Brooke Army Medical Center performs first robot-aided pediatric surgery

A 2-year-old boy has a shot at a better quality of life, thanks to a robot and a few skilled surgeons.

Doctors here performed surgery on Jose Collado Jr., son of Maj. Jose Collado and his wife Alma, last month to remove a large cystic mass from behind his bladder. The procedure marks Brooke Army Medical Center's, or BAMC's, first robot-assisted pediatric surgery.

"The surgery was very successful," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Thomas Novak, BAMC's chief of pediatric urology. "We were incredibly pleased at the outcome and at the impact we made on Jose's future quality of life."

The Collados first brought their infant son to Brooke Army Medical Center two years ago, hoping to pave a better future for Jose.

Jose had been diagnosed shortly after birth with Polymicrogyria, a rare malformation of the human brain that can cause problems with eyesight, seizures and developmental and motor delays. Along with these issues, which include legal blindness, Jose also had a cystic mass behind his bladder.

 http://www.army.mil/article/152253/Brooke_Army_Medical_Center_performs_first_robot_aided_pediatric_surgery/

The Buddy Team Enlistment Option

The Buddy Team Enlistment Option, also known as the Buddy Program allows a recruit and up to five friends to enlist and train in the Army together.
Under this program, a recruit and his or her friends may enlist in the same Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at the same time.
This program applies only to new recruits enlisting in the Regular Army. Current incentive guidance will determine enlistment bonus eligibility. All applicants must meet the qualifications for their chosen MOS. Soldiers who enlist under this program will receive their first duty assignment orders while in AIT or One Station Unit Training (OSUT). Contact your recruiter for more information.

 http://www.goarmy.com/benefits/additional-incentives/buddy-team.html

Airborne Soldiers have a long and distinguished tradition

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

Carter calls Bragg troops 'tip of spear' for new strategic era

Defense Secretary Ash Carter thanked Soldiers on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for their past service and said they will be the "tip of the spear" for the new strategic era the world is entering.

Carter viewed exercises featuring Special Forces and airborne Soldiers before holding a town hall meeting with troops, July 10.

"We have, as you well know, been understandably, totally and very successfully focused on Iraq and Afghanistan," Carter said. "From the point of view of the proficiency and skill and dedication of you, there's no question that it was a spectacular and remains a spectacular performance. This is the finest fighting force the world has ever known."

 http://www.army.mil/article/152226/Carter_calls_Bragg_troops__tip_of_spear__for_new_strategic_era/

Contact an Army Recruiter

Still have outstanding questions about the U.S. Army? Contact an Army recruiter in your area and get your answers. We have a staff of individuals ready to talk to you. To talk to an Army recruiter, simply select one of the methods of communication below and someone will get you the answers you are looking for.

 http://www.goarmy.com/talk-with-us.html

Army family benefits

So, for your family, it doesn’t always mean just medical, dental and life insurance. Sure, you will have access to all of these Army family benefits, , but there’s more to it than that. As part of the Army, there is assistance available to help any family member find or get training for a job. There are free legal services through the Office of Staff Judge Advocate. There is money available in times of emergency through the Army Emergency Relief program. There’s even a discounted travel service available to soldiers and their families. Read on and learn just a few of the ways the word “benefit” means so much more in the Army.

 http://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/army-family-strong/health-care.html

Career Intermission Pilot Program offers Soldiers a break

Staff Sgt. Jessica Cotton had a tough choice to make. Should she reenlist in the Army or hang up her uniform and go be a lawyer?

But the drill sergeant on Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, who has been in the Army for eight years, didn't have to choose between the Army or law school. She chose both with help from the Career Intermission Pilot Program.

The program allows up to 20 enlisted Soldiers and 20 officers each year to take a break from service for up to three years, said Albert S. Eggerton, with the Career Intermission Pilot Program, G-1. During that time, they will be in the Individual Ready Reserve, or IRR.

The program is designed for "our best people who have a future in the Army and have future career success on the horizon but are facing challenges in their own personal life or in their professional development lives that the Army can't meet," Eggerton said.

The program allows the Army to retain service members who otherwise might have left, he said. The program is selective, Eggerton said, noting the Army is looking for enlisted members and officers who have the greatest need for this benefit.

 http://www.army.mil/article/152125/Career_Intermission_Pilot_Program_offers_Soldiers_a_break/