New Rules For Combat Badges
August 5, 2008
First off, I want to apologize for not having anything posted since Friday. With Marty’s new job as a civilian, he travels to various military installations training Soldiers. Currently he’s working at Fort Bliss, so we took the weekend and traveled to El Paso to spend some time with him, before his youngest son has to fly back to where he lives.
As of July 22nd, new rules have been applied, for Soldiers to earn a Combat Action Badge (CAB), the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Combat Medical Badge. The new rules are retroactive to September 18, 2001. What that means is Soldiers who are no longer in the military, yet meet the new criteria, are able to apply for and obtain a combat badge. The new rules also make obtaining these badges much quicker. Among the key changes that were announced on July 22nd are:
* While not qualifying by themselves, engagement by improvised explosive devices, which include vehicle borne IEDs and similar devices - should be considered in recommendations for the award of the Combat Infantryman Badge.
* Medical personnel who are assigned, attached or under the operational control of combat aviation units are elgible for the award of the Combat Medical Badge.
* Authority to award the CIB and CMB is delegated to the colonel-level commanders, such as brigade combat team commanders.
* Authority to award the Combat Action Badge is delegated to colonel-level commanders and the commanders of regional medical centers.
* Award of the CAB is not automatic and will not be awarded solely on the basis of the award of the Purple Heart.
In making the changes, a panel of officers and NCO’s met earlier in the year to review combat badge award criteria. One of the goals of the panel was to move the awarding of the badges down to brigade level, in order to speed the process of awarding the badges to Soldiers.
“We would like to see the badges awarded as soon after the qualifying event as possible,” the awards chief, LTC Marion Salters said.
Military members applying for the badges, should use DA Form 4167 and submit the form along with supporting documentation through their command channels, to the commander who is authorized to approve the award. For veterans and retirees who qualify for the award, but no longer with military units, they should submit their requests along with supporting documentation to the Military Awards Branch of the Human Resources Command.
It’s great that the Army is recognizing that often it took an extremely long time for a Soldier to receive a Combat Badge that they deserved. I’m hoping that this will indeed streamline the process and that many who would not have qualified previously, will be able to do so now.
- http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08/army_combat_badges_080408w/ [↩]
- http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08/army_combat_badges_080408w/ [↩]
Alqaeda Leaving Iraq for Afghanistan???
August 2, 2008
Greetings,
As some of you have already heard, Alqaeda has reportably left their fight in Iraq for the more rugged mountains of Afghanistan. I am here today to tell you that this is a grave trap and a bold new tactic that the terrorists are trying on our troops. Do not believe this for any reason.
The aim is to allow U.S. and coalition forces to “simmer down” for a while. If they focus on Afghanistan, the hope is that we here in Iraq will lower our guard and ultimately leave ourselves open for a direct attack. I want everyone to know this scheme and for all of our forces in both Iraqi and Afghani fronts, “Stay alert”. This could be a very serious outcome if we let ourselves get complacent.
I don’t believe the stories for one second about Alqaeda leaving Iraq. The truth is, they are just waiting for the right moment to attack with swift and deadly accuracy. I.E.D.s are becomming less likely here in Iraq, but don’t let the lull in fighting fool you, as I have said before, this is a new tactic that Alqaeda is trying.
This is a warning to all friendly forces in O.E.F and O.I.F. theaters of operation, be prepared for a possible sneak attack by Alqaeda. These people don’t just give up, something fishy is going on and I don’t like the feeling I have right now. They are planning something really big, they wouldn’t just give up the fight, especially what? 5,6, 7 years later, that would be like taking over a country, then saying ok, we quit, we’re leaving. Don’t buy this idea for a minute. Head my warning, I think something is up.
Soldiers on ground, stay alert, stay alive. Keep your heads up and report any suspicious activities to your local chain of command. We hav to stay focused if we want to get out of here in one piece. I want everyone to know this, my feelings on the war. I’m here in the middle of it, and I know exactly what’s going on. I assure you, things are not what they are being made out to be. Alqaeda is planning something, I know it, and I can feel it. Anyways, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up. Don’t believe what is going on. My gut instinct tells me otherwise.
Opsec is the key, do not divulge information that could be detrimental to our forces. For those of you who are expecting troops home. Do not, under any unceartain terms, ask them their location and how many troops are with them. We must stop the enemy, before they can get us. This is a game of cat and mouse, don’t let the cat win.
Remember our troops and pray that we can get out of this predicument and get home to our families soon. I thank you all here on ASM for your support. Without you, we have nothing.
Boss-Lift Project
July 29, 2008
Today, more and more National Guard and Reserve members are being called up for duty, and being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Due to their unique circumstance as “citizen soldiers” these men and women, not only leave behind their friends and families, but they leave behind their civilian jobs as well, for whatever length of time that they’re deployed. The deployments can create problems for their employers, as they have to hire temporary help to replace them while they’re deployed. Some companies have been less than accommodating with their Guard and Reserve employees, which can create problems as well. While these men and women’s jobs are protected under Federal law, they sometimes experience difficulties with their employers when they return.
To help alleviate those problems and work with employers of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, the Department of Defense operates an agency called Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve. The ESGR operates a program called the Boss-Lift Project. It’s a program that many have probably not even heard of. The program allows the employers the opportunity to see for themselves first hand, what their employee/soldier experiences on a deployment. The hopes is that the program, created over three decades ago, will provide the employer with a better understanding and appreciation of what their employee goes through.
The program has expanded over the years, to 56 different installations across the country. The employers are introduced to what the day to day life of their employee/soldier is like when they’re deployed. They spend time in a classroom, learning basic Arabic, participate in various drills and trainings and even participate in in-flight refueling. It’s also a chance for the military to show their appreciation to the employers, who, by employing a Reserve or National Guard Member, also make a sacrifice. Different from what their employee does, for sure, but all the same, having that Soldier missing from work can cause a drain on the company, as they are forced to rely often on temporary replacements until their employee returns. In order for an employer to participate in the program, they must be referred by a reserve or national guard member. They are then contacted by the members unit and a time is scheduled for them to attend an orientation.1
The experience is often an eye opener for the employers, who often have no clue initially what their employee is experiencing. One employer, John Burns operates a monument company in New Jersey. One of his employees, who designs art for the memorials was activated recently for a year tour in Iraq. Mr. Burn’s company will feel the impact of the employee being gone for a year. He recently participated in the Boss Lift Project at Fort Bliss, Texas.
“It’s hard as a small business to, you know, have to toss things up in the air constantly around their schedules.”
After his experience with the Boss Lift program, Mr. Burns had a much greater understanding and appreciation of what his employee would be facing. His company will cope, as they continue their business over the next year while their employee is in Iraq. He walked away from the experience, grateful that men like his employee are willing to put their lives on the line for our country.
“Look at where he’s going. I mean, we’re going home tomorrow – he’s not. He’s got to be away for another year. I mean, that’s a pretty big sacrifice. I mean, our sacrifice is miniscule compared to what his is.”
It’s great that the DoD is reaching out to employers through ESGR to help the employers understand the situation. Their website is full of valuable information for employers of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers who have been called to active duty. They also have means for the Soldiers to formally recognize their employers and the support they’ve provided during their deployment. I hope to see more employers take advantage of the Boss-Lift Project and learn more about what their employee/Soldier is dealing with.
Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve
- http://www.fly2houston.com/0/25606/0/1906D1934/ [↩]
- http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=2601631&maven_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://www.foxnews.com/specialreport/ [↩]
- http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=2601631&maven_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://www.foxnews.com/specialreport/ [↩]
Cypress Cares; Founded by Soldiers, for Soldiers
July 17, 2008
Ladies and Gentleman, it is an honor to be able to share a wonderful story with you here on A Soldier’s Mind. As you know, there are great people among us, who want to show their love and support for our troops. One way they’re doing this is by supporting a local cause. Please allow me the honor of introducing this admirable young American woman.
Raquel Cunningham, is a dedicated individual who herself, has served in the United States Army Reserve as an officer (Nurse) for the 256th Combat Support Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Raquel also worked on IMA status with Evans Army Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is now working as a volunteer for a Houston-based admissions representative for the US Military Academy at West Point.
Raquel; from Cypress Texas, has founded a group called Cypress Cares, a non profit organization dedicated to the support of our troops overseas, and back at home. Her goal is to generate more interest in supporting their efforts to provide more support for the troops. “I have friends currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. I started just by supporting them, and decided that I was able to do more. Thus Cypress Cares was born!” Raquel said.
I myself am proud to know that there is support out there and you at ASM should know of the hard work that these people go through to make the support of our troops happen. “We are an open and honest group of about 5 volunteers and every bit of what we receive is used for the support of our soldiers/sailors/airmen and Marines.” Raquel is to be commended for her efforts, It is people like Raquel, who makes soldiers as motivated as ever to serve their country, regardless of whatever they may find themselves in.
I would personally like to invite you to check out her website. please go to www.cypress-cares.org to help support her cause. If you know anyone else who wants to come forward with their tributes to our service men and women, then feel free to send them my way. This is why we are “A Soldier’s Mind”, we are here for the soldiers, never forget that. I hope you enjoy, and never forget to support our troops. Hats off to my friend, Raquel, a job well done!
Blockbuster & USO Teaming Up To Support The Troops
July 14, 2008
Even when our Troops are deployed, they have downtime, in which they’re not at work. To pass the time, they try to fill the time with something that they enjoy. That may be reading or perhaps watching a movie or playing a video game. Movies and video games have been popular among the deployed Troops to help them fill in that downtime. Recognizing this, Blockbuster stores across the United States have partnered with the USO to make it easier to Americans to donate video games and DVDs deployed Troops.
“The DVD and game drive is a way for Blockbuster stores and the American public to make life a little better for US servicemen and women when they’re so far away from home,” Larcine Bland, Blockbuster’s vice president for community affairs said.
Customers are able to purchase a new or previously viewed DVD or games at participating Blockbuster stores. They then drop the movies or games into a USO drop box that is provided. Because of security reasons, the USO can only accept DVDs and games that originate from participating Blockbuster stores. Blockbuster will then match donations made at the store, up to 20,000 DVDs. They will work closely with the USO to ensure that the movies and games are distributed to Troops around the world.
“We are excited to work with Blockbuster, to continue to boost the morale of our men and women in uniform and their families around the world,” said Edward A. Powell, USO president and chief executive officer.
Movies, video games and music are things that I always suggest to someone who asks what would be the best thing for them to send our deployed Troops. These items allow them the opportunity to unwind a little bit when they have the time away from the harsh realities of life during deployment.
This is a great opportunity for people who want to do something tangible to show their support for our Troops. Please take the time to visit your local Blockbuster Store and see if they’re participating in this program and do your part in sending some support to our deployed Troops. If they’re not, don’t hesitate to let them know how you feel about them not participating.
Troops In Iraq Reenlist On 4th of July
July 5, 2008
For around 1,215 Soldiers, Marines and Airmen in Iraq, their July 4th this year was a special one, as they took part in the largest reenlistment ceremony held. General David Petraeus administered the oath in Saddam Hussein’s former Al-Faw palace as John Phillip Sousa’s marches played in the background. Also heard were a chorus of “Freedom, Hooah and Oorah” from the men and women as they extended their service in their respective branches of the military. Some reenlisted because of enlistment bonuses, while others said that their belief in the job they’re doing in Iraq was also an important factor in their decision. For some, they were on their second and third tours in the country.
“There’s no place I’d rather be to celebrate America’s birthday than here in Iraq ,” said Petraeus, who described the troops as “America’s new ‘Greatest Generation.” The troops’ commitment and sacrifice, he added, have given the Iraqi people “the most precious gift…freedom.”
One Army Master Sergeant who reenlisted, MSG Debra Bradshaw said that while the money isn’t bad, her motive is also that she’d rather deal with the enemy in Iraq than here at home. At least two husband-and-wife teams were sworn in at the ceremony. Sgt. Ryan Lowe , a military policeman from the 18th MP Brigade, and his wife, Sgt. Erika Lowe , also a military police officer, said they reenlisted with their next duty station being Brussels, Belgium. Ryan is currently in his 23rd month in Iraq, because he volunteered to extend his tour, so that he’d be there with his wife.
Following the ceremony, the newly reenlisted Troops feasted on pizza, chocolate cake and had gatorade to drink. Across the country, Troops celebrated the birth of our country, with barbecues and special meals in the DFACS. You can bet that the meaning of today wasn’t lost on them. Just like the brave men taking part in the American Revolution, 232 years ago, these men and women were well aware that freedom and liberty was and still is worth fighting for.
“Mr. Military Mom”
June 20, 2008
Most of the time, when we think of military spouses, we think of the wives of Soldiers left at home, taking care of the household and the children and keeping the flame burning, while they wait for their Soldier to return. It’s not often that we hear anything about the Military Dad’s who remain at home while their wives deploy and take over the duties and responsibilities of “mom” in the household. Yet their numbers are ever increasing, as more and more women chose the military as a career and are deployed, and they are just as integral part of the military, as female spouses are. Currently there is no system in place to track the number of husbands whose wives are deployed. However, according to Paul Boyce, Army public affairs specialist at the Pentagon, more than 20,000 registered Soldiers in the Army alone are in the married couple program. About 60% of the Soldiers enlisted in the Army are married. At Fort Bragg, there is an ample number of husbands with deployed wives.
One such “Mr Military Mom” Major Keith Vollert with US Army Reserve 391st Engineer Battalion is home caring for his child while his wife Kathy is deployed to Iraq. Vollert takes care of the cooking, cleaning and making arrangements for is son to have play dates with other children.
“I have a much better appreciation of all the single parents out there,” he said. “And I’m only a single parent for a year.”
Each military family deals with deployments in a different way. Some like the Vollerts, leave the father in charge with backups in place. In their case, Keith’s parents, who are caring for their grandchild while Vollert attends extended combat training in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for 21 days. Others like field grade officers Sydney Smith and Tim Gilhool, hired a live-in nanny to help care for their two young children.
“You do your best,” said Gilhool, whose wife has been deployed right at a year. “You can’t be the mom. Like planning birthday parties, combing Molly’s hair, putting in the braids, shopping for girlie stuff. You do the best you can, you get advice.”
One “Mr. Military Mom”, Charles DeVito-Cromwell, who is retired from the 187th Infantry Regiment in Fort Campbell, Ky felt that he needed to have contact with the other men during their wives deployments in 2007. He reached out to them and helped to form the Army Community Services program called “Rear D Dads” at Fort Bragg. The group is a run by volunteers and meets monthly. It is designed to help men with deployed wives get information about various things; such as finding jobs to social events that are upcoming.
It’s great to hear about the husbands and how they are dealing with the deployment of their spouses. Those who are in the military themselves, I’m sure, come to appreciate what their wives deal with when they’re deployed and how difficult, yet rewarding it can be, to be the parent who stays behind and handles the everyday things and keeps things running smoothly at home. Just like the wives who are left behind when their Soldier deploys, they face the ups and downs that come along with news reports of an attack in the area where their loved one is at and the worry that goes along with it, until they know their spouse is safe. It’s good to see that the husbands at some bases are forming their own support groups to help them deal with the challenges they face as “Mr Military Mom.”
