Major Gen. Ted Martin, commander of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, passes the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment’s guidon to Col. Kevin Jacobi, 66th commander of the 11th ACR during a combined change of command and responsibility ceremony, here, July 1.

Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment conducted a combined change of command and responsibility ceremony here, July 1.

During the ceremony, the regiment commander, three squadron commanders, and a squadron command sergeant major relinquished their duties to new leaders.

Colonel John Ward, the 65th colonel of the regiment, passed the unit colors to Col. Kevin Jacobi, the new regimental commander. Jacobi served as director of operations for Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa, at his previous assignment. Ward will become chief of staff for 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

“I, along with those departing this unit, love this regiment for its traditions, its rich history, but even more so for the people past and present associated with it,” Ward said during his farewell address. “I have heard some people say it’s all about the stories. But I will go one step further and say it’s all about the people – the people who create those incredible stories.”

Lieutenant Col. Frederick Snyder served as 1st Squadron, 11th ACR commander for the past two years. He will become the enlisted personnel directorate chief for Military Occupational Specialties 19K (M1 armor crewmember) and 19D (cavalry scout) at Fort Knox, Ky. Snyder passed the squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Paul Wilcox. Wilcox is joining the Regiment from his most recent assignment as an instructor in the Department of Tactics at the Command and General Staff Officers Course.

Lieutenant Col. Jeffrey Bramlett served as commander of 2nd Squadron, 11th ACR, and relinquished his command to Lt. Col. Shane Celeen. Celeen joins the Regiment from his most recent assignment as a professor of military science at Colorado State University.

Lieutenant Col. Scott M. McFarland served as the commander of Regimental Sustainment and Support Squadron, 11th ACR. He handed over command to Lt. Col. James M. Stephens.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Shine served as the senior enlisted advisor at RSS for the past two years. After more than 30 years of honorable service Shine will retire from the Army. He passed the non-commissioned officer’s saber to Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Reynolds.

“Having been in this Army for 31 years, I know that it takes strong and inspired leadership to set the conditions that, not only does a unit accomplish its missions, but also truly takes care of its families,” said Maj. Gen. Ted Martin, commanding general of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin. “The Blackhorse command team did just that.”

Ward spoke of the leaders taking command of the Regiment, reminding them that they are not members of a new team, but are new members of a team that has been present since 1901.

“Believe me, our Veterans won’t let you forget that,” Ward said. “I along with those others departing today are honored to say that with you, we rode with the Blackhorse – the best damn Regiment that you will ever see.”

Following Ward’s address, he and Jacobi shook hands before Jacobi took to the podium.

“To the Soldiers and Families, and the friends of the Blackhorse – Kathy (spouse) and I are deeply humbled to be joining the ranks of the most professional, disciplined and formidable outfits on the earth,” Jacobi said. “To you I pledge my service and devotion to duty every day.”

Col. Jason Wieman

United States Army Medical Department Activity at Fort Irwin welcomed Col. Jason Wieman as its new commander during a change of command ceremony here, May 30.

Commander of Western Regional Medical Command, Brig. Gen. John Cho, presided over the ceremony, where he received the organizational colors from outgoing commander Col. Cheryl Taylor-Whitehead and passed them to Wieman.

Wieman arrived from service as medical director of Wiesbaden Army Health Clinic in Germany.

Fort Irwin community members enjoying the celebration on Army Field.

 

Participants climb a wall at the “Mud and Guts Run.”

 

Participants traverse a mud pit.

 

Fort Irwin Unites States Army Garrison Commander Col. Jon Braga gives Danny “Count” Koker a plaque during the “Red, White and Boom” celebration, July 2. Koker and his band, “Count’s 77,” performed.

 

The wing eating contest in full swing, July 2.

Frank Pope, pyrotechnic expert, shows off his handiwork.

In the distance a mushroom cloud filled with fire, smoke and debris erupts just outside a small town in the middle of the Mojave Desert; the faint sound of voices can be heard and the outline of people moving about – quickly – can be seen.

In the minutes following, Soldiers slowly made their way through the town – a Hollywood-like set built to simulate the many possible deployment locations for America’s armed forces. Each man and woman focused intensely on their mission at hand, to secure the town. In the process, they were greeted with more explosions, rocket propelled grenades and gun fire, prompting them to engage the enemy using skills they brought to the training center.

The “blast,” though quite authentic looking and sounding, simply signaled the beginning of another training exercise for a rotation of Soldiers who are experiencing what’s affectionately referred to as “the box” at the National Training Center here.

It’s all part of the well-planned, extremely challenging choreography used to test and train some 50,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who rotate through Fort Irwin each year.

“It’s not fun, but the training definitely helps me with proficiency,” said Pfc. Kim Landicho, 24, from the Bronx, N.Y. “I’ve never been deployed so the environment here really helps prepare you for one in the future – so you’re not shocked. Every mission or training scenario taught me something new I can use.”

At the NTC, pyrotechnic guru Frank Pope and his crew of six go to great lengths to provide as realistic a combat environment possible for the Soldiers. He will tell you their efforts are essential if such scenarios are to challenge troops like real-world combat would.

Pope, at 68, retired after 46 years of Hollywood special effects, but still enjoyed his work so he was all too eager to put his talents to work at the NTC when asked. He brought with him high-end pyrotechnic insight he gathered from working on sets from “Air Wolf,” where he says he blew something up every day, to “Natural Born Killers,” “Water World,” “Starship Troopers,” and “Windtalkers” to name a few.

“I truly believe if my pyro crew and I can contribute to the saving of one Soldier’s life in combat, then we are blessed,” Pope said.

The goal for Pope’s team is to complement a detailed scenario built by trainers here by including Hollywood-style improvised explosive devices, RPG’s, truck bombs, suicide vests, and even large dust bombs that simulate chemical attacks.

Senior leadership at the NTC say replicating the combat environment is crucial. The Hollywood special effects are a perfect companion to the austere environment of the NTC, where 1,200 square miles of training area can range from 20 degrees during the winter and 120-plus during the summer months.

Regardless of temperature, it is the NTC’s ability to utilize pyrotechnics and detailed scenarios amid the rock, dirt, and mountainous terrain that ensures realism in training.

Courtesy Photo

The Cheetahs track team, coaches and parents gather for a group photo.

Known as the “Cheetahs!,” the Fort Irwin CYS Sports Track and Field Team made up of 25 children (ages 7-14) ventured as far as their little feet could carry them – all the way to the state finals for the 37th Annual Hershey’s Track and Field Competitions, June 8.

The team organized March 18 and the children and coaches worked very hard during each practice. Head coach Mia Wagner remarked that this was incredible and said, “I am proud of all the participants and parents … who were committed from beginning to end. We started with six kids but our numbers grew as word got out with our practice at the blue track.”

This is the first year that Fort Irwin entered the Hershey Track Meet and it was a result of the children working really hard. Seven teammates started in Apple Valley, Calif., by competing against kids, who had been doing this for a very long time. Three emerged to represent the Cheetahs in the state finals in Long Beach, Calif., and one has a chance of going to the nationals in Hershey, Pa., this fall.

Track regular events include: 1600m, 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m, 50m, 4 X 100m relay, 110m hurdles, soft ball throw and standing long jump.

Coaches Mia Wagner, Amy McRoberts, Rhonda Brown and Kinetta Rogers are all full-time workers, but are full of energy as they volunteer to mentor theses young athletes. They all agreed that the focus is to encourage the kids to give 100 percent at practice, the competitions and most of all – to have fun.

Ann Kassel-Wilkes, the Hershey Company representative at the state finals, sadly told participants that this would be the last track meet hosted by Hershey, but to look out for future events hosted by the U.S. Track and Field Commission.

As a parent, I encourage other parents to take advantage of the Fort Irwin CYS Track Team during the upcoming school year. Not only does it give you an opportunity to motivate your child in their potential, but also a great time to work out with them.

Fort Irwin celebrated our nation’s birthday with a mud run and a festival that included a concert and fireworks here, July 2.

The fun began with the “Mud and Guts Run” that Wednesday morning, a couple of days before Independence Day. Approximately 600 participants attended the five-kilometer obstacle course run and children participated in a two-kilometer version. The military obstacle course included mud pits, climbing walls, tires, smoke, camouflage netting and “drill sergeants” shouting encouragement to mud runners. Many participants organized into teams and wore distinctive clothing or T-shirts.

The event was organized by Headquarters and Headquarters Company, United States Army Garrison at Fort Irwin, and FMWR, but it also received a lot of support during the course construction. Captain Frank Lenart, commander of HHC, took the lead and enlisted the help of several units and organizations on post, said HHC 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Jackson. Soldiers from 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 916th Support Brigade and Operations Group helped with digging mud pits, removing rocks from the course, clearing paths of vegetation, and laying camouflage netting.

Jackson stated his appreciation on behalf of HHC for the assistance from all those involved in creating the event. He said that participants were very, very happy with the course.

Later that afternoon, the community gathered at Army Field to enjoy the events of the “Red, White and Boom”celebration, which included food and beverage vendors, a petting zoo, camel rides, bounce houses, live bands and a fireworks finale.

There were special appearances by Rick and Kelly Dale of the History Channel TV show “American Restoration” and Danny “Count” Koker of the show “Counting Cars.” Koker and his band, “Count’s 77,” performed classic rock covers and original songs during the concert.

Before the celebration, Rick and Kelly spoke on KNTC “The Heat” and stated it was an honor to visit Soldiers and families at Fort Irwin.

“I want to thank everybody here for what you do,” Rick said. “I just can’t say enough about what you give for us. You give your lives, you give everything you have for us to be free and I deeply appreciate it.”

Koker stated that his father, Dan Koker Sr., was an Army 10th Special Forces Veteran of the Korean conflict. He credits dad for instilling in him a passion for vehicles and music. He also expressed his gratitude to Soldiers and Veterans.

“I can’t say thank you enough,” Koker said. “As far as the public is concerned, please support your military – past, present, future. We just want to give back as much we can. We just want to support all we can.”

Capt. Jason King, deputy resident engineer with Army Corps of Engineers here, and wife Christy walk nieces Yalicia, 5, and Yalia, 7, to Lewis Elementary School here, Aug. 7. The King’s son, Robert (red shirt), will also be starting school soon – at the University of Washington in Tacoma, Wash.

 
On a cool, summer day children and parents traveled the sidewalks and drove the streets of Fort Irwin as they headed back to school, Aug. 7.

Just a few days before training for a new rotation begins, Soldiers and spouses accompanied their young students to Lewis Elementary School, Fort Irwin Middle School, and Tiefort View Intermediate School; high school students were transported by bus to Silver Valley High in Yermo, Calif.

National Training Center Chief of Staff Col. Richard Wilson and spouse Relisa went to FIMS and TVIS with their children. The first day back-to-school activity adds to the small-town feel of the community here, said Wilson. Relisa said that by accompanying sons and daughters to schools, parents are sending a great message about the importance of education.

Joel Rivera-Vazquez, 8, and Andrew Bridgemohan, 9, met outside Tiefort View Intermediate School on the first day of school at Fort Irwin, Aug. 7. The boys are in fourth grade. Though they will not be in the same class, they are good friends and neighbors.

The colonel added that for Soldiers and families, who arrived here this past PCS season, it was a great way to start the school year. Having Soldiers escort their children to school, a day before roll-out for the rotational training unit, says a lot about the balance of mission and family life here, he said.

Capt. Michael Watkins, with Goldminer Team in Operations Group here, and wife Sarai took Michael Jr., 6, to first grade at Lewis Elementary. Later, they escorted daughter Khakla, 10, to her fifth grade class at TVIS. Watkins reiterated the significance of participating in a child’s first day to a new school or higher grade.

“It sets the tone for the school year,” Watkins said. “Kids get to realize how important education is when they see parents engaged.”

Sgt. Armando Ayala, with 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, walks with his family to Fort Irwin Middle School, where daughter Alandra, 11, is attending seventh grade. The family was one many taking students back to school on Fort Irwin, Aug. 7

Yalicia, 5, and sister Yalia, 7, walked with uncle, Capt. Jason King, deputy resident engineer with Army Corps of Engineers here, to Lewis Elementary. The sisters would be attending the school for the first time. Yalia said she was excited about making new friends.

“I’m excited about learning a lot of new things,” said Yalicia, a new second grader.

The FIMS principal, Michael Sullivan, revealed a huge grin just as the first bell rang, indicating the start of school for the mass of students assemble in a courtyard. On the first day of school, things don’t always go as planned, but can be worked out, he implied with a hint of satisfaction.

“The first days shows that even when things don’t go right, because of the systems we have in place, everyone knows what to do – even the new people.”
 

 
The Logistics Readiness Center operates a free, on-post shuttle Monday through Friday (except federal holidays), from 7:50 a.m. to 4:03 p.m.

Two shuttles travel in oposite directions. Route A begins near building 866 and departs at 7:50 a.m. Route B begins at building 833 and leaves at 8:05 a.m. There are 13 stops, with the shuttle scheduled to return to each location 30 minutes later.

All active duty personnel and their dependents, all Department of Defense civilians, and civilian contractors are eligible to ride the Tiefort Shuttle.  For more information call the LRC/Transportation Section at 380-3385 or 3816.

Route A

1. Langford Lake and bldg. 866 (TMP motor pool)

2. South Depot Loop and bldg. 867 (industrial area)

3. Inner Loop Road and bldg. 990 (OPS GRP HQ)

4. Inner Loop Road and bldg. 988 (NTC HQ)

5. Barstow Road and bldg. 25 (VTC services/MDU)

6. 2nd Street and bldg. 318 (MP station/FMA warehouse)

7. 1st Street and bldg. 109 (Reception Campus)

8. 4th Street and bldg. 166 (Hospital)

9. B Avenue and bldg. 217 (USAG HQ/USAAAD/DFAC 1)

10. 7th Street and bldg 271 (11ACR HQ/DFAC 2)

11. 5th Street and bldg. 384 (DPW)

12. 5th Street and bldg. 486 (TASC)

13. 5th Street and bldg. 588 (916th SPT BDE HQ)

Route B

1. Langford Lake and bldg. 833 (TMP motor pool)

13. 5th Street and bldg. 646A (916th SPT BDE HQ)

12. 5th Street and bldg. 486 (TASC)

11. 5th Street and bldg. 604 (DPW)

10. 7th Street and bldg 271 (11ACR HQ/DFAC 2)

9. B Avenue and bldg. 152 (USAG HQ)

8. 4th Street and bldg. 166 (Hospital)

7. B Avenue and bldg. 111 (Reception Campus)

6. 2nd Street and bldg. 317 (MP station/FMA warehouse)

5. Barstow Road and bldg. 25 (VTC services/MDU)

4. Inner Loop Road and bldg. 988 (NTC HQ)

3. Inner Loop Road and bldg. 990 (OPS GRP HQ)

2. South Depot Loop and bldg. 867 (industrial area)

Ellie the desert tortoise lives in a pen at the DPW Environmental Center here.

