Memorial Day Salute to Fallen Heroes!

Memorial Day is observed the last Monday in May. It was originally known as Decoration Day back in the Civil War. It is a day to remember and honor our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country while serving in the Armed Forces.  

After the Civil War was over, many people began to celebrate this day to mark the end of the war or to remember those who had died in Battle during the Civil War. The first observance was on 5MAY1866 in Waterloo, NY but wasn’t observed “Nation Wide” until 30 May 1868 when it was officially declared a Holiday.

On Memorial Day, Batteries, (known as companies in Artillery), on military installations fire a 21-gun salute to the nation's fallen.

Each round in a gun salute is fired one at a time. The number of cannons used in a battery depends upon the intervals between each round fired. For example, a 3-gun battery has 2 of its guns firing, each at 5 second intervals between rounds, with 1 gun at the ready in case of a misfire. Each round is a 75mm blank with a lot of noise.

Preparing for the Memorial Day ceremony begins on the last Monday of May early in the morning, usually at 6 am. Ft Knox is real quiet with all Soldiers and civilians off for the holidays. So, with no traffic, the 21 Soldiers gather for a formation to ensure the 21 gun salute goes off with no glitches. Rehearsal after rehearsal has now come down to show time.

The ammunition has been drawn, uniforms inspected, vehicle maintenance, 75 mm howitzers polished, serviced, inspected, and ready to go. Plus, the soldiers have to be fed, very important.

Once all of the above has been accomplished, we roll out to Brooke's Field in the hummers with the cannons in tow. We are setup by 9am for the noon festivities. This comes in play with more rehearsal time for the actual ceremony.

We had 6 cannons with two cannoneers for each cannon, one chief for each cannon, one gunny for the six chiefs, and then the overall guy in charge who is called "Smoke". On the left side and 1 pace to the rear of Smoke stood the so called counter. This left us with 21 soldiers.

When the ceremony started and the cannons began to fire, filling the air with the smell of gunpowder, different emotions could be felt all around by looking into the crowd that had gathered. After the firing had ceased with the last round, and the smoke clearing, everyone would be applauding and an occasional "Hooah!" (GS)

Officer Candidates in White Phase: SPC Swanson & SPC Reyes-Lane Share About BRM

Event Description: Basic Rifle Marksmanship

White phase consists almost entirely of BRM and ARM and nearly every day is spent at the range. Trainees are constantly drilled on the four fundamentals; Steady position, Breathing, Aim, and Trigger Squeeze through the “crawl walk run” instruction method. BRM culminates with a qualification range. Soldiers must meet a minimum standard of 23 out of 40 to continue with training.

Experience:

SPC Swanson: Always check and re-check your weapon.  The lead up to BRM was highly frustrating for me as one of my sight controls was loose and would move every time I shot. We discovered the issue the day before qualification, luckily, but I was still racked by nerves.  Once I was in my position and the first target popped up, all my nerves went away.  Even though my score wasn’t anything special – it felt really good to receive a first time “go.”  I took extra advantage of my Drill Sergeant’s experiences, asking for tips or for them to re-check my techniques.  It’s important to take every aspect of this training seriously…even when the drills that feel mundane. Never think to yourself “Well, I don’t want to go combat arms,” or “My job will keep me on the FOB,” because when these skills matter someone’s life could be on the line- yours or your Soldier’s.

SPC Reyes-Lane: Coming to BCT, I was excited for BRM. BRM is probably the most important event for every Soldier.  It is critical that Soldiers follow, understand, and learn the four fundamentals.  It is critical for Soldiers of every shooting background, prior experience or not, to heed the advice of Drill Sergeants and not attempt to adjust things on their own.  More than learning how to shoot, it is also necessary for soldiers to learn how to properly clean and maintain the weapon.  During qualification I personally shot 29 out of 40, on my first time go.  However, in the days leading up to the qualification day I had numerous misfeeds and weapon malfunctions.  I found this personally frustrating.  Given this it is equally important that Soldiers known how to effectively and safely handle and clear malfunctions.  The lessons learned for me were weapon maintenance, fundamentals, and safe cleaning.  The day of qualification my only thought was this: “In battle the only bullets that count are the ones that hit.  A Soldier who cannot shoot is a soldier who counts for little in battle.” - Theodore Roosevelt.  I found this quote at one of the ranges the day before qualification.  Remember it on qualification day, ALMOST DOESN’T COUNT IN WAR!               

