Hawg Wash Newsletter - August 2008

8/4/2019 Hawg Wash Newsletter - August 2008

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HAWG WASH, 1/360th Infantry Bn. pag

Our mission preparing the 50th BCT is coming to an end, which means we will soon getsome much needed time off. I must say, your husbands have been working extremelyhard since our return to FT Bliss in June. I remember last year when we took the UnitMobilization Assistors mission, we thought how easy it was going to be. Boy were wewrong. I dont believe a single Warhawg that would volunteer to do this job again. Start-

ing with the multiple trips to New Jersey only six days after our redeployment from FTBliss to FT Carson., your Soldiers have begged, prodded, cajoled, threatened and leadthe 50th BCT Units to the point where they are trained and ready to execute their missionin Iraq. It has been a challenging task and the men of TF Warhawg have demonstrated,yet again, why the Infantry leads the way.

September is a busy month, beginning with a change of mission. On 03 SEP 08, we willconduct Battalion Crossover Training to ensure the whole Battalion is proficient in ournew missions. On October 1st, we will begin training Close Quarters Combat and UrbanOperations. We will also continue to train Short Range Marksmanship and Advanced Rifle Marksmanship (SRM/ARM). This is very exciting for us because rather than tracking which Soldiers have gone to their dental appoint-ments and other monotonous paperwork we will be teaching Infantry tasks at which our men excel. On the 3rd, wego to the range and qualify with the M16A2 and then conduct SRM/ARM. It is great whenever we get to shoot, and

should be a lot of fun.

On 05 SEP 08, we will conduct an Assumption of Command. LTC Christopher McElveen will take the BattalionColors and begin what I am sure will be an outstanding command experience. LTC McElveen is a distinguishedOfficer coming to us fresh off a tour in Iraq. While there, he served as the G3 in the 6th Iraqi Army Division MITT.His experiences in Baghdad will certainly help him while training Soldiers here at Camp McGregor. He is marriedto Mrs. Shannee McElveen of Colorado Springs, CO and their five year old son named Logan. They live here in ElPaso, TX. We look forward to welcoming them into the Battalion family and wish them good luck.

Following the Assumption of Command, we will begin a period of passes and leaves until the 21st of September.On our return, we will prepare for the assumption of the Close Quarters Combat and Urban Operations Lanes. Wewill close the month by validating CQC/UO with COL Sherman.

I have not yet mentioned the most difficult task we have to face; the permanent relocation of the Battalion to FtBliss, TX. I understand how turbulent this process will be and the hardships that many will face because of themove. I want you to know that SGM McClellan and I have worked very hard to soften the blow to our families. Wehave been successful in deleting PCS orders for several of our Soldiers who had less than a year remaining in thepresent assignment. I am also working with several others who are enrolled in the EFMP and High School Seniorstabilization programs. Unfortunately, Soldiers that have more than a year left in their current assignment will berequired to PCS. I was, however, able to convince COL Sherman to defer some PCS moves until as late as Jan09. SSG Polizzi is working with PCSing Soldiers to determine the dates they will clear Ft Carson and take PCSleave. We will get that information out as soon as we get it.

The move is a significant event and undoubtedly will result in emotional, financial and logistical problems. SGMMcClellan and I are here to help any way we can. Please feel free to call me at (915) 892-6302 or SGM McClellanat (915) 892-8393.

Finally, there is an opportunity to attend a Strong Bonds Retreat for the weekend of 19-21 SEP 08. We have threecouples going and Chaplain Maestas came by today and asked for two more. This is a great chance for us to getaway with our Spouses, stay in the Brown Palace, in Denver, for a few nights at the governments expense. If youare interested please call me as soon as possible.

Thanks for your sacrifice and wonderful support.

Commanders Corner


3/10


CAMP MacGregor.N.M. - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry, Warhawg, 5th Armored Brigade will soon bid

farewell to one of their own.

Staff Sgt. Troy Harlow, an active duty mechanized infantry-

man, has served with the Warhawgs for the past two and a

half years.

During his stay, Harlow has worked in many positions

within the Battalion to include duty as an Observer Control-

ler/Trainer on the close quarters combat lane and convoy

live fire lane, as well as the short range and advanced

range marksmanship ranges. He was also selected to be

the Master Gunner for his battalion.