SouthCom Chief Encourages Military Members To Blog
June 19, 2008
It’s a well known fact that the Military powers that be haven’t always been very fond of Military members publishing personal blogs. Especially if those military members are blogging from the war zone. Just a few days ago, our good friend CJ with A Soldier’s Perspective, posted here and here when he discovered that his blog wasn’t accessible from Military computers in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as on bases here in the United States. Like, CJ I’m not sure how the military determines which blogs are acceptable to be accessed from military computers and which ones aren’t. I know that up until last November, ASM was accessible from military computers and now it’s not. I also don’t know if which ones are allowed and which ones aren’t, vary from installation to installation, though it does appear that it does. So, when I read on Army Times that the Chief of SouthCom encourages military members to blog, it caught my eye.
The Chief of the US Southern Command, a 4 star urged military members recently, to become published writers and bloggers. He did so at a 3 day conference that was held at the US Naval Institute that began on Tuesday in Virginia Beach, Va. Admiral James Stavridis, is himself an author of several guides and books that pertain to the Navy. He said that he feels it’s important for members of the military, military contractors, civilians and retirees to read, think, write and publish. He says that the process of reading and writing is very important, because our nation faces an “innovative” enemy like the attackers involved in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
“The most important reason is that the people who want to do harm to this country are doing so,” he said. “They are thinkers.”
Admiral Stavridis feels that by publishing works through blogs, journals, books, etc, people are able to ensure the ideal of sharing and exchanging ideas, knowledge and information. Hopefully, by Admiral Stavridis being vocal about his thoughts on blogging and other methods of getting out information, the military will eventually start relaxing their stance on military blogs. Like CJ, our goal is to provide information to our readers and the general public about our Troops and their accomplishments. At the same time, like CJ, we don’t have a problem pointing out mistakes and screw ups made by the military, when we hear about them or see them occur.
233rd Army Birthday
June 14, 2008
Today, 233 years ago, the United States Army was established to defend our great nation. We have stood Army Strong and committed to our mission, our nation, and its people from the time of the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror. This celebration stands to commemorate the Soldiers, Families and Civilians that have served with distinction and honor for the last 233 years. Their willingness to sacrifice to build a better future for others and preserve our way of life is without a doubt, the Strength of our Nation.
The United States and the Army, in comparison to other nations, has only been established for a very short time. However, much has been accomplished in such a short period. In just 233 years the nation has become a world leader in economics, technology and politics. Without the Army, none of these accomplishments would have been possible.
Bill Introduced To Honor Infantry
June 12, 2008
On Tuesday, the US House of Representatives passed legislation that would authorize a commemorative silver dollar to honor US Army Infantry. The bill would also help to fund the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. The bill was introduced by Representative Lynn Westmoreland and co-sponsored by Representative Sanford Bishop. The bill will still need approval from the Senate. It also faces competition from other commemorative coin proposals.
The coin will be sold for $10 and some of the proceeds will go to create an endowment fund for the Fort Benning Museum that is currently under construction. Fort Benning is known as the home of the Infantry and is one of the Army’s major infantry training bases. Fort Benning is typically home to around 33,000 Soldiers. The National Infantry Foundation is currently in the process of raising $70 million for the new museum, which has been designed to educate the public about the role that the Army Infantry has played throughout US history.
“For more than 200 years, our infantry has defended our lives and our freedom, and no tribute can repay what these Soldiers have given their fellow Americans,” Westmoreland said.
Congress limits itself to the authorization of two commemorative coins each year that in some way honors the nation’s history and culture. These coins typically raise money for historical sites and other monuments, such as the Vietnam Memorial. The program began in 1982 and since that time, the US Mint has raised more than $400 million for thse causes, after the Treasury costs are covered.
In the past, coins such as one celebrating Civil War battlefields, various Olympic games and the Statue of Liberty have been minted. Last year, the Mint started selling a coin that marked the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of the Central High School in Little Rock, Ark.
This is a great idea and one way that funds for worthy causes, such as the Infantry Museum, can be raised. It’s my hope that Congress will authorize coins to be created to honor ALL branches of the military and the different MOS’s that our Troops serve. What better way to honor the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country. It’s too bad that Congress limits themselves to authorizing only 2 of these coins per year.
