Becoming a paratrooper at Airborne School

Becoming a paratrooper at Airborne School is a unique experience requiring special dedication and a desire to be challenged mentally and physically. This three-week course, also known as Basic Airborne Course, teaches Soldiers the techniques involved in parachuting from airplanes and landing safely. The final test includes a non-assisted jump.
The purpose of the BAC is to qualify the volunteer in the use of the parachute as a means of combat deployment and to develop leadership, self-confidence, and an aggressive spirit through mental and physical conditioning.
Airborne Soldiers have a long and distinguished tradition of being an elite body of fighting men and women–people who have always set the example for determination and courage. When you volunteer for this training, you accept the challenge of continuing this tradition. The Airborne Soldiers of the past set high standards–it is now up to you to maintain them!

 http://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/being-a-soldier/ongoing-training/specialized-schools/airborne-school.html

Welcome to the Home of America's Guard of Honor

The 82nd Airborne Division is an active airborne infantry division of the United States Army specializing in parachute landing operations.

Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 82nd Airborne Division is the primary fighting arm of the XVIII Airborne Corps.  The 82nd Division was constituted in the National Army on 5 August 1917, and was organized on 25 August 1917, at Camp Gordon, Georgia. Since its initial members came from all 48 states, the unit acquired the nickname "All-American", which is the basis for its famed “AA” shoulder patch.  http://www.bragg.army.mil/82nd/Pages/default.aspx

82nd Airborne helps commemorate 70th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Sept. 29, 2014) -- This year, as we honor the 70th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden, we remember the sacrifices Soldiers and paratroopers made all those years ago.

As part of the commemoration, units from the 82nd Airborne Division participated in ceremonies and events scheduled throughout different locations in Europe.

The ceremonies honored history and to paid tribute to those who took part in the operation, in September 1944.

Units from multiple countries took part in the commemoration. They included: the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, France, Belgium and Italy.

They joined more than 250 U.S. Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, the 173rd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, as well as Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron, for this occasion.

Col. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, said the actions taken by all allies during the operation still resonate today.

"We remain indebted to the veterans whose service demonstrated the selfless actions of the 'greatest generation,' who not only served to protect and defend our nation, but were part of a global force to defend peace and strengthen our ties with an emerging alliance," said Bredenkamp.

During the original operation 70 years ago, more than 20,000 paratroopers performed combat jump operations into Holland, and nearly 15,000 additional paratroopers were delivered by gliders, with their equipment.

The hardships of Operation Market Garden began even before the airborne operations were under way.

Veterans of the operation shared some their memories of preparing for the day they jumped into Holland.

Retired Maj. Roy Hanna, a veteran of Operation Market Garden, says that paratroopers of his time were required to train at a higher level than others.

"Our training was a lot more rigorous than that of the average Soldier," said Hanna. "Everybody [who joined the Army] went to basic training, but as paratroopers our, training was specialized."

"All I could remember was running all the time," said Retired Maj. Moffat Burris, another veteran of Operation Market Garden. "They (unit leaders) constantly told us we were the best, and we believed when we left [the U.S.] to go overseas that we were the best."

Both veterans reflected on their memories of the operation, and shared their experiences.

This year's commemoration will feature events including airborne operations, an air assault demonstration, re-enactments, and various ceremonies with color guards and choruses from several different countries.

After the Operation Market Garden commemoration events finished, 1st Brigade Combat Team paratroopers participated in training exercise Noble Justification/Noble Ledger, a multinational training exercise in Norway, with participants from six countries: the U.S., Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium.

"The objective of this particular exercise is to increase multinational interoperability with our international partners," said Bredenkamp. "By conducting training events such as this, we are able to address our interoperability challenges now, so that when the time comes, we are fully ready to deploy and operate together immediately."

 http://www.army.mil/article/134595/82nd_Airborne_helps_commemorate_70th_Anniversary_of_Operation_Market_Garden/

 By Staff Sgt. Javier O. Orona

Army Criminal Investigations Special Agent Visit Washington High

An Army Criminal Investigations Special Agent will visit Washington High School this week. Students will learn about a CID career, training, leadership, promotions, and life after the Army. For more information visit the Legends Center on Facebook.