In order to become a Master Gunner, Harlow was requiredto attend the three month Master Gunner School at Fort

Benning, Georgia. There he learned the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle inside and out. It was a very technical

school and it was pretty tough, Harlow said, but I had a good time.

Although serving on active duty in a battalion that combines Active, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers into one unit,

Harlow says he never saw a difference between the Soldiers worked with on a day to day basis. To me there is no dif-

ference, because when they are here [mobilized], its just like they are active, Harlow explained. They are Soldiers just

like me.

Harlows duties include taking care of all land, ammunition and training resource requirements for the units being trained

by Warhawg, as well as his duties as Master Gunner.

Being a Master Gunner you have to deal with so many different people, he said. You have to be able to fix prob-lems that do not go through normal channels.

According to Warhawg, Harlow personally came up with the concept of operations for an Advance Rifle Marksmanship

Lane at Camp McGregor. Within two months, Harlow and Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 361st Regiment

Redleg (Engineer) emplaced new berms as well as moving and stationary targets on the ARM range. The scope of his

operation allowed him to add 20 more lanes to SRM as well as a number of buildings on both lanes.

I really enjoy doing this stuff, Harlow explained. Its really easy for me to throw myself into my work.

As if his other accomplishments werent enough, Harlow also constructed three helicopter facades to provide further re-

alism for the training lanes.

Harlow will be leaving for his next duty station, Fort Hood, and although he is looking forward to being deployed over-seas soon, hell miss the Soldiers that he worked with here.

Everybody is a professional; everybody I have worked with was a good guy, he enthused.

Harlow seems to revert to prophesies as he tries to explain his love for his work and career.

If you do a job you like, you will never work another day in your life, he said. Because I love the Army, I have not

worked in the last 18 years.

WARHAWG bids farewell to one of their ownStaff Sgt. Alyn Macleod, Unit Public Affairs Representative, 1st Battalion, 360th Infantry, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West


4/10


As members of the worlds

premier fighting force, Army Soldiers sacrifice for our

country every day, and so do their loved ones. Military life places extreme

hardship on relationships, especially in wartime, so the Army backed by Congress -

has committed unprecedented resources to help Soldiers build stronger relationships

through the Strong Bonds Program.

To find out more info see your Chaplain or go to http://www.strongbonds.org/

Army Strong Bonds Program

Congratulations to the following Soldiers that are going on

the Brigade Strong Bonds weekend in Denver.

Congratulations to the following Soldiers that

were selected to go to the Conference

The Conference will provide a great opportunity to discuss recent

transitions in our Infantry formations, and how to train the force in the

Contemporary Operational Environment.

CPT John Goodwin

SFC Jeremy Berlin

CPT Brandon McWilliams

LTC Christopher McElveen

CPT John Goodwin

SFC Lonnie Grove


5/10


IMPORTANT NEWS FOR SOLDIERS

American Airlines extended several special offers that are available exclusively for active-duty members of the

U.S. military through Dec. 31, 2008. These offers include discounted airfares, relaxed advance purchase re-

quirements, and preferred boarding privileges. Active-duty members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard

Marines, Navy, National Guard and Reserves who are on leave or furlough (including those who are travelingwithin seven days of discharge from active service), and their spouse and dependent children, are eligible for

the special military fares. The fares are available for travel to domestic and various international destinations.

Learn more. http://www.military.com/news/article/aa-discount-airfares-through-2008.html

American Airlines is waiving fees for a third checked bag for active-duty service members. Fees for first andsecond checked bags have always been waived. The previous policy allowed active military personnel, travel

ing on duty, to travel with up to 190 pounds of luggage at no charge, including a 100-pound checked bag, a 50

pound checked bag, and a 40-pound carry-on bag. The new waiver policy for military personnel begins immed

ately.

New Government Travel Cards to be Mailed Beginning in August: New Government Travel Charge Cards (GTCCs

issued by Citi will be distributed in a phased approach beginning in August 2008 continuing through the end of Sep

tember 2008. Cardholders are advised to confirm their mailing addresses on file with Bank of America as new trave

cards will be mailed to that address. Cards that are sent to an incorrect address will be returned to Citi. Agency

Program Coordinators (APCs) will not have the option to forward the cards to new addresses. If cardholders do no

receive a new travel card by October 31,2008, they are instructed to notify their APC. New cards will have a new

look and a new account number.

