STAND PROUD. STAND UNITED. STAND ARMY STRONG
The Official Publication of Harrisburg Recruiting BattalionFEB/MAR 2010 Vol 1, Issue 4
Penn State - Fayette Basketball TournamentMarch Madnesspage 4
CONTENTS FEB/MAR 2010 Vol 1, Issue 4
Departments3 LEADERSHIP CORNER 4 BATTALION NEWS
7 EDUCATION 8 COLD STEEL FAMILY 9 COMPANY CORNER 12 ARMY NEWS
CommanderLt. Col. Stephen B. Lockridge
Command Sgt. MajorCommand Sgt. Maj.
Reginald K. Washington
Chief of Advertising & Public Affairs
Staci Cretu
Public Affairs Specialist,Associate Editor
Bill Irwin
Administrative Assistant,Layout Design
Angela D. Walter
The Battalion Newsletter is authorized by AR360-1 for members of the U.S. Army. Con-tents of this publication are not necessarily the official views, or endorsement by the U.S. Gov-ernment, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the U.S. Army Recruiting Com-mand.
The Newsletter is published bi-monthly by the Advertising and Public Affairs (A&PA) Office, U.S. Recruiting Battalion - Harrisburg.
Please mail or e-mai submissions and letters to: A&PA U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion - Harrisburg,54 M Ave., Suite 11New Cumberland, PA 17070COMM: (717) 770-6721FAX: (717) 770-2707E-mail: [email protected]
The Newsletter is currently distributed electron-ically and will be sent to everyone on the bat-talion distribution list and to those who request a copy.
Deadline submissions for Apr/May. edition is May 15.
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Harrisburg Battalion VisionHarrisburg Battalion is committed to deliver excellence from recruiting with integrity and providing quality service members as the strength of our all-volunteer Army. We strive to consistently achieve mis-
sion and inspire Americans to proudly serve within the profession of arms in support of their Nation.
Harrisburg Battalion Mission With integrity and selfless service, the Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion provides strength to the Army,
cares for the Soldiers, civilians, and families and develops community support for the military.
1st Brigade MissionVictory Brigade prospects, processes, and sustains future soldiers to achieve its FY10 precision mission requirements within the DA quality marks and resources allocated while simultaneously expanding both its market and number of partners; executes specified training and Command initiatives though discipline and adhering to standards in accordance with Army Values and Ethos all the while ensuring
the quality of life of its Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members.
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FEB/MAR 2010 • 3
LEADERSHIP CORNER
Lt. Col. Stephen B. LockridgeBattalion Commander
Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald K. WashingtonBattalion Command Sgt. Major
27-37), is clouded by public opinion, media perception, and their influencers which dilutes their perception of “black and white”. This genera-tion lives by a different belief or value system than Soldiers. Recruiters are grouped with “car salesmen”, who are brand-ed with the stigma that says, “they are liars”. To facilitate communication, you must first understand and then earn the trust of this generation.
The clash of ethics between a civilian and a Solider begins to change the clear views of what’s black and white. The Soldier, through training, develops attributes of protection and defense for the weak. Civilians have their natural shield to counter all offensive actions which contra-dicts their need for survival. This fuels a recruiter’s ethical justification to view his decision in a “gray” manner. The recruiter will now choose a course of action based on these clashing factors of ethical values.
Soldiers, when faced with an ethical dilemma, will make black and white decisions common with the Army Values. Therefore, the ultimate challenge is providing recruiters leader support, and information to make the ethical choice when all looks “gray”.
The Army grooms and develops Soldiers to make critical decisions in the absence or orders. The Army Values, instilled during Basic
Training, are the foundation used when making a decision of right and wrong, or facing Ethical Dilemma. When the results of this decision ap-pear clouded, it is considered throughout the command as “walking in the gray”.
The Army Values are an extension of the beliefs that we feel are com-mon to those of an average person. It is believed that civilians, who enlist into the Army, possess the same belief or value system. However, reinforcement of Army Values is believed to be the solution of conflict-ing values. Therefore, a Recruiter is perceived as an accurate represen-tation of the values of the Army. Recruiters, shape the public’s percep-tion of the Army, and inherently project the values of the Army in the community.
During the Recruiting Course, recruiters are trained to accurately represent the facts about the Army, opportunities and benefits. They leave with these facts and the Army Values reinforced, which are black and white. At this point with no variables that would dilute black and white, what changes a recruiter’s view to gray?
Regulations, the first variable that blends black and white, are in-tended to be used as interpretations, but only in a manner to qualify a Future Soldier. This begins to fog a recruiters understanding of mis-sion, beginning the cycle of decision making by Soldiers to determine right and wrong.
Effective communication with the target market, Generation X (ages
Greatings Steel Battalion! My previous article addressed transforming the Steel Battalion from “Good to Great” and during our dialogue, while receiving Quarterly Training Briefs from Company leadership
and Station Commanders, one thing became glaringly apparent. Leadership will determine our future success. Army leadership is defined as influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motiva-tion while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. As Officers and NCOs, we cannot accept anything less than the pursuit of exceeding standards (including mission) and instituting processes that will improve the organization after our departure. However, none of this is possible unless each leader makes a personal commitment to excellence. How do we make this leap and complete our transformation to a better organiza-tion? It is very simple. We must master the fundamentals of our craft, first as a Soldier and then as a recruiter. Guard against complacency and remember the Soldier’s Creed. This creed is the motto that binds us together; it provides purpose to our service. Most importantly, embedded in the Soldier’s Creed is the Warrior Ethos, which reminds us to live the Army Values; place the mission; and never quit, accept defeat, or leave a fallen comrade. To ensure we remain reminded of these principles, I ask each company leadership team and station commander to post the Soldier’s Creed inside their office. Much is required of a leader serving in the best Army the world has ever known. Are you willing to accept that challenge and become the change agent that helps our organization to achieve greatness? Command Sgt Maj. Washington and I believe you are up to the challenge. Now is the time. Let’s get after it, and see you on the high ground!
Steel 6
Keys to Victory Leadership
and the daiLy appLication of the soLdier’s creed
ethics in recruiting “Black and White turns gray”
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Life,
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Val
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Stand
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BATTALION NEWS
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SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
APRIL - Month of the Military Child1 Newcomer’s Orientation
4 Easter
4 Hershey BEARS table exhibit - 1E3
5-7 ICI - Carlisle Company
7 Community Covenant - Hazelton
City Council- 1E9
9 New Recruiter Board
12-16 Strength In Action Zone - School Blitz - 1E4
19 Orange County Chopper - 1E2
19 Army Heritage and Education Tour
22 Pittsburgh Media Day - 1E5
23 U.S. Army Reserve 102nd Birthday
23-24 Penn State Blue/White Garme - 1E7
MAY 2-6 Our Community Salutes of Pittsburgh - 1E5
6 New Recruiter Board
7 Newcomer’s Orientation
10 Community Covenant - Support the Troops
Rally State Capital
10-14 SIAZ School Challenge - School Blitz - 1E3
15 Armed Forces Day - City Island Harrisburg
17-21 SIAZ School Challenge - School Blitz - 1E1
31 Memorial Day
jUNE 11 New Recruiter Board
11-12 Army Strong Tour - PA Passing League
14 Flag Day - Army Birthday
24-27 Thunder in the Valley - 1E7
27-30 Battalion Educators Tour - Fort Lee, Va.
On the Cover
march madnessPenn State - Fayette BaSketBall tournament
Staff Sgt. Oscar Martinez, Uniontown Recruiting Station, receives the 2010 National USCAA program from Penn State-Fayette campus Athletic Director, Vince Capozzi. The Army wasone of the title spon-
sors of the national basketball tournament.
Story and photos by Bill Irwin
Public Affairs Specialist
March Madness hit Uniontown the first
week of the month as more than 20 colleges in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association descended on Penn State–Fayette campus to compete in their national championships.
Uniontown Recruiting Station, who has an excellent relationship with the Fayette campus and was asked to participate in this year’s basketball tournament. The station ended up being a title sponsor with two speakers at the awards banquet, judging the skills competition, placement of several color guards, signage throughout the gym and a booth directly in front of the entrance to the gym.
The partnership was not only beneficial for Uniontown recruiters; it also provided a forum for the ROTC cadre to interact with the student athletes. Lt. Col. Ron Bonomo from California University of Pennsylvania said, “The synergy between ROTC and recruiting that this outing is creating is wonderful. It is really providing us a foothold here in this community, and I can only see our partnership growing.”
During the tournament one on one contact was made with more than 400 prospects, 92 good leads and five appointments were made. This is in addition to any ROTC inquiries that came across the table.
Sgt. 1st Class William Foy, station commander at Uniontown expressed, “I was a little surprised at the number of student-athletes that approached us asking about the Army’s tuitionprograms. Even though many of them received at least partial scholarships, the monies they are receiving are minimal when the full tuition payment was taken into account. We plan on following up on each student’s questions now that the tournament is over and they (the students) are back to their day to day college activities.”
Left:Sgt. 1st Class William Foy talking to stident durning the tournament.
FEB/MAR 2010 • 5
BATTALION NEWS
Q: Where did you grow up?
Salem, NJ
Q: What’s your background? How did you end up getting into Resource Management?
I spent over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, retired in 2003. For the past six years I’ve been working for Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion. In the Marine Corps, my job was finance so that is how I got into resource management.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment working with the U.S. Army?
When I won back-to-back Civilian of Year awards!!!!
Devin HowardResource Management Specialist
SPOTLIGHT
Phot
o by B
ill Ir
win
, A&P
A
Lt. Col. Lockridge and jill Horner prepare for Comcast Local Edition five minute
interview on Pinnacle.
pinnacle transformationmodernization oF the recruiting Force
Story and photo by Bill IrwinPublic Affairs Specialist
On February 16, Lt. Col. Stephen Lockridge, Harrisburg Battalion Commander, took to the TV
studios of Comcast network’s “Local Edition” to explain to Pennsylvania viewers the new program of Pinnacle transformation. Arrangements have been made with the cable network to air the five minute interview in the Harrisburg region sometime in May with a follow up in the Pittsburgh market in June-July.
“Local Edition” is a five minute news talk show aired every 20 minutes on the hour and discusses topics of interest regarding, community, political and social, topics in the area. It replaced a similar show titled “Comcast Newsmakers” on the network lineup.
Jill Horner, the moderator for the show guided Lockridge through the show’s production process and during the interview allowed him to elaborate on what Pinnacle is, how it is affecting recruiting, and possibly more important how these changes would affect viewers and anyone interested in joining the Army.
Lockridge detailed how Pinnacle will allow young men and women (and their families) to experience a more team focused effort, how they will be able to interact with more than one Soldier, and hopefully obtain a larger picture of the Army experience.
When asked about the possible closing of Army Opportunity Centers, Lockridge assured Horner that not only will the Army remain in the community, but that communities may experience a heightened awareness of the Army in their area as a new state of the art mobile center is deployed throughout the battalion.
Story and photo by Staci CretuChief, A&PA
The U.S. Army takes special pride in acknowledging African-Americans who
have served this country with honor and distinction and those who continue to defend our nation. On Feb. 4, approximately 300 students and faculty of Reading High school gathered for a presentation by Lt. Col. Stephen Lockridge, Harrisburg Battalion Commander.
They were shown the Army sponsored educational video; For the Love of Liberty. The video illustrated a message that must be shared with the America of today, but most importantly, it is a message that must be shared with the America of tomorrow. Young people across the nation in schools and universities must be aware of the price African-Americans paid for liberty, and the part African American’s paid, and still pay for its preservation.
The presentation and video was an effort of the U.S. Army along with Reading High School to remind students that freedom is not
free, and that through the heroism of those who fought and sacrificed before us, we can forge a future as bright as the one America’s founding fathers envisioned when they wrote the words that created a Nation.
Through presentations such as this, the hard work and sacrifices that African-American servicemen and women have made continues to shape history in the thoughts, words, and actions of revolutionaries, visionaries, and in the dreams of generations today and to come.
It is vitally important for us to honor our history and to learn from it. In doing so, we create a future that can sustain our individual and collective success.
hard worK and sacrifices aFrican-american’S honored
Lt. Col. Stephen Lockridge talking with Reading High Schoolers about his Army story.
A 24/7 Resource forMilitary Members, Spouses & Families
Call and Talk Anytime
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TEA
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is key
to co
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succe
ss.BATTALION NEWS
By Staci CretuChief, A&PA
The U.S. Army Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion is proud to announce the launch of the Pennsylvania Passing League, the first component
of the 2010 Army Strong Tour. The 7-on-7 passing tournament will feature high school football players from throughout the Keystone State. The Pennsylvania Passing League is an opportunity for high school football teams from across the state to engage in a leadership-developing, team-building, skill-enhancing competition during the summer.
Depending upon the level of interest and the number of participating teams, the Pennsylvania Passing League may be a single-day state championship event; two regional events (East & West) with teams qualifying for a single-day or weekend state championship tournament; or series of state qualifying tournaments throughout the state with teams qualifying for the single-day state championship event. The tentative date for the Pennsylvania Passing League Championship is the weekend of June 11-12. If enough teams participate, regional qualifiers would be held during the weekend of July 5. The site is to be determined.
The structure of Pennsylvania Passing League (PPL) Tournaments will consist of pool play to determine the qualifiers for the single-elimination championship round. For example, with a 16-team PPL tournament, the teams will be broken down into four pools of four teams each. Each team is guaranteed to play three games, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to an eight-team single-elimination tournament.
Entry fee is $20 per player with a minimum, maximum of 12 players per team. A school can enter multiple teams in the tournament. The cost of the entry fee covers the cost of an official PPL tee-shirt to be worn by all competitors, referees, facility rental, and insurance. Trophies will be awarded to the winning teams as well as the Pennsylvania Passing League Most Valuable Player. A Pennsylvania Passing League All-Star team will also be selected.
The 2010 Pennsylvania Passing League is part of the U.S. Army Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion’s 2010 Army STRONG Tour, which includes the Army Iron Man campaign, the Army STRONG Wrestler of the Year, and the Army Rivalry Tour.
harrisburg battalion launches pennsylVania passing league
u.s. army & “the sports flash” radio networK teaming up for 7-on-7 passing league
By Staci CretuChief, A&PA
In May, high schools across Pennsylvania will honor their best and brightest students in their graduating class. The
scholars, athletes, musicians, artists, class officers and other leaders will step forward to receive honors and recognition for their achievements.
As these special students step forward to receive their well-deserved honors, there will be a group of students who often go unnoticed. The forgotten students; the fu-ture Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines; students that have bravely committed to preserve our safety and the freedom.
For the first time, this year, over 200 schools in Pennsyl-vania will make a difference through Our Community Sa-lutes of Pittsburgh. Our Community Salutes of Pittsburgh a non-profit organization created to recognize and honor graduating high school students (and their parents) who plan to enlist in the armed services after graduation.
May 6, 2010 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh Pa. a formal banquet will be held to honor and recognize new enlistees as well as ROTC cadets. The pro-gram will be funded by donations from a variety of “stake-holders,” including private citizens, community-based non-profit organizations, veterans groups, local business, education, etc. Honorees will include graduating enlistees (and their parent(s)/guardian) representing all services/components (i.e. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, both active and reserve compo-nents). Also during the program, one high school educa-tor will be recognized with the presentation of the “Colin Powell Leadership Award,” commending that individual’s commitment to mentoring and supporting young adults desiring to serve our nation.
Our Community Salutes Steering Committee is compro-mised of a group of professionals in the Pittsburgh area who have made a commitment to support the Military, and in particular those young people considering enlistment.
A simple thank you will go a long way.
honoring the forgotten studentsFuture SoldierS, SailorS, airmen and marineS
FEB/MAR 2010 • 7
EDUCATION is key
u.s. army s.t.a.r. club program
becoming a resource to your schools
By Staci CretuChief, A&PA
The S.T.A.R. Club Program, Students Taking Active Roles, is a partnership between the high school and the U.S. Army created to leverage the expertise and resources of local U.S. Army recruiters to help students develop skills that will enable and encourage them to take active roles in their own life, within their families, their school and community, with the ultimate goal of graduating high school and creating enriching postsecondary options. The S.T.A.R. program employs the Army’s Values-based leadership doctrine as the
Photos by Angela D. Walter
Photos of last years Educators tour. Educators went to Fort Rucker, Ala. and Panama City Beach, Fl. to experience Avaiation and Diver training.
Educators tourpreparing for 2010 tour
By Mark MazarellaEducation Services Specialist (ESS)
The Battalion will conduct its annual Educator/COI Tour to Fort Lee, Vs. 2June 27-30. Fort Lee, located approximately
30 miles south of Richmond, Va., is home to the Quartermas-ter School, and is also the new home for the Ordnance School, which is in the process of being relocated from Aberdeen Prov-ing Ground under BRAC.
Our tour will focus on Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and Soldier and Family quality of life programs. AIT Military Occupa-tion Specialty (MOS) training at Fort Lee includes Parachute Rigger, Mortuary Affairs Specialist, Petroleum Supply/Laboratory Technician, Water Treatment Specialist, Unit Supply Specialist, Au-tomated Logistical Specialist, Food Service Specialist, and Shower/Laundry and Clothing Repair Rpecialist.
In order to accommodate as many educators as possible, we will be traveling to/from Fort Lee in two separate busses departing from Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Each company should plan to have up to seven educators on the tour.
During the tour participants will observe first hand, a sampling of the breadth of training op-portunities available to high school and college graduates in today’s Army. Participants will also learn about other aspects of “Army life,” including Soldier and family housing, education, health care, and morale, welfare and recreation.
Recruiters should begin now to identify those educators/Centers of Influence (COI) who are in the best position to directly impact our recruiting mission (i.e. those in direct contact with stu-dents and/or those who make decisions regarding recruiter access), focusing to the maximum extent on our “Must Win/Must Keep” zip codes and targeted schools, with particular emphasis on those schools where market share is below expectations and/or barriers exist. As a secondary priority, commanders may extend invitations to non-educator COIs who, by virtue of their posi-tion, can be a positive influence on our recruiting mission.
Please direct questions pertaining to the Ed/COI Tour to the Battalion ESS, at 717-770-6318 or [email protected]
foundation: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. The Army provides program of instruction, recruiters provide structure, supervision and mentorship and the faculty advisor (educator) within the school provides school point of contact and club oversight. Any student with a commitment to academic excellence, willingness to do their best, and desire to be a part of a team can participate in the S.T.A.R. Club. For more information contact Mark Mazarella, Battalion ESS.
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THE “COLD STEEL” FAMILY
By Randy ReadshawSoldier & Family Assistance Program Manager
The Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) is input from the people of the Army to Army leadership. It is a process that lets Soldiers and
Families say what’s working, and what isn’t – AND what they think will fix it. It alerts commanders and Army leaders to areas of concern that need their attention and it gives them the opportunity to quickly put plans into place to work toward resolving the issues. It often results in legislation, policies, programs and services that strengthen readiness and retention.
During a AFAP symposium, delegates are formed into work groups to consider and work on issues submitted throughout the year. In February, delegates from Jim Thorpe, Harrisburg, and Greensburg companies met in Reading for the Brigade AFAP symposium. Special thanks go to Sgt. Daniel Sandoval, Sgt. 1st Class Stacey Heygood, and Mrs. Chris Domser for their hard work and willingness to volunteer to have an impact on Army welfare. If this sounds like something you might like to be a part of next year, just let me know. The next symposium is tentatively scheduled sometime in February 2011.
If you have issues or ideas you would like to see addressed, you can submit them at any time at Randy. [email protected]. The format is rather simple: Title: summarizes the issue what is the issue about?; Scope: describes the problem what is the problem and why is it a problem?; Recommendation: identifies the solution what do you want to have happen?
Issues fall into one of three categories; Quality of Life, Medical and Dental, or Force Support and Entitlements.
what is afap why should you care?
By Randy ReadshawSoldier & Family Assistance Program Manager
Have you been appointed to sponsor an inbound Soldier? If not, chances are you will
be during your tour as a Recruiter. The Department of Defense has created a new Sponsorship Training Program to help you effectively integrate your new teammates as efficiently as possible. Check it out at eSponsorship Application & Training: http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/esat
The online application provides:
• Registration for you and your newcomer• Training and certificate for your files• Sponsorship Duty Checklist• Newcomer and family needs assessment• Congratulations and Welcome letter templates and packages• Links to important DoD and Service moving websites• Management and status updates• Reporting module• Customer Satisfaction Surveys
are you an effectiVe sponsor?
month of the military child
april
the army is committed to military youth. army family coVenant: Keeping the promise
For many years, April has been designated as the Month of the Military Child. This is the second year Connect and Join, along with help from retailers across America, will make the Month of the Military Child a truly unique one for all the children. this year AC Moore Stores is joining in as a national chain sponsor, opening up their stores to special Saturday events just for children, and with a focus on the military child during
the month of April!
FEB/MAR 2010 • 9
COMPANY CORNER
By Staci CretuChief, A&PA
In a new partnership with UD on Campus (UDOC) and McCain Erickson (agency of record) for the U.S. Army, announced that they will award
internship’s at seven Pennsylvania Universities for marketing, advertising and business undergraduate degree students. These paid internships have been awarded to students to introduce young people to a variety of U.S. Army education programs and related careers while developing future leaders.
The Army Strong Brand Ambassador program was created to provide skills training while providing college internship credits to those awarded the opportunity. This program will assist in educating college students about U.S. Army programs offered to them through their peers. Ambassadors will work to create brand awareness at pre-existing events like Greek life parties, organization meetings, sporting events, etc. The ambassadors will learn all aspects social media networking well through the ambassador Facebook page, www.facebook.com/armystrongambassador.com. This internship program will be executed during the 2010 Spring and Fall semesters at each university under direction of UD on Campus (UDOC). All events will fall in line with university policies and on-campus marketing guidelines.
This internship will provide these seven college students with the chance to gain professional work experience and school credit while engaging the student body. While skills’ training in the Army is always a priority, so is encouraging college attendance or take continuing education courses.
Meet Your College AMbAssAdor
Lehigh University – Jasmine HughesMarketing major, Jasmine was asked why she accepted this internship; “I
am looking forward to building relationships with students and organizations on campus. I am looking forward to the opportunity to enhance my marketing skills while also learning about a brand that I had been pretty unfamiliar with. It seems like an opportunity to work, learn, and have fun.” She believes that she can foster relationships and use resources to help run a successful campaign. By using the tools and information she has been given, along with her creative abilities, she believes she will be able to give exposure and spark interest among students.
Kutztown University – Matt HalperMarketing/Management major, Matt was asked why he accepted this
internship; “To gain experience and knowledge in marketing and sales related fields.” Matt feels he can help Kutztown University become a more interactive campus where students feel comfortable attending events and interacting with one another.
Carnegie Mellon – Jon Simon
Business major, Jon was asked why he accepted this internship; “I have an interest in event planning, marketing, and design. I would like to see what I can do with the program to raise Army awareness.” Jon believes that he can generate a lot of interest in the events, and use access to the events to access students.
California University – Rachel Wagner
Business Management major, Rachel was asked why she accepted this internship; “It’s always great to work independently and to challenge yourself to see what you can do. I was interested in the internship to test my creative abilities. I realized, also, that it gave me a chance to do what I really love doing: talking to people about something that can genuinely help them.” Rachel would like to increase the genuine interest of Cal U students in relation to the Army by first spreading awareness. Though people know what the Army is, the post-graduation opportunities that are available aren’t clear
to everyone. She will serve as a liaison between the students of Cal U and the local recruiting office in order to build a long lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between the two.
Slippery Rock – Gretchen Muri
Marketing major, Gretchen was asked why she accepted this internship; “This internship will further my education in marketing and advertising by promoting a well respected organization such as the U.S. Army.” She feels that she can gain more recognition for Army programs on campus through peer-to-peer communications.
Penn State University – Fayette Campus – Savannah DiMaio
Marketing/Management major, Savannah was asked why she accepted this internship; “I found it to be a great opportunity to increase my marketing experience while working on campus with a well respected organization.” She is looking forward to organizing on campus events in order to promote the Army education programs and job opportunities.
LaRoche University – Tony Schleup
Marketing/Business major, Tony was asked why he accepted this internship; “I am interested in this internship for a number of reasons. For starters, becoming a Brand Ambassador for the Army is an honor. As a college student, I am always looking to build my resume. The other reason I chose to take this position is because a good friend of mine recently entered the Army and just completed basic training. Due to his acceptance and success in the Army, I thought this could be my way to help.” Tony wants to bring the Army to life on La Roche College campus by integrating the Army into the culture of La Roche. Once people fully understand what the Army is about, we can create and establish a stronger sense of brand awareness for the Army. Throughout his ten week internship, he plans to integrate the Army into the La Roche Culture and provide a sense of awareness about the Army to students.
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10 •
Farewell
Richard F. Slippy - Battalion Applications Trainer (BAT)
By Staci CretuChief, A&PA
Maj. William Hammac pins Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Gilke.
This Just In...
Reading Pa. teens they are accepting “friend requests” from the recruiter team at Reading Recruiting Station. There is no longer any good reason to avoid Facebook for recruiting efforts. The site has crossed a threshold—it is now so widely trafficked that it’s
fast becoming a routine aid to social interaction. Reading Recruiting Station has embraced the usage of Facebook within their community by highlighting they’re recruiting
efforts. With over 200 fans on their page, Reading is continuing to foster relationships with prospects, community members and future soldiers. Reading Station Commander, Sgt. 1st Class Woodruff attributes Facebook to enhancing the relationship between three potential future soldiers.
“I have more high schools friends on Facebook than I ever had in high school!” statement on a recent Facebook page. Like with e-mail and cell phones, and as you begin to use it, you’ll notice more and different situations in which it proves helpful. With so many people on Facebook, it’s now the best, fastest place online to find and connect with a specific person.
Everyone else is on Facebook. Are you?
Ideas from Sgt. 1st Class Woodruff:
• When visiting the high schools, all students we speak to we hand out our card with Facebook information
• A majority of your high schools will have a Facebook page, research the school and “friend request” students. This allows for further communication with students on their terms.
• During the Army interview at the station, the recruiter pulls up the Facebook page to show the potential recruit other Future Soldiers and activities that are happening in their area.
• FS Orientation and Hometown News Release – During the orientation and when the applicant fills out the Hometown News Release, they inform them that they will be contact via Facebook interaction.
what are teens doing online?
Phot
o by
Bill
Irw
in, A
&PA
Left: Sgt. John Baugh congradulates one of the players on his SPARQ stats
Early on the morning of Feb. 20, Pittsburgh Company recruiters geared up to support
the 2010 Nike Football Regional Combine held at the UPMC Sports Performance Center.
As an extension of the 2010 All-American Bowl program, the combine allowed the high school football players, seniors and top underclassmen, to showcase their skills.
speed
power
agility
reaction
QuicKness
The players also had the opportunity to get professionally SPARQ tested. SPARQ stands for speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness and allows the player to see their strengths and weaknesses.
During the event, recruiters assisted at many of the five stations the players rotated through. Being able to assist allowed the recruiters face to face
Story and photos by Angela D. WalterAdvertising & Public Affairs/Education Assistant
interaction with many of the players. Before and after the event the recruiters also had the opportunity to meet with the players’ parents and area coaches.
Representatives from the University of Pittsburgh ROTC teamed up to make this event a success.
Combine participant completing one of the SPARQ sections.
Cpt. John Swaray counts pull-ups for one of the
combine participants
2010 niKe regional combine - pittsburgh
promotion
FEB/MAR 2010 • 11
COMPANY CORNER
Stories and photos by Bill IrwinPublic Affairs Specialist
On Sunday, Feb. 21 during the American
Legion District 24 meeting, Somerset American Legion Post 181 signed a Community Covenant with the Armed Forces. Greensburg Company Commander CPT. Terry Redd, Somerset station commander Staff Sgt Janet Bailey and Somerset recruiter Sgt. Sean Blackburn signed with the Legion. This is a milestone for the Post as it is the first Covenant to be signed in Somerset County.
The Community Covenant is a formal affirmation of support by state and local communities to Service members and their Families –Active, Guard and Reserve.
In addition to the Covenant the Redd presented the Post Commander Larry Barclay with a Certificate of Appreciation and letter from the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Army thanking them for their support. The Post was nominated for the award by Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion Commander LT. Col. Stephen Lockridge.
During the district meeting Redd was asked to offer his insight about recruiting and retention issues the Post and District was having. After weighing in with suggestions and possible solutions Redd and the recruiters were presented a commanders coin and a round of applause for their service not only to the country but to the community.
(Back Row L-R) Staff Sgt Janet Bailey, Alexander Dombrowsky, David Koontz, Kirk Moore, George Knecht, John McNaul, (Front row) Sgt. Sean Blackburn, Larry Barclay, Jack Mosholder and Cpt. Terry Redd, with the Somerset Armed Forces
Community Covenant.
Harrisburg Recruiting Station broke new ground
on Jan. 30 when Harrisburg Company Commander CPT Eric Sutton and Harrisburg Station Commander Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Smith signed a Community Covenant with Sons of the American Legion Squadron #420 located in Steelton, PA. The Covenant Signing occurred during the Squadron Awards Dinner.
The signing covered several “firsts,” it placed the Squadron as the first Squadron on record to perform a stand-alone signing in lieu of a joint signing with the AL Post. It was also the first signing for new station commander Smith.
“I am honored and excited to sign with the Squadron,” said Smith “This evening’s events are providing me with the opportunity to get out in the community and meet some outstanding individuals that really seem concerned with each Soldier in my station, and Future Soldiers that may be interested in the Army.”
As part of the night activities CPT Sutton was asked to provide the keynote speech. During his presentation he relayed his Army story, introduced Smith as the new Harrisburg station commander and incorporated elements of Black History month to the audience. Sutton addressed how proud he was of all the Soldiers in his company and asked for assistance and support from the community.
The event was a milestone for the Squadron and was covered by the local community newspaper, the 326th MPAD, and The Keystone News the state American Legion magazine.
Squadron Commander Joseph Rittner stated “We don’t take this commitment lightly; we intend to stand behind the Soldiers in Harrisburg and offer our services where we can. We want to make a difference.”
Officers of SAL Squadron #420 and Harrisburg Company Commander Cpt. Eric Sutton look on as Sgt. 1st Class Shawn
Smith signs the Community Covenant.
The Capital Area Intermediate Unit hosted the Spring 2010 Superintendents’ Retreat at the Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pa. from Tuesday, March
23 through Thursday, March 25, Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion sponsored the program on Mar. 23. This sponsorship gave the Army exposure to an audience with 22 school district superintendents and two vocational-career center directors.
The Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Stephen Lockridge, Mr. Mark Mazarella, ESS and Staci Cretu, Cheif, A&PA attended the conference to provide an overview of Army programs to include: March2 Success, ASVAB, A&PA programs, Career Exploration, Army Ed Tour, etc.
superintendents’ retreatreaching out to our educatorS
Story and photo by Staci CretuChief, A&PA
USAREC Country Music artist Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Buckley performed at the South Allegheny High School on the evening of March 29. The event
which lasted for approximately one hour was well attended by students, faculty and future soldiers of South Allegheny High School and friends and family members from the McKeesport area.
As part of the Pittsburgh Company’s school penetration strategy, the company commander, station commander and recruiters of the Century III Recruiting Station coordinated with South Allegheny High School to bring Buckley to the high school.
Buckley performed for approximately one hourThe company commander and first sergeant were on hand to meet
faculty and staff of the school and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the school. They also offered to serve as substitute teachers in the absence of a teacher, and officiate or assist at school games
usarec entertainment team presentsSgt. 1St claSS Jamie Buckley
By Cpt. John SwarayPittsburgh Company Commander
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s ARMY NEWS
12 •
FORT LEE, Va. (Army News Service March 23, 2010) -- A seven-year, $800,000 U.S. Army Women’s Museum expansion project here, concluded with a March 19 ribbon-cutting ceremony and Women’s History Month program.
The museum expansion includes a new exhibit titled “writing women back into history,” which corresponds with the Department of Defense theme for the 2010 Women’s History Month observance.
About 200 guests attended the event, which included remarks by Maj. Gen. James E. Chambers, commanding general of the Combined Arms Support Com-mand, Sustainment Center of Excellence and Fort Lee, and featured speaker, re-tired Command Sgt. Maj. Michele S. Jones, appointed Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense White House Liaison. Also attending the ceremony was re-tired Maj. Gen. Dee McWilliams, Army Women’s Foundation president, and Peg-gy Trossen, AWF executive director. AWF was responsible for raising the funds for the new expansion to the museum.
“The first temporary exhibit to be displayed in the new space examines the history of women in the Army Chaplain Corps,” said Francoise Bonnell, AWM act-ing director. “It highlights their challenges and contributions in providing for the spiritual needs of Army Soldiers. It uses original photographs and archival
and the combatant commander must recommend it through the Joint Staff for approval by the under-secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, Retherford said.
To qualify for the program, members must be serving in a leave restricted area, where no depen-dents are allowed. They must be receiving hostile-fire pay and in areas where travel in and out of the country is restricted. “Two additional areas are that the duty has to be extremely arduous and the command has to foresee continuing combat op-erations,” Retherford said.
The benefit will take effect once an area is designated by the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness and will not apply retro-actively.
The Army identified the need as especially im-portant for junior members, Retherford said, be-cause they typically do not have a large amount of leave accumulated. “At the end of their deploy-ment, there is very little in their leave accounts for rest, recuperation and reintegration to the family and community,” he said. “So this program means they will not be charged for the R&R leave, and they will have that leave upon redeployment.”
Inability to take leave upon returning from a deployment is a problem. The services want their people to take leave so they can decompress and reintegrate with the families and communities. The services have been allowing administrative leave upon redeployment from a combat zone, but gen-erally limit it to local areas around bases.
Servicemembers already in Iraq and Afghani-stan who qualify to participate in the R&R program will qualify for the nonchargeable R&R program. The areas that qualify for the program have to be redesignated every two years.
The commander of U.S. Central Command re-quested that Iraq and Afghanistan be designated as nonchargeable rest and recuperation areas, Retherford said. “We quickly coordinated this re-quest with the military departments to ensure we provided servicemembers with this new benefit as quickly as possible,” he added.
About 1 million servicemembers have partici-pated in Centcom’s rest and recuperation program. Due to the requirement for combat operations in a presidentially designated combat zone, the non-chargeable rest and recuperation program should be limited to U.S. Central Command, officials said.
WASHINGTON -- Some deployed ser-vicemembers will not be charged for rest and recuperation leave under a new Defense Department policy.
The new policy allows service-members in designated areas to go on rest and recuperation leave with-out charge to their leave accounts. “So in a sense, it is an administrative absence and that’s up to 15 days,” said Sam Retherford, the Defense Department’s director of officer and enlisted personnel management.
In the past, the leave was charged to servicemembers’ accounts, though travel time from the theater to the airport closest to their destinations was not charged, Retherford said.
The nonchargeable rest and re-cuperation leave program will be limited to the “most arduous” areas,
dod authorizes non-chargeable recuperation leaVe for iraQ and afghanistanBy Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service
Arms Command and Sustainment of Excellence; retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michele S. Jones, special assistant to the Secretary of Defense White House Liaison; Maj. Gen. James E. Cham-bers, CASCOM, SCoE and Fort Lee commanding general; retired Maj. Gen. Dee McWilliams, Army Women’s Foundation president; Brig. Gen. Jesse R. Cross, Quartermaster School com-manding general; and Peggy Trossen, Army Women’s Foundation executive director.
army opens expanded women’s museum
Story and photo by Amy Perry , Fort Lee Public Affairs
documents to trace the history of the first women to serve in the chaplaincy.”
The U.S. Army Women’s Museum is the only Army museum that focuses on the contributions of females who’ve served, and it was only fitting that the month’s obser-vance be held there. This year also marked the 30th anniver-sary of President Jimmy Carter declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as the first National Women’s History Week.
Chambers kicked off the program and said the day was dedicated to not only highlighting women’s contributions in the Army, but also the contributions of the museum.
“Every day, the Army Women’s Museum is doing an amaz-ing job at rewriting women back into history,” Chambers said. “I hope the time will come that women’s history is just ‘his-tory.’”
Jones, the guest speaker, said she knows all about being a part of history. By earning command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Reserve, she was the first woman to serve as com-mand sergeant major of any of the Army components. She was also the first woman selected as class president at the U.S. Sergeants Major Academy.