Take Away:

§  Clean, clean, and clean your weapon. Google “bore snake” and invest in one before BCT.

§  Listen, listen, and listen.  The 4 basics works, but they don’t always come naturally; take the corrections given to you by the Drill Sergeants and apply them.

§  Pay attention to safety.  Know where your muzzle is pointing at all times.  Follow all instructions.

§  Take this seriously. Non-qualification will get you recycled.

Event Description: Advanced Rifle Marksmanship

Trainees build upon BRM fundamentals towards applications in real life scenarios.  Trainees hone techniques using multiple targets, night vision goggles, different firing positions behind cover and at the electronic simulation training range (EST).

Experience:

SPC Swanson: This section of rifle marksmanship was a lot of fun.  We’re assigned to a smaller company so there was plenty of ammo and range time!  The most interesting training for me was shooting using Night Vision Goggles, a rare opportunity in my civilian life.  It was disorienting to see the night all in green and only out of one eye, but I was surprised at how well we could see! The laser scope also made it easy to hit that center mark.  The Drill Sergeants tailor this part of the training around real life combat situations, Engagement Skills Trainers even allowed us to train under the duress of making “shoot or don’t shoot” decisions.  Going through those training scenarios made real to me that enemy combatants are not green dummy targets.  That is a reality that every Future Soldier needs to realize; I had to come to terms with it during this phase and wanted to write seriously about the training.  Both SPC Reyes-Lane and I had the thought “This is what it would be like in a deployment situation,” several times.  However, the training itself is a lot of fun. Enjoy it and focus to shoot your best every time.

Take Away:

§  Be aware. ARM has a lot going on at the range.  Safety is always a priority so re-check your safety checks.

§  Have fun. If you do end up in a non-combat arms branch then your opportunities to shoot awesome weapons could be limited to basic training.

Officer Candidates in White Phase: SPC Swanson & SPC Reyes-Lane Share About Foot Marches

Event Description: Foot March Three and Four

During White phase, soldiers complete two foot marches; 7.45 miles and 9.97 miles, both in full gear.  The marches were over various terrain and elevations, including a stretch along a sandy road, to a range and also to the beginning of a two day field training exercise.  Both foot marches are completed with more gear than those in Red phase. These events are important in teaching the values of Army Ethos number 2 and 3: Never accept defeat and Never quit.

Experience:

SPC Swanson: To be frank, the longer foot marches are a bunch of “suck” that just needs to be embraced.  Right before the ten mile march, I succumbed to the barracks crud and came down with bronchitis. I was afraid that I would be unable to complete the foot march because I was so sick.   There were miles that I wanted to quit, but finishing the ten mile felt really good.  At the end, Reyes called out “River Raiders!” as I marched by, we were happy to be finished as now the only major requirement between us and graduation is the final pt test.  What I did look forward to, however, was the quiet time of a foot march.  When the longer mile foot marches come around, the Drill Sergeants make sure that everyone is physically ready to for the distance and gear load. 

SPC Reyes-Lane: WOW. The seven mile foot march was extremely difficult for me as I was not mentally prepared for the challenge. In addition this march was completed on a day that was hot and I was not physically prepared to deal with the South Carolina humidity after so many cool days.  The ten mile march I was somewhat excited for. On the morning of the march we were informed that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. Energized over this news I was excited to be marching out and tasked with completing the march so that I could be one step closer to becoming a Soldier and aiding in future historical events. I completed both marches with no major issues other than rolling my ankle on the seven mile march. Be aware and watch your step. In addition, if you encounter a physical issue do not be scared to see the trainer. The trainer is there to support you and I personally chose to have my ankles wrapped after the seven mile.  However, learn how to push through injuries and do not allow them to be a crutch or excuse to miss training. I believe that this is what led to my successful completion of the ten mile.  In combat you do not get to stop. TRAIN HOW YOU FIGHT!

Take Away:

§  These events will test one physically and mentally, you have to push through any walls you hit.

§  Do not fall out. Drink lots of water in the days prior to help prevent you from falling out. 