Be sure to instruct cardholders to verify receipt of new cards immediately and not to throw away old cards

as new cards are not ready for use until November 30, 2008. Card holders should contact their activity's APC o

Bank of America Customer Service at 1-800 472-1424 to verify/update their address.

If you have any questions please contact your S-1!


6/10


Happenings around Fort Bliss

September 6th, 2008 Race time: 06:00p

For more information call 568-4508 or 568-0259

PRE RACE EVENTS (after 4:00pm)German CoffeePastries

Soft drinksSnow Cones & Ice Cream

ENTERTAINMENT

LIVE Oktoberfest Music by the "Eyachtaler Musikanten" from Germany

Miniature Golf

Games and Playground for the kids

POST RACE EVENTS (after 6:00pm)German Beer

BratwurstSodas

Coffee & PastriesSnow Cones & Ice Cream


7/10


From Brigade S-1

5th AR BDE was selected to re-station to Ft. Bliss as part of the First Army Quick Win Moves. After about oneyear of planning, at all levels, the e-date was established as 1 SEP 2008 for the AC Component HHC andthree subordinate AC BNs (WH, RL, ST). Most recently an order moving the RC Component of the HHC alsoreceived orders to relocate on 1 Sep 2008.

There have been several problems with the personnel situation and relocation of the units assigned Soldiers.We have received an EXORD from First Army that outlines the process for completing our move. Unfortu-nately, we are continuing to have discovery learning opportunities that are causing the BDE, the DIV and the1A staff to re-work the framework outline in the EXORD.

The 5th AR BDE originally about 40 Soldiers who were slated to PCS to Ft. Bliss, TX, these Soldiers wereidentified by 1A and worked. This list has been vetted by HRC and perhaps your branch manager. Most allof you on this list have had your AEA code and your loss date changed in EDAS to support a 12 month timeon station (TOS) at Ft. Bliss, TX. Your AEA code has been changed to 6 and your loss date has beenchanged to 1 SEP 2009 (if you have less than 12 mos remaining on your 36 month tenure). If you had more

than 12 mos remaining your loss date is unchanged.

As you are well aware, the subordinate units in 1A are not a priority fill for DA/HRC. 1A is currently beingfilled to 67% strength across the board. As a result of this, 1A G1 has made every effort possible to PCS Soldiers to Ft. Bliss IOT keep our unit strength at an operational level.

This is a PCS move!!!!!!!

You are entitled to all things that would authorized during any CONUS PSC move you have done in the past.You are also required to do all of the things you would normally do for a PCS move (out-process/in-processthe installations). You will receive BAH for Ft. Bliss, TX and will stop receiving TCS and Family SeparationAllowance (FSA) once you PCS to Ft. Bliss.

There are a few things you need to consider about this PCS move;

Are you going to move your family, if so whenIf you have requested an operational deletion from this PCS, you may receive a PCS order to your next as-signment within the next six months. You will most likely be PCSed to a unit with a LAD or a life-cycle unitbecause of your dwell time.

How will this move effect your career progression

What are your options for a follow-on assignment

Where can you best serve the Army and support GWOT

There are worst to be stationed then Ft. Bliss, TX

Below are a RFI and the answers as we know them

1. When can we expect to start seeing orders? Most of us that are close to the 12 month mark would obvi-ously prefer sooner than later.

5th AR BDE Re-stationing S1 Info paper for AC Soldiers


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We have seen a few sets of orders, more will come out starting on the 18th of AUG.

2. Will the move be phased and if so what is the planning factor or decision point for who will move first, sec-ond, third and so on?

All units identified on the permanent order will move at the same time. There will be more moves for otherunits in the BDE at a later time.

3. Is it too late to look for swaps?Yes.

4. This is going to be a great thing for those folks that are PCSing from other units/locations to here. They wibe home so much their wives will probably get tired of seeing them. BUT for those of us that are living thisinterim nightmare are we considering concession to support our "involuntarily PCSed" Soldiers until they PCSto a new unit?

In my discussions with my NCOs, this move will potentially force some into bankruptcy, or foreclosure. If wecan continue to house them at no expense to the Soldier, (at least through 31 Aug 09) that wouldalleviate some of their concerns.

5. How long will we have a BDE Rear-D to support our approved retirement personnel? Can we attach retir-ing personnel to BDE Rear-D, once BN Rear-D dissolves?