Criminal Investigations Special Agent (31D)

Criminal investigations special agents are primarily responsible for investigating any criminal allegations/offenses related to the Army. They handle felony-level crimes that involve Army property and Army personnel.

Job Duties

• Investigate criminal activities such as espionage, treason and terrorism
  
• Interview witnesses and question suspects
  
• Collect/analyze criminal intelligence and provide forensic laboratory support
  
• Maintain Army criminal records

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for a criminal investigations special agent requires completing 15 weeks of a resident course, which is designed to train criminal investigation duties in field units for the Army.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Civil and military laws
  
• Investigation procedures and techniques
  
• Crime scene processing
  
• Testimonial evidence

Helpful Skills

• Interest in law enforcement
  
• Willingness to perform potentially dangerous work
  
• Ability to make quick decisions
  
• Remain calm under heavy duress

 http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/legal-and-law-enforcement/criminal-investigations-special-agent.html

Operation Rising Star to salute 'Soldier for Life' All-Stars

SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 23, 2014) -- Army Entertainment announced it will celebrate the 10th season of Operation Rising Star with a "Soldier for Life" theme during finals week, scheduled for early December at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre here.

The 2014 Operation Rising Star presented by PenFed, will feature five former winners and a finalist mentoring the 2014 finalists in an All-Star edition of the military singing contest.

"For Operation Rising Star, the past 10 years has been a great opportunity to highlight Soldiers and their family members in a way that no other Army program does," Army Entertainment producer/program manager Tim Higdon said. "They get to do something that they love to do, something they are passionate about, and something each of them in their own way wants to continue to pursue even beyond their service to our country.

"This is a great opportunity for us to show the world and tell the world our story and what the last 10 years has meant to not only Army Entertainment as a program but to each of those participants, regardless of what level they participated."

U.S. Department of Defense identification cardholders and their dependents 18-and-older, can compete in local competitions through the end of October. Because the time for local competitions is short, two "wild card" active-duty Service members will be selected from video submissions to compete in the finals, as well.

A panel of judges will select the wild-card winners and one garrison winner from each of the four regions -- Europe, Atlantic, Central and Pacific. The finalists will be announced Nov. 12 on OpRisingStar.com.

Preliminary rounds are already underway at some garrisons. Twenty contestants sang on opening night at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Fort Hood, Texas, also is in the mix, along with Presidio of Monterey, California, and locations in Europe and South Korea.

Finals week is scheduled for Dec. 6-12, at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre, home of Army Entertainment. Shows are recorded with a live audience Dec. 6, 8, 10 and 12. They can be viewed at www.OpRisingStar.com, on Dec. 7, 9 and 11, beginning at 9 a.m. (CT), each day. Viewers will have 24 hours to vote for their favorite performers after each round. The winner will be revealed Dec. 13, at www.OpRisingStar.com, where the contest rules also are posted.

The All-Stars returning to mentor this year's finalists are Operation Rising Star winners Army National Guard Sgt. Vicki Golding (2006), Army veteran and DOD civilian Joyce Dodson (2008), Army veteran/wife/DOD civilian Melissa Gomez (2010), Georgia Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Constance Mack (2012), and Sgt. Christiana Ball (2013), along with 2005 runner-up Retired Staff Sergeant Ron Henry. They will mentor and perform alongside the 2014 finalists, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

"We will get to see not only this year's contestants compete, but this gives us a chance to tell the story of some of our previous winners -- what they accomplished and have experienced since winning Operation Rising Star -- so we have an opportunity to tell our stories as it relates to 'Soldier for Life,'" Higdon said. "We're going to tell their stories, [and] play some of their songs and videos.

"It's just a great marriage of telling that "Soldier for Life" story, and what it means to wear the uniform, and to support those who wear the uniform and how experiences like this prepare them for life after the military."

The 2014 Operation Rising Star All-Stars have continued their relationships with military music and military life.

