Volume 12, No.

Operation Warrior Forge

Fort Lewis, Washington

June 27, 2008

WARRIOR

BEGINS!

INSIDE:
Forge Overview Regimental Affiliations Beating the Heat Staying Fit All the Time

Monique Penson, a 1st Regiment cadet from Saint Marys University, takes the written Land Navigation test at Warrior Forge 2008.
Photo: Al Zdarsky

Warrior Leader

June 27, 2008

Gatekeepers, bring your best to the task

By Col. Frank Ippolito Warrior Forge Commander The cadets training at Warrior Forge 2008, whether they are standing next to you as a battle buddy or in front of you because you are part of the cadre entrusted with training them to be leaders, joined Army ROTC for a variety of reasons. Yet, they all found the same thing the premier leadership development program in the country. While Army ROTC is the best leadership program in America, it is also something more. Army ROTC is the gateway into something bigger than an individual: an organization committed to defending the values of a Nation built on principles of freedom. Even as we uphold the standards that form the gateway into the Army, we must never forget to tip our collective hats to each and every cadet for volunteering to defend the values of a Nation at war. This summer, at the Leader Development and Assessment Course, we have the opportunity to ensure that the cadets who step up to Ippolito this challenge are fully prepared to succeed not only as Soldiers, but also as leaders of the sons and daughters of America. Warrior Forge cadre and supporting elements come from units across the country. Some appear young. Others of us appear old we prefer experienced. Regardless, across the board, Warrior Forge cadre arrive at Fort Lewis with a vast amount of hard-won skills earned in classrooms at colleges and universities across the country and in many cases in the dangerous neighborhoods of Baghdad and Kabul well suited to training basic Soldier and advanced leadership skills. The cadets that will train at Warrior Forge this summer represent the remarkable diversity that is America. They hail from places with brownstone buildings or bright green elds, from large land grant universities or small private colleges. Some know little about a lifetime of military service and others are military brats or prior service Soldiers. These differences shouldnt surprise us. They are the characteristics of the Nation we have sworn to defend. They are our strength. And I ask the gatekeepers, and those who would step through, to bring their best to their respective tasks. We may be geographically removed from the battleeld, but we are immersed in the challenges it brings for our Army. We have responded to the test of war by honing the training events at Warrior Forge. Cadets who graduate from Warrior Forge will have the basic skills critical to being a competent ofcer; equally as important, they will have the advanced leadership skills vital to leading American Soldiers. Our sons and daughters deserve nothing less. Train to Lead We Commission, We Motivate! By Command Sergeant Major Victor Mercado Warrior Forge Command Sergeant Major The Warrior Forge 2008 train is beginning to pick up speed. I want to welcome all the cadets and cadre to the best leadership training event in Cadet Command. All year long cadets and cadre from across the command prepare physically and mentally to attack the challenges that Warrior Forge has to offer. I have personally witnessed the dedication and commitment of our Warrior Forge Team during the committee certications. The regiment and committee cadre are in full steam ahead. We are not going to look back until the last regiment graduates and the mission is completed. Our team is composed of many cadre, contractors and Soldiers from across Army. I have never witnessed this type of teamwork in my military career. The beauty about the whole thing is that we are working for the same common goal: to train, develop, evaluate, and commission our future Army leaders. Im very impressed with the positive attitudes and motivation that I see across the board. I challenge every cadet and cadre member to stay focused on the task at hand and at the same time, to balance work with physical recovery. Every day of training you are going to face a new mental and Mercado physical challenge. To be successful and overcome the challenges, you must work as a team, and when in charge, make the right decision based on tour teams strengths and weaknesses. Get to know each other better, because you never know who you might have on your left and right in combat. Many of your battle buddies cadets are going to move on to different jobs in the Army. I can tell by experience that you will call on them for help or assistance during your military career. Its better to network and build relationships now than to try x broken ones later. I still stay in touch with my classmates from the Sergeant Majors Academy Class number 51. My job is to be the honesty broker when it comes to training, living conditions, personnel issues, disciplinary actions/issues, and anything else my boss puts on my plate. I am going to be very visible at many training events, ofces, and cadet barracks. Please do not stop any training or work to greet me. If I need anything, I will be the one to approach you. My visit is to observe and to check on training. If something is not going as expected, then you will get my undivided attention. I want to wish you all good luck during Warrior Forge 2008 and in your military future. Remember always: everything we do is training and training is everything we do. To be a great leader you must always use troop leading procedures, the ve-paragraph operations order, conduct Pre-combat Checks/Inspections, and risk assessments. Do this on a day-to-day basis and you will have no problems, and more importantly, no human loss. This is the best advice I can give you. Lets have an AWESOME and safe Warrior Forge summer. The Army is at war and our battle buddies out there need our help more now than ever. You are making a difference. Thank you for everything youre doing for the cadets. Train hard, stay focused and be safe!

Volume 12, No. 1

Operation Warrior Forge

Fort Lewis, Washington

June 27, 2008

Col. Frank P. Ippolito Commander Western Region, U.S Army Cadet Command

This Army-funded newspaper is an authorized publication for the members of the U.S. Army and the Reserve Ocers Training Corps. Contents of the Goldbar Leader and Warrior Leader newspapers are not necessarily the ocial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the property of the U.S. Army Cadet Command Western Region Public Aairs Oce, and is printed under exclusive written contract in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. Printed circulation is about 6,500. Submission of stories and photos by Western Region headquarters, ROTC, and JROTC organizations is encouraged. The editor reserves the right to edit all submitted material based on space limitations and command policy. Submissions, letters, and inquiries should be addressed to: HQ Western Region, U.S. Army Cadet Command, ATTN: ATOW-ZP (PAO), Box 339500, Fort Lewis, WA, 98433-9500. Additional contact via phone, fax, and e-mail is acceptable. Voice: (253) 967-2521; Fax: (253) 967-9581; E-mail: Furman.Neeley@USACC.army.mil.

Public Aairs Ocer: Jeremy OBryan Editor: Furman Neil Neeley Sta: Maj. Jim Ninnis, 2nd Lt. Rick Dunham, 2nd Lt. Ryan Gregory, 2nd Lt. Je Orban, Al Zdarsky, Mike Sweeten, Mike Schmitz

June 27, 2008

Warrior Leader

Winning, success, and reaching your potential

Keys for unlocking the door to personal excellence
By Sergeant Major Clyde H. Brown III 11th Brigade Sergeant Major

WILL TO WIN SUCCEED REACH POTENTIAL

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential ... These are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. Eddie Robinson Grambling Head Football Coach 1941-1997
The legendary head football coach of Grambling University, Eddie Robinson, used the words in the quotation above to inspire his football teams to perform to their highest potential. Robinson knew that an individual would not excel as a team member or contribute to the overall team objective of winning the game unless they possessed the will to win, the desire to succeed and the urge to reach their full potential. The attributes in the quotation can be applied to the Cadets attending Warrior Forge 2008 in their quest to become commissioned officers in the United States Army. The will to winWhat exactly is the will to win? There are many definitions of what the will to win actually means but it all depends upon the individuals interpretation. In my opinion, the will to win means a steadfast determination to accomplish the mission no matter what obstacles may stand in the way. Leaders throughout history faced with adversity possessed the will to win and inspired their Soldiers and nations to carry on in their darkest hours to ensure victory. Winston Churchill displayed the will to win and in turn inspired the citizens of Great Britain to carry on despite nightly bombings of the major cities of Britain by the Nazi Luftwaffe. Col. Joshua Chamberlain, commander of the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment at Little Round Top, during the battle of Gettysburg inspired his Soldiers to execute a bayonet attack when ammunition ran low. Chamberlains decisiveness and will to win prevented the Union left flank from being crushed by the Confederate advance. These leaders possessed the will to win and in turn inspired their Soldiers and people of their nations to withstand devastating events and circumstances in order to achieve the end state of victory over their adversaries. As a future commissioned officer of the United States Army, ask yourself this question. Do I have the will to win? The desire to succeedWebster defines the word succeed as to turn out well or to achieve a desired outcome. Warrior Forge 2008 will challenge each cadet in a different manner. Some cadets will say that it was easy; some will say it was hard, while others will just get through it. No matter which of the previous

categories you fall into without the desire to succeed you will not accomplish the mission of graduating and completing Warrior Forge 2008. Remember that challenges and how you react to them determine the type of leader you will be. The desire to succeed comes from within and cant be taught, inherited or given to you. It is an internal mechanism that drives each of us to strive for excellence and reach our goals. Do you have the desire to succeed? The urge to reach your full potentialThe urge to reach your full potential is a phrase many leaders past and present have pondered. What is my full potential? Is it graduating from high school? College? Being successful in business? Raising a family? Becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Army? The urge to reach your full potential led you to the front door of the ROTC program at your university. Brown You wanted a challenge and you wanted to excel. ROTC provided an avenue for you to do this. As a future commissioned officer in the United States Army you will be in positions that will allow you to reach your full potential and help others reach theirs. However, the urge to reach your full potential is really about how much you want to succeed and how far you push yourself in the process. Reaching your full potential is not easy. If it was everyone would attain their goals and it would be the norm instead of the exception. As you participate in Warrior Forge 2008 and beyond ask yourself Do I have the urge to reach my full potential? As we begin Warrior Forge 2008, you, as a cadet, will begin the final phase of becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Army. The question you must ask yourself before you even set foot on the Warrior Forge 2008 playing field is, Do I have the following within me? The will to win? The desire to succeed? The urge to reach my full potential? If you can answer yes to all three of these, you will not only accomplish your goal of completing Warrior Forge 2008 successfully, you will take away an experience that will last a lifetime. Finally, as Coach Robinson stated, You will unlock the door to personal excellence that will enable you (insert your name here cadet) to be a confident commissioned officer ready for the challenge of leading Americas sons and daughters in our great Army. Good Luck!

Warrior Leader

June 27, 2008

FORGING WARRIORS

More than 6,000 converge on Fort Lewis as Army ROTC begins

Photo: Furman Neil Neeley

he mission of the Leader Development and Assessment Course is to train U.S. Army ROTC cadets to Army standards and to develop leadership and evaluate officer potential. This is accomplished through a tiered training structure using light infantry tactics as the instructional medium. Stress is an inherent part of all cadet and officer candidate training. There will be no profanity or physical abuse, but cadets will know they are in a highly-disciplined environment.
The Warrior Forge training program is sequential and progressive. It starts with individual training and leads to collective training, building from simple tasks to complex tasks. This building-block approach permits integration of previously-learned skills into follow-on training, thus reinforcing learning and promoting retention. This logical, common-sense training sequence is maintained for each training cycle through use of the tiered training structure. LDAC is comprised of the following training: Condence Training includes rappel training, the Slide-For-Life, LogWalk/Rope-Drop and a Condence/Obstacle course. Condence Training is designed to challenge the cadets physical courage, build condence in personal abilities and assist in overcoming fear. At the rappelling site, each cadet executes one 17-foot rappel and several 37-foot rappels. Cadets demonstrate condence in their ability to overcome fear of heights by executing the Condence/Obstacle Course, Log Walk/Rope Drop and Slide For Life. Combat Water Safety Course. The CWST consists of a 15-meter swim carrying an M-16 and wearing ACUs and Load Bearing Equipment, a 3-meter drop into water with weapon and LBE while blindfolded and equipment removal: enter water and discard weapon and LBE. Field Leaders Reaction Course. FLRC is designed to develop and evaluate leadership and to build teamwork early in the camp cycle. Course administration is accomplished using the established cadet organization and chain of command. Cadet leadership potential is assessed by committee evaluators. Cadets are provided the opportunity to get early feedback on their leadership strengths, weaknesses, styles and techniques.

June 27, 2008

Warrior Leader

Photo: Mike Sweeten

Photo: Al Zdarsky

Photo: Al Zdarsky

Basic Rie Marksmanship. Future Army leaders must know the characteristics of the basic Army rie, how to re it accurately and how to employ it in combat. Rie marksmanship training teaches cadets to engage and hit targets on the battleeld in conditions conditions. Cadets are required to re for record. A score of 23 hits out of 40 possible qualies the shooter. A new addition to BRM this year is reexive re while stationary. Cadets are taught the proper stance to gain prociency in engaging targets at short range. Land Navigation. Land navigation training must be mastered early in the camp cycle for the cadets to be fully successful in the tactical training which follows. The land navigation evaluation consists of three events totaling 100 points. The written examination is worth 20 percent. The day land navigation test is worth 50 percent. Night land navigation is worth 30 percent. Each cadet must earn 70 percent on each test to pass this event. A passing score in land navigation is a camp-completion criterion. U.S. Weapons familiarizes cadets with the operation and employment of infantry squad weapons and call for re grid missions. The cadets train in the fundamentals of operation and engaging of targets and emplacement

Photo: Mike Sweeten

day, the squad training phase, is designed to train squad battle drills and collective tasks. The last four days, the Squad STX lane phase, are designed to evaluate leadership using tactical scenarios. Each cadet receives two formal evaluations of her/his performance as a squad leader during this phase. Squad operations build on and reinforce all previous instruction. Cadets use knowledge of land navigation, terrain analysis, weapons systems and all individual training previously presented. Forward Operating Base. Cadets now operate for 36 hours out of a hard site facility between Squad STX and Patrol STX. They learn how to provide security by guarding gates and doing squad-level reconnaissance around the FOB; how to conduct FOB operations and what they have to do to prepare for Patrol STX. Patrolling Situational Training Exercises. Patrolling STX is a four-day event that provides cadets practical experience in leading soldiers at the section level in a challenging, realistic and uid environment. On the rst day, cadets undergo training and then during the last three days they participate in an exercise where they are formally evaluated. Developmental feedback is provided to all levels of leadership. Patrolling STX builds on and reinforces all previous instruction received during the course, and incorporates the basics of air assault operations by conducting an actual air insertion. The event ends with a 10K foot march.

of crew-served weapons such as the Through hands-on training and M-249, M203, and M136. evaluation, cadets learn critical rst aid skills and fundamental tasks of Hand Grenade. Basic donning and maintaining a chemical understanding and use of hand protective mask. grenades is an important facet of weapons and tactical training. Individual Tactical Training. Cadets learn to identify major types ITT is the rst block of instruction in of grenades and learn the grenades tactics at LDAC. It covers individual characteristics and uses, and employ battleeld skills, combat movement live grenades. New this year is the techniques and procedures necessary addition of an IED Petting Zoo to for subsequent tactical training at familiarize cadets with IEDs and the squad level. Tactical training how to defeat them. is a vehicle to teach and evaluate leadership. It introduces conditions Cultural Awareness teaches cadets of stress that parallel those found in a basic understanding of cultural combat. Tactical training introduces matters and how cultural awareness will new skills, provides performancefacilitate mission success. Cadets learn oriented reinforcement opportunities how to conduct bi-lateral discussions and increases the degree of difculty with local Ofcials, how to conduct and sophistication of training events. a knock and search mission and how This building-block approach to defuse volatile situations using an provides the best opportunity for interpreter. cadets to learn and for cadre to assess leadership potential. First Aid. Cadets develop condence in their ability to react Squad Situational Training properly to battleeld wounds and the Exercises. Squad STX is a vethreats of chemical weapons attacks. day, two-phase event. The rst

Warrior Leader

June 27, 2008

Career Soldier goes Green to Gold

By Mike Sweeten Warrior Forge Public Aairs No honey, I said. It doesnt work that way. What are you waiting for, rst When you hear 1st Regiments sergeant, she said. Get busy. cadet rst sergeant barking Perez laughed it off and took it as a joke commands in formation, youd but the very next day as he was coming on instantly get the notion that this guy post to work, he noticed a sign promoting really knows what hes doing, and the Green to Gold program. youd be right. Green to Gold allows interested Soldiers Affectionately known as the who qualify to take a leave of absence Old Man or The Daddy, Master from active duty and pursue a degree and Sgt. Lauro Perez, is a fourteena commission on a full scholarship. year career Soldier and a real rst I gave a little giggle and told myself, sergeant. No, that cant be true, he said. Before entering the Reserve Later that morning, Perezs company Ofcers Training Corps, he was a commander came into his ofce to share top at Fort Carson, Co. the good news that he (the commander) Now Perez is an Army ROTC had just received his masters degree in cadet from the University of the mail. Colorado and is well on his way to That brought education to the forefront a commission as a second lieutenant of Perezs mind and piqued his curiosity under the Armys Green to Gold about possibly pursuing a four yearprogram. Hes here at the Leaders degree. Development and Assessment I mentioned that Id seen the Green to Course fullling one of ROTCs Gold sign and told him what my wife had requirements for commissioning. said. He told me rst sergeant., go ahead The young cadets in his regiment and do it. Ill gladly recommend you. Start really look up to Perez, who also is the paperwork. a former drill sergeant. It took a few waivers, Perez added, The moment I got here I was but I got approved. given the rst sergeants position, But, why the change now? Perez said. Before he started pursuing his degree, Perez has become a real asset to Perez was concerned for his future after his LDAC platoon. the Army. I kept thinking, what am I Theyre always appreciative of going to do when I retire? I dont have a me and ask my advice, said Perez. degree. They come to me for advice on a So, Perez did it for his family. I want daily basis and Im glad to share to be able to retire comfortably, he said. my knowledge and experience with And to be able to take care of my family them. I want to help them achieve and send my little girl to college. Also, their best here at LDAC. I love the Army and love leading and Cadet Laurio Perez, a prior-service Soldier and rst sergeant, exits a Chinook heliPerez has never seen his age as a mentoring Soldiers. copter during Static Load Training. hindrance at LDAC. Im enjoying Perezs goal is to become a doctor or this experience one hundred lawyer after commissioning. percent, said Perez. Im having I want to join the Medical Service While in Iraq, Perez was injured by a rocket a great time here with these young adults, training, propelled grenade that landed near him. The Corps and be a psychiatrist or become a Judge teaching and mentoring them. resulting shrapnel damaged an ear drum and left him Advocate General, he said. Perez doesnt see exchanging an E-7s stripes for with facial paralysis that lasted for months. Perez Perezs advice to others: education and knowledge a bar of gold as a step backward. are very important. underwent several surgeries to repair the damage. Im still going to be a leader no matter what, I really recommend going to college and getting an I was sent back to the states and reassigned to he said. Whether or not Im a Lieutenant or a First Fort Carson to convalescence, said Perez. education, he said. Self improvement and knowledge Sergeant, Im going to lead from the front and train Facing a two-month convalesce back at Fort. in all areas of life, not just the military, will enhance my Soldiers. Thats who I am and thats going to Cason, Perezs wife suggested that he start college your future and your career, he added. Realize your guide me through to becoming a great ofcer in this while he recovered, so that he wouldnt be so bored potential; dont just use the Army as a crutch. Army today. Finally, Perez is forever grateful to his wife. at home. It was while Perez was a drill sergeant at Fort I really want to thank her for pushing me to do I thought that would be a good idea, said Perez, Knox Ky. That the Army put out a call for 20 drill So I did that. Lo and behold, about six months later, this, he said. Without her inuence, I wouldnt sergeants to train Iraqi Soldiers a historic event. I had earned my Associates Degree. have even thought twice about it. I would have just Perez was among those selected Perezs wife was thrilled and ready for him to take continued on being the Soldier that I was. According to Perez, this was the rst time in Army the next step. Because if her, Im a better man and a better history that the Army has ever deployed active-duty Soldier, he said. And thanks to her, one day Ill be The moment I nished that degree, she said, Can drill sgt.s to Iraq. a better ofcer. you be an ofcer now?

June 27, 2008

Warrior Leader

Cadet regiments represented by active-duty Army units

The U.S. Army Cadet Command established the Regimental Afliation Program in 1985 to foster unit cohesion, camaraderie, esprit de corps, and the pride of belonging among the diverse groups of cadets attending the Leader Development and Assessment Course from states around the nation. Cadets attending LDAC have the unique privilege of being members of one of the Armys nest combat units. Through the Regimental Afliation Program, each cadet organization is assigned to an active Army regiment. Historical information about these units is provided here to help cadets understand the heritage to which they belong. The goal of the Regimental Afliation Program is to bind cadets and cadre together in a close-knit and dynamic organizational relationship with a strong sense of teamwork so crucial to success at LDAC. Cadets and cadre are encouraged to wear their unit crests proudly and to use their regimental nickname and motto whenever appropriate. The afliation cadets develop at LDAC is a prelude to the Departmental of the Army Regimental Afliation Program theyll be part of once theyre commissioned as second lieutenants.

1st Regiment 37th Field Artillery STRIKER On the Minute

Constituted July, 5 1918 in the National Army as the 37th Field Artillery and assigned to the 13th Division, the 37th Field Artillery was organized Aug. 17, 1918 at Camp Lewis, Washington. Too late to see combat in World War I, it was demobilized Feb. 11, 1919. The regiment was reconstituted Oct. 1, 1933 in the Regular Army, again as the 37th Field Artillery, then redesignated Oct. 1, 1940 as the 37th Field Artillery Battalion and assigned to the 2nd Division, later redesignated as the 2nd Infantry Division and activated at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The regiment entered World War II as part of the Normandy invasion force, ghting its way across Europe through northern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and central Europe. In the Korean War, the 37th Field Artillery fought in numerous campaigns, including the UN Defensive, UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, First UN Counteroffensive, UN SummerFall Offensive, Second Korean Winter, Korean Summer-Fall 1952, Third Korean Winter, and Korean Summer 1953. The unit was reorganized and redesignated Feb. 20, 1956 as the 37th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. It was relieved June 20, 1957 from assignment to the 2nd Infantry Division and concurrently redesignated as the 37th Artillery, a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System, then redesignated Sept. 1, 1971 as the 37th eld artillery. The unit was withdrawn 16 February 1987 from the combat arms regimental system and reorganized under the united states army regimental system. Elements of the 37th serve in the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, the Armys rst Stryker Brigade.

Regimental afliations
1st Regiment Aliation: 37th Field Artillery Nickname: STRIKER Motto: On the Minute 2nd Regiment Aliation: 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment Nickname: DRAGOONS Motto: Toujours Pret

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

3rd Regiment Aliation: 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Nickname: BRAVE RIFLES Motto: Brave Ries! Veterans! 4th Regiment Aliation: 20th Infantry Regiment Nickname: SYKES REGULARS Motto: Tant Que Je Puis 5th Regiment Aliation: 5th Infantry Regiment Nickname: BOBCATS Motto: Ill Try, Sir 6th Regiment Aliation: 6th Infantry Regiment Nickname: THE REGULARS Motto: Unity is Strength 7th Regiment Aliation: 7th Armored Cavalry Regiment Nickname: GARRYOWEN Motto: The Seventh First 8th Regiment Aliation: 8th Field Artillery Nickname: AUTOMATIC Motto: Audacieux et Tenace 9th Regiment Aliation: 9th Infantry Regiment Nickname: MANCHU Motto: Keep Up the Fire 10th Regiment Aliation: 23rd Infantry Regiment Nickname: TOMAHAWKS Motto: We Serve 11th Regiment Aliation: 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Nickname: BLACKHORSE Motto: Allons 12th Regiment Aliation: 32nd Armored Regement Nickname: RED LIONS Motto: Victory or Death 13th Regiment Aliation: 33rd Armored Regiment Nickname: MEN OF WAR Motto: Men of War 14th Regiment Aliation: 11th Field Artillery Regiment Nickname: THE DRAGONS Motto: On Time 15th Regiment Aliation: 5th Field Artillery Regiment Nickname:HAMILTONS OWN Motto: Faithful and True

2nd Regiment 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment

DRAGOONS Toujours Pret
The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment is the oldest cavalry regiment in the United States Army, with over 150 years of continuous active duty. It was rst bloodied in the Indian campaigns in Florida and the American southwest, and participated in every major campaign of the Mexican War. During the civil war, the Dragoons performed distinguished service with the Army of the Potomac on the elds of Antietam and Gettysburg. During the Spanish-American War, the regiment fought alongside Theodore Roosevelts Rough Riders in the capture of Cuba, and later went to the Philippines to ght the Moro tribesmen. The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment bears the distinction of being the only American horse cavalry unit of World War I, where it bore the brunt of the German thrusts at St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne rivers. The Dragoons distinguished themselves during World War II while leading general George Pattons 3rd Army across France, relieving the besieged 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne, and then driving to Czechoslovakia, achieving the deepest U.S. Army penetration of World War II. Elements of the Dragoons also participated in beachhead operations during the Western Pacic Campaign. During the Cold War years, the Dragoons guarded 651 kilometers of freedoms frontier between the Federal Republic of Germany and Czechoslovakia. From December 1990 to April 1991, the Dragoons deployed to Southwest Asia where they took part in the defense of Saudi Arabia and the liberation and defense of Kuwait. The regiment served courageously in the liberation of Iraq, and recently transferred to Fort Lewis, where they are transitioning to a Stryker Brigade. Regimental honors include the Presidential unit citation, the Belgian Croix de Guerre with palm, and the Philippine Presidential unit citation. Twenty Medal of Honor recipients have been Dragoons including Sgt. Patrick Leonard, one of only ve American ghting men to have received the decoration twice.

Warrior Leader

June 27, 2008

3rd Regiment 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment BRAVE RIFLES Brave Ries! Veterans! On a crimson landscape, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment rst dashed to battle during the Mexican War as a regiment of mounted riemen. The regiment earned its nickname early, as it lay bloodied and exhausted after the erce ghting at Contreras. Stirred at the sight of each man rising to attention at his approach, General Wineld Scott roared, Brave Ries! Veterans! You have been baptized in re and blood and youve come out steel. Clashing with Comanches, Apaches, and many others, the 3rd Cavalry fought in almost every Indian war. As Americans in the east turned to ght each other, the regiment served the Union Army during the Civil War from Alabama to Tennessee. It next charged the Spanish at San Juan Hill where its colors were the rst to breach enemy lines. Redesignated the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during World War II, the Ries spearheaded major European campaigns. Unleashed from northern France, the regiment raced to the Rhineland and pierced Germany before any other unit. Turned around to assist Bastognes relief, it wheeled again to pursue Hitlers broken legion all the way to Austria. Said General George Patton as the Brave Ries passed in nal review: I have never seen a better regiment. At present, the 3d Armored Cavalry regiment is the only heavy Armored Cavalry Regiment in the U.S. Army. The other two remaining Armored Cavalry Regiments, the 2nd and 11th, are both considered light ACRs. Most recently, the Brave Ries fought in the desert of Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. They are currently serving their third tour in Iraq. Regimental honors include the Presidential Unit Citation, the Belgian Croix de Guerre and 21 Medal of Honor recipients. 4th Regiment 20th Infantry Regiment SYKES REGULARS Tant Que Je Puis

Assigned July 9, 1918 to the 10th Division, it was relieved Feb. 14, 1919, assigned Sept. 18, 1920 to the 2nd Division, relieved Oct. 16, 1929 from assignment and assigned to the 6th Division (later redesignated as the 6th Infantry Division), ghting with that moniker in New Guinea and Luzon. It was inactivated Jan. 10, 1949 in Korea. Reactivated Oct. 4, 1950 at Fort Ord, California, the 20th Infantry Regiment was relieved April 3, 1956 from assignment to the 6th Infantry Division, then reorganized Nov. 15, 1957 as a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System. During the Vietnam War, the 20th Infantry Regiment saw action in the Counteroffensive-Phase III, Tet Counteroffensive, Counteroffensive-Phase IV, Counteroffensive-Phase V, Counteroffensive-Phase VI, Tet 1969 Counteroffensive, Summer-Fall 1969, Winter-Spring 1970, Sanctuary Counteroffensive, Counteroffensive-Phase VII, Consolidation I, Consolidation II and Cease-Fire. It was withdrawn Aug. 16, 1986 from the Combat Arms Regimental System and reorganized under the 5th Regiment 5th Infantry Regiment BOBCATS Ill Try, Sir The 5th Infantry Regiment has a proud and distinguished history of service to the nation. From the War of 1812 to Vietnam, the 5th Infantry Regiment has proved its courage and bravery. Constituted and organized in 1808 as the 4th Infantry, the Bobcats rst saw action during the War of 1812, serving with distinction in Canada at Chippewa and Lundys Lane. In 1815, the 4th Infantry was consolidated with the 9th, 13th , 21st, 40th, and 46th Infantry regiments to form the 5th Infantry. The 5th Infantry participated in seven campaigns during the Mexican War and 11 battles during the Indian wars, it saw action in New Mexico in 1862 during the Civil War and took part in the Philippine Insurrection. During World War II the Bobcats fought throughout central Europe. The colors of the regiment were next unfurled over the Korean peninsula and carried high in every major campaign of that conict. During the Vietnam War, members of the 5th Infantry were part of 12 major campaigns throughout Southeast Asia. The bravery and dedication of the 5th Infantry Regiment have been cited in numerous awards, including two Presidential unit citations, one valorous unit award and three Republic of Korea Presidential unit citations.

Scott at the battle of Chippewa, his poorly outtted soldiers routed the British. Those are regulars, by God, exclaimed the British commander. From then on, soldiers of the 6th Infantry continued to earn the right to be called, The Regulars. After the War of 1812, the regiment aided the westward expansion of the young United States during the Indian wars. The 6th participated in the Mexican War, then returned to frontier duty. The Civil War took the 6th Infantry to such battles as Manassas, Antietam, Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where the unit performed bravely. The regiment resumed frontier duty after the Civil War, and participated in the Sioux uprising at Little Big Horn. The regiment fought in the war with Spain, participated in the fighting on San Juan Hill, and later in the Philippine Insurrection and the Mexican Expedition. At the beginning of World War I, the 6th joined the 5th Division in Europe, where it attacked the German lines across France and Germany. When the armistice was signed, the 6th Infantry held the forward-most lines in the American sector. In 1940, with war looming on all sides, the 6th Infantry was redesignated as armored infantry and assigned to the 1st Armored Division. During World War II, the regiment stormed Arno and Anzio and drove the Nazis from Morocco. The Regulars later served gallantly in Southeast Asia. During Operation Just Cause, the 6th spearheaded an attack which ultimately led to the surrender of Panamanian dictator General Manuel Noriega. Regimental honors include the Presidential unit citation, the valorous unit award and three Medal of Honor recipients. 7th Regiment 7th Armored Cavalry Regiment GARRYOWEN The Seventh First The 7th Cavalry Regiment is one of the most renowned units in the United States Army. Its deeds are linked forever with the legends of the American West. The sabers of the 7th Cavalry were rst drawn in service during the Indian wars when the Garryowen regiment charged into history against Blackfeet, Kiowa, Comanches, and Sioux. The 7th Cavalry next galloped to the Mexican border under the command of General Blackjack Pershing to confront Pancho Villas renegade bandits. A generation later, the regiment bore its colors to the Pacic in World War II. The 7th Cavalry proved so stalwart in battle that General Douglas Macarthur never permitted its absence from a single major battleeld. The Garryowen regiment continued its legendary charge through New Guinea, Leyte, Bismarck and Luzon. The regiments motto, Seventh First! was conrmed in the battle for Korea. No other regiment won more Presidential unit citations. The 7th Cavalry was never halted, crushing the enemy from the frozen Chosin reservoir to the precipice of Pork Chop Hill.

The 20th Infantry Regiment is a unit steeped in glory and service to the nation. Constituted May 3, 1861 in the Regular Army as the 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry, it was organized June 6, 1862 at Fort Independence, Massachusetts. During the Civil War this unit served in the 2nd Division of the V Corps. In that time, the regiment saw action at Peninsula, Manassas, Antietam, Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, 6th Regiment Petersburg, Virginia 1862 and Virginia 1863. 6th Infantry Regiment Reorganized and redesignated Dec. 6, 1866 as THE REGULARS the 20th Infantry, the 20th fought in the Indian Unity is Strength wars, including Little Big Horn and Pine Ridge, the regiment saw service in Cuba in the war with Spain The 6th Infantry was constituted in Vermont as a portion of the V Corps at El Caney and San Juan. During the Philippine Insurrection it took part in the during the War of 1812 and rst went into battle in Pasig Expedition of 1899 and campaigns in Manila November 1813 during the Canadian Campaign. In 1814, under the command of U.S. General Wineld and Luzon.

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Garryowen was called to action again during Operation Desert Storm, contributing to the United Nations Coalitions victory over Iraq and earning another Presidential unit citation. 8th Regiment 8th Field Artillery AUTOMATIC Audacieux et Tenace The 8th Field Artillery Regiment has a proud and distinguished history of service to the nation. From World War I to the Persian Gulf War the 8th Field Artillery Regiment has proved its courage and bravery. The 8th Field Artillery was activated at Fort Bliss, Texas on July 7, 1916 and subsequently deployed to France in August 1918 as part of the 7th Division. Arriving at the front late in World War I, the 8th performed occupation duty until returning to the United States in 1919. During World War II the 8th valiantly supported the 27th Infantry Regiment through battles in the central Pacic theater to include Guadalcanal and Luzon. It was as a result of actions during World War II that the 8th Field Artillery earned its nickname. In March 1945, the 8th was ring in support of the 27th Infantry Wolfhounds during intense ghting on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. In a particularly intense encounter with attacking Japanese forces, the 8th red over 1,100 rounds in a one-and-a-halfhour emergency barrage. The entire manpower of the regiment joined the gun crews to keep up the devastating repower. Clerks, cooks, and wiremen left their jobs and became artillerymen, displaying a sense of esprit which has become the hallmark of the 8th Artillery. The re delivered on the enemy forces that night destroyed them completely. The ring was so intense and constant the orders of the day described it as being as automatic as a machine gun. From this accolade was born the nickname Automatic. In July 1950, the 8th Artillery Regiment arrived in Korea with the 25th Division to help secure the Pusan perimeter. Once again, the team of the 27th Infantry Wolfhounds and the Automatic 8th proved formidable. The colors of the 8th were carried high in every major campaign of the Korean war. During the Vietnam War, members of the 8th Field Artillery were a part of 13 major campaigns throughout southeast Asia. In 1989, the 8th took part in Operation Just Cause, in Panama, followed by participation in the defense of Saudi Arbia and the liberation and defense of Kuwait in 1990 and 1991. 9th Regiment 9th Infantry Regiment MANCHU Keep Up the Fire Constituted March 3, 1855 in the Regular Army as the 9th Infantry, the regiment fought in over 400 skirmishes during the Indian wars between 1855 and 1867. The regiment traces its lineage to units which fought in the Union Army during the Civil War and received honors for several campaigns, including Chickamauga and Chattanooga.

During the Chinese Boxer rebellion in 1900, the regiment earned its Manchu nickname. The regiment adopted keep up the re as the regimental motto that endures to this day. The Manchus deployed to France as part of the Indianhead 2nd Infantry Division in early October 1917. During the course of the war, battle streamers were earned for their actions at Lorraine, Ile de France, Aisne-Marne, and St. Mihiel. In 1918 the Manchu regiment received the French Fourragere for gallantry during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. During World War IIs Battle of the Bulge, the Manchus fought an 18-hour engagement that stymied the entire German counter-offensive. By the end of the war, the regiment had earned many decorations, including three Presidential unit citations. Five years after the war, the Manchus arrived as the rst unit of the Indianhead division on the Korean peninsula. The 9th Regiment fought in ten major campaigns including Heartbreak Ridge, Old Baldy, T-Bone, and Pork Chop Hill and earned a Presidential unit citation for its gallantry at Hongchon. Combat came again to the Manchu regiment when the 4th Battalion deployed to Vietnam in April 1966 where it fought victoriously through twelve campaigns. During Operation Just Cause in December 1989, the Manchus were called upon to eliminate hostile forces, restore public law and order, and assist the new government of Panama in establishing democracy. 10th Regiment 23rd Infantry Regiment TOMAHAWKS We Serve The 23rd Infantry Regiment has a proud and distinguished history of service to the nation. From the Civil War to Vietnam the 23rd Infantry Regiment has proven its courage and bravery. Organized on July 8, 1861, the 23rd Infantry rst saw action on Civil War battleelds, serving with distinction at Antietam, Frederickburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Following that tragic conict, the Tomahawks were called upon to protect the western frontiers of a newly united country, where the regiments mettle was tested again on the eld at Little Big Horn and in Arizona and Idaho campaigns. The dawn of a new century found the Tomahawks engaged in the hard-fought Philippine campaigns for Manila and Mindanao. Responding again in World War I, the 23rd Infantry participated in major actions at St. Mihiel, Lorraine and Meuse-Argonne. The Tomahawk regiment returned to Europe in 1944 as part of the Normandy invasion and saw action throughout central Europe until the end of World War II. The colors of the regiment were next unfurled over the Korean peninsula and were carried high in every major campaign of that conict. During the Vietnam War, members of the 23rd Infantry were a part of 12 major campaigns throughout southeast Asia. The bravery and dedication of the Tomahawk regiment have been cited in numerous awards,

including seven Presidential unit citations, two valorous unit awards, and nine unit citations presented by foreign nations. 11th Regiment 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment BLACKHORSE Allons Organized on Feb. 2, 1901, the Blackhorse regiment rst saw combat with General Arthur Macarthur against the tribal insurrections in the Philippine islands in 1902. Ordered into battle a decade later, the Blackhorse regiment served as the vanguard for General Blackjack Pershings punitive expedition into Mexico. The Blackhorse colors were next unfurled in combat on the beaches of Normandy. Spearheading General George Pattons epic charge across France, the Blackhorse distinguished itself during the 3rd Armys unparalleled winter offensive in relief of the besieged 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne. The Blackhorse culminated its valorous war service in participation with Pattons massive anking maneuver across central Europe. At the request of General William Westmoreland, commander, Military Assistance Command, the Blackhorse regiment arrived in Vietnam in September 1966. They carried the distinct honor of being the only armored cavalry regiment to see battles in Indochina. In 1972, the Blackhorse regiment assumed its mission of defending the Fulda Gap on the frontier of freedom, protecting NATOs eastern border in the Federal Republic of Germany. As a result of the disintegration of eastern Europes communist regimes, the Blackhorse regiment ceased its border operation when the border between East and West Germany opened in 1990. In May 1991, the 11th was directed to deploy to Kuwait as part of Operation Positive Force. From June to September, the regiment secured the peace on the sands of Kuwait. Among the regimental honors are the Presidential unit citation and meritorious unit commendations. This unit served in Northern Iraq from January 2005 17 March 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 12th Regiment 32nd Armored Regiment RED LIONS Victory or Death The 32nd armor regiment has a proud and distinguished history of service to the nation. in world war ii and the Persian Gulf War the 32nd armored regiment proved its courage and bravery. The red lions regiment was constituted January 13, 1941, as the 2nd armored regiment and activated April 15, 1941 at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. On may 8, 1941, the regiment was redesignated as the 32nd armored regiment. The 32nd lived up to its motto, victory or death during world war ii as it fought valiantly in Normandy, northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes Alsace and central Europe campaigns.

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It distinguished itself by battering, piercing and over-running the defenses of the Siegfried line earning a presidential unit citation for its actions. The 32nd also was cited in the orders of the day of the Belgian army and awarded the Belan Fourragere for its participation in the Ardennes and Belgian campaigns. In 1991, the bravery and dedication of the regiment were tested again when the red lions returned to battle in southwest Asia. for its actions in the defense of Saudi Arabia and the liberation and defense of Kuwait, the regiment earned a valorous unit award and a meritorious unit commendation.

The 2nd battalion participated in thirteen Vietnam campaigns receiving a valorous unit award for Guang Ngai province and two awards of the republic of Vietnam cross of gallantry. Battery c received a presidential unit citation and a valorous unit award. The 2nd battalion 11th eld artillery served in Iraq from January 2004-february 2005 with the 2nd brigade combat team in the vicinity of Kirkuk. Organized as task force 2-11 FA the battalion participated in security and stability operations as well as furnishing supporting res for infantry operations. the battalions counter-re capability signicantly disrupted insurgent rocket attacks.

13th Regiment 33rd Armored Regiment MEN OF WAR Men of War

The 33rd Armored Regiment has a proud and distinguished history of service to the nation. The Men of War regiment was constituted Jan. 13, 1941 as the 3rd Armored Regiment and activated April 15, 1941 at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. On May 8, 1941, the regiment was redesignated as the 33rd Armored Regiment. The 33rd proved its courage and bravery, and lived up to its nickname and motto, Men of War during World War II as it fought valiantly in Normandy, northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and central Europe campaigns. It distinguished itself during two savage attacks on the city of Mons, Belgium from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, 1944. The battle resulted in the capture of Mons from the German 7th Army. Following the liberation of Mons and the mauling of elements of the German 7th Army, the Men of War moved back to reinforce the Siegfried Line on the western border of Germany. For its gallant and decisive action in the battle and capture of Mons, the 33rd Armored was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with silver gilt star by the provisional government of France. The bravery and dedication of the 33rd was additionally recognized with a Presidential unit citation with streamer embroidered hastenrathscherpensel, and citations in the orders of the day of the Belgian army for participation in the Ardennes and Belgian campaigns.

15th Regiment 5th Field Artillery Regiment HAMILTONS OWN Faithful and True
On March 1, 1776, Capt. Alexander Hamilton organized the New York Provincial Artillery Company. This company fought with distinction through the Revolutionary War and was the only unit not deactivated following the war. In the civil war, it earned campaign streamers at Manassas, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Constituted Jan. 25, 1907, in the regular army as the 5th Field Artillery. Organized May 31, 1907, from existing units at fort Leavenworth, Kansas. (Less 2nd Battalion organized in the Philippine islands). Assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Division (subsequently the 1st Division), June 8, 1917. Relieved in March 1921 from assignment to the 1st Division. (3rd Battalion inactivated Aug. 1, 1922, at Camp Bragg, NC.). Assigned Jan. 1, 1930, to the 1st Division, later the 1st Infantry Division. (2nd Battalion inactivated Oct. 1, 1933, at Fort Bragg, NC; activated Dec. 5, 1939, at Madison Barracks, NY.) Reorganized and redesignated Oct. 1, 1940, as the 5th Field Artillery Battalion. Relieved from the 1st Infantry Division and inactivated at Fort Riley, KS. Feb. 15, 1957. Consolidated Aug. 26, 1960, with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 5th Artillery group; 24th Antiaircraft Artillery Missile Battalion; and the 1st Battalion, 5th Coast Artillery (all organized in 1861 as the 5th Regiment of Artillery) and consolidated unit reorganized and redesignated as the 5th Artillery, a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System. 5th Artillery (less former Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 5th Artillery Group; 24th Antiaircraft Artillery Missile Battalion; and the 1st Battalion, 5th Coast Artillery) reorganized and redesignated Sept. 1, 1971, as the 5th Field Artillery, a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System (former elements concurrently reorganized and redesignated as the 5th Air Defense Artillery - hereafter separate lineage). Withdrawn March 25, 1983, from the Combat Arms Regimental System; concurrently reorganized under the United States Army Regimental System, with headquarters at Fort Riley, KS. This unit boasts campaign streamers from every major conict in United States history with the exception of the Korean War in which it did not serve. It has fought around the world from Vietnam and the Philippines, to Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia. Always rst, 1-5 has been an integral part of the First Infantry Division and its operations since 1917. For over 200 years of unbroken service, Hamiltons Own has faithfully served the country. Battery D, First Battalion, Fifth Field Artillery is the direct descendent of Alexander Hamiltons original artillery company.

14th Regiment 11th Field Artillery Regiment DRAGONS On Time

Constituted on 1 July 1916 in the regular army and activated on 1 June 1917 at Douglas, Ariz., the 11th eld artillery was assigned to 6th division in November 1917 and equipped with 155mm-howitzers. The 6th division arrived in France in July 1918. The 11th FA participated in the Meuse Argonne campaign and is famous for having red the last U.S. artillery round of WW I on November 11th, 1918. On 1 October 1941, 11th FA regiment was reorganized and redesignated as the 11th eld artillery battalion and assigned to the 24th division. The battalion saw its rst action of WWII when the Japanese attacked Hawaii on 7 December 1941. The 11th eld artillery participated in a total of eight Korean campaigns. for its gallantry the 11th FA received two presidential unit citations and two republic of Korea presidential unit citations. In 1963 the battalion became the direct support battalion for the 1st brigade. arriving in Vietnam on 29 April 1966, the 7th battalion participated in all twelve campaigns of the 25th division receiving a valorous unit award for Tay Ninh province.

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This heats a killer!

Photo: Al Zdarsky

Hydrate! Summer heat, brisk activity to come

By Sgt. Joseph Siemandel Warrior Forge Public Aairs Exposure to too much heat can kill. That heat may take the form of a sunny day spent hanging on the beach. Or a day that seems not-so-hot spent under a full rucksack for several kilometers. Unchecked heat-related illnesses may become a serious problem in a short period of time and can even cause death. At Warrior Forge, where cadets and cadre are humping overland in full uniforms carrying combat-loaded rucksacks, heat-related injuries can take hold before you can prevent them. Cadets, regimental staff and committee members all share the responsibility of protecting the force from heat stress. All the cadets have been assigned Battle Buddies, and they should be keeping an eye on each other, looking out for the signs and symptoms of heat stress, said Oscar Crumpler, Warrior Forge Occupational Safety and Health Manager, especially as the temperatures rise and the more physically demanding activities begin. Committees will be monitoring the temperature and will alter training as necessary to keep cadets from overheating, Tofani said. Additionally, regiment staff will be making sure cadets are eating right, getting enough rest and staying hydrated.

Heat and exercise

The weather here at Fort Lewis at the peak of summer can be quite a handful for any Soldier. Last summer, the temperature climb above 90 degrees on many occasions and this year it is predicted to be the same. Even though the month of June has been comfortable, watch out because it could change in a matter of hours over the course of a busy day. And besides, outside temperature isnt always the cause of heat injuries. During heavy exercise a persons body can generate 10 to 20 times the amount of heat it does when at rest.

Symptoms and Treatment

Heat-related injuries are identied by three levels of severity. Heat cramps are usually the rst symptom of overexposure to heat and are characterized by severe muscle cramps. Rest and uid intake puts a victim on the road to recovery, but must be done quickly to avoid the symptoms worsening. Heat exhaustion typically occurs when exercise

and ambient temperature conspire to cause heavy perspiration, which reduces body uid levels. This uid loss reduces blood ow to vital organs resulting in a form of shock. A victim of heat exhaustion may have headaches, nausea, dizziness, skin thats cool and pale, and will most likely be sweating. Get him out of the direct sun right away, keep him cool. You may have to use a fan or wet towels. Immediate action is crucial to prevent the condition from degrading into heat stroke. Heat stroke kills about 500 people a year in the United States alone. When temperatures begin to rise into the 90s for prolonged periods, hundreds can die in just a couple of weeks. Heat stroke occurs when the bodys ability to cool itself fails. Body temperature can rise to deadly levels in a very short time. Symptoms include confusion; delirium; unconsciousness; skin that is red, hot and dry. A heat stroke victim should be cooled quickly but never use ice or very cold water, which can lead to thermal shock. Emergency treatment should be sought immediately. As the temperature raises remember to drink more water to stay Hydrated, and keep an eye on your Battle Buddy to assure he or she is avoiding heat related injuries.

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Team of teams runs Warrior Forge

By Furman Neil Neeley Warrior Forge Public Aairs Every summer Fort Lewis, Washington, becomes the home for the U.S. Armys largest annual CONUS training exercise, Operation Warrior Forge, where the next generation of new ofcers is trained and evaluated prior to being commissioned as 2nd lieutenants. From colleges and armories all over the country and the American territories come ROTC campus staffers, Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers, active duty Soldiers, contract civilians and Dept. of the Army civilians, all to do their part to make the operation a success. And Fort Lewis Soldiers and civilians play a major role as well, with the 191st Infantry Brigade serving this year as the primary support unit while a variety of Fort Lewis activities do literally thousands of tasks so the training can continue. Also called the Leader Development and Assessment Course, or LDAC for short, Warrior Forge is truly an All-Army event. When I rst took charge of Cadet Command, said Maj. Gen. W. Montague Wineld, it took me a little while to see just what kind of organization I had inherited from my predecessor. I soon realized, he said, that this is a team of teams professionals who come from all over this great land for a common purpose. And that purpose is to train and evaluate ROTC cadets to be commissioned as ofcers, leaders for Americas Army as it conducts the Global War on Terror and defends the shores and interests of the United States. Its no small task and the trainers and maintainers generally match or outnumber the cadets, of whom nearly 5,300 are expected at LDAC for 2008. Now in its 22nd year for 2008, Cadet Command has approximately 28,000 cadets enrolled in college programs and some 286,000 JROTC cadets at High Schools. LDAC is the single most important event in any cadets student career, since successful completion of the 32-day training cycle is an essential, unwaivable requirement for commissioning. Last year, 4,088 second lieutenants were commissioned through ROTC. For Warrior Forge 2008, several unique challenges will need to be addressed as troop and cadre levels increase. With thousands of extra personnel added to the daily population of the installation, vehicle trafc on roads will increase signicantly, particularly those corridors that lead from North Fort Lewis to the Fort Lewis ranges and training areas. During peak commuter hours in the morning, there will also be Physical Training formations and individuals running along some of these routes, so strict adherence to published PT routes and schedules is essential. Additionally, signicant road construction is in progress at several locations on post, most notably the East Gate Road all the way out to Highway 507, and roads on North Fort. Planning commutes for the least interference is advised. The sheer magnitude of LDAC makes a signicant impact on Fort Lewis each summer, but the energy put into making it work is well worth the effort of every participant. Since ROTC was rst established in 1919, more than half a million new ofcers have been commissioned from its cadet ranks, 100,000 of them in the last 20 years since Cadet Command was established. Fort Lewis has been the only site in the nation for this crucial training since 1997 and is expected to be such for years to come. It is a team of teams and will continue to produce the best Army ofcers in the world.

New Basic Rie Marksmanship event a potential life saver

By Furman Neil Neeley Warrior Forge Public Aairs Learning reexive re could save a Soldiers life or the life of a fellow Soldier, so command has added a new Basic Rie Marksmanship event to the Warrior Forge 2008 calendar. Lt. Col. Jeff Hensley, a professor of military science at Oklahoma University and Warrior Forge BRM committee chief, explains what reexive re is and how cadets are trained to re on the move and is really the capstone event of the three days of marksmanship training. Reexive re while stationary is part of chapter seven of Army Field Manual 3-22.9, Advanced Rie Marksmanship, said Hensley. The intent of this training is to familiarize the cadets with short range marksmanship. Were going to teach them proper stance, how to move with the weapon and build their condence with the weapon system. We want to increase their prociency in engaging targets at short range. Hensley explained that cadets re 16 rounds from either 10 or 25 meters. They do either single shots or controlled pairs, he said. The marksmanship program that we have for the cadets last three days,

Cadre and Soldiers score a target after Reexive Fire

Photos: Furman Neil Neeley

A cadet assumes the correct stance and executes Reexive Fire, a new technique being assessed at Warrior Forge 2008.

said Hensley. The rst day, were going to go through several classes with them such as how to zero their weapon and we then we take them through basic weapon qualication. The second day we run them through more repetition of qualication steps. Those that complete basic rie marksmanship qualication will move on to reexive re training. Thats nearly everyone, he said. Weve been able to get over 95 percent of our cadets qualied with the M-16 rie. Hensley explained that reexive re training involves three different stages. The rst is a simulated ring of the weapon in various shooting positions, followed by a repeat of the same ring positions, this time while ring blanks. Once the cadet has to safely and correctly complete each of the tasks assigned we move them on to the next phase of training, said Hensley, which is live re on another part of the range.

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Warrior Forge sees committee changes in 2008

By Furman Neil Neeley Warrior Forge Public Aairs Warrior Forge will see several changes this year including an increase in attendance and additions to training according to Maj. Patrick T. Wright, Warrior Forge deputy S-3. Were supposed to have about 5,300 cadets here this summer, so weve had to go to 15 regiments as opposed to 13 last year, said Wright. Weve had an increase in cadet attendance because Accessions Commands recruiting has gotten a lot better. Wright explained that cadet training will undergo some changes too. These changes will be integrated into U.S. Weapons, the Hand Grenade Assault Course, the period before Land Navigation and the interval between Squad STX and Patrol STX. During U.S. weapons, the cadets are training on familiarization of call for and adjust re, said Wright. Weve added some re support tasks, he said. Not only are we utilizing a mortar platoon, weve added a full artillery ring battery. So were using mortars and eld artillery to accomplish that task. Weve added tactical eld craft training prior to land navigation, said Wright. The regiments will now leave their company areas right after their Regimental Activation Ceremony and go out to land nav. Theyll set up a eld site at land nav and then go through tactical eld craft. Wright explained that the cadets will spend two days living and sleeping in the woods, where they will set up eld expedient shelters using ponchos and whatever is available. Theyll learn how to live in the woods, said Wright. Including, how to walk quietly and maintain noise, light and litter discipline. Another addition is at the Hand Grenade Assault Course. Weve put in an Improvised Explosives Device petting zoo and an IED familiarization lane, said Wright. Well have a number of stations out there with some posters that cadets can get information from. Theyll also have a sandbox display where they can see a mortar or different types of weapons that an enemy can use as an IED. This is to familiarize them with what an IED looks like and how the enemy uses it, how to detect it and how to defeat it. Totally new this year will be the addition of a Forward Operating Base, or FOB between Squad and Patrol STX. The cadets will go into a hard site facility now between Squad STX and Patrol STX, said Wright. Theyll operate out there for about 36 hours. Theyll learn how to provide security by guarding gates and doing some squad-level reconnaissance around the FOB. Next, theyll attend some classes on how to conduct FOB operations and then theyll move into what they have to do to prepare for Patrol STX. Another change cadets will see is in the Basic Rie Marksmanship training. Reexive re has been added to BRM, said Wright. We run three days of BRM. The rst day is Zero day and the next day is the practice record re. The third day is record re. They learn the basic task of reexive re, or how to engage an enemy on the move. Once theyve achieved qualication, the cadets line up and go through a dry re at 10 meter targets and 25 meter targets. Were not having them turning their bodies at all. They will just be pointing straight at the target. Theyll be stationary, shoot and then move up to the next line, be stationary and shoot again. Theyll go through dry re, then blank re and then theyll move down to the end of the range and they will do the live re.

191st Infantry Brigade supports Operation Warrior Forge

By Capt. Leslie Roberson 191st Infantry Brigade Its a hot sweltering day with temperatures climbing well into the mid 90s F. Cadets, cadre, and Soldiers from the 191st Infantry Brigade, First Army Division West, are spread out across the training site. The cadets and cadre are armed with their maps and compass. Each platoon size element is at various stations being briefed. A long day of land navigation has begun and will extend until the early morning hours of the next day. The 191st Infantry Brigade supports Operation Warrior Forge with 350 Soldiers providing logistical support. They work 24-48 hour shifts at various ROTC locations. Soldiers from the brigade transport cadets, equipment, and water all over the base. Soldiers from 191st also support Warrior Forge by providing manning support at various tactical operation centers and entry control points (ECPs). Other supports include lling and placing thousands of sandbags at numerous locations to include rie ranges and the terrain map used for land navigation. They also set up all the tents, bleachers, and camouage netting at select sites. The Brigade also provides medics at training sites. Staff Sgt. James Hunter from 3rd Battalion, 364th Engineer Regiment, 191st Infantry Brigade, an active duty Soldier supporting Operation Warrior Forger since the beginning of the operation said, The battle rhythm as a support team has no issues. Everything is running smoothly providing logistical support. There is one standard for training prociency. The Army trains to standard, not to time. Some nights on the land navigation course are long because the vegetation is dense, and it takes the cadets a long time to nd their points, said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Willie, from 3/364 who mans the ECP at the land navigation course. The land navigation course can be challenging at night, especially when the lunar illumination is limited. Spc. Stacy Fus, a National Guardsman who is an Operation Warrior Trainer doing a year long tour with 191st Infantry Brigade said, It is interesting supporting the cadets on the land navigation course at night, especially trying to nd the water containers on the land navigation course to rell because it is hard to see them. Every training situation has challenges for Soldiers, cadets and cadre, acting in any role to overcome. Cadets train for 33 days and when they meet all the standards, they can graduate. They usually conduct land navigation for several days before moving on to their next training phase. Cadet George Kane from Gonzaga University, who is currently going through training said, Everything is well organized. The cadre have been helpful in getting the equipment we need. I feel that I have been well prepared for the land navigation course, said Cadet Kane. Soldiers must feel confident in the training they have had so that when the time comes to conduct a mission, they are confident in themselves and their equipment. To reach high confidence levels, all angles of training must be covered especially logistical support. The U.S. Army has a non-negotiable contract with preparing our Soldiers for readiness training, which means ready to perform missions on a moments notice.

Photo: Furman Neil Neeley

Pvt. Graham Wall, B Battery, 1/377 Field Artillery, digs a ditch for cables for use in support of the LDAC Educators visit.

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By Furman Neil Neeley Warrior Forge Public Aairs Monkey bars, ropes, ditches, looming towers, barricade walls and low crawls all make up Warrior Forges Land Condence Course. From high up in the air to low on the ground, cadets negotiate the course the best they can. While a lot of the obstacles on the course asses physical strengths and abilities, most of them also test ones capacity to overcome fear. Some cadets who come to camp are afraid of heights or lack the physical strength of others making the Condence Course a tough day. The day at the Condence Course begins with a road march to the site. After the brieng, the cadets are separated and started out on easy events such as the log roll and the balance beam. But once the cadre feels the cadets are ready, they get put to the test against an 18-event obstacle course that tests their endurance along with their willpower to succeed. Even though the obstacle course sounds like a lot of work, it is also a favorite of many cadets here at Warrior Forge. It gives the cadets something fun to do while they also learn useful skills for tomorrow. Second Lt. Michael Chezum, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, one of the cadre supporting the Condence Course committee, understands condence training and recognizes what slows cadets down. The obstacle course happens during the rst ten days of the cadets coming to LDAC, he said. So what youre seeing is a lot of individual personalities that are beginning to come out. Youre beginning to see whos in charge of squads. Chezum says that the course challenges those individuals who have shown themselves to be leaders. It also challenges their weaknesses. We see who is performing and what events have been maximizing and minimizing their strengths, enabling their squad to make the most effective time on the course. The obstacle course really taxes a cadets physical ability. Its a long course, so by the end of it, youre pretty much smoked, said Chezum. Its the rst time that many of these cadets have been on an obstacle course, said Lt. Col. Andre Dean, the condence course chief. It may be the rst time theyve been up in the air. Although theirs a net down there, your mind tells you that you could die if you fall. Second Battalion Cadet David

Photo: Mike Sweeten

Photo: 2nd Lt. Ryan Gregory

Photo: Al Zdarsky

Photo: 2nd Lt. Rick Dunham

Photo: Al Zdarsky

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Cadets gain condence, conquer fears

Photo: Al Zdarsky

Steuterman, Pittsburg State University, Kansas agrees. My toughest challenge was probably the free heights, he said. Im afraid of heights but I was able to get through it with the help of my squad. They all rallied behind me and the rest of the platoon as well. Dean agrees that one key to successfully completing the course is reliance on buddies successfully pulling cadets through an obstacle. They have to depend on their buddies and trust them with their lives, he said. Most cadets quickly discover that through the use of teamwork, every obstacle can be conquered. Whatever it is motivation that keeps everyone going, or a helping hand over a barrier, the squads develop into cohesive units. Each unit establishes a base of trust, and that enables individuals to work quickly and efciently. Many cadets will realize over the course of camp that they are capable of more than they had ever imagined and that there are few more tting places where one can have the experiences that lead to such conclusions than the obstacle course. Dean also sees the obstacle course as a means to build condence in the cadets as future Army leaders. When you see all the cadets make it through the rst two or three challenges both as a team and as individuals, that individuals condence begins to soar, he said. They realize that they are capable of many things far beyond what they knew. That condence in a leader is what we have to have for a cadet to become the kind of ofcer capable of leading Soldiers in todays Army. Its not a coincidence that condence training happens prior to most of the more rigorous training events and evaluations at LDAC. Although many of the cadets who complete the condence training may not realize it, more is gained from the experience than poise and adrenaline rush. Cadets learn condence in them selves as a leader, condence in their equipment and condence in their buddies.

Photo: 2nd Lt. Rick Dunham

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Fitness is about more than just making the grade

By Mike Sweeten Warrior Forge Public Aairs Soldiers nd themselves regularly taking physical training tests to asses their muscular strength, endurance and conditioning. Cadets attending Warrior Forge are no different. The young men and women take an APFT on the third day theyre here at Warrior Forge to gauge their muscular strength, endurance and bodily conditioning. The APFT measures a Soldiers strength and endurance utilizing three basic exercises: pushups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. The minimum score for the APFT is 180 points with at least 60 points in each of the three events. The cadets of Warrior Forge are the future leaders of the United States Army and hold themselves to a higher standard. A good score for a cadet would be 270 points with at least 90 points in each event. Warriors who exhibit superb physical conditioning can earn scores of 300 or higher on the extended APFT scale. Attaining a place on a sliding scale really isnt the best reason for a Soldier to be t, however. Many of the cadets training at Fort Lewis this summer will complete the ofcer basic course

next summer and will lead the sons and daughters of America on the eld of battle shortly thereafter. It is extremely important for soldiers to be physically t, said Dan Patterson, Warrior Forge Chief of Staff. Leaders in combat zones have to make life or death choices daily for themselves and those who follow them. It is more difcult for a Soldier to make good decisions when he or she is exhausted. Being physically and mentally t helps leaders make good decisions in stressful situations. Warriors who meet and exceed the standard normally lead very active lifestyles outside of the military. For some cadets, exercise is an integral part of their off-duty lives. The process though to stay in shape is a year long process that requires time and dedication. Staying physically t is important not only to pass the PT. test, but to do your best. Cadet Jeff Hackman, Alpha Company, 4th Regiment, said that although he passed his PT test, he could have done better. I havent done any PT at all between leaving school and reporting to LDAC so I would say that if Id kept up my regular PT when the school year ended, it would have helped to raise my score. The U.S. Army Cadet Command takes physical tness very seriously. Warriors who do not pass

the APFT the rst time are required to retake the test. Passing the APFT is a graduation requirement. Those who fail the APFT after their retest will not graduate from Warrior Forge, nor complete the core requirements to earn a bar of gold on Army Green. As of press time, University of Maryland Cadet David Zelaya holds the male record for push-ups, with 108. Zelaya is with the 4th Regiment. The female record is held by Cadet Allison Foust, University of Southern California, with 69 push-ups. Foust is with the 2nd Regiment. The male sit-up champion is Gabriel Montoya, University of New Mexico, with 114. Montoya is with the 4th Regiment. Christine Manning, University of Tennessee, Martin, holds the female record for sit-ups, with 101. Manning is with the 2nd Regiment. The male two-mile speediest runner is Cadet David Ferrera, University of Southern California, with a time of 10:52. Ferrera is with the 3rd Regiment. Alissa Gyhra is the swiftest female cadet, with a time of 12:51. Gyra is a student at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and is with the 2nd Regiment.
Photo: Al Zdarsky