This post completes SPC Swanson and SPC Reyes-Lane's stories from BCT White Phase. For those that have been selected and enlisted for MOS 09S, Officer candidate School (OCS) and did not see the Red Phase post you can see it on the OCS Cyber Squad page at http://forums.futuresoldiers.com

Officer Candidates in White Phase: SPC Swanson & SPC Reyes-Lane Share More

Event Description: Combatives & Pugils

Trainees learn the basic fundamentals of the Modern Army Calmative’s Program.  MACP is a combination of several schools of martial arts and focuses on practical grappling and wrestling techniques.  It can be used to save your life in close combat situations.

Experience:

SPC Swanson:  MACP training was a completely new experience for me. I’ve never been in a fight or hit someone before.  The first time we did grappling my partner and I couldn’t stop giggling- we felt a little silly.  But then my Drill Sergeant, a female, got out on the floor and had a male Drill Sergeant in a choke hold.  The Drill Sergeants are certified through multiple levels of combatives and willing to break every move down step by step for us.  One day a week for two weeks we trained through the basics and then were paired off for three minute matches.  Since you can’t pick and choose who you fight in combat, we weren’t allowed to pick our partners and some females had to fight males- and they won! I won my match by being in the dominant position at the end of time. It was challenging for the match to not be scripted move by move, but that’s also what made it fun!

Take Away:

§  It’s okay to be hit, it really doesn’t hurt that bad.

§  Don’t try to rush into “combat speed.”  Go through the fundamentals slow as safety is the number one priority here.  It’s not worth it to be the trainee who is restarted or chaptered out because of injuries sustained because another trainee was trying to be high speed and cool. 

Event Description: Field Training Exercise

A one night Field Training Exercise builds upon the beginning of tactical training while also testing the mental fortitude of trainees under stressful conditions.  Soldiers rotate through stations to learn room clearing, MOUNT, small team ambush reaction, and how to set up military check points.  Trainee leadership also comes into play as you and your peers rotate through as squad and team leaders.

Experience:  

SPC Swanson: FTX’s have made me reconsider possible future branch choices because I have enjoyed this training so much.  I used to joke that I joined the Army to crawl in the dirt and blow things up, and recently it wasn’t a joke anymore.  The Drill Sergeant’s are incredibly knowledgeable and were willing to show us different techniques for each drill.  They also ran through different hypothetical scenarios with us, like near versus far distance ambushes and proper entry for rooms of different shapes. All of the exercises came together in one course, the Urban Assault Course, which has been my favorite event so far.  During the FTX, I was not put into a leadership position and I was fine with that; my battle buddies need to learn to think and act like Non-Commissioned Officers.  However, when we went to the UAC, they placed me as squad leader because I was confident in my ability to think tactically and lead.  I was nervous and it did show, but what I lacked was the confidence that only comes with experience. 

SPC Reyes- Lane: The FTX was a pivotal point in training. This overnight FTX really brings together all of the individual training.  This training is important as you really begin to learn how things are completed operationally and the speed at which they need to be completed.  Personally, I was excited to learn the ins and outs of this training. Particularly the training related to Close Quarters Combat. This training really brought home the feeling of the Army for me. In part of choosing to go to the Army, I looked forward to the hands on experience.  During this training I had recently been put into a position of leadership and this training helped me to understand the importance of having competent leadership.  When those in charge fail to lead or do not know how to lead (as one of my team leaders consistently made the same mistake) mistakes are made or individuals determine their own objective, which would be extremely dangerous in a combat situation. If you are in a leadership role take charge and lead. Personally, I have found that if you are a female it is important to be confident in your abilities because if not some males will take any hesitation as a leadership deficiency.

Take Away:

§  You will probably mess up. Make mistakes, but make them only once.

§  You don’t always have to be the leader.  It’s also important to learn how to follow.

§  Run through tactic diagrams on the ground during down time. It allows you to continue training, and you might be able to see something new.

§  Learn how to operate on little sleep and rest.  Everybody will be tired and irritable, but know that people are looking at your behavior. Try to help your team come together. 

 Event Description: Event Trail/Night Infiltration Course

The Event Trail and Night Infiltration Course is a combination of a mini obstacle course and high crawl. The series of obstacles are completed at night. The event trail included events such as, crawling under concertina wire, wall clearing, and movement through tunnels. Once the event trail is completed soldiers then complete the “Big Crawl” aka the Night Infiltration Course. Soldiers must high crawl, low crawl, or modify crawl one hundred yards through a sand pit while live rounds are shot above.  This event trains Soldiers to be “disciplined, physically and mentally tough.”