Golding has been heavily involved with developing Army Entertainment alumni, particularly with the Center for American Military Music Opportunities, and has assisted with several Army Entertainment events. She also sang the national anthem at numerous professional sports events.

Gomez is a lead vocalist for the American Military Spouses Choir that advanced to the "America's Got Talent" semifinals, in 2013.

Ball, who represented Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, performed in May with Lee Brice on the nationally televised Academy of Country Music's All-Star Salute to the Troops, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Spc. Kelly Gregg, a performer in the 2012 U.S. Army Soldier Show, also performed at that event with Lady Antebellum.

Operation Rising Star helped open entertainment doors for these Soldier-performers, but not without the help of Army Entertainment alums, such as Victor Hurtado and Joey Beebe, who will return to work with their protégées. GeNienne Samuels will host Operation Rising Star for the seventh time.

Longtime Operation Rising Star judges vocal coach Debra Byrd, country music recording artist Michael Peterson, and retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Jack Tilley will return as judges for finals week.

"At the end of the day, Sergeant Major of the Army Jack Tilley, Debra Byrd and Michael Peterson have dedicated 10 years of their lives to this program," Higdon said. "They have been mentoring and helping shape and mold these Soldiers and family members who come through here -- giving them that feedback and experience so they can do that beyond. They are very much a part of that "Soldier for Life" story, so it gives us a chance to recognize that, too."

Pentagon Federal Credit Union, the American Freedom Foundation and Kaplan University are sponsors of the 2014 Operation Rising Star program.

 http://www.army.mil/article/134453/Operation_Rising_Star_to_salute__Soldier_for_Life__All_Stars/

 By Tim Hipps, U.S. Army Installation Management Command

Soldiers train to operate in confined spaces

ELMA, Washington (Sept. 26, 2014) -- Soldiers from the 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives), trained to operate in confined spaces at the Satsop Nuclear Power Plant here.

The 110th Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort) practiced rappelling into and training in confined spaces at the unfinished nuclear power plant southeast of Olympia, Washington.

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington-based 110th Chemical Battalion is part of the Fort Hood, Texas-based 48th Chemical Brigade, and the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland-based 20th CBRNE Command.

Stationed on 19 posts in 16 states, the 20th CBRNE Command trains and operates around the world with joint, interagency and allied partners to counter weapons of mass destruction, eliminate CBRNE threats, and defeat IEDs.

Maj. Jonathan M. Larmore, the executive officer of the 110th Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort), said the confined-spaces training is required for CBRN technical escort units.

"The technical escort companies have assigned confined-space master trainers that provide training as required throughout the unit, and CBRNE Response Teams are evaluated in confined-space operations during team certification exercises," said Larmore, a native of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

The semi-annual training was held at the unfinished nuclear power plant, according to Larmore, because the large facility has open, urban and underground terrain features.

"The size and scope of the facility enables the unit to develop challenging training scenarios for our Soldiers, in a realistic environment," said Larmore.

 http://www.army.mil/article/134366/Soldiers_train_to_operate_in_confined_spaces/

 By Walter T. Ham IV, 20th CBRNE Command Public Affairs

 

Visit The Grandview Recruiting Center

Lt. Col.  Somers and Command Sgt. Maj. Mezzaline visit with Soldiers and an Army applicant at the Grandview Recruiting Center.

399Th Army Rock Band Perform with the Waynesville High School Band

This Friday the 399^Th Army Rock Band will perform with the Waynesville High School Band to kick- off  the  football game. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month

The U.S. Army recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans. America’s diversity is a source of strength, and Hispanic Americans have not hesitated to defend and show their allegiance to this nation in many ways, but especially through their military service.
Originally a week-long celebration approved by President Johnson, National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15– October 15) was enacted into law in 1988. The celebration heightens our attention to diversity and the many contributions Hispanics have made to enrich the United States.
The observance commences on September 15 to coincide with the day several Latin American countries celebrate their Independence Day. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua celebrate their Independence Day on September 15, Mexico on September 16 (not on May 5 or “Cinco de Mayo”), and Chile on September 18. Columbus Day, “Día de la Raza”, is also celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month.
For years, the Army has forged relationships with Hispanic associations, and will continue to support and sponsor professional development forums. Through these relationships, the Army further increases awareness among key Hispanic audiences of the educational and career opportunities available in the Army.

 http://www.army.mil/hispanicamericans/english/about/about.html

Army Ten-Miler shadow run held on Kandahar Airfield

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 24, 2014) -- More than 700 coalition Service members showed up before the sun rose on Kandahar Airfield here, Friday, to run a shadow run for the 30th annual Army Ten-Miler.