The desert tortoise represents the epitome of a survivor.

Able to go a year or more with no access to water, the tortoise stores all it can get in a large bladder under its high domed shell. It minimizes water loss by sporting a thick, scale-covered skin and short, stumpy limbs. Finally, the tortoise has mastered its scorching environment by finding the perfect desert home: underground!

Tortoises may spend up to 98 percent of their lives deep in their cool, snug burrows which they excavate themselves with powerful front legs and long claws. As resilient as they are, though, about 90 percent of their population has been eliminated by human encroachment into the once-inhospitable desert.

Technology has allowed us humans to expand into the desert, developing cities, expanding housing, recreating with off-road vehicles and most recently, building huge alternative energy farms. All of these activities, while great for us, have not been so good for tortoises. The species was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1990, and although protected extensively, continues to decline in numbers.

If you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a desert tortoise in the wild, stop, take pictures, but do not disturb the gentle reptiles.

Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Esmurria (right) and Spc. Joaquin Martinez, military police officer, help with the delivery of care packages from Operation Gratitude, Aug. 8.

Operation Gratitude delivered 100 care packages to Soldiers of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, Aug. 8.

The 100 boxes were part of the 1.1 million that Operation Gratitude has provided to servicemembers since March 2003, said Carolyn Blashek, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization based in Van Nuys, Calif. The care packages include clothing, snacks, toiletries, entertainment items and a survival bracelet made with eight feet of paracord.

The delivery was received by leadership and Soldiers. Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Commander Col. Jon Braga, and Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Esmurria helped with moving the packages indoors. Esmurria said the donation is an excellent example of community relations, and the pride and patriotism the public has for American Soldiers and the community of Fort Irwin.

Blashek said her organization began in 2003 by sending care packages to deployed servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Operation Gratitude is expanding by providing packages to troops in training and to new recruits at the services’ basic training installations.

Several staff of Operation Gratitude participated in the delivery. Blashek expressed through an email her appreciation of the opportunity to visit here.

“Each and every one of you inspires us to be better people and to serve a higher cause. We are honored to have spent the day with all of you,” Blashek said.

Courtesy photo

Children and volunteers gather for a group photo during the “Wilderness Escape” Vacation Bible Study program, which ran July 28-Aug. 1.

“Wilderness Escape” was the theme of Fort Irwin’s Summer Vacation Bible School program, July 28-Aug. 1.

Hosted by the Religious Support Office, and under the direction of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin Chaplain (Col.) Terry McBride, more than 250 children participated in this year’s program.

“We couldn’t have done this without our great volunteers here at Fort Irwin,” McBride said. “More than 100 volunteers worked on this project – many of them for months prior, behind the scenes. Our volunteer director, Ms. Rhonda Kimura, put countless hours in this project, leading the effort for us. The success of this program is attributed to her and those she led.”

During the five-day program, daily attendance averaged 234 children, preschool through sixth grade. Approximately 75 to 86 volunteers were on hand each day leading the program. Total combined attendance for the week was 1,677 children and volunteers.

Each three-hour day included an opening activity, a Bible lesson, crafts, game time, refreshments, and a closing activity. Music was also a key component.

Ongoing

The AFAP Conference is an annual event where Soldiers, family members and civilians discuss issues submitted by the community, and recommend solutions. Local issues may be sent to higher levels for review and resolution. Conferences are held at installations Army-wide and have resulted in 128 pieces of legislation in 31 years. The Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits enacted in 2009 came about from an AFAP conference. Ben Burnette, AFAP director here, describes the process as a great opportunity to voice a concern and improve quality of life in the military. Though the conference is held once a year, issues for consideration are accepted year round. Go to http://fortirwinfmwr.com/army-community-services/the-army-family-action-plan/ to submit an issue or call 380-2382 for more information.

OCT. 9

Networking Luncheon and Hiring Fair. Sandy Basin Community Center. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Open to Gold Star Spouses and spouses of active duty, National Guard, Reserve and Veterans. Servicemembers and Veterans also welcomed. Military friendly employers hiring with immediate openings; network with human resources recruiters and industry professionals; resume review. Presented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes and Army Community Service. Register online at www.hiringourheroes.org.

oct. 15

Remembrance Walk. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Blue Track Pavilion. Hosted by MEDDAC. The community is invited to honor those who have lost a child during pregnancy, childbirth or infancy. Light refreshments provided. For more information contact Capt. Cherise Blair at cherise.j.blair.mil@mail.mil or 380-3185.

Oct. 24-25

Fall Fest. Samuel Adams parking lot. 5 p.m.- tapping of the keg. Vendor fair; Oktoberfest tent; “buried alive” trailer; German band; petting zoo; bounce houses; games; high school band and choir; food and beverages. For a detailed timeline go to http://fortirwinfmwr.com/.

Oct. 25

Kids Vision for Life clinic. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 5 Star Catering Ball Room. Children can receive new glasses for free. Bring your child’s prescription from the past two years. To schedule an appointment contact Carl Ragonese, School Liaison Officer, at carl.b.ragonese.naf@mail.mil or 380-6880.
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82nd Annual Kiwanis Mardi Gras Parade “The Sky is the Limit” in Barstow. 7 p.m. Parade route is on Main Street from Barstow Road to Mountain View. Barstow organizations, bands, Marines and Army participate.

Nov. 1

Newberry Springs Pistachio Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Newberry Community Center and Park. Food, crafts, live music, bounce house and pistachios (including flavored). Military history about Camp Cady. Free entrance. www.pistachiofestival; 257-1072; NewberrySpringsCOC@gmail.com.
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Wreath and Tree Dinner and Auction. 6 p.m. Samuel Adams Grille. Fund raiser hosted by Military and Civilians Spouses’ Club. Food, beverages, and creative wreaths and trees donated by the community to be auctioned.

Photo by Sgt. Erik Thurman, 11th ACR

Dale Leesman, a Vietnam era Veteran of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, shows his tattoo of the regiment’s patch, Sept. 5.

The 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia association reunited with its old unit, here Sept. 5, as a special destination for their annual gathering.

“As we served together in Vietnam, we had great pride in our unit,” said Allen Hathaway, president of the 11th ACVVC association. “We also formed tight bonds during our time with the regiment, because of the dangers which we faced each day. We wanted to come here and see what the regiment looks like now, because we feel that we have never really left the regiment.”

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment hosted the Veterans and their family members as a way to honor them for their service.

“Today is all about you, the Veterans of this great regiment,” said Col. Kevin Jacobi, commander of the 11th ACR. “The sacrifices that you made for our country and this regiment will always be remembered and we thank you.”

The 11th ACR displayed historic vehicles from the Vietnam era alongside tanks the Army uses today.

“When I got off the bus and saw my old helicopter sitting next to the other [vehicles] we used, I got a little choked up,” said John Finnerty, a former helicopter pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop.

For Fred Sheetz, Veteran of the 11th ACR, it was a time of re-acquaintance.

“I haven’t seen some of these guys since I left Vietnam, yet it seems just like yesterday,” said Sheetz. “But I know that we can have a great bond by staying in touch with each other and I am proud to have this occasion and event to do so because ‘Once Blackhorse, Always Blackhorse.’”

Photo by Sgt. David Beckstrom, 11th ACR

Allen Hathaway, president of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, hugs Col. Kevin Jacobi, commander of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, at the end of a reunion here, Sept. 5.

To facilitate this re-acquaintance, the 11th ACR provided a tour of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and Fort Irwin Museum, where the Veterans could reminisce about their days with the regiment.

“There are a lot of [times] that you remember one thing and [someone else] remembers a different thing, but it comes together and you remember what you did,” said Jim Dittmer, a Veteran of the Blackhorse regiment.

Current Soldiers of the regiment also gained much from the visit.

“I really enjoyed being able to talk to the Vets,” said Sgt. Gary Williams, a Soldier with K Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th ACR. “Listening to the stories they had while they were in the regiment made me have greater understanding of what they went through. It also gave me a chance to learn from their experiences; enabling me to become a better leader.”

Photo by Capt. Jessica Cook

Sgt. Meriem Ettioutioui (right), 51st Translator and Interpreter Company, talks with Spc. Farida Alvi and Spc. Maryam Mahfeli, also with 51st TICO, about her deployment experience in 2013.

The tough and isolating environment of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin has long enabled dedicated Soldiers and civilians to deliver a demanding training experience to mobilizing units from all over the world.

Soldiers stationed here can be at risk of feeling the effects of that isolation – in particular, female Soldiers. To mitigate the effects of isolation for women, leaders have implemented the Fort Irwin Female to Female Mentorship Program.

“The Fort Irwin Female to Female Mentorship Program was created in order to help generate a culture change here at Fort Irwin focused on establishing a professional environment where junior servicewomen, both enlisted and officers, are able to learn from the experiences and knowledge of more senior female Soldiers,” said Capt. Robyn Boehringer, the NTC and Fort Irwin SHARP Program Manager and a senior female mentor.

Interaction of mentors and junior Soldiers is intended to increase confidence and to overcome future challenges younger Soldiers may encounter here, Boehringer said.

“It would be nice to talk to leadership without worrying about rank or chain of command,” said Spc. Shafaq Yuhanna, a Soldier in 51st TICO. “For example, I had questions about becoming an officer, but I wasn’t sure who to talk to because I didn’t want to skip my chain of command.”

Female Soldiers who want to participate in a mentorship group can sign up during in-processing or see their unit’s female mentorship representative for more information. Unit mentors also meet monthly in order to discuss lessons learned and compare the progress of activities affiliated with their mentorship groups.

While a primary goal of the Female to Female Mentorship program is the professional development of female Soldiers, it does not prohibit male Soldiers from participating. Showing support for the program, leading open-minded discussions, or engaging in mentor-mentee relationships are good ways for any Soldier, male or female to contribute. Mentorship has always been a cornerstone of Army as it transcends gender, age, job, and rank.

“While the Female to Female Mentorship Program was developed to address a particular demographic, I am a firm believer that mentorship is not restricted or limited to a certain program, gender or rank structure,” said Boehringer. “Any time an individual encounters a person of lesser experience and there is a relationship that is built on mutual trust and respect, mentorship can occur.”

For more information about the Female to Female Mentorship program, contact Boehinger at 380-2290.

Staff Sgt. Marcus McCormick, of the 289th Quartermaster Company, provides a convoy its mission brief Aug. 20 during a morning supply mission.

 
The training that rotational units receive here can be brutal – challenging Soldiers both mentally and physically to perform under extreme pressure.

Since the vast majority of training takes place among 1,200 square miles of Mojave Desert, there are environmental challenges as well. The heat can soar to 115-plus during the summer and plummet into the low teens during winter, not to mention snakes, scorpions and brown-outs.

The 50,000-plus American servicemembers and those of our allied partners, who take advantage of it yearly, however, leave better leaders and technicians according to those who test units during their stay.

Better known as Observers, Coaches and Trainers, or OC/Ts for short, teams of professionals from a myriad of combat roles shadow unit counterparts, testing their capabilities and offering insight along the way. The vast majority of OC/Ts are hand-picked to provide their expertise given their background – in most cases successfully deploying multiple times and dealing with the same types of scenarios units will encounter at Fort Irwin – though in real world combat.

One such team of OC/Ts, known as the Goldminers, works with units responsible for logistics, personnel services, and health service support. It’s what Capt. Christina Shelton, Goldminer’s battle staff analyst and logistics officer, refers to as the three key elements of the sustainment warfighting function.

“We have the major task of training two battalions on logistics operations,” Shelton said. “That’s approximately 800-1,000 Soldiers, and we only have 33 permanent party OC/Ts to perform that mission.”

“We’re essentially a team of teams that observe, coach and train rotational training units on all logistical operations,” added Master Sgt. Tremaine Hennington, senior NCO sustainment combat trainer.

Hennington relies on a small number of permanent party OCTs plus guest OCTs from the training unit and other installations around the Army.

“The toughest part is maintaining your relationship with the training unit so they’re receptive to our training,” said Hennington, who has been here for 16 training rotations. “While we’re out here coaching and mentoring – we’re mindful in what we say and how we say it.”

A “wounded” Soldier is carried away for further treatment.

A unit’s ability to communicate with subordinate units is probably the toughest challenge they’ll face here, said Hennington. Second to that is their ability to integrate with subordinate units, many of which come from different installations and do things differently.

“Command and control is difficult early, since many of the units are meeting for the first time out here,” said Hennington, while comparing the situation to real-world combat. “Normally by training day five or six, they start getting there though, and I’m appreciative of the fact they are able to come together as a unit that quick.”

The NTC gives units the ability to truly test their capabilities in a challenging environment, offered the master sergeant – himself having deployed twice to Iraq for a total of 25 months.

In the field

“Our sole purpose is to support the brigade combat team,” said 2nd Lt. Jonathan Cook, of 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, after engaging folks walking up on his position more than an hour’s drive from Fort Irwin proper. “This is different than the training we receive at home because it replicates down range events well. It’s a huge learning exercise for us.”

Cook said he learned early to take a step back and coordinate with other units to work that bigger picture.

“Then we had to focus on logistics, making sure everyone had food and water,” Cook said. “We also had to stress management of personnel – keep morale high and ensuring they got what they needed to get the job done.”

Mass Casualty Exercise

As “wounded” Soldiers began showing up at the Role II medical facility, Sgt. 1st Class Florence Erfe looked on. As the Goldminer’s medical trainer, she wanted to see how the unit reacted to the scenario.

“Following the ‘attack’ Soldiers are asked to go through their security procedures, accountability checks and then clear the area of casualties,” said Erfe, adding that there were 15 in this particular exercise.

The scenario tested the unit’s mortuary affairs, triage and treatment capabilities.

From left: Staff Sgt. Joshua Reed, 32, from Canyon City, Colo., Sgt. 1st Class Dallas Jackson, 35, from Jonesborough, La., and Spc. Alejandro Perez, 24, of Sweetwater, Texas, take cover during an “indirect fire” scenario Aug. 20 in “the box.” The three are from the 44th Chemical Company out of Fort Hood, Texas.

“Providing treatment to casualties, to the wounded who go through the medical facility – such as required labs, x-rays, and administering blood work – is what we’re looking for them to provide,” Erfe said. “Then making sure ‘wounded’ are evacuated to the next appropriate level of care. It’s all about patient care and saving lives.”

The maintainers

Maintenance is crucial if an Army’s logistics capability is to be effective. Goldminers test a rotational unit’s ability to respond to those challenges as well.

Sgt. 1st Class Marcos Moreno, Goldminer maintenance trainer, said one of the difficulties for maintainers is that much of the time they are used in other roles such as security.

“Units have to figure out how to best use their personnel,” Moreno said. “I tell them it’s best to have people dedicated for the maintenance mission before actually needing them.”

Moreno said even the OC/Ts learn during exercises.

“We learn from each rotation as well,” Moreno emphasized. “And that helps following rotations since we pass along those lessons, what we learned, to them.”

According to Shelton, Goldminer OC/Ts routinely engage units to keep them headed in the right direction through after action reviews. While trainers prefer Soldiers make decisions initially, they don’t let it get to the point they develop bad habits.

“We know it’s difficult out here,” she said. “So we will help them when we can to ensure they can provide those key elements needed to sustain the war fighter.”
 

Medics work to transport wounded during one of the many combat related scenarios rotational units have to deal with while at the National Training Center. Here, following an engagement, the “wounded” are taken to a mobile medical facility for treatment.

Soldiers undergoing a medical evaluation board sometimes feel lost and confused with the significant decisions they have to make that will affect their military careers and the rest of their lives.

The Office of Soldiers’ Counsel is the Army’s team of qualified and trained attorneys and paralegals who assist Soldiers in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. They are advocates who provide in-depth information, expert legal advice and effective representation throughout IDES for Soldiers and their family members. The Army currently has 26,800 wounded, ill or injured Soldiers enrolled in IDES, which can take up to a year to complete. The Office of Soldiers’ Counsel provides the legal support and services to help Soldiers and their family members navigate IDES and fully understand their legal rights and options.

The Office of Soldiers’ Counsel includes two types of legal counsel: Soldiers’ Medical Evaluation Board Counsel and Soldiers’ Physical Evaluation Board Counsel. The SMEBC offices are located at installations that process medical evaluation boards and provide local in-person assistance to Soldiers. The SPEBC offices are co-located with the three Army Physical Evaluation Boards at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and in Crystal City, Va.

At Fort Irwin, there is a licensed attorney and a certified paralegal specially trained in medical evaluation boards and in IDES. The Office of Soldiers’ Counsel will ensure that Soldiers receive a fair assessment of medical conditions and that conditions are accurately documented during the IDES process at no cost to Soldiers.

The Office of Soldiers’ Counsel reviews case files to evaluate potential outcomes of boards. The office also reviews medical tests and medical records in order to advise Soldiers on what to discuss with medical teams. This ensures records are complete and that necessary documentation is present for the case.

The Fort Irwin Office of Soldiers’ Counsel has the experience and knowledge to work with different organizations to resolve issues that often arise while Soldiers are undergoing the IDES process.

Ensuring that Soldiers and families receive expert advice and representation during the IDES process is part of the Army’s commitment to take care of Soldiers. Whether that involves transition to Veteran status or a return to duty, Office of Soldiers’ Counsel protects a Soldier’s rights and ensures the disability process remains seamless, transparent and fair.

The Fort Irwin Office of Soldiers’ Counsel is located in building 288 on Barstow Road. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The office phone number is 380-2183.

Fort Irwin’s water permit requires Fort Irwin to notify the public quarterly of the following:

This is an alert about your drinking water and a cosmetic dental problem that might affect children under 9 years of age. At low levels, fluoride can help prevent cavities, but children drinking water containing more than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of fluoride may develop cosmetic discoloration of their permanent teeth (dental fluorosis). The domestic use water provided by the Fort Irwin water system has a fluoride concentration ranging from of 0.8 mg/L to 14 mg/L.

Dental fluorosis may result in a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums. Children under 9 should use the reverse osmosis water to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting of their permanent teeth. You may also want to contact your dentist about proper use by young children of fluoride-containing products. Older children and adults may safely drink the water.

Drinking water containing more than 4 mg/L of fluoride can increase your risk of developing bone disease.

Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the maximum contaminant levels (California’s MCL is 10 µg/L) over many years may experience skin damage or circulatory system problems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. The domestic use water provided by the Fort Irwin water system has an arsenic concentration ranging from non-detected µg/L to 36 µg/L.

For more information, contact the Water Resources Manager, Fort Irwin DPW, at 380-4987 or P.O. Box 105085, Fort Irwin, CA 92310-5085 (located at building 602 on 5th Street). If you have questions concerning Fort Irwin Water System operations contact CH2MHill at 386-9706. Some home water treatment units are also available to remove fluoride from drinking water. To learn more about available home water treatment units, you may call the California Department of Health Services Water Treatment Device Unit at (916) 323-5600.

Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Esmurria addresses participants of an AFAP Conference breakout group facilitated by Silvia Moreno (center) of Army Community Service here, Oct. 8.

More than 60 Fort Irwin officials and delegates from the community representing the diversity of people working and living here convened to discuss their top 22 concerns about Army and Fort Irwin quality of life issues, Oct. 7 – 8.

Soldiers, family members and civilians comprised the delegates, which divided into two groups for discussing topics and recommending solutions.

“Unlike last year’s conference, when the top issues were about Big Army, attendees this year focused on local concerns,” said Ben Burnette, AFAP program manager.

For example, the youth and teens issues group reported that their top concern was the need for more organized activities in addition to that provided by Fort Irwin FMWR programs.

Another major focus was how the Fort Irwin housing program budget has been squeezed by Army funding formulas for the Fort Irwin area, which has resulted in re duction in housing services.

The AFAP conference recommendations will be studied by a conference steering committee for follow-up and reported back to the community in several months.

Photo by Carlos Guerra, Marine Corps

Logistic Base
Spc. Jamar L. Butler and Spc. Adam J. Buford, movement specialists assigned to 171st Movement Control Company, 1916th Sustainment Brigade, 916th Sustainment Battalion, install a spacer to upload vehicles on freight cars at the Yermo Annex of the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Yermo, Calif., Sept. 11.

The sound of a locomotive horn echoing across the rail yard is a common occurrence at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Yermo, Calif.

The base is the largest military train depot in the continental United States. More than 50 million pounds of equipment and vehicle freight transfer through MCLB every month in support of the National Training Center.

“Our main mission in support of NTC is to facilitate the rotational training units that come here each month,” said Master Sgt. Logan McKenzie, brigade operation sergeant major for the 916th Sustainment Brigade. “All their equipment rolls in to the Yermo Annex of MCLB to get transferred on to [heavy equipment transport systems] and then brought up to Fort Irwin and back again at the end of the rotation.”

The equipment arrives at the Yermo Annex via civilian train systems operated by Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, and Union Pacific Railroad.

“After the freight arrives here, we use the four trains, which are owned by the United States Army, to push them around the railhead in preparations for download,” said Sgt. Michael Davis, the rail operations non-commissioned officer assigned to the 171st Movement Control Company. “The Army has about 50 trains, but only six are stateside and only the four here are actively used by the military for freight operations.”

The military utilizes civilian transportation infrastructures, which are already in place to ensure equipment is moved in a timely manner.

“We load and unload freight from the Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, and even the Coast Guard,” said Chad Hildebrandt, the rail operations supervisor at MCLB. “We service all of the branches of the [Department of Defense] because of all the access routes into and out of here.”

As the military downsizes and changes its focus to force sustainment, the Yermo Annex will continue to see an increase of use.

“A year ago we moved about 35 million pounds of freight in any given month, but this last month alone we moved more than 95 million pounds in support of NTC and other military bases around the west coast,” said Hildebrandt.

The 171st MCC has a meticulous system in place to track freight and will work 18-hour days to ensure the freight gets to its destination.

“The freight companies that are run by civilians use programs to calculate how much freight and how many cars can be pulled at a time, but since we use paper calculations and are out there with the cars we can see that there are still spaces available to load more equipment,” Davis said. “On average we save the RTU and the Army several thousands of dollars each rotation, because we do not use as many cars. After the 14-09 rotation we saved them a whole train compared to what they used when they came here.”

With the capabilities they have shown in the past, the 171st MCC sets an example for other movement operations centers to follow.

“The DoD started a training class for Soldiers and Marines here to ensure other railhead operators understand how to properly accomplish their missions, because we move the same amount of freight that the training units do in about one-third the time,” said Davis.

Gustavo Bahena

Girl Scouts, left to right: Mystery Karr, Cheyenne Karr, Hailey Kepple, Samantha Kepple and Alexis Brunney. In the back, Provost Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. Danny Knell and, right, Director of Emergency Services, Lt. Col. Graham Swenson.

Five Girl Scouts from Fort Irwin delivered three dog houses to the Police Department here, Sept. 26.

The wooden houses were constructed by Samantha Kepple, Alexis Brunney, Cheyenne Karr, Mystery Karr and Hailey Kepple.

The structures will provide temporary shelter for stray dogs picked up by law enforcement while the animals are processed. Because Fort Irwin does not have animal control services, police and the Fort Irwin Veterinarian Clinic work together to reunite stray pets with owners. Abandoned pets are also processed for adoption here or in other High Desert communities.

Hailey served as project manager for the group, which ranged in age from 11 to 14. She was inspired to help strays after her family rehabilitated an injured dog that became their pet, said Hailey. During the 50 hours the group spent on the project, the girls learned woodworking skills and how to use some power tools. Hailey said she enjoyed the team work and utilizing leadership skills.

Sarah Brunney, Hailey’s mom, explained that a Home Depot in Victorville and Range Control here donated material. Material was also purchased with donated funds.

Director of Emergency Services, Lt. Col. Graham Swenson, and Provost Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Danny Knell, placed the houses in the gated area of the police station. Swenson thanked the Girl Scouts for their contribution.

“We sincerely appreciate this,” Swenson said.

The community service project will be applied towards a Girl Scout silver award for the girls.