“Writing women back into history is important, as we know too much of it is left out,” said Jones, as she reflected on the month’s theme. “There is history being made every day. The history is great, and good to know, but it’s the legacy left behind that is really important.”
“Accomplishments and achievements tell me what you did when you lived,” she continued, “but legacy tells me how you did it.”
Jones said she couldn’t be where she is today without the women who came before her.
Serving in the military has not always been considered as a typical path for women, Jones said, but women serving to-day are taking the typical path because women have always served in the military, from the earliest conflicts (American Revolutionary War) to the latest in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“We are individuals who choose to serve our country, not because we’re women, but because we can,” she said.
The U.S. Army Women’s Museum held its grand opening and ribbon-cut-ting ceremony for its new expansion during the Women’s History Month Program, March 19 at Fort Lee, Va. From left, Francoise Bonnell, Army Women’s Museum acting director; William Moore, deputy to the command-ing general, Combined
FEB/MAR 2010 • 13
ARMY NEWS
By Susanne Kappler Fort Jackson Leader
FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- When Staff Sgt. Keith Allen, an instructor at Victory Uni-versity, was selected to participate in the Master Resilience Training pilot pro-gram at the University of Pennsylvania in August, he was skeptical, at best.
“I honestly had no idea what to ex-pect. All I knew was I was going to some-thing that had to do with the University of Pennsylvania and the psychology department,” Allen said. “I got up there, and on the first couple of days, my battle buddies and I thought, ‘There’s absolutely nothing they can do to help us. We’re hard-charging NCOs (noncommissioned officers). We’re infantrymen. We’re former drill sergeants. What do I need in terms of psychology?’”
Allen said his attitude quickly changed once he understood how resilience training worked and what kind of an impact it could have.
“I recognized that there is some value in this,” he said. “And I can see the practical appli-cation across the spectrum. I can see it at home. I can see it at work in the garrison environ-ment. I can see it in combat. So, I guess, I got sold.”
More than 600 Soldiers have been trained in master resilience to date; either at UP-enn or via video teleconference. Master resilience trainers are one of the four pillars of the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, the Army’s long-term effort to improve emotional, social, family and spiritual strength in Soldiers.
The program, which was initiated in October 2008, is rapidly growing and will mark a milestone with the opening of the Master Resilience Training school at Fort Jackson, April 5.
“Fort Jackson will be at the cutting edge of the resiliency (program), and building and continuing resilience in the Army,” said Col. Darryl Williams, deputy director of Comprehen-sive Soldier Fitness. “I think we will be able to double our capacity ... and produce master resilience trainers quicker and get them out where they’re needed on the front lines.”
About 750 students are scheduled to take the 10-day course this fiscal year before the school will reach its full capacity of 1,800 in fiscal year 2011. The curriculum will consist of three phases. During the first eight days, students will learn resilience fundamentals based on UPenn’s principles of positive psychology. That phase is followed by instruction on sustainment, which is comparable to the former Battlemind training. At the end of the course, students will receive one day of enhancement training, which teaches them how to maximize their performance.
Fort Jackson also plays a role in the administration of the Global Assessment Tool. The GAT is an online tool that assesses a Soldier’s emotional, social, family and spiritual strength. So far, more than 300,000 Soldiers have taken the GAT, which must be completed by May 31.
The other two elements of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program - beside the GAT and the MRT course - are online self development modules, which are tailored to a person’s performance levels on the GAT, and institutional military resilience training.
Williams said that the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program will have benefits for the entire Army.“We’ll have Soldiers and civilians and family members who will be able to better deal with adversity, will be able to communicate better with
their loved ones, will be able to instill resiliency in the folks they’re charged with and will just be better. We will be a better fighting force by be-ing a more resilient Army.”
Despite his initial skepticism, Allen said he is now convinced that the program will be successful. He said he advises Soldiers selected for the MRT course to have an open mind.
“I am an infantry Soldier, so I had a lot of reluctance to do the program,” he said. “I know that people can overcome their reluctance. The program will sneak in and people will find out that it works. If it weren’t worthwhile, I wouldn’t be involved in it myself. I guess I’m a personal believer.”
resilience school to open in april: fort JacKson at forefront of army’s new mental fitness program
tradoc releases new warrior tasKs and battle drills
By Lisa Alley TRADOC Public Affairs
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command released the Army’s new Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, and the Critical Individual Supporting Task List elaborat-ing on those tasks and battle drills, March 25.
A PDF document with the new information can be downloaded from the “What’s Hot” list on the Army Training Network homepage.
The information is accessed using one’s Army Knowledge Online (AKO) password or Common Ac-cess Card (CAC) login.
The last major overhaul of the tasks and battle drills was 2005, although the number of tasks and drills has evolved in response to lessons-learned from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We now have a list which has been unanimously approved by all Army commands universally,” said Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, TRADOC’s deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training (IMT). “Some of old tasks and drills introduced in basic training were not relevant - they were not things most Soldiers would use at any point in their careers. They’d see it one time and then never see it again.”
The old tasks and drills list were organized under headings such as “shoot,” “communicate,” “urban op-erations,” and “move and fight,” and contained rough-ly 32 tasks, 207 subtasks and 12 battle drills.
The new list is streamlined, with 15 tasks, 76 subtasks and four battle drills, organized under the headings “shoot,” “move,” “communicate,” and “sur-vive and adapt.”