The run served a dose of healthy competition while promoting esprit de corps. For many, it provided a goal to strive for over several months and a link to tie those who ran to their families and communities.

"For me, this serves as kind of a connection back home. Running is something I use in my life that ties me to my community and family. My family likes to exercise, so it always makes me think of them and folks back home," said Maj. Christopher Hallows, a native of New York, who serves as an operations officer for 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Sgt. 1st Class Steven Church, a native of Ogden, Utah, who serves as the Morale, Welfare and Recreation director for Kandahar Airfield with the 209th Digital Liaison Detachment, 7th Civil Support Command, said it's important to give people serving in Afghanistan the opportunity to participate in events like the run to give them a taste of home.

"It gives them a goal and, any time you have a goal, it gives you a purpose," he said. "It makes time go by faster and it makes you feel better about yourself."

The shadow run on Kandahar Airfield is one of nearly a dozen runs scheduled to kick off before the actual Army Ten-Miler, which will take place in Washington, D.C., Oct. 12. Before the run began, Col. Steve Gilland, who serves as the chief of staff of Combined Joint Task Force-1, Regional Command-South, gave a short history of the Ten-Miler.

"The Army Ten-Miler was first started in 1985, and was originally just a fitness event. It has since evolved into the second largest 10-mile run in the United States," Gilland said. "Over the past 13 years, these shadow runs have been conducted to commemorate the Army Ten-Miler. This will be the 30th annual run since it started, but only 29 have actually been done, as there was one cancelled due to the 9/11 events in 2001."

To make the run feel more like the actual Ten-Miler, pictures of memorial sites from Washington were placed throughout the course.

"This being a shadow run, we tried to emulate actually running in Washington, D.C.," Church said. "So we have all of the monuments around D.C. at the exact same mile marker, as if you were running it there."

Aside from the good camaraderie the run provided, the run also provided a way for Service members to momentarily get away from a heavy workload.

"Missions that Soldiers are doing on a daily basis can be very stressful," Hallows said, "and this allows them to get away from the daily grind, to compete, and to escape for a moment."

Once the race was complete, an awards ceremony was has held at the boardwalk area where trophies and prizes were given to the top three male and female runners.

 http://www.army.mil/article/134341/Army_Ten_Miler_shadow_run_held_on_Kandahar_Airfield/

 By Staff Sgt. Whitney Houston

Army Recruiters Supporting Tony Schumacher at Gateway Motorsports

This weekend at Gateway Motorsports Park Army Recruiters from the St. Louis Army Recruiting Company will support the Army Skills in Action Zone and the Army luncheon with Tony Schumacher. Visit the Army Skills in Action Zone to take the Army Strong chin-up challenge, fly in a simulated helicopter, and see Tony Schumacher race the Sarge.

http://www.goarmy.com/army-racing/nhra-top-fuel.html

Kansas State University Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps

The KSU Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program provides leadership training for students at Kansas State University and helps train officers for the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and U.S. Army National Guard. Army ROTC enhances a Student's education and provides unique educational opportunities by combining leadership and management theory with actual hands-on experience. Army ROTC helps the student to develop self-discipline, physical stamina, and poise-the qualities basic to success in any career.

 http://armyrotc.k-state.edu/index.htm

Manhattan Army Career Center Attend Kansas State University Career Fair

This week the recruiters from the Manhattan Army Career Center will be at the Kansas State Career Fair. Visit with Army Reserve Soldiers to learn about Army training, education, adventure, money, service, and travel opportunities.  For career fair information contact Sgt. 1^st Class Allen at 785-776-8551 or search on Facebook.