Experience:

SPC Reyes-Lane: I did not know really what to expect for this training. What I found was that this was one more fun event so far in basic training. The training was also realistic because at this moment in the dark while live tracer rounds were shot above, I started to realize what war might look like at night. At the same time I understood what previous deployed soldiers meant by “light show.” Although I did not personally find this training challenging, I do believe that it is necessary to help other soldiers overcome their fear of facing bullets head first. There are many soldiers who cried in the trench while waiting to enter the pit. Being a good leader also means knowing how to empathize and motivate other Soldiers to accomplish the mission. PERSONAL COURAGE!

Take Away:

§   Have FUN and enjoy this event!

§  Don’t cry. Or let the Drill Sergeant’s see you crying.

§  Never let fear stand in the way of completing the objective.

Event Description: Urban Assault Course

Soldiers in squad formation encounter different objectives and learn to apply the tactical operation knowledge that they have been taught. Soldiers are tasked with Movement Over Urban Terrain (MOUT), aka room clearing, casualty evacuation, and ambush response. This event starts to give “the big picture” to training that previously seemed isolated in nature, by culminating it together.

Experience:

SPC Reyes-Lane: This event so far was my favorite (Swanson’s also).  My squad completed this event at nearly combat speed.  In addition my drill sergeant chose to complete the course with us acting as our squad leader.  This made a significant difference in the way that the course was completed.  I found that I really enjoyed the thrill of entering an unknown building, clearing it, and moving out to the next objective.  My biggest take away from this event was the significance of knowledgeable leadership, communication and importance of the team coming together.

Take Away:

§  Good leaders are good communicators. Your fellow trainees may be the squad leader in this exercise, if you’re not the leader then follow.

§  Until the tactics are muscle memory, remember that slow is smooth, and smooth is better.  Don’t try to rush into running the exercises combat speed.

Officer Candidates in White Phase: SPC Swanson & SPC Reyes-Lane Share Their Experience

Meet SPC Swanson & SPC Reyes-Lane who will be sharing their experiences from BCT White Phase.

Specialist Kelsey Swanson: I am a 22 year old female from Fort Collins, Colorado. I completed my Bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Wyoming. I chose to join the military because I had a strong emotional reaction to my political science classes in college and knew I wanted to serve my country in some manner. After a summer in Washington D.C. interning, I knew the culture of Capitol Hill was not for me. I wanted to be part of a great organization with high standards for its members, so I went to the Army recruiting station. I chose the Army because I wanted to lead soldiers, not machines.

Specialist Dominique Reyes-Lane: I am a 24 year old female from Nashville, Tennessee. I completed my Bachelors degree in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University and Georgia Southern University. On September 11, 2001, I watched the second airliner hit the World Trade Center from my JROTC classroom. I will never forget the emotion on the faces of the retired LTC and WO who were my instructors. I knew at that moment that the Army was where I was supposed to be. I gave the corporate world a chance and 5 weeks into my internship I walked into an Army recruiting station to start the OCS process. I chose the Army because I wanted the opportunity to develop, transform, and lead soldiers; no other branch has that opportunity like the Army.

White Phase Description:

White phase runs from week four through six.  Training focuses on basic combat skills with heavy emphasis placed on basic and advanced rifle marksmanship.  More emphasis is placed on self discipline and the Army values as trainees come closer to the end of their transformation from citizen to Soldier.  Trainees continue to go through all training as a team while rotating through leadership positions, a new challenge introduced in white phase.

Experience:

SPC Swanson:  I was so relieved when we phase changed from red to white; I knew that if I could make it through red phase then I could make it through the rest of basic training.  With the phase change, trainee leadership was introduced. I was the first platoon guide for our platoon, and it was a learning experience both for me and my platoon.  The PG is part of the chain of support, so I was held responsible for the actions of my entire platoon as well.  The BRM and ARM were the most heavily emphasized training during the phase, but I enjoyed the introduction of tactical training as well. 

SPC Reyes-Lane:  For my platoon and me we did not see any significant changes from red phase to white phase. My drill sergeants believe that if one person messes up then everyone should still be held accountable. This is an important lesson and I personally value that any “corrective training” that was handed out was still completed as a group. The Army is not an Army of one and it takes a team to complete an objective. During this phase I was placed in a position of leadership as the assistant platoon guide. This is an important learning experience as everyone leads differently and it is therefore important to find your leadership style. White phase Sundays did offer more free time that should be appreciated. Otherwise White Phase focuses heavily on BRM, ARM, and Concurrent Training.

Here are some of tips we have from our experiences so far!

Attention to Detail: Tips for Success in BCT!

1.   Be prepared in the right uniform, at the right time, at the right place with something to write with…DOING the right thing.

2.   The Drill Sergeants don’t really care if your hospital corners are perfect or your boots are perfectly aligned.  Instilling this attention to detail now, in basic training, is crucial.  Overlooking details and becoming complacent later in your career is what can be fatal.

3.   If you’re placed in a leadership role remember that you can just as easily be removed.  Those positions are there as training tools so don’t let your feelings be hurt if you’re fired or even not chosen as a squad leader.

4.   Push yourself physically.  The PT regiment is not enough, but your scores can improve with a little self initiative.  Try to hang on to a faster ability run group and do extra sit ups and pushups on your own to prepare for the physical requirements for OCS.

5.   Take care of yourself.  Ignoring the nagging symptoms of a cold or knee soreness can lead to the development of something worse.  Taking care of aches and coughs early will help prevent missing training.  It’s easier to fully push yourself physically and mentally when you’re healthy as well. 

6.  After eight weeks, fellow trainees will get on your nerves.  Be the bigger person and push on.

 YOU ARE ALWAYS A SOLDIER FIRST AND AN OFFICER SECOND!

Note:

SPC Reyes-Lane and SPC Swanson were given a print out of some feedback from the last posting about Red Phase. We’ve tried to address some questions within this phase’s report.  We also appreciate the well wishes and support! Hope to see you around in the future. Look for more information to be posted tomorrow about each event during White Phase! For those that have been selected and enlisted for MOS 09S, Officer candidate School (OCS) and did not see the Red Phase posting, you can see it again on the OCS Cyber Squad page at http://forums.futuresoldiers.com

Future Soldier Promotion

 

Army Referral System- Sergeant Major of the Army Recruiting Team

The Army Referral System - Sergeant Major of the Army Recruiting Team (ARS-SMART) is a way for people to provide referrals who are interested in enlisting into the U.S. Army and/or Army Reserve. 

Everyone who makes a referral through SMART is eligible for the Sergeant Major of the Army coin and certificate for the first referral resulting in an enlistment in the Army or Army Reserve. There are no bonus payments associated with ARS-SMART referrals.

Referrals must be made via the ARS-SMART referral link at https://smart.goarmy.com/ or through the USAREC 1-800 number dedicated to this program, 1-800-223-3735, ext. 6-0473.

 

In addition, the individual making the referral must provide the name of the acquaintance as a referral through the ARS-SMART site, before the acquaintance conducts an appointment with an Army or Army Reserve recruiter.

Future Soldiers should make all their referrals through the ARS-SMART system to qualify for advanced promotions.

You might not be aware of this but the “BEST” referrals for the US Army/Army Reserve are a referral of a Future Soldier.  The reason for this is that we need people that are just like (you) the Future Soldier. 

You must have an AKO (Army Knowledge Online) account in order to register your referral with the ARS-SMART program.   

Once your referral has enlisted into the US ARMY/ARMY RESERVE you will receive a coin and certificate for this referral.   

In order to receive a promotion for your referral you must at least have provided to your recruiter a NON Prior Service applicant, who enlists into the DEP (Delayed Entry Program), Regular Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve.  

This referral must enlist on or before the date the applicant enters the Regular Army, IADT (initial active duty training) for Army Reserve or Army National Guard, in order for the Sponsor (Future Soldier) to enlist as a pay grade of PV2 (Private Second Class). 

Two or more qualified NON Prior Service, Glossary NON Prior Service, or Prior Service applicants (any combination) who enlist into the DEP, Regular Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve on or before the date the applicant enters the Regular Army, or IADT for Army Reserve or Army National Guard, may enlist as a pay grade of PFC (Private First Class).

So, what are you waiting for?????   Why enlist as a PV (Private)?  If you could make more money prior to going in the US ARMY/ARMY RESERVE, wouldn’t it be worth it to you, and benefit your friends if you could make a difference in their lives?? (lb)