The BDE Rear-D will exist as long as there is a need for them. We are currently projecting AUG of 2009 forthem to stand down.

6. Have we received an OPORD to support this move? Does it give additional guidance/instructions?

We have received an EXORD from 1A. It is a difficult document to execute

7. How long will the Fighter Management Policy remain in effect?

8. Will we have to go through a LEVY brief and the works when we PCS?

Yes, you will have to have a LEVY brief and clear Ft. Carson

12. Are we PCSing as a unit or an individual, and does that mean anything?

You will receive individual PSC orders to Ft. Bliss. They are separate from the unit orders

13. JPSO cannot move folks immediately so how much advance notice (orders issue) are we going to receiveprior to attempting to move our families down?

JPSO needs about two weeks notice to schedule HHG pick-up

14. Are we expecting the PCS move to be complete before the next surge?

Yes, we need to have them completed by 5 JAN 2009.

5th AR BDE Re-stationing S1 Info paper for AC Soldiers

From Brigade S-1


9/10


Team Bliss lost two Soldiers on a motorcycle last night. So far this year, Team Bliss has had4 fatal motorcycle accidents, and 16 non-fatal motorcycle accidents. These two Soldierswere riding another Soldiers motorcycle north on Alabama Street and lost control on a curve

and struck the median. Both Soldiers were thrown from the bike. One Soldier was pro-nounced dead at the scene, and the other was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.Its unknown at this point if alcohol was involved, but police determined that speed was a factor. One Soldier was wearing a helmet, but neither were wearing the personal protectiveequipment (PPE) mandatory for service members.

The loss of our Soldiers is always a tragedy, especially when the deaths may have been pre-ventable. We must do everything possible to safeguard against these needless deaths. AllSoldiers who operate a motorcycle and all civilians who operate a motorcycle on post mustcomplete the Motorcycle Defensive Driving Course offered through the Safety Office. To aug

ment the program, the Safety Office has recently secured motorcycle simulators to help trainriders.

Additionally, unit motorcycle mentors should teach less experienced riders about safe driv-ing techniques and the proper wear of PPE. In accordance with Army Regulations, when rid-ing a motorcycle on or off post, Soldiers must wear PPE. Civilians must wear PPE on postand when driving off-post in an official capacity. Recent Inspector General inspections andpolice blotter trends have revealed many motorcycle operators are not being thoroughly educated on the proper wear of PPE. Approved PPE includes: shatter-resistant eye protection oa full-face shield; full-fingered gloves; full-length trousers; long sleeve shirt or jacket; leather

boots or shoes no less than ankle height (not tennis shoes); a Department of Transportation-approved helmet fastened under the chin and a reflective vest.

Riders should observe the speed limit and drive defensively, especially in adverse weather.

First line leaders should conduct POV and motorcycle safety checks, especially before holi-

day weekends, and ensure Soldiers have a valid drivers license, insurance and PPE. It is the

duty of all leaders to actively ensure safety regulations are being followed, and it is the duty

of all Soldiers to watch out for their battle buddies, and encourage them to keep safety a pri-

ority.

HOWARD B. BROMBERG

Major General, USA

Commanding

Motorcycle Fatalities


10/10

HAWG WASH, 1/360th Infantry Bn. page

Fort Carson Soldiers and Families

There will be a Town Hall meeting for 5THAR BRIGADE, DIVISION WEST. (at Fort Carson)WHEN: Tuesday, 16 September 2008

TIME: 1830-2000 (6:30-8:00 pm)WHERE: New Family Readiness Center (FRC), Bldg 6237,

Room 104 (Main Meeting Hall)Please RSVP to MAJ Montour, William [email protected], or

719-526-0188/719-330-8813

TheHAWG WASHis an authorized unofficial Army newspaper published monthly under provisions of AR 360-1 . Views and

opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. Contributions from readers are solicited, but pub

cation depends on judgment of the editor. No payment will be made for contributions. Submissions made by the 10th of the

month will be added to the next issue. Any questions or comments email [email protected]

Published by the 1/360th Infantry

Please send all submissions and UPAR support

requests to:

[email protected]

Commander

MAJ. Mathew Beckstead

Sergeant Major

SGM Henry McClellan

UPAR/Multimedia Specialist

SSG Alyn Macleod

Documents

Hawg Wash Newsletter - August 2008