Fort Benning E-Newsletter

Cavalry Scout trainees with E Troop, 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment participated in the first "rite of passage" ceremony Wednesday morning inducting them into the U.S. Cavalry. This was the first 'rite of passage' ceremony at the Maneuver Center of Excellence since the Armor School relocated to Fort Benning. The ceremony comes on the heels of more than a week of situational training exercises that culminate in week 7 of advanced individual training for Fort Benning's inaugural cavalry scouts. Graduation is next week.

Featured stories

Soldiers battle in Best Warrior Competition

Offices reoccupy 'beautiful' MCoE headquarters

Final Armor School museum vehicles arrive

Love Dental Clinic closed after fire

Electronic warfare gives Soldiers new career field

Business leaders learn about Fort Benning, Army

Couple meet, marry at post library

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U.S. mourns loss of 38 killed in helicopter crash

U.S. mourns loss of 38 killed in helicopter crash

By ISAF Joint Command and White House

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2011 -- President Barack Obama traveled to Dover Air Force Base, Del., today for the return of 30 U.S. servicemembers killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Saturday.

Thirty International Security Assistance Force members, one civilian interpreter, and seven Afghan commandos were killed when a coalition CH-47 Chinook crashed in Afghanistan early Aug. 6.

All of the ISAF servicemembers on board were from the United States, officials said. They added that the incident represents the highest number of U.S. forces killed during a single event in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The dead servicemen included a number of Navy SEALs, officials said. Some of them were reportedly from SEAL Team 6, the unit that carried out the raid on Osama Bin Laden.

The Chinook helicopter crashed in the rugged and remote Tangi valley of Eastern Afghanistan. U.S. officials have said the crash may have been caused by insurgents firing a rocket-propelled grenade, but emphasized that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

"No words describe the sorrow we feel in the wake of this tragic loss," said Gen. John R. Allen, commander, International Security Assistance Force. "All of those killed in this operation were true heroes who had already given so much in the defense of freedom. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are now waiting for their loved ones to return home. We will do everything in our power to support them in this time of need."

"We also mourn the loss of our heroic Afghan partners who fight with us shoulder to shoulder, every day," added Allen.

(Information taken from an ISAF news release and a White House Office of Communications pool report.)

Soldiers to begin 2012 with nine-month deployments

Soldiers to begin 2012 with nine-month deployments

By Rob McIlvaine

ARLINGTON, Va. (Army News Service, August 5, 2011) -- Beginning Jan. 1, deploying Soldiers will go for nine months, meaning more time at home with their families.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh signed a directive instituting a nine-month "boots on the ground" policy for deployed Soldiers, providing more "dwell" time at home for Soldiers and families.

"Implementation of this change is based on the projected demand for Army forces, and remains contingent on global security conditions and combatant commanders' requirements," said Lt. Col. Peggy Kageleiry, an Army spokesperson.

Corps units and above, and individual augmentee deployments will remain at 12-month deployments.

The goal for the corps units is to eventually get to nine-month deployments.

Most augmentees -- those with particular skills or those in low density skill sets and grades -- will remain on 12-month deployments.

This change in policy, to be fully implemented by April 1, will affect Soldiers in all named operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Noble Guardian in Kosovo, and Multi-National Forces Sinai in Egypt.

Reserve and National Guard unit tour lengths will be the same as active duty -- nine months. In their case, though, deployment and mobilization are two different issues. Even though these units may still be mobilized for 12 or more months, they will only spend nine months of that mobilization deployed.

It is clear to Army senior leadership that there are still issues tied to Guard and Reserve Forces that will need to be worked out, said Kageleiry.

Soldiers deploying under the change in policy will not be granted environmental morale leave -- known as R&R;, but commanders will retain the option of granting emergency leave and leave for special circumstances, according to Army regulations and local policy.

"This policy will enhance operational success by reducing the friction that comes with having 10 percent of a commander's personnel being away on leave in the middle of a deployment," Kageleiry said.

"Operational continuity is enhanced and risk to the individual Soldier is reduced by not having to move a warrior around on the battlefield to go on leave," she said.

Also, Kageleiry said, the reduced deployment length could potentially improve Soldier and family quality of life while continuing to meet operational requirements, and is an important step in sustaining the all-volunteer force.

The goal of the policy is to reduce the amount of time Soldiers are deployed and provide more time for them to spend with their families, depending on the needs of the combatant commander and the potential of decrease operations. Units deployed before the policy takes effect, January 2012, will continue to have 12 month deployments.

Currently, deployment has been 12 months with a goal of 24 months at home.

However, the Army will continue to review how to increase the amount of time Soldiers spend at home depending on the amount of time they are deployed.

"We are constantly analyzing all range of policies to address the issues of the mission, Soldiers, and Families. We believe that the current operational environment allows us to adjust the deployment policy in a way that meets all mission requirements and better serve our Soldiers and Families," Kageleiry said.

National Infantry Museum prepares for 9/11 Remembrance

Story by Borden Black

Thousands of flags will cover the front lawn at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center on September 11 as the museum commemorates the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America and celebrates the nation's resilience. A day of activities is planned to pay tribute to America's military, police, fire and civilian heroes.

A motorcycle poker run and remembrance starts at 8 a.m. at the National Infantry Museum. Riders will pass police and fire stations surrounding Fort Benning on a run that mimics the timeline of the morning of 9-11-01.

A Field of Flags, with each 5"x8" flag representing one of the 2,937 victims of 9/11, will be dedicated by Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson. Flag sponsorships of $5.00 each are still available.

A steel beam pulled from the rubble of the World Trade Center will be on display throughout the day. The beam was delivered in September 2009 by members of the New York Fire Department and was signed by soldiers and others attending that ceremony.

The Red Cross will hold a "Badges for Life" Blood Drive from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and an interactive fire safety experience will be available.

Other family-friendly events scheduled for the day of commemoration include search-and-rescue dog demonstrations, teamwork exercises, scavenger hunt with prizes, and crafts for kids. Local singers and musicians will provide patriotic music throughout the day.

To learn more about participating in this special event, contact Lauren Pastwik at 706-685-5813 or lpastwik@nationalinfantryfoundation.org.

Up Next!

DFMWR: Taking care of the best military community in the Army!

The Missoula Children's Theatre will host a weeklong performing arts residency Aug. 8-13 at the Kelley Hill Rec Center on Fort Benning. This free event includes auditions for actors and actresses 6- to 18-years-old, a week of rehearsals and a stage performance. Auditions start at 4:15pm Aug. 8. The final performance, The Little Mermaid, will start at 3pm Aug. 13. It is open to the public. For more information, call 706-545-0522.

Whiskey Bent will perform at Wetherby Field at 7pm August 13. This event is free and open to the public. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. For more information, call 706-545-3328.

MWR Sports will host the Joes vs Pros double elimination flag football tournament Aug. 15-17 at Essebagger Field. There is a 12 team limit, and the cost is $150 per team. Register before Aug. 9. This event is open to the public. Prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 706-984-1994.

Active duty Soldiers are invited to try out for the Doughboy Football Team from 6-8pm Aug. 18 on Essebagger Field. Team practices will begin in late August or early September. For more information, send an e-mail to ken.wetherill@us.army.mil.

The Benning Conference Center will host Dueling Pianos, a free comedy event that engages the audience in a high-energy variety show featuring rock and roll, classics, top 40, R&B, country and more, August 19. The show starts at 7pm, but the doors will open one hour early for refreshments. Space is limited in the Supper Club, so come early. For more information, call 706-682-0640.

Super Bingo is fast-paced and wild! Better get familiar with the game before you run with the big dogs. From 6-10pm Tuesdays, Fort Benning's Pins & Daubers will host Beginner's Bingo. We'll play at a slower pace to get you comfortable with the game and give you a chance to ask questions. We'll even throw in a free add-on packet when you purchase your first packet. Don't be scared. For more information, call 706-544-1964. Pins & Daubers is located on Marne road, beside the commissary.

Is that a baby bump? Join us for prenatal yoga from 4:30-5:30pm Wednesdays at Smith Fitness Center. That's not a baby bump, you say? Oops. You might want to try one of our other fitness classes: www.benningmwr.com/fitnessclasses.php.

Help us feed local families in distress! MWR is partnering with the Feds Feed Families Food Drive to replenish stock at local food banks at a time when supplies are low. Please deliver canned and nonperishable foods, hygiene items, household goods and paper products to collection boxes at Sayers Library, Army Community Service and recreation centers on Kelley Hill, Sand Hill and Harmony Church. The food will be delivered to the Columbus Wellness Center and Feeding the Valley Food Bank.

For those who prefer nonfiction literature, the new Second Saturday Book Club will meet at 10am the second Saturday of each month at the Sayers Library Conference Room. The title for the August 13 meeting is Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives by Tanya Biank. For more information, call 706-545-4911.

MWR will host a flea market on Blue Field during the semi-annual postwide yard sale

from 8am-2pm Sept. 10. This event is open to the public. For information on renting booth space, click here.

Mark your calendar for the return of Movies Under the Stars Sept. 2, 9, 16 and 30 at 8:30pm on Wetherby Field. This event is free and open to the public. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, and we'll supply the popcorn. Movie titles will be announced soon.

CYSS will host a number of road trips for students in middle and high school from August through December. Enroll your student today to take part in a variety of field trips, including visits to Macon State, Georgia Southwestern and Auburn universities, LaGrange College, Pratt & Whitney and the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Ga. These trips are free, but you must register. Call 706-626-0388.

The annual Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation Open House will start at 5pm August 24 at the Uchee Creek Activity Center. This free event is open to the public and includes refreshments, door prizes, games and the latest information and updates on post hunting and fishing policies and practices. Raffle tickets are available for $2.50 each at Outdoor Recreation and the Uchee Creek Country Store. For more information, call 706-545-9636.

Soldiers and family members 18 and older are invited to participate in a weeklong trip to Disney World Sept. 2-6. The cost of this trip, $320, covers roundtrip transportation, accommodations at the Shades of Green resort and a four day park hopper pass. This trip, sponsored by the BOSS program, is not exclusive to single Soldiers. Register at the Kelley Hill Recreation Center or call 706-544-1411. You may pay by installments.

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