Saturday..Spent with Family...Saw John Comer!

24 July 2004 - Saturday

Had a good day with the family. Bought a new storm-door and disposal unit for the house. John Comer came over for dinner. I received the MCS mailing address today:

SAMPLE ADDRESS WHILE AT MCS





PVT JOHN B. DOE

UNIT NAME

1001 LEE AVENUE

CAMP SHELBY, MS 39407-5500





Bring stamps. Stamps will not be furnished by the unit.

Cool Meeting with Bob Bryden

Meeting with Bob Bryden and Madelyn. Had lunch with them. Dental work done.

Wrote the following Memo for Madelyn describing the status of the FUSIS system:



INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM



Date: July 23, 2004
To:
Madelyn Strong-Branch





From: Harold W. Taylor
cc:
Joann Moore



Jerry Becton

RE: FUSIS Status








Madelyn:



This report serves as an overview of the current status of the FedEx Universal Security Information System (FUSIS).



FUSIS is a system of systems, encompassing all FedEx OpCo’s and virtually every aspect of Security-Related Activity. The system is designed to collect, store, transform, disseminate, analyzed and maintain data relevant to personnel from Security Employees up through the Chairman and CEO of FedEx Corporation.



FUSIS is comprised of a Case Management System, a series of direct data connections to data stores across all OpCo’s, a series of web forms to gather other data, a large SQL Server Database, a web-based portal, and a series of analytical, online reports.



As of July 23, 2004, there are 771 registered users of the system, and of those registered users, there are 243 Security Personnel with active case queues in the Case Management System (CMS). Of these 243 personnel with queues, 219 are listed as active, and all have accessed the system. Of the 219 active personnel, 130 have accessed the CMS in the past 30 days.



FUSIS is updated daily from the SIS Mainframe-based CMS, but there is not an update from FUSIS to SIS. This condition will not allow for simultaneous use of both systems, and will require a “cold start” of universal use of the FUSIS system.



There is an IPR meeting in Hernando today, here is the IPR Itinerary from the CAV Troop:



TROOP A, 98th CAVALRY

MISSISSIPPI ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

155TH SEPARATE ARMOR BRIGADE (HEAVY)

P.O. BOX 70

HERNANDO, MISSISSIPPI 38632-0070





A/98TH CAV TRP/XO 23 JUL 2004





MEMORANDUM FOR Troop A, 98th Cavalry Leadership



SUBJECT: Agenda for 23 JUL 2004 In-Progress Review (IPR)





1. This Friday, there will be an IPR held at the Hernando Armory to discuss the upcoming mobilization and other important issues facing the Troop. The IPR will begin promptly at 0900 with a roll call. All AGR staff is required to attend, and all Troop leadership is encouraged to participate. The meeting will follow the timeline listed below. The XO will be responsible for ensuring that the meeting stays on schedule.



0900 – 0915 : Roll Call

0915 – 0930 : Suspense List Scrub

0930 – 0940 : UIC/ DUIC Scrub

0940 – 1000 : Timeline Scrub for 1st 3 Days of LDR/ TNG MOB



2. The AGR staff at Holly Springs will call in to the IPR via teleconference, with the information previously distributed over e-mail. Also, if any leader cannot make it to the armory, but still has the free time to participate, they are permitted to call in using the teleconference information. The number and pin code has been e-mailed to all leadership, but if you still require the information, call the POC at the number listed below.



3. The following is a list of documents that all participants in the meeting, whether in person or over the phone, will need to have readily available. The suspense list has already been distributed, and each Platoon/ Section leader should bring their page of the Battle Roster with them. If you do not have a copy of the Battle Roster, e-mail me and I will send you one. Do not worry if you think your information is not current – that is one of the things we will be taking care of during the meeting. The checklist, DUIC rosters, and day planner are attached to this memorandum as annexes.

· Individual Platoon/ Section’s page of the Battle Roster

· Suspense List dated 20 JUL 2004

· Advanced Party/ MUIC/ SRP Checklist

· LDR/ TNG Main Body DUIC Rosters

· Day Planner for 25 – 27 JUL 2004 (LDR/ TNG MOB Timeline)



4. The POC for this memorandum is 1LT Ford, and can be reached at 662-801-7136 for any questions you may have.





GARY E. FORD

1LT, AR

Executive Officer



Annex A – Advanced Party/ MUIC/ SRP Checklist

Annex B – LDR/ Training/ Main Body DUIC Rosters

Annex C – 25 – 27 JUL 2004 Day Planner

Melting Pot! Yummy!

Worked today at FedEx, had Dental work done at 1500. Went to the Melting Pot with my family, Becky and Justin were there.



I also wrote a CLEAR Business Case Letter for our SDR&A purchases today.

I received an OPORD called Dulcet Thunder regarding our Mobilization.

Can't publish the whole thing, but here are some important pieces:


a. Concept of operations.



(1) Critical Dates. The following are critical dates for 155 BCT units mobilizing and their subsequent arrival at Mobilization Station (MOBSAD). 2-11 ACR is not included in this chart since they are already on station and conducting training.



UNIT
PAX
M-DAY
ADVON
MUIC
MOBSAD

155 Leaders
364
25 July
26 July
27 July
28 July

155 DMOSQ
321
25 July
26 July
27 July
28 July

HHC/155th SAB

I/O/HHC/155th SAB

255th MI

A/2-198 AR BN
285
9 Aug
10 Aug
11 Aug
13 Aug

106th CS BN
318
13 Aug
14 Aug
15 Aug
17 Aug

A/98 CAV

1-198 AR BN
436
17 Aug
18 Aug
19 Aug
21 Aug

1-155th IN BN
548
21 Aug
22 Aug
23 Aug
25 Aug

2/114th FA BN
489
25 Aug
26 Aug
27 Aug
29 Aug

150th EN BN
336
29 Aug
30 Aug
31 Aug
2 Sep

TOTAL
3,097

Happy Birthday To Me!!! My 45th Birthday. Photo 1

Thats my father, my wife, me and my mother. Wow.

Worked Late at FedEx...Gotta get everyone ready

Worked at FedEx – Worked Late. I also created a Desert Survival Handbook, and gathered information about our probable AOR. I received my MOB order today. I Mobilize on 25 July 2004 with Troop A, 98th CAV.



Captain Ferguson from the CAV Troop is in a quandary as to what to do in order to accommodate me and my platoon. Here is a Memorandum from him regarding this issue:



DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

TROOP A, 98TH CAVALRY

MISSISSIPPI ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

POST OFFICE BOX 70

HERNANDO, MS 38632



20 July 2004





MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD



SUBJECT: A Troop 98th Cavalry Armor Platoon Sergeant (Para 104 Lin 02)





1. 14 January 2004 – An email was sent from SFC Adams, the Readiness NCO, to eternally fill the non-selected slot with SSG Carlton Williams, STPA control number 0301199L.



2. 4 June 2004 – SFC Adams informed me that he was directed by state to reannounce the position because the position had expired. SFC Adams also informed me that state stated that they had not received the request to fill the slot in question with SSG Williams. SFC Adams has provided a copy of the email requesting the action.



3. 08 June 2004 – I was informed that Troop A/98th Cav would be receiving the scout platoon from 2-198th Armor to cross-level into a platoon vacancy. Our fourth scout platoon was vacant except for the platoon sergeant’s crew and wing mans crew. The platoon sergeant is SFC Adams.



4. 06 July 2004 – I was informed by the Brigade Commander, through the Brigade CSM and the Troop’s full-time personnel, that I would have to accept 2-198th Armor’s scout platoon sergeant, SFC Taylor. No solution was provided on what to do with SFC Adams.



5. 08 July 2004 – I went to Brigade Headquarters inquired to the Brigade Deputy Commander, as my First Sergeant and Readiness NCO did to the Brigade Command Sergeant Major, what to do with SFC Adams since his UMR slot had been given to SFC Taylor. I recommended to the DBC that I move SFC Adams into the vacant armor platoon sergeant slot since the deployed mission of 19K’s and 19D’s within the Troop would be transparent. The DBC agreed.



6. 20 July 2004 – I was informed by SFC Adams that his slot had been filled via STPA with SSG Wells from 1-198th Armor, even though we did not request the position to be announced for the second time.



7. Recommendation – Since it is Brigade’s directive, as addressed by the Brigade CSM, that cross-leveling supercede STPA, I recommend that SSG Wells be placed in the rear DUIC and that SFC Adams functions as the platoon sergeant. Upon returning from active duty, SSG Wells assumes the platoon sergeant position. SFC Adams is a qualified platoon sergeant and has been training with the Troop for 18 months. The platoon in question is also receiving a new second lieutenant as a platoon. I believe by placing this platoon with an inexperienced platoon leader and an inexperience platoon sergeant will have adverse affects in training and in a combat zone. Leaving SFC Adams in this platoon sergeant slot is the right thing to do.



8. The point of the contact is CPT Robert D. Ferguson at (662) 429-6333 or robert.d.ferguson@us.army.mil.











ROBERT D. FERGUSON

CPT, AR, MSARNG

Commanding

Back to work at FedEx - Monday, July 19th

Back to work at FedEx – Worked Late

Sunday, July 18th

Day off with my family. Won't get a lot more of these, I'm sure.

Annual Training at Camp McCain

July 10-17, 2004

AT’04 at Camp McCain. Arrived on 10 July 2004, and we did daily PT. On 13 July 2004 I had medical SRP, got HEP A#1, Meningo, Tetanus vaccinations, did Dental SRP, HIV Test. Friday, 16 July 2004, we did a Battalion Run of three miles. I finished the run. One of the units had a soldier to injure his knee pretty badly.



Daily PT, Section SGT meetings every evening, got sizes for JSLIST, did NVG Driver training, CLS courses, PMCS training, internal SRP, State Pre-SRP, Hip-pocket training at the mini-tank range, CTT/NBC/1st Aid tasks, had a battalion group photo taken. I drew a large crewman’s bag on the 17th, after we returned to Batesville.

Becky made the papers!

A wonderful Newspaper article came out in the commercial Appeal about Becky today. Here is a copy:

Owning a home not out of reach for enterprising college student

My New Home

By Kate Miller Morton
Contact
July 11, 2004

Paying her way through Christian Brothers University with a nighttime bar tending job, 21-year-old Rebecca Taylor learned the value of a dollar early.

So while most students would be happy sharing an apartment with friends, Taylor was dissatisfied.

"I got tired of paying rent," she said. "I was just throwing money down the drain. I wanted to start building equity in something."

Taylor is the owner of a three-bedroom, two-bath home off Charles Bryan Road between Summer and Elmore.

Taylor purchased the 1,044-square-foot house near the Whitten Road exit off Interstate 40 on May 13 for $96,500.

Taylor said she probably wouldn't have followed through on her desire for homeownership if it hadn't been for her mother's friend and Crye-Leike agent Brenda Hampton.

In addition to leading her on a five-month house search, Hampton also served as a mentor on the home-buying process.

Hampton said Taylor is the youngest client she has ever worked with, but the learning curve for Taylor was not different than that of any other first-time buyer.

Taylor knew she wanted a house under $100,000 located near her family in Bartlett. She also wanted easy access to the Interstate so she could get to school quickly.

Hampton said the area of Memphis where Taylor's house is located proved to be fertile ground for that price range.

"I found a lot of homes in the area I didn't expect to find because I hadn't worked a lot in that area," Hampton said. "I was really impressed with the area and the price range over there."

Although she continued her search for months afterward, Taylor immediately liked the house that is now hers.

"It was the first house she showed me," Taylor said. "It was in good shape to begin with but it also had a lot of potential."

The layout and size of the 1993 home were attractive.

"It wasn't too big, but it was big enough," she said. "I could have my bedroom, a spare bedroom and my office."

Taylor moved into her home two months ago and said it's much better than an apartment.

She no longer has to share the space with roommates, and she doesn't have to worry about waking her neighbors when she comes home from work.

Pictures and light fixtures have been hung and the living room, dining room and kitchen areas already look homey. Taylor is eager to finish decorating the bedrooms.

"I'm a very impatient person," she said.

Buying a home was a financial stretch, she said.

Taylor saved money for four months and had enough to cover approximately $5,000 in earnest money and closing costs.

Her $850 a month mortgage payment is more than double her former share of the rent, but less than $100 more than she and her roommates together paid for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment.

She and her boyfriend eat out less and she has curtailed her shopping for things other than household items.

"I don't get as interested in buying clothes as I am buying things for the house," she said.

- Kate Miller Morton: 529-2351

Arrived at Camp McCain form Annual Training '04

Arrived at Annual Training, July 10, 2004. We began preparing our troops for deployment today.

Went to my first IPR meeting in Hernando today at 0900

Friday, July 9th. I went to my first IPR meeting in Hernando today at 0900. I am working at FedEx after AT up until MOB (I found out today that I will MOB on 25 July, and move to MCS on 28 July.

Fourth of July at Shelby Farms with my family!

Today is Sunday, July 4th, and we went to Shelby Farms for a huge celebration. We had a great time, and got frisbys. Grayson and I played frisby, but it was so windy, it was hard to keep the frisby from crashing into other people. I left my wallet in a portalet, and it was picked up by someone and turned in to the Ranger Station. I was very lucky. There are still good folks out there!

Happy Birthday to Susan and Otis!

Today is Susan’s and her Dad’s birthday.

Got my 2004 Annual Training Orders, a Unit Deployment Packet Checklist, and today is my father's Birthday!

Today is Dad’s Birthday! Happy 69th, Dad! I love you.

I received a Unit Deployment Checklist today. Here it is:

UNIT DEPLOYMENT PACKET

CHECKLIST


NAME SSN LAST 4




LEFT SIDE



____ Readiness & Deployment Checklist

DA Form 7425



____ Individual Mob Order (5 copies)

Unit Mob Order (5, stapled to the

individual’s order)

HQDA Mob Order (5, stapled to the

individual’s order)



____ DD For 93 (HS SRP review date)



____ DGLV-8286 (HS SRP review date)



____ UPS PQR (Signed and dated

by the officer/soldier)



____ DA Form 2-1 (HS SRP review date)



____ ID Tags (Second set stapled to packet)



____ Medical Warning Tags (Second set

stapled to packet)



____ DD Form 214(s) and DD Form 220(s)



____ RPAM





RIGHT SIDE



____ Marriage License



____ Birth Certificate(s) (Children)



____ Divorce Decree



____ Family Care Plan



____ Child Custody Agreement



____ Mortgage/Rental Agreement



____ DA Form 5960 (Authorization to

Start, Stop or Change Basic allowance

for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable

Housing Allowance (VAH)



____ DA Form 2766 (With SF 601 and

current medical exam)


I also received my Annual Training Orders today.

Saddam's Preliminary Hearings Started Today!

The preliminary hearings began in Iraq earlier today, in the trial of former president Saddam Hussein, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Hmmmm, I wonder how they will find him? GUILTY!?!?!?!?

We handed over Iraqi Soveignty 2 days early...I wonder why?

After major combat operations ended, US President George W. Bush set up the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and led by United States civilian administrator Paul Bremer. On July 22, 2003, the CPA formed the Iraqi Governing Council. The council created a provisional constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion but also forbidding any law to be created that violates the principles of Islam.

On 8 June 2004, the United Nations Security Council resolution 1546 was adopted unanimously and the multinational forces set June 30 as the deadline for transferring power back to the Iraqis. As the deadline has approached, the fighting has increased, with various local insurgents trying to grab power away from the national council and (presumably) prevent Iraq from becoming a sovereign republic. Instability, resentment, and a vacuum of legitimate power resulting from the occupation encouraged some militants from neighboring countries to join in the fight. Washington Times reporter Rowan Scarborough wrote, "Foreign fighters from Syria have become a major stumbling block to stabilizing Iraq and turning over sovereignty by June 30". The transfer took place a day or two ahead of schedule.

The 2004 Istanbul summit - Some Important, but relatively unknown/unreported developments in Turkey

The 2004 Istanbul summit was held in Istanbul, Turkey from June 28 to June 29. It was the 17th NATO summit in which NATO's Heads of State and Governments met to make formal decisions about security topics. In general, the summit is seen as a continuation of the transformation process that begun in the 2002 Prague summit, which hoped to create a shift from a Cold War alliance against Soviet aggression to a 21st century coalition against new and out-of-area security threats. The summit consisted of four meetings. It was really hard to get any news from the meetings, because of all the hoopla surrounding the US Government/Iraqi Government transfer of sovereignty!

NATO members welcomed seven new alliance members during the North Atlantic Council meeting, decided to expand the alliance's presence in the War in Afghanistan and to end its presence in Bosnia, agreed to assist Iraq with training, launched a new partnership initiative and adopted measures to improve NATO’s operational capabilities. The NATO-Russia Council meeting was mostly noted by the absence of both Russian president Vladimir Putin and of any progress concerning the ratification of the adapted CFE treaty or the withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia and Moldova. NATO leaders further welcomed progress made by Ukraine towards membership in the NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting and discussed some general and mostly symbolic topics with its non-NATO counterparts during the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council meeting.

Due to Turkish government fears of a terrorist attack, security measures during the summit were tight. Demonstrators from around the world gathered to protest against NATO or the American foreign policy under the George W. Bush Administration, while the summit itself was blown off the front pages of the world press by the unexpected transfer of Iraqi sovereignty, coinciding with the first day of the NATO summit on June 28.

I wonder why the two important events were co-scheduled? Or did it just work out that way?

More MOB Preparations, and an Article regarding our MOB

I Created and laminated a Cincgars Radio Card.

Here is another newspaper article about our upcoming MOB and Deployment:

155th called to Iraq

National Guard units in Brookhaven, Monticello, McComb, Crystal Springs, Prentiss and Tylertown are among a mobilization of more than 3,500 soldiers of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The 155th SAB, headquartered in Tupelo, is comprised of units in 49 locations throughout the state and components will be mobilizing to Camp Shelby throughout the month of August.

"The 155th Infantry Battalion and the 106th Support Battalion should be mobilizing in mid-August," said Maj. Danny Blanton, a spokesman for the National Guard with the 102nd Public Affairs Office. "It'll be very close to the same time frame, within days."

The 155th Infantry Battalion is headquartered in McComb and is comprised of 701 soldiers. Local components of the 155th include Detachment 1 in Brookhaven and Company A of Detachment 1 in Tylertown.

The 106th Support Battalion is headquartered in Monticello and is comprised of 718 soldiers, including Detachment 1's Company A in Prentiss and Detachment 2's Company C in Crystal Springs.

The soldiers will spend three months at Camp Shelby for in-processing and post-mobilization training, Blanton said, before deploying to Fort Erwin, Calif., for a three-week long mission rehearsal exercise.

"Then we'll start making preparations to depart," he said.

The brigade was called up as part of a Presidential Partial Mobilization of Reserve Forces to support operations in Iraq. Under partial mobilization orders, reservists can be activated for 24 months, but that period can be extended or shortened depending on the needs of the Army, Blanton said.

"It's flexible one way or the other depending on the needs of the theatre commander," he said.

Generally, Blanton said, units called up are asked to serve for 12 months in theatre. Therefore, he said, the unit is expecting to be mobilized for at least 18 months, which includes the training time at Camp Shelby prior to their departure for Iraq.

In a press release, Gov. Haley Barbour, commander in chief of the Mississippi National Guard, praised the men and women of the brigade and promised to guard the home front while they are deployed.

"These are highly trained soldiers, and I know they will do an excellent job supporting our national defense," he said. "Marsha and I wish them well, and we certainly stand by all of them and their families."

Transfer of Sovereignty to the Iraqi Interem Government occurred today!

The U.S.-led coalition occupying Iraq transfers sovereignty to an Iraqi Interim Government.

Canadian election results are in!

Canadian election results are in! The Liberal Party, led by Paul Martin, is reduced to a minority government, after holding a majority since November 1993. Yeeeeehaw! Conservativism prevails...this should help with the Canadian involvement in Iraq, shouldn't it?

Two Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe trains collided today

Two Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe trains collided today in a rural area outside of San Antonio, Texas. Forty cars are derailed, including one chlorine car. Three people died, another 50 people are hospitalized because of exposure to the gas.

Working on the 2004 Salary Budget Plan for my FedEx Workgroup, and put together more training aids for my Platoon

Worked on my Salary Budget Plan. I also downloaded and compiled many training tools, TTPs and Manuals today.

New Leaders Handbook for Scout Platoon

I created a “Leaders Handbook” for use during our Deployment.

Well, I now know more about how the 155th units will deploy, but which one will my detachment go with?

I got some info regardind MOB Dates today. Now, which unit will I MOB with?



Main Body (minus Ldr & Tng DUICs):

Organization UIC Req’d Mob MSAD # Soldiers Projected SRP

Date Completion Date



HHC WRTAA 9 Aug 04 13 Aug 04 198 16 Aug 04

255 MI Co WPBUAA 9 Aug 04 13 Aug 04 43 16 Aug 04

Signal Unit TBD 9 Aug 04 13 Aug 04 139 17 Aug 04



106 CS Bn (FSB) WTNBAA 13 Aug 04 17 Aug 04 318 20 Aug 04



A Trp, 198 Cav WTRCAA 17 Aug 04 21 Aug 04 116 23 Aug 04

1-198 AR (Bn #1) WPKQAA 17 Aug 04 21 Aug 04 365 25 Aug 04



1-155 Inf Bn (Bn #2) WPKLAA 21 Aug 04 25 Aug 04 548 29 Aug 04



114 FA Bn WPKDAA 25 Aug 04 29 Aug 04 489 6 Sep 04



150 Eng Bn WPB0AA 29 Aug 04 2 Sep 04 336 9 Sep 04



Note: This allows for 3 days at home station; 2 days of travel arriving at mob station on second day of travel; and 4 days between each arrival at the mob station.





Pre Main Body (Leader DUICs):

Recommend a mobilization date of 21 Jul 04 and MSAD of 25 Jul 04.





Phased Mob (Training DUICs):

Recommend a mobilization date of 19 Jul 04 with MSAD of 21 Jul 04. Soldiers in a Title 10 status attending schools MUST report to the mobilization FIRST, spend 2-3 days to SRP (to meet the 25-day rule/30 day REFRAD rule if determined non-deployable) BEFORE attending school on a start date of 17 Jul 04 and later.

Any soldiers in these DUICs that have a school start date before 24 Jul 04 should begin school in a Title 32 status and remain in that status until school completion. Those soldiers’ individual mobilization orders (attending in a Title 32 status) should indicate an effective mobilization date of 1-2 days following completion of the school and a MSAD of no more than 3 days following the effective date.

IF 19 Jul 04 is NOT the mob date approved, then dates mentioned above must be adjusted accordingly.

SpaceShipOne is the First Privately-Funded, Manned Spaceplane to achieve Space Flight!

In Mojave, California, SpaceShipOne becomes the first privately-funded, manned spaceplane to achieve spaceflight. It was developed by Scaled Composites.

SpaceShipOne was an experimental air-launched suborbital spaceplane that used a hybrid rocket motor. The design featured a unique "feathering" reentry system where the rear half of the wing and the twin tail booms folded upward along a hinge running the length of the wing; this increased drag while remaining stable. The achievements of SpaceShipOne are more comparable to the X-15 than orbiting spacecraft like the Space Shuttle. Accelerating a spacecraft to orbital speed requires more than 60 times as much energy as lifting it to 100 km.

SpaceShipOne was developed by Mojave Aerospace Ventures (A joint venture between Paul Allen and Scaled Composites, Burt Rutan's aviation company, in their Tier One program), without government funding. Today it made the first privately funded human spaceflight, funded completely by Paul Allen.

It is not, however the first privately-funded spacecraft to achieve spaceflight, but the first MANNED one. Prior unmanned privately funded space flights were successfully achieved by the Orbital Sciences Pegasus since 1990 and the Civilian Space eXploration Team 5 weeks ago in May 2004. Scaled Composites is also the subcontractor to Orbital Sciences who builds the composite wings and fins of their Pegasus rockets.

Some info on the 155th Armored Brigade

Today I downloaded the following description of the 155 SAB from the web:

(Separate) (Heavy) "Dixie Thunder"

The 155th separate Armored Brigade (Heavy) takes it’s name from the 155th Infantry Regiment which dates back to 1798.

During its history, the 155th Infantry has served under such notable leaders as Andrew Jackson and Jefferson Davis, and participated in the battles of the War of 1812, the United States Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War One and Two, and mobilized for Desert Shield/Storm.

While the units assigned to the 155th Armored Brigade vary in length of service, the brigade itself dates back to April 1951 when it was organized as Headquarters, Company 108th Armored Cavalry Regiment. In 1968 the 108th became part of the 30th Armored Division and re-designated as the First Brigade, 30th Armored Division.

In 1973 the brigade was redesignated as the 155th Armored Brigade when the 30th Amored Division was broken up into separate brigades.

The 155th Separate Armored Brigade (Heavy) is an asset of the Mississippi Army National Guard, and is an integral part of the Total Army Concept.

The first Annual Training period involving members of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade (Heavy) for 2001 took place when the unit participated in the 18th Airborne Corps Warfighter Exercise at Fort Campbell, KY, for the periods of 27 January-03 February and 27 February-11 March 2001.

The Adjutant General's Office of the Mississippi National Guard received an alert notification in May 2004 for the nearly 4,000 soldiers of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade (SAB), headquartered in Tupelo, Miss. The notification alerts the command of the brigade and its units to begin sensible planning and preparation for possible mobilization in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

I did much research and downloading today regarding Analytical Loss Prevention and Security.

Got a new 2/198th AR Leadership Contact List today

I received a 2-198th AR Leadership Contact List from CSM Davis today

An Intitial Report from the 9/11 Commission issued today

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (or "9/11 Commission") issued the initial report of its findings. The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States was set up on November 27, 2002, by President George W. Bush and Congress.

The Commission was instructed "to prepare a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 attacks", including preparedness for and the immediate response to the attacks.

I want a copy!!!

Modeling Loss Prevention Efforts, Some Deployment Notes, and the Baghdad Mosquito

I updated my Modeling Manual for ALPS. I wish to take all this with me, and Joann wanted a copy.

I received a Warning Order today that indicates that the 3rd ID will indeed be our Unit. I'm not going to include any of that Warning or OPORD for OPSEC reasons.

Some notes from COL Anderson regarding the upcoming Deployment:

Colonel Anderson:
1. Understand the cdr's intent during the fight, and understand the cdr's guidance during SASO. You can fight off of intent during combat, but not in SASO.

2. Fight the enemy, not the plan. The enemy over here chose to reach out much further from Baghdad in an attempt to disrupt our ops (Fedayeen, Al Quds, etc.); they were initially successful.

3. Battle drills work. We entered/cleared trenches, knocked out bunkers; and entered/cleared rooms. Don't get sexy - concentrate on the basics.

4. Casevac plans save lives. Allocate combat power to aid and litter teams; have/know the plan.

5. You have to be able to transition into the fight from an air assault and/or Ground Assault Convoy (GAC). You can't waste time adjusting to the new AO, getting folks up to speed, etc. on LZs, truck drop off pts, etc.

6. Watch soldier loads. MOLLEs make that tougher.

7. You will deal with the JRTC environment - Civilians on the battlefield, media on the battlefield and minefields. Fight as you have trained.

8. Standard weapons configuration and marksmanship remain one of our fundamentals. You have to be able to shoot under all conditions and hit what you shoot at.

9. PT remains the bedrock of our profession. It is tough to fight in 100+ degree weather for sustained periods of time. Being in shape helps with that process.

10. Understand MDMP. Not that any war will be the same, but FRAGOs on the hoodtop were the basic plans approach in this conflict. Time was of the essence in this op, and you have to understand the steps in your head so you can at least take all factors into consideration when there is no formal MDMP process. This was a task org/msn/intent/sketch war.

I began receiving the Baghdad Mosquito newsletter today.

Just another day of researching for my deployment to Iraq

I downloaded more TTPs and Manuals.

More Mob details, downloaded more TTP's and Manuals

I created another document trying to determine more details regarding our deployment. Here it is:

Probable MOB Date is now August 2, 2004. That backs the advance people up to the middle of July. We have AT 10 July through 17 July, so I can see us turning right around and Beginning 10% pre-MOB.

It is “99.99%” probable that we will MOB from Camp Atterbury, IN. It is also likely that we will spend two weeks at Ft. Irwin, CA, and will link up with the 11th ACR there. 2/11 ACR will provide all the heavy resources. That means that all maneuver units of the 155 will mobilize as motorized units. We will task organize once we know the mission. 2/11 ACR will remain at CTC to continue OPFOR function until we arrive for MRX.

SSG Campbell is to go to Senatobia Tuesday, 15 June 2004 to “scrub” the UMR for possible non-deployables. SSG Campbell also must create two new SRP jackets for the DEMOB Checklist and Deploy Checklists (what the unit has to provide prior to AT). We need to get potential Dental CL3 and CL4 people identified early in order to get funding – this could help head off some non-deployables, or at least give us early identification.

Lt. McLaurin is working with the Family Care Plans, and the Next Family Readiness Group meeting, which is to occur 26 June 2004, 0900, Dales Smokehouse in Batesville.

LTC Smith is conducting a site visit (with a team) to Camp Atterbury the week of 21 June 2004.

Looks like 1 Tank and 2 Tank may both “Carry the Flag”. Unknown at this time.

We’ve already given up our Hummers to support AT at Camp McCain. This leaves a couple of questions…How do we get the troops from Det 1 to McCain on 10 July.

Plans section will be participating in a CPX with 3 ID at Ft. Stewart (24-30 July). Right now they are calling for a work cell (plans and pucksters). BCBST: We will conduct the WFX but we are requesting to push back to mid-September while at Atterbury.

We need to break all of Det 1 into four categories:

Cat 1 - Those leaders down to squad/section level that will be mob'd early and go

to Atterbury to conduct all SRP/Ind. Training prior to main body mob.

Cat 2 - Soldiers requiring MOSQ or NCOES/OES

Cat 3 - Soldiers needed for mob prep (plan on 10%)

Cat 4 - remaining main body


We need this list ASAP

Around 28 July, we should have had our Connexes dropped at the units. We will bring in individuals to begin loading these through 2 August. I’m working on getting us a shrink-wrap machine.

Sounds like we'll go to Iraq with some or all the "Units of Action" or UA's (the Army's new org they've experimented with) from 3ID. Our Division, which will support OIF III may also include the 256 BDE (I believe they are a heavy mechanized infantry. brigade from Acadiana Louisiana, led by General John Basilica, placed on alert March 1, and should MOB at Fort Hood), two BDEs and an Engineer Company from 11ACR, us, and of course, the 3ID. 3ID was the vanguard unit that took Baghdad in record time last year, and redeployed from June through August of last year back to Fort Stewart, GA. They reorganized into Units of Action, and tested the concept at Fort Irwin earlier this spring.
Not sure where the 278th BDE out of TN and the 1BN, 509th INF out of Ft. Polk fit in.

I also understand that we will get a four-star General Officer in Theater, sometime after June 30, it could be Lt. General Sanchez, but that looks doubtful. More likely to be General George W. Casey. The idea is to have a four-star on hand to focus on the big picture (political issues while we hand over the government) and the Lt. General to run day-to-day combat issues.

The deployment of OIF 3 (that would be us)is expected to occur from September 2004 through February 2005, although the Marine Corp has already begun deploying.

As you probably know, Combined Joint Task Force-7 (CJTF-7) deactivated 15 May at Camp Victory (al-Faw Palace), Iraq, and two now commands were created, the Multi-National Force Iraq, and Multi-National Corps Iraq. Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez remained in command of U.S. Forces in Iraq, as the commander of MNFI. Lt. General Thomas F. Metz took command of MNCI.

The MNFI mission is to conduct strategic operations to defeat the remaining non-compliant forces and create a secure, creditable Iraq.

The MNCI mission is to fight the tactical war against the anti-coalition and anti-Iraqi forces.

I also downloaded more TTPs and Manuals

No Posts again today

Meteorite Attack in New Zealand!!! Take cover!

A meteorite struck someone's house in Ellerslie, New Zealand, causing serious damage but no injuries. The meterite weighed 1.3 kg, and was of the chondrite type. Dang! You'd better run, you'd better take cover!

Terry Nichols' Sentencing Today!

Terry Nichols was spared the death penalty in the Oklahoma state court on murder charges from his 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Ironically? The decision comes on the third anniversary of the execution of his co-defendant, Timothy McVeigh, in Terre Haute, Indiana. So it will take a little longer for Terry to go spend eternity with Timothy, I guess!

Happy Birthday to my Brother Mike!!!

Today is the old guy's birthday! He is now 43 years young! Okay, he was three years younger than me, but for the next month and a half, he'll only be two years younger (I will turn 45!!).

More Work on my Urban Ops Terrain Model Kit

I worked on and improved my Urban Ops Terrain Model Kit, and laminated them.

UNSC Resolution 1546 Passed today and my workgroup at FedEx produced a New FUSIS Training Aid for Specialists and Management

Tommy Zinser produced a FUSIS training aid in advance of his upcoming NYC trip.

Iraqi sovereignty was interrupted by the multinational forces which overthrew Saddam Hussein in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Today, the United Nations Security Council resolution 1546 was adopted unanimously, calling for "the end of the occupation and the assumption of full responsibility and authority by a fully sovereign and independent Interim Government of Iraq by 30 June 2004."

We'll see how THAT goes, and what effects it may have on our upcoming deployment.

Annual Training OPORD Received

I published this well after my redeployment in 2006 in order to ensure OPSEC

This is the AT-04 Warning Order I received today:


WARNING ORDER

2-198AR, BN CONDUCTS ANNUAL TRAINING 10 – 17 JULY 04 CONDUCTING ANNUAL RECORDS REVIEWS, LOGISTICAL READINESS, AND TRAINING READINESS IOT BETTER PREPARE SOLDIERS AND CREWS TO FIGHT, MAINTAIN, AND SUSTAIN TRAINING LEVELS FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS. ANNUAL TRAINING WILL BE CONDUCTED AT CAMP MCCAIN, MS. ADVANCED DETATCHMENT WILL DEPART ON 07 JULY 04.

Coordinating Instructions


During this AT period we are conduct various training simultaneously. The intent is to accomplish as many tasks as possible during this shortened time frame. In order to accomplish these there will need to be many training meetings to coordinate and plan these activities.

Much of the scheduled training will be conducted in a “Round Robin” environment with “Opportunity Training” being an essential element to the success of this operation. Commanders and Key leaders must look ahead and have the resources necessary to “Fill the Void” while waiting to participate in scheduled training. This will require leaders to forecast their CTT training needs and plan accordingly. Although guidance will be provided from Command and S3 section, Leaders much recognize the implied task associated with each task and “Make it Happen”.


WEAPONS, FIRST AID, NBC, MILITARY POLCE, COMMUNICATION (SINCGARS), DRIVERS TRAINING will be addressed in the form of Training Annexes at a later date. This information will include a unit assignment to station and rotation matrix to organize this process. Leaders must be flexible and identify “chock Point” and overcome and adapt to the logistic problems that arise.

It is imperative that ALL soldiers attend ALL Training. Trainers will keep a Sign In Roster at each station to track attendance. Trainers much also ensure they find the opportunity to attend other training outside their lane. Attachments are included at this time addressing Weapons, First Aid & NBC, and the Military Police Task to be taught. More coordinating instructions are forthcoming. Quality Instructors must be identified that can take the initiative and conduct this Training to the highest Standard.


Battalion S3


NOTE 1: STP 21-1-SMCT TASK#s REFERENCE

M9 PISTOL FM 3-23.35

Maintain an M9 Pistol 071-004-0001 TM 9-1005-317-10

Load an M9 Pistol 071-004-0003

Unload an M9 Pistol 071-004-0004



NOTE 2:

M4 & M4A1 CARBINE

Maintain an M4 or M4A1 Carbine 071-100-0004 FM 3-22.9

TM 11-5855-309-12&P

NOTE 3:

M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER

Maintain a M203 Grenade Launcher 071-311-2125 FM 23-31

Load an M203 Grenade Launcher 071-311-2127 TM 9-1010-221-10

Unload an M203 Grenade Launcher 071-311-2128

Correct Malfunction of an M203 GL 071-311-2129



NOTE 4:

M240 MACHINE GUN

Maintain an M240B Machine Gun 071-025-0001 FM 3-22.68

Load an M240B Machine Gun 071-025-0003 TM 9-1005-313-10

Unload an M240B Machine Gun 071-025-0004



NOTE 5:

MK19 MACHINE GUN

Maintain a MK19 MG 071-030-0001 FM 23-27

Load an MK19 Machine Gun 071-030-0005 TM 9-1010-230-10

Unload an MK19 Machine Gun 071-030- 0006

Perform Functions Check on an MK19 MGun 071-030-0007



NOTE 6:

M16 RIFLE

Maintain an M16 Series Rifle 071-311-2025 FM 3-22.9

Load an M16-Series Rifle 071-311-2027 TM 11-5855-309-12&P

Unload an M16-Serioes Rifle 071-311-2028



NOTE 7:

M2 MACHINE GUN

Maintain a Cal .50 M2 Machine Gun 071-022-0001 FM 23-65

Load a Cal .50 M2 Machine Gun 071-022-0003 TM 9-1005-213-10

Unload a Cal .50 M2 Machine Gun 071-022-0004



NOTE 8:

M249 Machine Gun (SAW)

Engage Targets with an M249 Machine Gun 71-010-0006 FM 3-22-68

Maintain an M249 Machine Gun 071-312-4025 TM 9-1005-201-10

Load an M249 Machine Gun 071-312-4027

Unload an M249 Machine Gun 071-312-4028



NOTE 8: First Aid Training will consist of three (3) stations.



Station 1: Task #

EVALUATE A CASUALTY 081-831-1000
PREVENT SHOCK 081-831-1005
PERFORM FIRST AIDFOR NERVE AGENT INJURY 081-831-1044


Station 2:

FIRST AID FOR BLEEDING OF AN EXTREMITY 081-831-1031
FIRST AID FOR OPEN CHEST WOUND 081-831-1026
FIRST AID FOR OPEN HEAD WOUND 081-831-1033
PUT ON A TOURNIQUET 081-831-1017


Station 3:

FIRST AID FOR HEAT INJURIES 081-831-1008
GIVE FIRST AID FOR BURNS 081-831-1007




NOTE 9: NBC Training will consist of three 3 stations.



Station 1: Task #

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CHEM/BIO
CONTAMINATION USING YOUR ASSIGNED

PROTECTIVE MASK 031-503-1035

2. REACT TO CHEM OR BIO HAZARD/ATTACK 031-503-1035



Station 2:

PROTECT YOURSELF FORM NBC INJURY/
CONTAMINATION WITH MOPP GEAR 031-503-1035

2. MAINTAIN YOUR ASSIGNED PROTECTIVE MASK 031-503-1036



Station 3:

DETECT CHEMICAL AGENTS USING M8/M9
DETECTOR PAPER 031-503-1037

DECOMTAMINATE YOURSELF AND INDIVIDUAL
EQUIPMENT USING CHEMICAL DECON KIT 031-503-1013

Family Readiness Briefing

Drilled in Batesville today.

Mrs. Whitfield came to do a Family Readiness Briefing. I made a couple of wives and mothers cry when I told them that their soldiers were definitely deploying.

Training Meeting 6 June 2004

Tasks for CTT for Lt. McLaurin by Friday.

FRG – Family Care Plan from every unit member by the 26th of June

Da form 7425

Ronald Reagan Died!!!!! HUGE Tragedy for Americans! National Guard Drill in Batesville, MS

No time for a good BLOG post today...Maybe tomorrow.

This is, however, a VERY sad day for America and the World...Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States of America, died at his home in Bel-Air, California at the age of 93 today.

Marvin John Heemeyer Goes Crazy with a Bulldozer in Colorado, destroying City Hall...I've been to that City Hall!

This guy went completely bonkers! But he took his time to pull off this act of revenge and Suicide by Cops....Dang!

When I first heard the story, I thought he'd been killed by the police...turns out he actually shot himself...

I copied this excerpt from Wikipedia much later....


Marvin John Heemeyer (October 28, 1951 – June 4, 2004) was a skilled American welder and owner of an automobile muffler repair shop. On June 4, 2004, frustrated over the adverse outcome of a zoning dispute, Heemeyer used a Komatsu D355A bulldozer modified with armor in the forms of steel and concrete to demolish the town hall, a former judge's home and other buildings in Granby, Colorado. The rampage ended when the bulldozer became immobilized. After a standoff with law enforcement agencies, Heemeyer died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.


Heemeyer used an armor-plated Komatsu D355A bulldozer to destroy 13 buildings in Granby, ColoradoHeemeyer had been feuding with officials and individuals in Granby, particularly over fines for violating city ordinances and a zoning dispute regarding a concrete factory constructed opposite his muffler shop that destroyed his business.

Background

Heemeyer lived in Grand Lake, about 16 miles away from Granby. According to a citizen who knew him, Heemeyer moved to town about 10 years prior to the incident. Friends of Heemeyer believed that he had no immediate family in the Granby-Grand Lake area.

John Bauldree, a friend of Marvin's, said that Heemeyer was a fun-loving guy. Ken Heemeyer said his brother Marvin "would bend over backwards for anyone." While many people described Heemeyer as a likable person, others said he was not someone to cross. Christie Baker told the Denver Post that Heemeyer threatened her husband after he refused to pay for a faulty muffler repair.

Heemeyer bought two acres of land from the Resolution Trust Corp., the federal agency set up to handle the assets of failed savings and loan institutions. He bought the land for $42,000 subsequently agreeing to sell it to the Docheff family, which wanted the property for a concrete batch plant. The agreed upon price was $250,000 but according to Susan Docheff, he changed his mind and upped the price to $375,000 and at some later point demanded a deal worth approximately $1 million. This negotiation happened well before the rezoning proposal was heard by the town council.


Dispute with the city and preparations

In 2001, the zoning commission and the town's trustees approved the construction of a cement manufacturing plant. Heemeyer appealed the decisions unsuccessfully. For many years, Heemeyer had used the adjacent property as a way to get to his muffler shop. The plan for the cement plant blocked that access. In addition to the frustration engendered by this dispute over access, Heemeyer was fined $2,500 by the Granby government for various violations, including "junk cars on the property and not being hooked up to the sewer line." Heemeyer sought to cross 8 feet of the concrete plant's property to hook up with the sewer line.

As a last measure, Heemeyer petitioned the city with his neighbors and friends, but to no avail. He couldn't function without the sewer line and the cooperation of the town.

Bulldozer modification

Soon, Heemeyer leased his business to a trash company and sold the property several months prior to the rampage. The new owners gave Heemeyer six months to leave, and it was apparently during this time that he began modifying his bulldozer.

Heemeyer had bought a bulldozer two years before the incident with the intention of using it to build an alternative route to his muffler shop, but city officials rejected his request to build the road. Heemeyer complained the concrete plant had left dust on, and blocked access to, his business.

Notes found by investigators after the rampage indicate that the primary motivation for Heemeyer's bulldozer rampage was his fight to stop a concrete plant from being built near his shop. The notes indicated Heemeyer held grudges over the zoning approval. "I was always willing to be reasonable until I had to be unreasonable," Heemeyer scribbled. "Sometimes reasonable men must do unreasonable things."

Heemeyer took about a year and a half to prepare for his rampage. In notes found by investigators after the incident, Heemeyer wrote "It's interesting how I never got caught. This was a part-time project over a 1½ year time period." Heemeyer was surprised that several men who had visited the shed last autumn did not discover the modified bulldozer, "especially with the 2,000 lb. lift fully exposed." "Somehow their vision was clouded," he wrote.

The piece of construction equipment used in the incident was a Komatsu D335A bulldozer fitted with makeshift armor plating covering the cabin, engine and parts of the tracks. In places, the vehicle's armor was over one foot thick, consisting of concrete sandwiched between sheets of steel to make ad-hoc composite armor. This made the machine impervious to small arms fire and resistant to explosives; three external explosions and over 200 rounds of firearm ammunition fired at the bulldozer had no effect on it. National Guard units were placed on standby orders by Governor Bill Owens.

For visibility, the bulldozer was fitted with a video camera linked to two monitors mounted on the vehicle's dashboard. Onboard fans and an air conditioner were used to keep Heemeyer cool while driving and compressed air nozzles were fitted to blow dust away from the video cameras. Food, water and life support were present in the almost airtight cabin. Heemeyer had no intention of ever leaving the cabin once he entered; the hatch was permanently sealed. Authorities speculated Heemeyer may have used a homemade crane found in his garage to lower the armor hull over the dozer and himself. "Once he tipped that lid shut, he knew he wasn't getting out," Daly said. Investigators searched the garage where they believe Heemeyer built the vehicle and found cement, armor and steel.

For armament the bulldozer was fitted with a .50 caliber semi-automatic Barrett M82 sniper rifle pointing out to the rear, a semi-auto FN FNC assault-rifle pointing out to the front, a .223 Ruger Mini-14 to the right, a 9mm Kel-Tec P-11 semi-auto pistol and a .357 magnum revolver he used to kill himself.

After the incident, the modified bulldozer came to be known as "Killdozer".


The rampage

On June 4, 2004, Heemeyer drove his armored bulldozer through the wall of his former business, the concrete plant, the Town Hall, the office of the local newspaper that editorialized against him, the home of a former judge's widow, and a hardware store owned by another man Heemeyer named in a lawsuit, as well as others. Owners of all the buildings that were damaged had some connection to Heemeyer's disputes.

Heemeyer's rampage resulted in 13 buildings destroyed, resulting in total damages estimated at over $7 million. The bulldozer also knocked out natural gas service to City Hall and the cement plant, and damaged a truck and part of a utility service center. Despite the great damage to property, no one besides Heemeyer was killed.

According to Grand County commissioner James Newberry, Grand County emergency dispatchers used the reverse 911 emergency system to notify many residents and property owners of the rampage going on in the town. Thus, many people were forewarned and were able to get out of harm's way.

Defenders of Heemeyer contended that he made a point of not hurting anybody during his bulldozer rampage; Ian Daugherty, a bakery owner, said Heemeyer "went out of his way" not to harm anyone. Others offered different views. The sheriff's department argues that the fact that no one was injured was due more to luck than intent. Heemeyer had installed two rifles in firing ports on the inside of the bulldozer,[15] and fired 15 bullets from his rifle at power transformers and propane tanks. "Had these tanks ruptured and exploded, anyone within one-half mile of the explosion could have been endangered," the sheriff's department said; within this range were 12 police officers and residents of a senior citizens complex.[citation needed] The sheriff's department also asserted Heemeyer fired many bullets from his semi-automatic rifle at Cody Docheff when Docheff tried to stop the assault on his concrete batch plant by using a front-end loader. Later, Heemeyer fired on two state troopers before they had fired at him.[16] The sheriff's department also notes that 11 of the 13 buildings Heemeyer bulldozed were occupied until moments before their destruction. At the town library, for example, a children's program was in progress when the incident began. According to Allen Best, there might have been casualties if local emergency response, allied with a dose of luck, hadn't worked so effectively. However, these claims are by their very nature unverifiable.


End of the rampage

One officer dropped a flash-bang grenade down the bulldozer's exhaust pipe, with no immediate apparent effect. Local and state police, including a SWAT team, walked behind and beside the bulldozer occasionally firing, but the armored bulldozer was impervious to their shots. At one point during the rampage, Undersheriff Glenn Trainor managed to climb atop the bulldozer and, in the words of Allen Best, rode the bulldozer "like a bronc-buster, trying to figure out a way to get a bullet inside the dragon."

Two things conspired against Heemeyer as he reduced the Gambles hardware store to rubble. His machine was belching smoke and leaking various fluids, and Gambles had a small basement. The bulldozer's engine failed and Heemeyer dropped one tread into the basement and couldn't get out. The bulldozer became stuck. About a minute later, one of the SWAT team members who had swarmed around the machine reported hearing a single gunshot from inside the sealed cab. The coroner stated that Heemeyer used his .357-caliber handgun to kill himself.

Heemeyer's body was subsequently removed by police with a crane, though it took twelve hours for them to cut through the hatch with a blowtorch.

Go get the Wikipedia Article Here

Nothing to Report Today

What we Know Now About Our Deployment - And Another Core Team Meeting

I created a “What we now know” document to try to figure out what is going on with our deployment. Here ‘tis:

What we now know/believe regarding our deployment


Dates:

AT04 - 10-17 July at Camp McCain

Log Inventories – 30 July through 5 August

MOB SRP - 6-10 August at Cp McCain - this will require 150 pax per day incremented over 5 days

MOB Date – Unknown, but possibly on/about 15 August

Early Deployment of 10% - possibly by 1 August (15 days prior to MOB Date)

Remaining 90% - 3-4 days prior to MOB Date

New MTOE goes into effect 1 July 2004

Desk top computers will not deploy

Laptops can deploy - but may be taken up by MOB station and another one reissued.

We've (the 155th) been alerted to a possible deployment in support of OIF.

We (the 155th) will probably be reconfigured to an Infantry Brigade prior to deployment.

We (the 155th) has split up Annual training into five (5) AT periods:

1-155 IN goes to McCain 12-19 JUN

150th Engineer BN goes to Shelby 19-26 JUN

Main BDE goes to McCain 26 JUN - 3 JUL

2-198 AR BN goes to McCain 10-17 JUN

2-114 Goes to McCain 31 JUL - 7 AUG



Elements of the 11th ACR will be OPCONNED to us (the 155th) prior to deployment.

The Colonel feels we'll probably receive our MOB Order prior to AUG.

We will be fielded with new equipment. This is part of the Army's "Equip, Train, Deploy" model. It will include improved body armor and Up-Armored Hummers...It is saving many lives right now. In fact, if we go to Iraq (highly probable!) we won't even start North out of Kuwait until we have it.

Once we are in-country, we'll be there for at least 365 days.

Once we are in-country, we will not receive any fillers. Our highest level of strength will be the number of soldiers we bring with us.

Our biggest enemy will be lack of discipline.

The change (handover) of Government occurs at the end of JUN - Most officials believe there will be an increase in insurgency/IED use.

If we're deployed to Iraq (highly probable), it takes 11 days for mail to travel, and 5 days for the IRC (Red Cross) to get a soldier out of a remote area in an emergency...Family Support Groups are of the utmost importance, get your .mil email address ASAP, and start using it.

Weather and Environment WILL BE harsh wherever we go, get out and run NOW! Don't worry about PT clothes, you won't be wearing those when you run during missions.

We won't be "Guardsmen" when we deploy, we'll be Active Duty. Get in that mentality. Also, wherever we go, the people there are not our friends. We simply have a job to do, and we're going to do it.

We (Det 1, HHC 2-198 AR) have drill at 0700 for all NCO's, Formation at 0730 on 5-6 JUN. We will focus on Weapons and Communications training, 100% Inventory, Family and Soldier (SRP) readiness, and probably (hint, hint) unconventional PT. Bring everything you've ever been issued, and bring padlocks. You should also bring any documents you can get your hands on, such as Marriage Licenses, Birth Certificates, Civilian Education, Orders, Medical info, Mortgage and Rental Contracts, etc. It's YO MONEY! We will work long and hard, and you will be hot, sweaty and tired at the end of drill. This is good.

All soldiers who require BASIC / AIT may mob later and catch up after completing MOSQ but this has not worked well in the past. Don't count on it.

ID all medical non-deploying ASAP

REPS will not mob until training completed.

OCS/SMP/ROTC will not mob

P3 profiles will MMRB to determine deployability

Temp. profiles have 60 days to get well or will not deploy

Officers who require OBC/OES may not deploy unless they can complete within 60 days past the mob date

Begin cross-leveling now to create a shortage list. BP to forward to Bde S1 soon.

Security clearances will be a big problem - Start the process now. An interim clearance can be requested if the ESPQ packets are already started and no derogatory comments are listed.

ID all dental Cl 3 now. Money is available to fix now before they get them pulled at the mob station.

BP to conduct deployment briefs to your soldiers families - We will get a brief format to you soon.

Pull a list of all ING soldiers in your units and start calling them - tell them "welcome back to your unit" because they will be coming back one way or they other.

ETS will be adjusted due to stop loss

We will be able to put E6 and below in E5 and below slots - we can double downward but not upward

ID soldiers who have already performed duty for OIF, OEF and/or Noble Eagle. Their deployment clock has already stated and they may not be able to deploy unless they volunteer.

Notify all spouses to attend the Unit MOB briefings - those that attend have fewer problems. Begin scheduling these briefs soon. Plan on 3-4 hours in length due to questions.

Pay special attention to single soldiers. They may have unique problems that must be dealt with also i.e. apartment leases, storage of household goods, etc.

Get a copy of the briefing "Better Than a Shoe Box" for the family readiness briefs.

Look hard at Family Care Plans during AT04

3/85th TSB will probably be our trainers

Camp Atterbury, Indiana will probably be our MOB Station

Address While you are there:

your name
your address
Soldiers Name
Soldiers Unit (most important)
Camp Atterbury
P.O. Box 5000
Edinburgh, IN 46124-5000

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Looks like we may only be able to bring 10% of our unit strength on about 15 days early (around 1 Aug?). The remaining 90% on 3-4 days prior to mob.

Pay special attention to the province of Babil. Some indication that this would be 155 AOR. We would be under control of 1 MEF.

Fallujah

-------------------------------------------

FedEx Core Team meeting notes:

Core Team meeting 6/2/04.

Joann, Anita, Harold

Ray reaches one year in July. It is my plan to end our contract at that time.

Chris will pay for Venu and one other contractor for June, splitting the charge across two cost centers.

Status report, Anita has not gotten to this yet. She’s working on Results and Objectives.

Rotating time off. Joann has a list of 1st Quarter requests.

Old timeoff requests…Anita usually keeps previous year in a folder and two to three years in another folder. VRC gets all others for long-term storage.

Friday, Joann will do an exploratory interview Rashawna Crenshaw this week. Roshawnda and Daryl Harvey have shown an interest.

Harold needs to call to get procedure for obtaining Contractor claims. Today.

Move DVX reports to production. Will start the process today.

POD alerting piece. Ray will work on this. Need to check to see what the cost for Ray and Venu are. Chris Connors wants to let the tracker-tracers go….need the alerting piece for this.

Harold will get a copy of NDA.

FY’05 Objectives. How do we do merit increases? Ask Michael Clark about this.

Renewing timesheets. Need to get Bob to approve.

Harold Taylor will call Chris and get Vendor Accounting contacts to get the contractors paid by Chris.

Pulse Survey Tuesday at 10 AM.

Monday we pick up seven interns around 12pm.

Demo of system to Ken Masterson.

No News Again Today

No News Today

Another day of non-BLOGGING

Nothing to BLOG today!

Recieved Another SITT Team Request

Chuck Cobb received a SITT Team request today. We'll process it quickly and quietly and pass the results along.

More TTP and Manual Downloads...I just can't get enough info!!!

I downloaded many more TTPs and Manuals.

Soldiers and Sailor's Act

I downloaded the Soldiers and Sailors act so that I could use it to brief the families at our next drill.

DET 1, HHC, 2nd BATTALION 198th ARMOR - May, 2004 Newsletter

I received the Batesville unit newsletter today. Here it is:



DET 1 , HHC, 2ND BATTALION 198TH ARMOR

MISSISSIPPI ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
POST OFFICE BOX 1508
BATESVILLE, MISSISSIPPI 38606



ATTENTION DET 1 SOLDIERS

REPORT FOR DRILL

0730 JUNE 5TH AND 6TH 2004



MESSAGE FROM SGT. TWILLEY:

Remember to bring all your equipment Saturday June 5th for a 100% inventory. This means everything. If you are not sure whether or not to bring it, then bring it. If you have not turned in your gas mask, be prepared to drill for free.



Prepare for mobilization:

Everyone needs to start preparing for activation. This includes updating your records. Anyone who has gotten married, divorced, moved, birth of children, etc. needs to bring in information to the unit. This means marriage license, divorce decree, birth certificates, etc. Everyone needs to check over their records and make sure they are in order, but there are few folks that we know for sure need certain things:

FLOYD, JOSHUA

Spouse birth certificate

Childs birth certificates (Joshua A Jr.)

BLALOCK, TOMMY

Childs birth certificates (Cortine D Smith., Arren J )

COLE, LELAND

Childs birth certificates (Anthony D.)

CLARK, ROGER

Marriage license

Spouse birth certificate

Childs birth certificates (Garret L., Ashley M.)

BANKS, ROOSEVELT

Spouse birth certificate

Childs birth certificates (Cedric, Nicole)

CHRESTMAN, RICKY

Spouse birth certificate



If your name does not appear above, you still may need to bring in these types of documents to add to your file.



Also everyone needs to bring in your rental and mortgage agreements. This is concerning YOUR money so don’t forget.



Family support group:

We are meeting at 10:00 a.m. on June 5th at the armory to establish the family support group. Mrs. Whitfield, the region 1 family support representative for the state, will be here to help us setup the group. Please attend this meeting if you want to be a part of the family support group.

White House Ignores Critics, Voices Iraq Optimism

I downloaded this newspaper article today:

White House Ignores Critics, Voices Iraq Optimism
Tue May 25, 2004 06:41 PM ET
By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. administration sought on Tuesday to project a unified, optimistic view of its plan to hand over power to an interim government in Iraq, even as President Bush faced criticism over a strategy many find lacking in crucial details.

In a televised speech on Monday, Bush tried to convince Americans he had a workable plan for transforming Iraq from a war-torn occupied nation into a beacon of democratic reform for the whole Middle East region.

His remarks, and a U.N. draft resolution backed by the United States and Britain, quickly came under fire from Democrats, European leaders and the American press barely a month before the June 30 deadline for transferring power to a caretaker Iraqi government.

French President Jacques Chirac, whose country led opposition to the Iraq war, told Bush by telephone the resolution would need to make clear an interim Iraqi government will have a say in the actions of U.S.-led forces to win France's support in the U.N. Security Council.

Bush, who wants U.S. troops to remain under American command as part of a U.N.-authorized multinational force, told reporters during an Oval Office meeting he and the French leader were in broad agreement.

"I had a great conversation with President Chirac. We share the same goal, a free and stable and peaceful Iraq," the Republican president said.

"What President Chirac and others have said is they want to make sure that the transfer of sovereignty to the interim government is a real transfer. And that's what we want."

Iraq has proved a liability for Bush's re-election prospects this November. His job approval ratings are at the lowest point of his presidency and opinion polls show a clear majority of Americans disapprove of his handling of the situation there.

MIXED REACTION TO SPEECH

Analysts saw his speech as an effort to counteract daily news of violence and scandal in Iraq by speaking directly to the American people about the nobler aspects of the mission.

"I think he succeeded in explaining that there's going to be a long protracted mess but that in the end we're doing the right thing," said Tripp Baird, an analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation.

But Bush's half-hour speech won few admirers in Iraq, where weary residents are bitter after a year of chaos, and drew a mixed reaction at best in the United States.

White House aides mounted a message-control effort on Tuesday with a series of interviews and administration background briefings on Iraq and likely U.S. relations with the emerging interim government.

"I'm comfortable that arrangements have been worked out between all of the departments of government and we will have a unified approach," Secretary of State Colin Powell told NBC's "Today Show."

Another senior administration official took issue with British Prime Minister Tony Blair's remark that U.S.-led forces in Iraq would need the consent of Iraqi leaders before entering a city like Falluja, where American forces have fought prolonged battles against insurgents.

"Obviously, consent is important. But look, we know how to do this and I really don't think that hypotheticals are very helpful," said the official,

Sen. Joseph Biden, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, welcomed the one new element in Bush's address -- a U.S. proposal to demolish the notorious Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad. He dismissed the rest of the speech as a repackaging of old material that included misplaced confidence in the viability of Iraqi security forces.

Susan Rice, an assistant secretary of state under former President Bill Clinton, said Bush's speech suggested his administration did not fully comprehend the security issue.

"The fundamental problem we see at present is security. We don't have sufficient security for elections. We don't have sufficient security for training up even those Iraqi police and military who are willing to work with us," she said.

"If Washington at the political level can't see we have a security problem, I don't know that they're paying close attention."

FedEx Core Team Meeting and Some Info About the 11th ACR

Had an SDR&A Core Team meeting today. Here are the notes:

PPE’s to Anita by today. - I'm Late!

Downloads (all) to be performed by Jerry.

Due Tues - list of all downloads, how and who accomplishes.
Update last report.
Audit NSC Tapes.
Send Madelyn a report documenting this action and enter into TSG.
Tweak TSG to ensure its being used properly.

Notification to Ron Wallace concerning InfoSec - Done

Contractor Release checklist from Ron Wallace - Done

Report for closure on DVX System Report – CC Bob Bryden - Done

Follow up with Chuck regarding COS Expense Report.

Vacation Requests – Done

Schedule a meeting with Joann and Anita regarding the new Interns.

Thursday June 3, 2004 10:00 – Do an orientation.

Server Setup and Maintenance – Jerry – Computer Repair/ Built own computers.

Training System – Jackie – Establish a skill set & communicate to Willie Brooks

(Internet Usage) English Grammar Skills/Graphic Design.

Download Automation – Mamata/Chuck

4th Intern to work with Norma.

What we do, international mission, what we do as a unit.

Travel and Vacation Schedule by the 15th for my and Joann’s Staffs.

Training schedule by mid-June.

Management/Leadership in AMA or LP1 at Express.

Proprietary Information Agreement for Contractors. NDA copies. Call Ariba people. Also call COS mgrs.

An Article Posted Today About the 11th ACR (from Ft. Irwin, CA)
I downloaded a newspaper article about the 11th ACR today. They are deploying with us. Here is the article:

Posted on Mon, May. 24, 2004

A few good men -- and a few more, and …

By Joseph Galloway

Knight Ridder Newspapers


WASHINGTON - The Army is looking for a lot more than just a few good men, and it needs them in a hurry. Army manpower people are now looking at scraping everything out of the barrel to send to Iraq, because the Army is stretched thin and stressed to the max.

For the first time in recent history, a brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division (Mechanized) is being pulled out of South Korea and shipped off on a one-year rotation to combat duty. It will leave the division with just one combat brigade facing the Demilitarized Zone that divides South Korea from North Korea and Kim Jong Il's million-man army.

The soldiers who were six or eight months into their Korean tour -- itself classed as a one-year unaccompanied hardship tour -- are looking at 12 more months, this time under fire in Iraq.

"It reflects the fact that we are at war," a Pentagon briefer who can only be identified as a "senior military official" told reporters. He added that the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry would be taking some of its M1A2 Abrams tanks and its Bradley fighting vehicles to Iraq as well.

When the Korea brigade moves out, all 10 of the active-duty Army's 10 divisions will be involved in Iraq or Afghanistan. They're either there now or have recently returned and are preparing to go back.

Those who believed that the Iraq war was a spike, not a plateau, and that by now the American forces would be dropping to 110,000 were wrong. The force is going to remain at 135,000 to 138,000 for at least the next 18 months, according to the Department of Defense.

If things get worse -- always a real possibility in Iraq today -- that force may need to be further reinforced and expanded.

Now the Pentagon must find enough troops to take over for those stalwart soldiers of the 1st Armored Division who had finished their year in hell and were on the way to the airport and a ride home when they were turned around and told they'd have to do an additional 90 days.

In addition to the 3,600 troops being pulled out of Korea, Pentagon officials say they've pulled the files of 17,000 Individual Ready Reserve soldiers and are sifting and screening them for those who have crucial specialties. Under present authorization, the Army could be telling as many as 6,500 folks who thought they were home free -- finished with their enlistments and back on civvy street -- that they aren't.

Everyone who signs up for military service owes Uncle Sam a total of eight years. After a four-year, active-duty enlistment, that person still owes four years on the Ready Reserve list. No pay, drills or meetings -- a civilian, more or less. But these people can be called if they're needed. Some 7,000 of them already have been called since Sept. 11, 2001.

Even more surprising is the word out of the Pentagon that there's a plan afoot to shut down the Army's prized National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and to shuffle its vaunted Opposition Force (OpFors), the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, off to real combat.

America's stunning victory in the Persian Gulf War was born in the Mojave Desert around Fort Irwin, where the Army's heavy-tank divisions fought realistic war games against the 11th ACR. It's never been shut down since it was founded in the early 1980s.

Those who skinned the Army back from 12 divisions to 10 in the 1990s, and those who've refused to consider any significant increase in manpower despite the current crisis, bear equal responsibility for the burden they've placed on our soldiers and their families.

The civilians in the Pentagon, the same ones who were so eager to invade Iraq, don't want to restore those two Army divisions, in part because that's what their political nemesis, Secretary of State Colin Powell, recommended as the Army's base force.

We'll say it again: An army is a fragile institution. It can be broken by overwork and a lack of manpower, just as surely as it can be broken by a lack of money and the right equipment. And once broken, it takes a decade to repair and restore an army to greatness.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joseph L. Galloway is senior military correspondent for Knight Ridder Newspapers. jgalloway@krwashington.com

More Mobilization Preparation Yesterday

These notes are for yesterday, May 22.

1. Made Compact Urban Ops Terrain Model Kit
2. Downloaded a large number of TTP's and Manuals

Saddam Hussein's Heinous Actions and more Deployment Lessons Learned

From my computer at home, I downloaded many of Saddam Husseins heinous actions. I found a HUGE amount of stuff. This helps me to understand why I’m being deployed. The people of Iraq desperately need help. Another of our previous officers who has been deployed wrote the following AAR for us:

DEPLOYMENT LESSONS LEARNED

AS OF 30 APR 04

CPT ROB EDWARDS



The statements below are based on my observations and are not endorsed at this point by my chain of command therefore the unit is not mentioned. This is a working document and will be updated as I think of more things to add.



Home Station

Conduct security checks on all personnel prior to leaving. Any issues should be addressed now so the state can begin working on them. If the soldier requires a clearance, it will take years (not months) now for final clearance. APFT scores do not matter to get deployed since it is a disqualifying factor for deployment. However, it is still a requirement for promotion. A SRP is a must conducted by your STARC. It makes life simpler when you get to the mob station.

Once you obtain your AOR and mission, make contact with your counterpart ASAP. However, keep in mind your mission will change a hundred times so keep up with higher to keep up with the mission changes. I have lost count how many times our mission changed from the time we were alerted to the time we RIPed with our unit in country. Try to get SIPR access through your state to get registered and a SME to explain the process. You may have to coordinate with local hotels to provide room and board for those soldiers you have activated outside of the 50-mile radius from your armory location. S1 should get the mailing address from the mob station.



Mobilization Station

You will be here for about two months. You will start with SRC and equipment issue. Continue to check on security issues. The SSO at the MOC or division will be a great help. Also, get a courier card issued on post for transporting classified material. Get a classified safe set up or coordinate with the MOC or TSB to store your classified material. If you can, try to get a translator from the states to fly over with you. He/she will not necessarily be used right away but will be employed quickly. Coordinate with Titan in the states to see if you can have them fly over with you.

Your advanced detachment (Commander/XO, S-3 and S-4) will leave about a week to two weeks prior to the main body departing. We got a 12-hour notice for the main body to depart. Dates/times for departure will depend on aircraft availability and whether your unit is validated. Ship or bring your civilian clothing home prior to deployment. Limit what you do bring to T-shirts, shorts or sleeping clothes since civilian clothes are not authorized in country.

Training: TSB will be your POC to get you ready to deploy and will be your liaison between your unit and the TSB on post. They will set up your training. (Tip: preplan what you want to train on and don’t depend on your TSB rep to develop it for you) If you don’t have a plan, they will develop one for you.

They do have a training matrix of mandatory events that you will be issued. There will be a lot of time for you to fit your own training in as well. However, in my opinion, it was not realistic and was not tailor-fitted to your needs. They were all mandated gates that everyone, no matter their mission, had to be validated on.

There were mandatory classes (death by power point) as well. I suggest, therefore, that you do realistic training with your TSB at home station. You will do TCP scenarios (how to set up one, actions on contact), ranges (to include a convoy live fire). The TCP scenarios were realistic, for those units that were going to conduct them. Once you get hooked up on SIPR, go to lessons learned sites or on NIPR, check out the CALL website and globalsecurity.org and there are lessons learned posted there as well.

Soldier Comforts: Buy power converters ($52 a pop in country) if you can find any (Radio Shack is a good start). The culture here operates on 220 while we operate off 110. Computers are okay on standard chords but you will blow most smaller electronics if plugged into a 220. There will be plenty in Kuwait that you can buy or will be handed to you by redeploying units if you can’t find them at the mob station.

Quarters/Sanitary: standard NG barracks setup.

MWR: standard post setup. PX size depends on the post. NIPR is limited and was not set up in the barracks. The library had free access but limited to 30 minutes. Phones are limited to payphones that are usually run by AT&T. Cell phones are the usual methods and most companies will suspend your contract upon receipt of your activation orders. Some companies also offer contracts for the duration of your stay at the mob station. Most posts have for-pay internet café’s that charge per minute usually located by the enlisted quarters. You can try to get a hub set up for wireless internet connection. S1 should have gotten the mailing address by now.

CIF (standard issue): Each soldier will be issued two boots, four sets of uniforms, a floppy and patrol cap- all DCU. One set of boots and one uniform will be kept by each soldier upon redeployment. Don’t bring your chemical suits- they issue the JLIS. The pro mask is brought but not worn in country. You will wear it everywhere at mob station and will train for a chemical environment but you will keep it packed up in the barracks. There is no chemical threat in country. Large ruck sacks and frames will be issued. Dr. Scholls inserts are a must. A lot of soldiers had their boots resoled with the ripple sole.

Commo: SIPR access depends on what is available on the post. There is one located at every AD post at the EOC and MOC. You will probably travel out to whatever unit you will be assigned to for a face-to-face meeting with your bosses. Every post also has VTC available upon request, both for your higher as well as the unit you will RIP with.

Transportation: Mass transit from Home Station to Mob Station was done by contract busses. Most soldiers brought their own POVs but make sure there is clear guidance from command as to how many can be brought. Rental cars are available on post for about $10-15 per week if you split the rate with someone else. They were invaluable to be used to go off post. For business modes, ensure you secure a 16 pax van to use. You can draw a minivan or larger from the MOC but they are always short on what you need. Once you get a confirmed flight to Kuwait, you can have someone from your state to come pick it up.



Kuwait

The commercial flight was 12 hours in length and we had two layovers, one at JFK, the other at Sicily (or in Germany) and finally you fly into Kuwait City to the APOD. There is a 8 hour difference from the East coast. We checked in and swiped our ID cards to begin our overseas/tax deferred/hostile fire pay. Your 365 days boots on the ground begins at this point. You will also be given a standard 15 rounds for 9mm and 30 rounds for M16 for sustainment. You will get your combat load before you head North. The road system is dirt that has been pushed aside to look like a road. They are trying to pave it but it will be awhile before it is completed. We ate at the APOD and waited for our stuff to be unloaded. They will bring up a truck for you to load your stuff into and buses to take you to your base camp. (Tip: have an interpreter or someone who at least understands Arabic on your bus ride to your Camp) We had a Kuwaiti Police escort and still got lost. We could not communicate with our bus driver or the others due to him being Turkish. Have the duty station provide you with strip maps to give to the drivers. If you cannot get an interpreter, at least have someone who speaks Arabic at the APOD debrief your drivers before they leave. We had a PFC directing over 20 buses to three different camps and the result was mass chaos. It also resulted in our baggage truck going to the wrong camp.

Weather: is hotter than in Iraq. We came in country in February and it was cold at night/early morning and cool during the day. Sandstorms started to pick up in late February and would continue through the summer. It rained once and turned everything into mud.

Training: you won’t be there for long. They have ranges (CQB, MK-19, .50, M16) but are limited to priority units and you won’t be given enough ammo to go through them. They are not a validation requirement before you can go North like they told us at mob station. You will be subject to CFLCC schedules once you get there. There will be a lot of down time due to lack of opportunities to train.

Commo: you will be subject to using CFLCC SIPR which is extremely limited. You can try to get your BSO to get SIPR/NIPR connected in your tent but that is limited as well. You can also have a DSN run to your tent as well.

Laundry: there is a free laundry service, run by KBR. However, the turnaround time was around 4 days so we bought plastic tubs at the PX to do laundry outside. We would set up our “washer/dryer” outside the tent on cots and would hand wash each item. We carried water from the showers and would use detergent bought from the PX.

Soldier comforts: The PX is very small and usually has a very long line. It carries the basic needs, toiletries, magazines, CDs/DVDs, players, snacks, drinks, local items. There is a Burger King, Subway and local flavor shops outside of it. There is a internet café that is for a fee. There is also a barbershop in the same area.

Sanitary: are in shower trailers, provided by KBR, that are a walking distance from the tents. They had about 10 stalls with 10 sinks off to the side. Toilets are porta-johns, supported by KBR.

Quarters: we were put up in local national tents (KBR), GP huges. They had AC/heating units with neon lights and wooden flooring run by generators. They had the standard 220 plug-ins.

Chow: a huge DFAC (3,000 seater) that is run by KBR. Four squares a day. There is a danger of soldiers gaining weight. They also offer cokes which soldiers will drink more of which leaders need to monitor.

PT: Udairi did not have a track so we had to run on the gravel roads. APFT is not a consideration during activation (too many soldiers would be kept home due to failures). There is a gym with cardio and free weights that is open 24/7.

MWR: there are commercial phones in which to call home (there is a 9 hour time difference from the Central time zone). AT&T has the monopoly and usually has about 30 phones which are usually crowded. Personal cell phones can be used but an international chip has to be purchased in order for it to be used. Reception is good but the chip is only good in Kuwait. There are also DSN lines are set aside to use to connect to home. There is a “theater” (52” screen TV) with surround sound that plays movies 24/7 and serves popcorn. They have ping pong tables (bring your own balls because they break and are hard to get in country), foosball and a wide variety of novels for checkout.

Transportation: You will fly into the APOD then will be bussed from there to your FOB. CFLCC coordinates for the busses but your advanced detachment will make face to face contact once on ground. You will not have access to your military vehicles once you get to your FOB. It usually takes 2 months for your cargo to reach the SPOD. Most of means of travel on base are LPC. However, for movement to and from training sites, the Mayor’s Cell has access to civilian modes of travel. The FOBs are not that big that you couldn’t march to the site. All the necessities are within a reasonable walking distance.



Iraq

There is only one way up from Kuwait and it is IEDd all the time. CFLCC runs the show on monitoring the MSRs and you can get updates on SIPR. It is paved most of the way except for one 89 mile stretch. It is 6 hours from Kuwait to Baghdad and there are two CSCs on the way.

Weather is cold in the winter (50s as high, 30s as low), summer (late April through October) is hot (H up to 150 F and 100 F as low). The wind blows constantly which is a blessing in the Spring when the weather is cool but a curse in the summer when it is its hottest (as a soldier put it “like keeping a blow dryer in your face all day”). The temps are worse in the UAHs (despite the fact that they have AC) where temps can get up to 170 degrees F. Sandstorms are not as bad around the river but worse in the South and West (desert areas).

Sanitary: most posts have hard stand showers but if not, shower trailers will be provided by KBR. The toilets maybe hard stand, porta-johns, or trailers, depending on where you are. Suggest bringing Lysol cans or use baby wipes.

MWR: we have our own internet café with 20 laptops that is maintained by the S6 section. NIPR lines are limited but some staff sections are allowed to have it hooked up in their office because there are occasions to keep unclassified contacts to conduct business. We also have a satellite phone system with six phones, covered by Segovia. They charge 4.5 cents per minute and you can purchase minutes online. However, the service is very poor because it is down more than it is up and their customer support is in the states. The best times to call are early morning because the reception is so poor in the afternoons. The best option is to go to the AT&T tent, more expensive but better reception. Most posts have their own theaters and our post has boxing on Saturday nights. There are “hajji” shops all over post that offer different kinds of local flavor (ie prayer rugs, jewelry).

Transportation: Most individuals are traveling in cars that insurgents were killed in. However, there are some contract SUVs available for travel around post. A lot of OGAs and high ranking officers have the up armored Suburbans. When going outside the wire, convoys will have no less than 4 gun trucks as escorts.



Redeployment

Select a “clean” site to pack up your CONEXes while still in Iraq. The US Customs will inspect every bag and vehicle then will place a seal on each CONEX.



Redeployment Station



Redeployment to Home Station



Staff Issues: I was the S2 for the battalion so these issues are not all-inclusive.

S-1

1. Have a comprehensive SRP at home station prior to leaving for deployment station supported by your STARC. It made for a faster SRC once at mob station. It will also prevent you from taking someone who will wind up not being deployable once you get to mob station.

2. REFRAD. Expect to lose at least 25% of your total force within the first six months of deployment. There have been so many that have been recalled for second tours that you better check at home station on how many you project to lose vs mission requirement. Long-term forecasting of troop loss and tracking is a must.

3. Time off. You are not allowed to wear anything else in country other than PTs outside of your hooch. Therefore, we packed up most of our civilian clothes and left them or mailed them home from Ft Stewart.

Pass: Each soldier will have the opportunity to take a four-day trip to Qatar and two weeks home.

Freedom Rest: 4 day/3 night stay at a hotel in the Green Zone where no DCUs are allowed to be worn.

Leave: The two weeks leave will begin your 91st day in country and end at your 10th month. This time counts against you but if you don’t use it, you can save it for after you come home and have a month off.

4. Mail. There is an eleven-day turn around coming to soldiers and going home. A S-1 rep must go through a mail handler’s class before they can be authorized to pick mail up. Many soldiers have been killed trying to pick up mail. If you have an air unit attached, get them to pick up your mail when they fly back to get theirs. You will not be able to mail weapons, ammo, or sand home. You can petition to have “war trophies” sent home but only for display at units. And the process to do so is extremely meticulous. Your APO will be mission specific so when it changes, you will need to get the new one to send home to the FRG.

5. Red Cross. Expect to lose many soldiers due to emergency leave. Make sure you have a good contact with the FRG in case a soldier gets hurt/killed. Also, ensure you have contact with the Red Cross because soldiers are getting the info from family before Red Cross can send the message to the unit. And this is conducted over NIPR.

6. Money. You can use credit cards at the local shops, but it is not recommended due to unscrupulous merchants. You can go to finance on post and use your ID to get out casual pay. You tell them how much you want, they give you cash, and it will come out of your next paycheck as a debt. Since food and transportation is free, most of the soldier’s money is spent in the PX. You can figure your pay will be what AD base pay says because you will get your taxes reimbursed to you once you get into country. Mississippi pays your state taxes back after you are paid.

7. Troop-To-Task. This is a big buzz phrase here. When you find out what unit you will be RIPing, make sure you have a list of exactly what soldier of yours will be replacing what soldier of theirs in country. This will help to justify your mission and requests for more soldiers if you find shortages.



S-2

1. Falcon View is a must as well as a plotter printer (HP Designjet 500ps is what we have, about $20,000). Having a knowledgeable Falcon View operator is also a must have. Instead of relying on outdated NIMA products, you can download real-world graphics and print off your own maps. You can also customize your maps to plot routes and include mileage and gas usage. These waypoints can be downloaded in to the civilian version GPSs. Get with a sharp AD intel NCO at the mob station. Also, get a 60+ gig hard drive to store all the imagery- it takes up a large amount of space on hard drives, slowing your computers down.

2. You will maintain Access Rosters into the compounds.

3. Pattern/link analysis. Insurgent activity is difficult to predict. However, sometime the enemy does establish patterns since most conduct their operations within walking distance or a short drive from where they live. The best prevention is good HUMINT and ground truth.

4. Interpreter support. You will be busy managing interpreters. There are three categories, CAT I (Local Nationals or American Citizens without a clearance), CAT II (American Citizens with a Clearance) and CAT III (American Citizens with a TS). You should fall in with translators currently assigned to the unit you will replace. However, more can be requested through Titan, the civilian contractor that handles all translators in country. If you get involved in detainee ops, you will have to use your interpreters to translate ICRC letters. Remind the S4 that you will need to draw extra uniforms, boots, vests w/SAFI, Kevlar for your CAT 1 (Local Nationals) since they are not issued any equipment. At a minimum, you can plan on having one for the commander and one for the S2. For CAT 1 (local nationals), you will have to go to Titan HQ to have them sign for their pay since they are paid in cash or you can sign for it and issue it to them. CAT 1 (Americans) through CAT III are paid salary (a BIG one). Make copies of their photo ID’s because they disappear or are killed all the time and you need the info to pass to Titan when they do disappear.

5. ASAS-L/RWS is not as extensively used due to distances. The biggest form of secure commo is SIPR. The SEN is also used to support the internet café. ASAS-L will be helpful if you have C2PC. We used MTS and it was useful having the email capability but it only updates a vehicles position every 5-10 minutes.

6. Always remind soldiers of OPSEC, on the phones, letters, computer (online messages and IM). Conduct an OPSEC brief prior to issuing any new mission brief.

7. Ensure you have all necessary supplies, alcohol pens are hard to come by as is acetate.

8. Clearances. They are now conducted by DSS and CCF is about 6 months behind in clearances. Our state had been without an SSO and was 6 months behind as well. Once the alert is announced, get clearances put in quickly. Maybe by the time you return from the deployment, the soldier will have been cleared. However, you can have interims granted. Get the form for the interims as well.



S-3

1. Patrols. You will be busy tracking patrols and taskers for those patrols in the future. All patrol functions use military police tactics. Due to the amount of escorts and small daily missions, you will probably not have time to write out total OPORDs. Establish an SOP as soon as you can make contact with your counterpart. Tap your soldiers who are in civilian law enforcement to train units up. You will need to check with your counterparts on SOP for number of vehicles that go on missions but as a general rule, two hummers go out together in the day, four at night.

2. Escorts. In addition to patrols, you will be tasked to escort all kinds of elements, both military and non-military.

3. Once you make contact with your counterparts, you will be issued a date to RIP. You will have at least a two-week “right/left seat” ride, one week for the right, one for the left then you are on your own. The remainder of the time, the unit you have replaced will then be free to conduct redeployment ops.

4. PSD. You will need to plan on taking an element (plan on it early to figure out what unit they will come from) to guard LTCs and above. It appears the PSD concept is an SOP issue more than it is due to a requirement. There are Security Detachment schools available to send the PSD through.

5. Forget about METL tasks and the TAM. Based on this, you will have to rewrite your SOP to fit the needs of your mission. Doctrine is being rewritten in pencil. It constantly evolves based on TTPs. When you get in country, you will be conducting business that none of you have ever trained on (except those of us who have been in law enforcement or qualified MPs). Get TTPs from overseas (current ones, they constantly change since the enemy is very adaptive) and that will be a good guide to train against. There are artillery and armor units that have become “in lieu of” MP companies. They didn’t even bring their artillery pieces, only their hummers. They did bring their Q36/7 which are used in the counter battery fight with insurgent IDF.



S-4

1. You will be issued A LOT of money when you get here to buy items for your unit through FOO and you will have to appoint one to handle the money. However, there are a lot of rules about what you can and cannot buy.

2. Most installation repairs are conducted by KBR (see notes). However, all DS repairs are handled as normal.

3. Weapons. 240B is the new automatic weapon of choice. Mounts for them are scarce. If you cannot get the mounts, try to make them. Look for Eagle Mounts- dual mounts for the MK-19 and 240B/SAW/.50. The MK-19 is useless in an urban environment except when taking out a building in which a sniper is on. Therefore, the dual mounts are ideal. Attempt to trade up to the M-4 from the M-16. The M-4 is better suited for getting in and out of the Hummer due to its smaller size.

4. Shipping. All items will be loaded on CONEXes from home station. It will take at the most two months for your items to be shipped from your mob station to Kuwait. Make sure you have the satellite tracking number so you can track when you can get your stuff off the ship. Once there, you will have to coordinate its pickup from your FOB to the SPOD.

5. Redeployment. Customs will inspect your CONNEXes for contraband and seal them prior to shipment out of country. One unit tried to send a live camel home in a CONEX. Obviously, it didn’t make it. A LOT of soldiers have gone to Leavenworth or have been relieved due to trying to sneak weapons home.

6. Get graphite for your weapon systems. CLP attracts sand and gums up your chambers.

7. Gloves. Tan work and Nomex gloves (don’t get the black ones) are needed in the winter for warmth and in the summer to prevent sunburn and contact burns. The weapons and steering wheels get so hot that you can get contact burns having to touch them for prolonged periods. Rubber surgical gloves are also needed for subject searches or assisting the wounded. Search gloves are also available commercially. Ensure plenty of hand wash/sterilizer is issued to everyone.

8. IBA. Everyone will be issued one at mob station but will not get the SAFI plates until you get into Kuwait. No one will cross the border unless everyone has their full ammo load, vests and up-armored vehicles. The vests are at least 25 pounds and take a lot of getting used to. They are extremely hot as well. The web gear can fit over it but adds more weight to it.

9. UAH. All of your hummers will be up-armored in Kuwait before you are allowed to move North. However, once you redeploy, those hummers will stay in country. True UAHs are scarce but they are to remain in country. Jerry-rigging hummers (ie adding plating to standard hummers) places a great strain on the engines. The UAH has a specially designed cooled engine to withstand the heavier plating. It also has less room for occupants therefore making it harder to get in and out of (thus the justification for the M-4 rifles).

10. RFI. Halfway through our tour, we were involved in the RFI where we were given the latest equipment, new Kevlar systems, new Tshirt that wick sweat away, boots, MOLLE, etc.



S-6

1. Having a superb BSO will make or break the success of your mission. Ensure your BSO is top-notch especially when it comes to computers.

2. All key leaders should have access to SIPR starting with home station. All contacts with counterparts will be done over SIPR via AKO-S.

3. Most commo is through DNVT. Most AORs are too big to sustain SINCGARS. However, a lot of soldiers have bought push-to-talk rechargeable radios for smaller ops (ie gunner to driver, truck to truck, staff officer to NCO).

However, I recommend using more expensive versions offered by Motorolla. Civilian models used by police departments are around $ 1,500 apiece but can be secured and have a longer range. These items can be purchased with FOO.

4. GPS. Most have bought their own (Garmin, Magellan) due to their accuracy and their compatibility to the Falcon View system (see S-2).

5. Get rid of all ball-operated mice for computers. The sand gums up the balls over time. Buy optical mice. Also, get rid of floppy drives and convert all data from floppies to CDs or thumb (ie “jump”) drives. Anything that has an opening is subject to destruction by sand.

6. Cellphones from the states do not work here, it is on a European system that is different from here and you will have to buy a separate chip, one in Kuwait and one in Iraq. You will be issued military contract cell phones based on need and availability.

7. Satellite tracking. MTS is one form of tracking individual vehicle movements and communicating with the TCs. However, it only updates positions every 5-10 minutes. The C2PC is a better system when used in conjunction with the ASAS-L. Another form of commo with higher is the Chat function through MS Outlook and can be set up on SIPR. Most AD use Outlook as a primary form of commo and can be found on the global address book.



Subordinate Commanders

1. HD/HHC commander will be responsible for keeping in contact with the FRC. Have that coordinator establish a home page so family members can keep informed. Also, brief the coordinator on OPSEC issues.

2. Ensure you have enough certified CLS soldiers and their bags are up to date. An inherent medical unit will be a plus. Once in country, have them find the location of the nearest CSH.

3. Proper amount of flexicuffs but some civilian law enforcement have been carrying their own handcuffs. Shoulder holsters are allowed (may not be authorized) but are also sold at the local markets (cheap quality, though). The drop holsters were donated to our unit by a civilian distributor. However, the belt extender was on the soldier to buy. A recommended purchase is the Black Hawk retention cord. Also ensure you bring enough rubber gloves for searches and/or search gloves (this mainly pertains to those line companies who will be conducting searches).



CSM

1. Will be preoccupied with bedding, which becomes very tricky when the RIP occurs and you have to double up.



Soldier Comforts

1. Power converters. Ensure you bring at least four and have the ability to buy more (MPACT) when you get here, if needed. The standard issue overseas is 220 volts. Most computers can handle up to 240 so they are okay. Other smaller electrical items are subject to being blown if plugged in without a 110 converter. Most are expensive, running around $100 but are a must to run printers and others. Make sure all computers have good batteries because the power goes out constantly and will delete your work at a moment’s notice. All primary power is operated through generators that are maintained by KBR (Kellog, Brown and Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton).

2. Computers. Must have DVD/CDR burners. Most soldiers brought enough DVDs to make Blockbuster envious. Bring a good set of speakers to listen to movies. Most of the ones here are cheap. I got a pair by Altec Lansing at Target before I left for $ 30 and everyone has been wanting to borrow it from me due to the good sound.

3. Critters. Do not wear flea collars around a boot, they are not meant for humans and do not work on these sand fleas. Scorpions are also a problem in the warmer weather. The mosquitoes are numerous in Baghdad but are few in the desert where the sand flies make up the difference. The sand fly carries a disease called leishmaniasis (look it up on the web for better description). It is a debilitating, flesh-eating disease that is curable but one that will take your soldiers out and can take up to a year to heal. It took out 500 soldiers during OIF-I.

4. Water. Huge water bottles (1.5 L or more than half gallon) are standard issue. They are given out in boxes. Powdered mixes are also recommended to break up the monotony. However, due to strains in supply lines, water buffaloes need to be available.

5. Shelter. Most base camps are former palace grounds and TOCs are set up in palaces. You should sleep in tents only in Kuwait then get to work in on palace grounds while the sleeping areas are in smaller buildings. We are sleeping in former Iraqi Army barracks. Almost all of the units are “mooching” off the hardstands instead of using tents. Also, the bigger the unit you are, the nicer the accommodations. Some units are using standard trailers to put soldiers in instead of tents.

6. Chow. All food is catered by KBR and, unfortunately, it is very good. Due to this, many soldiers are gaining weight. However, many soldiers will lose the weight (up to 30 lbs) in the summer because you drink so much water that you don’t feel like eating and you lose from sweating. Virtually everything in country (Iraq and Kuwait) is handled by KBR (repairs, food, laundry). You will not need a mess section or field laundry facilities. You will still have to run a motorpool and major (DS) repairs are conducted per SOP. Officers do not pay for meals.

7. Digital camera. Do not get any camera that has a removable floppy. Get one that has a USB connection. You can email pictures home, on a personal email account. However, leadership must be aware of the OPSEC rules and regulations regarding this and the rules regarding what you can and can’t take a picture of.

8. Thick leather or rigger belt. The standard issue is not strong enough to hold the drop holster. A Velcro (inner) police belt is a better option. The outer belt can also be used under the jacket but some are wearing the gear outside of the jacket like road MPs (unsure if this is authorized). Suspenders are also recommended when wearing the drop holster.

9. Phones. AT&T has a monopoly on the phone systems at Mob Station, Kuwait and Iraq. Don’t bother with getting other phone cards. Also try to find calling cards with international minutes only because the domestic minutes don’t count and you won’t get as many minutes.

10. Equipment. Most soldiers have purchased M16 magazine holders that fit over the buttstock of the M16. We have also been able to purchase more once in country through FOO money. We were also directed to have a lanyard for M9 pistols. Most used 550 cord but I purchased a Blackhawk retractable (like a phone cord) lanyard. The unit just recently purchased them for the remainder of the M9s issued out. They are much better than the military issued since it doesn’t get as hung up when getting in/out of the hummer. We were issued WileyX goggles. The military issue do not work. WileyX also has them in prescription as well. Some guys have gotten dust/painter’s masks as well. Either the paper kind or the more expensive plastic ones. They have also purchased a new helmet system by Oregon Aero (I was given their email address). It costs $110 but they give a 18% discount for deployed soldiers. I plan on getting one later but those who have one swear that they are more comfortable. Instead of the foam inserts and leather headband, it has memory foam inside. The Army is beginning to field the new helmet systems.



Notes:

1. Dumpster diving. Redeploying soldiers will get rid of useable items that they cannot pack so they will simply throw them away. Stuff like TVs, VCRs, radios, coffee pots, batteries and chairs. If you don’t get to it first, the local nationals will. It will amaze you what soldiers are throwing away. Try to catch the units as they return from the field to find out what they want to give away. Most units want to get rid of stuff just so they don’t have to pack it.

2. Making contacts. One of the most important things you can do is make as many contacts as you can at all stages of your deployment. Every redeploying soldier I or my NCOs have talked to has been overly helpful in giving information or items that have made my job easier. Ask redeploying units for additional items before they throw them away. We obtained armored plating, gun mounts and maps from units as they came in. You will not be able to get enough UAHs in country so be prepared to get your own made. I received maps and satellite imagery as well as an unclass digital copy of an IED class. We also received a copy of Falcon View.

3. Contact the POC from the unit you are replacing as soon as you can to build a rapport. Get on SIPR as soon as you can to obtain ground truth as to what is going on in your future AOR. However, always keep in mind that once you head North, your mission may not be the same and you will be forced to gain other contacts before you leave.

4. Beer is served here, even in the DFAC, but it is non-alcoholic. Risque magazines (FHM, Maxim) are also sold here. The Arabic culture is more lax here than what they will brief you at home station, around the post. However, in the countryside, violations of culture can be very dangerous. Most men here are intrigued by the Western culture but that should not condone any potentially damaging activities conducted by soldiers. Leadership will be held responsible so they must issue guidance accordingly. Sensitivity training will be conducted at mob site.

5. Our state bought each soldier a plastic strong box that we put on CONEXes.

6. Make sure all soldiers itemize their stuff before loading and submit an inventory sheet with their supervisor. Each soldier can load as much stuff as they want in a CONEX but you are limited on what you can carry on the plane and they measure it.

7. The work ethic of the Arab male is very lax. They do not get in a hurry but drive like maniacs. They will pass and force others off the road. However, they demand respect and will remember a favor that you do for them. They will make it their life’s mission to pay you back for every good deed you do for them. Some children have picked up on our bad habits, though, and are all around downtown selling bootleg stuff. There are an overabundance of bootleg DVDs and CDs that are sold in the local shops on post. It has been proven that the money they make from these sales go to fund terrorism. However, soldiers buy them in droves.

8. Establish your combat teams now but expect that they will be split up based on the mission. Just like a tank/Bradley crew, the UAH crew is just as key. Your driver, TC and gunner must be able to function together. It is hard on morale when you have constantly pull soldiers out of headquarters elements to piecemeal teams together. Also, be prepared to form a PSD for your commander (usually for battalion commanders and above).

9. There is a huge disconnect between what is happening here and what we were taught at the mob station. Your best bet is to contact your counterpart in country via SIPR and get the ground truth. A lot of what the TSB will train you is outdated or is too general.

10. Always be aware of your arming stance and ROE, one exists for Mob station, one for Kuwait and one for Iraq.

11. For those soldiers who are interested, there are a lot of extremely high paying jobs over here that can be had after the tours. There are plenty of websites available that soldiers can tap into but most are had through contacts that are made here.

12. MARK EVERYTHING. Before you leave home, use a Sharpie to mark all your personal belongings. DO NOT mark on your IBA or they will charge you for it. You can have your nametape and rank sewn on it. Also make stencils at home station for everyone to bring with them. Bring a paint pen to mark strong boxes and other harder surfaces.



Suggested Reading

1. Iraq Culture Smart Card (February 2004). This laminated card is excellent product put out by the Marines that includes a short history, culture do’s/don’ts, commands in Arabic, etc. They also have a CD-ROM “Cultural Intelligence for Military Operations: Iraq”

Commanding Officer

Marine Corps Intelligence Activity

3300 Russell Road

Suite 250

Quantico, VA 22134-5011

COMM: 703.784.6146

FAX: 703.784.2026

DSN: 278.6146

2. Iraqi Basic, Language Survival Guide (February 2003). Small booklet that has commands, warnings and instructions in Arabic. DLI also supposedly has a CD-ROM available as well.

Joseph Betty

DLIFLC-SCE

Joseph.betty@monterey.army.mil

COMM: 831.242.5724

CELL: 831.320.7006

DSN: 878-5724

3. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Iraq. Reuters NewMedia Inc. In-depth history on Iraq from the beginning to recent history as well as a cultural guide. $18.95 at Books-A-Million

4. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Islam. Reuters NewMedia Inc. Explains differences between Islamic sects and gives a guide to Islamic culture. Reuters NewMedia Inc. $18.95 at Books-A-Million

5. Arabic dictionary.

6. CIA Country Book-Iraq. Can be downloaded off unclass internet or off SIPR.



OIF-Related Acronyms:

OIF: Operation Iraqi Freedom

OEF: Operation Enduring Freedom

CPA: Coalition Provisional Authority

RIP: Relief In Place

CSH: Combat Support Hospital

IDF: InDirect Fire

POO: Point Of Origination

POI: Point Of Impact

LSA: Life/Logistical Support Area

AOR: Area Of Responsibility

UAH: Up-Armored HMMWV

FOO: Field Ordering Officer

CLS: Combat Life Saver

ICRC: International Committee for the Red Cross

ICDC: Iraqi Civil Defense Corps

BSO: Brigade/Battalion Signal Officer

APO: Army Post Office

FRG: Family Readiness Group

SAFI: Small Arms Fire Interceptor plate

IBA: Intermediate Body Armor

EOC: Emergency Operations Center

MOC: Mobilization Operations Center

MTS: Mobile Tracking System

ISG: Iraq Survey Group

OGA: Other Governmental Agencies

CSC: Convoy Support Center

REFRAD: RElease FRom Active Duty

FPS: Force Protection Service

IPS: Iraqi Police Service

BATS: Biometric Automated Tool Set

SCAR: Security Control Access Roster

TSB: Training Support Battalion/Brigade

PSD: Personal Security Detail/Detachment

RFI: Request for Information/ Rapid Fielding Initiative

FRC/G: Family Readiness Coordinator/Group

I added this OPORD two years after redeployment, AND it was NOT marked SECRET or any other clearance level!!

Today I also received a Frago ordering my unit to do Annual Training:

COPY ______ OF 15 COPIES

155TH SEPARATE ARMORED BDE (H) TUPELO, MS 38803

13 FEBUARY 04







FRAGO #04-04-01 to 155 ESB OPORD 04-04 ANNUAL TRAINING 2004



References:



a. 155 ESB OPORD 04-04 (AT-04

b. Camp Shelby Training Site Regulations.

c. Camp McCain Training Site Regulations

d. 155 ESB Commanders YTG.

e. 155 ESB Gunnery SOP.

f. JFH-MS Annual Training SOP.



Time Zone Used Throughout the Order: LOCAL



TASK ORGANIZATION: NO CHANGE









1. SITUATION: NO CHANGE

2. MISSION: NO CHANGE

3. EXECUTION:

INTENT. NO CHANGE



a. Concept of Operations: Due to demands on CSTS to support moblizing units, certain adjustments will have to be made to the Brigade’s AT-04 Plan. The Decisive operation for AT-04 remains successful execution of our SRP Program. Shaping operations for this period are Company/Platoon Validation, execution of focused SOSO tasks, and soldiers attending MOSQ/NCOES/OES requirements. Sustaining operations require support of the BCT conducting AT at two training sites and gunnery ranges executed at CSTS. This operation will be executed in four (4) Phases. Each phase will consist of ADVON Operations, RSOI, Collective Training and Redeployment.

b. Scheme of Maneuver:



1) Phase 1A: TF 1-155 IN. Will deploy to CMTS 12-26 Jun 04 to conduct Annual Training. Priority of efforts is to SRP, Company/Platoon Validation, supporting SOSO tasks in order.

2) Phase 1B: A/98 CAV. Will deploy to CSTS 12-26 Jun 04 to conduct Annual Training. Priority of efforts is to SRP, TT/BT VII/VIII, Platoon Lanes in order.

3) Phase 2: Main Brigade Period. 1-198 AR, 150 ENG (-), 106 SB, and HHC 155 ESB will deploy to CMTS 26 Jun – 10 Jul 04 to conduct Annual Training. Priority of efforts is to SRP, Company/Platoon Validation, supporting SOSO tasks in order.

4) Phase 3: 2-198 AR. Will deploy to CSTS 3-17 JUL 04 to conduct Annual Training. Priority of efforts is to SRP, TT VII/VIII, Platoon Lanes in order.

5) Phase 4: 2-114 FA NET. Will deploy to CMTS 24 JUL – 14 AUG 04 to conduct Annual Training. Priority of efforts is to SRP, AFATADS NET, SOSO task training in order.

b. Tasks to maneuver units:



1) 1-155 IN. AT dates 12-26 Jun 04.



a. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

b. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CMTS.

c. Coordinate with BDE S4 for movement of required equipment from CSTS to CMTS NLT ___________.

d. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.

e. Provide a list of Non-UMR Crewmen, who are qualified BCE’s to the BDE MG, NLT ___________, to support A/98 Gunnery 14-20 Jun 04 at CSTS. When not required to support gunnery, these soldiers will be returned to BN control.



2) 1-198 AR. AT dates 26JUN – 10JUL04.



a. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

b. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CMTS.

c. Coordinate with BDE S4 for movement of required equipment from CSTS to CMTS NLT ___________.

d. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.

e. Provide a list of soldiers who are qualified TCE’s to the BDE MG, NLT ___________, to support A/98 Gunnery 14-20 Jun 04 at CSTS. These soldier will support is training in an ADSW status (CTC).





3) 2-198 AR. AT dates 3 – 17JUL04.



a. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

b. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CSTS.

c. ICW the BDE S-3 Shop will conduct necessary coordination with ARNG TNG Site-CP Shelby and 3/87th TSB to secure training areas to support maneuver training.

d. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.



4) A/98 CAV: AT dates 12-26JUN04



a. Provide BDE S3 Shop, support requirements outside of the Troops capability (i.e. TCE, BCE, Range Support, etc.) for gunnery NLT ______________.

b. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

c. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CSTS.

d. ICW the BDE S-3 Shop will conduct necessary coordination with ARNG TNG Site-CP Shelby and 3/87th TSB to secure training areas to support maneuver training.

e. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.



c. Tasks to combat/combat service support units:





1) 2-114 FA. AT dates 31JUL -14AUG04.



a. Conduct necessary coordination with JFH-MS-OTR and supporting NET team to meet training requirements.

b. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

c. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CSTS.

d. ICW the BDE S-3 Shop will conduct necessary coordination with 631st FA BDE & 1-114th FA to maximize equipment available for training at CMTS.

e. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.





2) 150 EN.



a. HHC under BN control attends AT CMTS, 26 Jul – 10 Jul 04.

b. Detach B Co. to 1-155 IN TACON for period 12-26 Jun 04 at CMTS.

c. Detach C Co. to 1-198 AR TACON for period 26 Jul – 10 JUL04 at CMTS.

d. Detach A Co. to 2-198 AR TACON for period 3-17 JUL 04 at CSTS

e. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

f. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CMTS.

g. ICW the BDE S-3 Shop will conduct necessary coordination with ARNG TNG Site-CP Shelby and 3/87th TSB to secure training areas to support demolition training.

h. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.

i. Develop a plan to support demo training for units located at CMTS.



3) 106 SB. AT dates 26JUN – 10JUL04.



a. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

b. ICW the BDE Staff, develop a support/sustainment plan to support diverse locations and dates.

b. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CMTS.

c. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.



4) HHC BDE. AT dates 26JUN – 10JUL04.

a. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

b. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CMTS.

c. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.

d. NO CHANGE to OMS Plan for 155 MP PLT.





5) 255 MI CO. AT dates 26JUN – 10JUL04.



a. Conduct movement to/from training site IAW unit movement plans published by JTF-J4-T.

b. Draw and clear required/designated facilities, ranges, training areas, and equipment from CMTS.

c. Coordinate with BDE S1 for SRP windows/requirements NLT ______________.





d. Coordinating Instructions:

(1) Order effective upon receipt.

(2) Commander’s Critical Information Requirements.



(a) PIR.



1. Any threat to BCT or attached units with impacts the security, safety or well-being of our soldiers. LTIOV: OPEN.

2. Indications that the BCT or subordinate units is subject to mobilization or other significant mission change. LTIOV: OPEN.



(b) Friendly Force Information Requirement (FFIR).



1. Injury or death to BCT soldier.

2. Loss of resource (range, billeting, equipment, etc.) that will significantly impact the BCT’s ability to meet its training objectives.

3. Number of soldiers by unit who do not have a CAC ID Card.

4. Number of soldiers by unit who have not completed SRP.



(3) Risk Reduction Control Measures. Each Battalion and Separate company commander will provide the Brigade Commander a copy of his Risk Reduction Plan prior to arrival at designated training location.

(4) Rules of Engagement (ROE). All soldiers of the BCT will be subject to the exercise ROE found at Annex E (ROE) for the entire training period.

(5) Environmental Considerations. See Tng Site Requirements.

(6) Force Protection. Provost Marshal, 155th ESB will coordinate with appropriate agencies to integrate our policies and procedures with those designated for that post.

(7) Additional Instructions.



(a) Unit AT OPORD and Final Draft EXEVAL due BDE S3 NLT 14MAY04.

(b) Unit AT daily Training Briefs due to BDE S3 NLT 21MAY04, format in JFH-MS Annual Training memorandum of Instruction , Annex C.

(c. Units will submit a copy of their approved Convoy Clearance for movment to / from CSTS to the BDE S4 NLT 01JUN04.

(d) Unit AT AAR due BDE S3 NLT 30 days after last day of annual training.

(e) Provide Unit Commander list to BDE S1 NLT 1400 on first day of AT, format in JFH-MS Annual Training memorandum of Instruction , pg 2-4.

(f) Administrative portion of EXEVAL turned in to BDE S3 NLT 1200 1st Sunday of your AT period.

(g) Completed copy of EXEVAL with original signatures turned in to BDE S3 NLT 1200 last Friday of your AT period.



4. SERVICE SUPPORT. SEE ANNEX I (SERVICE SUPPORT)





5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL.



a. Command



(1) HHC 155th ESB will establish BDE Forward CP at Camp McCain NLT 101200JUN04 to track the deployment of the BDE to both sites in bldg S-209 and maintain an operational capability unitl 111200JUL04.

(2) HHC 155th ESB will establish BDE CP in CMTS cantonement area and assume control of the BDE from the BDE Rear CP NLT 261200jun04.

(3) On-Order, HHC 155th ESB will establish BDE FWD CP as follows:



(a) CP Shelby (12-26 Jun/3-17 Jul 04)

(b) CP McCain (31 Jul-14 Aug 04)





b. Signal. SEE ANNEX H SIGNAL (TBP). Unit phone number per Camp Shelby phone directory.



ACKNOWLEDGE.









GASTON COL

OFFICIAL:





SMITH

S3



ANNEXES:



Annex A: NOT USED

Annex B: Intelligence NOT USED

Annex C: Operations

Appendix 1: Operations Overlay, TBP

Appendix 2: Land/Range Matrix, Issued Separately

Appendix 3: Brigade Timeline, TBP

Appendix 4: Risk Assessment/Safety

Appendix 5: AT GUNLINE

Annex D: Fire Support NOT USED

Annex E: ROE NOT USED

Annex F: Engineer TBP

Annex G: Air Defense NOT USED

Annex H: Signal, TBP

Annex I: Service Support

Appendix 1 (Logistical Suspense dates)

TAB A (Log meeting matrix)

TAB B (Building assignments for BN HQ and S4)

Appendix 2 (Base Camp Equipment Requirements) TBP

TAB A: (Base Camp Layout) TBP

Appendix 3 (Traffic Circulation and Control) TBP

TAB A: Traffic Circulation Overlay TBP

TAB B: Road Movement Table TBP

Appendix 4 (Personnel)

TAB A Medical

Appendix 5 (Legal)

Appendix 6 (Religious Support) NOT USED

Appendix 7 (Foreign and Host-Nation Support) NOT USED

Appendix 8 (Reports) see BDE TACSOP

Appendix 9 (Inspector General Requirements) NOT USED

Annex J: NBC NOT USED

Annex K: Provost Marshal NOT USED

Annex L: Reconnaissance and Surveillance NOT USED

Annex M: Deep Operations NOT USED

Annex N: Rear Operations NOT USED

Annex O: Airspace Command and Control NOT USED

Annex P: Information Operations NOT USED

Annex Q: Civil-Military Operations NOT USED

Annex R: Public Affairs NOT USED



We had a FedEx SDRA Core Team Meeting today.

Notes from meeting:

1. Case Management System is complete. When do you want a demo?



2. CLEAR justification – LJ needs more info



3. Requisitions being signed, LJ hasn’t done the PCN’s yet, later today.