redeployed from JRTC 12-
09 to standard without any damaged or
lost of equipment.
On 10 September 2012, Bravo Battery
provided range support to execute the
Counter IED Training. The training
consisted of classroom instruction as well
as a walk through exercise. The
classroom portion of training consisted of
several different types of IEDs being
constructed, detonated and ways Soldiers
can identify IEDs and prevent incidents
from occurring. The walk through exercise
gave Soldiers an opportunity to identify
IEDs and go through the 5 Cs.
Bravo Battery has been extremely busy
providing range support in order to train
Alpha Battery and Headquarter Battery on
individual small arms core competencies
on several different weapon systems.
Bravo Battery conducted the M4 Day/Night
qualification on 17-19 September 2012 at
Black Gap Rifle Charlie and Black Gap
Rifle Bravo. In addition, to conducting a
M320 range on 20 September 2012.
Written By: CPT Troy Merkel Volume 9
FRG Newsletter for B BTRY, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Soldiers identifying IEDs
M4 Qualification
Page 8
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
Unit: B/5-82 Field Artillery Dates Executed: 02OCT12 Activity: Pie in the Face Location: Fort Hood, TX
Pie-in-the-face Fundraiser
Page 9
BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
The Ghost Riders have been
very busy this month help-
ing to run ranges to helping
the battalion move forward
in preparation for their up-
coming mission. We were
charged with the responsi-
bility to manage the CROW
MTT training where Soldiers
from various units learned
how to operate the elec-
tronic controlled firing plat-
forms. We were also tasked
to operate the M67 Grenade
and .50cal/7.62mm machine
gun ranges. I would run out
of space if I mentioned all
our activities. More of our
Ghost Riders will now pre-
pare to move forward and
help the battalion in its mis-
sion. We will continue to
assist our Black Dragon Sol-
diers and set the conditions
for success here at home. I
look forward to seeing all of
you at the Organizational
Day on 03OCT 2012 at 1600.
Ghostrider 6
Maintenance Golf Maintenance com-
pleted 23 services. PLL sec-
tion opened and closed 180
work orders to conduct
weapons maintenance. Pla-
toon sets the standard on
100% Class IX recon rate.
Maintenance submitted the
Army Material Status Re-
port (AMSS) without error,
indicating a 97% Battalion
operational readiness rate
for month of September.
Distro Dawgs continue to
sustain the war-fighters by
supporting numerous ranges
for the month of September.
Their efforts assisted the M4,
M320, M67, M240, and M2
ranges to aid in maintaining
the Black Dragon high
weapon proficiency rate.
BLack dragons bulletin
OCTOBER 4, 2012
GOLF FSC, 5-82 FA
Training Events:
Ghostriders conducted
MTT Crows, Hand
Grenade, M240/M2
Ranges
Ghostriders provide
support to Black Drag-
ons on pre-deployment
tasks
Distribution Headquarters Headquarters Platoon re-
mains diligent behind the
scenes they persistently
provide Class I support to
our Black Dragons during
field exercises. Supply has
conducted various lateral
transfers to ensure not only
the company, but battalion
is prepared with the appro-
priate equipment for de-
ployment.
Hello, Ghost Riders and Fam-
ily members. As you all know
the Battalion is about to de-
ploy to Afghanistan and go on
Block Leave . The Ghost
Rider chain of command has
been trusted to maintain the
High Standards and Disci-
pline back here on Rear De-
tachment until they return
back home. We are looking
for volunteers to help assist us
with the Family Readiness
Group back here, so, we can
better facilitate information
with our Black Dragon fami-
lies. The Soldiers continue to
amaze me by executing sev-
eral missions at once with
little notification at times. As
we prepare for Rear-D opera-
tions, we are looking at hav-
ing activities for unit and fam-
ily morale. October will be
even busier than September
but there is no doubt in my
mind that the Ghost Riders
will continue to make it hap-
pen. Happy Birthday to eve-
ryone born in September.
Special points of interest:
Ghostrider 6’S Corner
Ghostrider 9’s Corner
Pre-Deployment Prepara-
tion
Training Calendar Events
for September and Octo-
ber 2012
Company Photo’s
Ghostrider 9
VOLUME 7
Page 10
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
Everyone is welcomed to come!
Deployment personnel are required!
Page 11
BLABLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
Page 12
BLABLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
Page 13
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
Page 14
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
Page 15
BLABLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN
Page 16
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
Page 17
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN
Page 18
BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN