The Red Warrior Path 14 MAY 2015

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Red Warriors On The Move

Greetings Red Warrior Families and friends!

Spring is upon us and the Red Warriors are as busy as ever! In just a short time since the last newsletter, there have been nu-merous changes. It has been known for a while that the Bat-talion would be supporting Ca-det Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, KY. The require-ment has increased a bit as we send more Soldiers than ex-pected. The reason behind the change is that another unit cur-rently supporting CST will be

deploying much earlier than expected. The Red Warriors have taken the change well and are already in execution mode! With help from across the Bat-talion, several members made the deployment for 2-12IN a reality. Six Rail Load teams, 4 platoons, and the distribution platoon spent three days loading rail cars full of vehicles and equipment without incident. This may not seem like a big deal, but deployment operations are fairly dangerous and when something goes wrong, it usually goes very wrong. On top of the normal hazards, the Soldiers braved high winds, rain, thun-derstorms, and hail!

Several Soldiers, to include the Battalion Staff, will deploy to Pinyon Canyon for about two and a half weeks to assist 1Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) with their brigade level exercise OPERATION RAIDER FOCUS. The battal-ion has the responsibility to evaluate several of the 1SBCT units to prepare them for a pending rotation to the National

Training Center this fall. This will be a great training oppor-tunity for our Soldiers as we will be testing and validating several of our systems that we will uti-lizing later this summer when our training is in full swing.

Lets take an opportunity to

congratulate several Red Warri-ors for their outstanding individ-ual accomplishments. SFC Cho-ay was the only Infantryman in the entire 4th Infantry Division to be selected for promotion to Master Sergeant. He will be as-suming responsibility of Black-

Command Team Update by LTC Michael S. Avey and CSM Steven A. Brown

Pinon

Canyon will

be a great

training

opportunity

for our

Soldiers

Page 2 THE RED WARRIOR PATH

THE RED WARRIOR PATH is published by 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment for the families and friends of Red Warrior Soldiers. 1-12 Infantry is part of Task Force War Horse (2 IBCT, 4 ID). Contents of THE RED WARRIOR PATH are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Department of Defense. Please send all questions or comments to SGT Seth Price at [email protected].

ON THE FRONT COVER: Arrowhead Company finishes a 10 mile tacticle movement at the conclusion of 2 weeks of marksmanship training.

LTC Michael S. Avey Battalion Commander

CSM Steven A. Brown Battalion CSM

LTC Avey leads the officers of 1-12 through a grueling PT session

foot Company later this sum-mer. SGT Brown and SPC Sim-mons were the winners of the April Red Warrior NCO and Soldier of the Month Competi-tion and went on to dominate as the Brigade NCO and Soldier of the Year.

As the summer approaches, we will be sending Soldiers to vari-ous training locations across the country. Some Soldiers will go to Fort Sill, OK to train with a National Guard unit. This will be a great opportunity to get away from Fort Carson and accomplish some good training while assisting the National Guard with their training objec-tives. The battalion will also have 32 leaders and numerous soldiers go to Fort Knox for Cadet Summer Training. This is a critical mission and our NCOs will be responsible for training the next generation of Officers to be sworn in as Army Officers

next year. The impact that our leaders can have on the Cadets (from various schools across the nation) is significant. For many of the young Cadets, this will be their first experience with cadre other than is what is at their school. Looking at the various missions we have over the next few months, there will be lim-ited collective training, but our leaders and Soldiers are pre-pared for the challenges that lie ahead. It may seem like we are only supporting other units, but there is plenty of training value in all the mission that we are executing as an organization. I am sure that after block leave in July when we start collective training, we will be a better bat-talion functioning at a much higher level of proficiency.

Red Warriors!

Command Team Update (continued) by LTC Michael S. Avey and CSM Steven A. Brown

Our leaders

and Soldiers

are prepared

for the

challenges

that lie

ahead

LTC Avey presides over the promotions of Captains Poist and Kapacinskas with their wives by their sides

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 Page 3

Arrowhead CompanySharpening the Arrowhead by CPT David Michelson and 1SG Buddy Tucker

We conducted

training and

qualification on

nearly every

weapon that the

platoon has

from M4 rifles

to Anti-tank AT-

4 rockets


1st Hitman Platoon, Arrowhead Company has had a productive Spring thus far. We reenlisted several NCOs in the platoon, sent Soldiers to a varie-ty of schools and began team training. SGT Marquise Glas-coe and SSG Sam Camerano reenlisted at the spring FRG event at Iron Horse park. SSG Eric Green departed for the Armys Advanced Leader

Course at Fort Benning, SSG James Woodham departed for Drill Instructor school, PFC Angel Maldonado completed Combatives Level II and PFC Ian Schnauder completed sever-al courses on radio operation at Fort Carson.

In between reenlist-ments and schools, the company caught the end of the ski season with a trip to Loveland Ski Area. Following the ski trip, we con-ducted training and qualification on nearly every weapon we em-ploy from M4 rifles to anti-tank AT-4 rockets. After shooting a variety of weapons we began training for the battle drill Enter

and Clear a Room to prepare

for future urban operations

training. As part of the urban operations training, members of the 10th Special Forces Group based at Fort Carson taught several Soldiers how to safely and effectively breach a door utilizing tools, shotguns and explosives as well as how to properly detain suspects inside a building. In the upcoming weeks and months, Hitman platoon will be focusing on ur-ban operations and then transi-tioning to support 1st Brigades mission in Pinon Canon as well as Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

2nd Platoon, Arrow-head Company has had a busy month full of weapons qualifica-tion, practicing battle drills, and preparing for upcoming sum-mer training. The biggest things happening within the platoon, however, stem from the Soldiers that are PCSing and ETSing the Army. The platoon has thus far lost seven Soldiers from the platoon and plan on losing an-other four in the very near fu-ture. Change is inherently a large part of the Army culture but this unit has lost some incredi-

ble leaders and Soldiers that have helped to mold the platoon and company. Some of those Soldiers include SSG Reilly (recruiting school), SGT Glover (ETS), SGT Techera (PCS to Hawaii), SGT Boles (PCS to Hawaii) and SPC Bramlett (PCS to Ft. Campbell). The Soldiers prepare for a new page in the platoons history as it looks to rebuild the force with a com-pletely new set of leadership and Soldiers.

The way ahead for 2/A is very promising though as SFC Honaker, SGT Clark, and SGT Ellehsohn begin training their men for the rigors of the up-coming training to include live fire exercises, field training exer-cises, NTC and deployment early next year. Although the Platoon may have lost good leaders, the classes and training conducted daily by the platoon is a tribute to the dedication and effort of the young leadership stepping up to fill the shoes of their predecessors and accom-plish the mission.

(Continued on page 5)

SSG Dornbrook, SSG Collins, SGT Barrion,

and SGT Curry receive instructions on how

to use detonation chord when building their

explosive charges

1st Platoon Soldiers take part in a ski trip to Loveland Ski Area as part of the War-

rior Adventure Quest Program for Soldiers and units in post-deployment reset

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

Arrowhead Companys 3rd platoon participated in many ranges over two weeks of range density. Weapons squads also participated in a Battalion wide competition in which they were extremely successful, securing

the Companys best weapons

squad placard. M249 and M240B gunners showed their accuracy during the day on the machine gun qualification range followed with a difficult night qualification. The platoon also

Arrowhead Company says its farewells to SGT Carlos Techera and SPC Kristo-

pher Bramlett as they go off to serve the Army in bigger and better ways.

honed their marksmanship at a Known Distance Range which included firing at 400m targets and using their infrared lasers at night to acquire targets. After many hours of training and thousands of rounds, the pla-toon learned valuable skills they will use in training on Ft. Carson and in future deployments.

3rd Platoon has made notable changes to the way daily PT is conducted, consolidating the squads for Platoon central-ized PT. The results have been exceptional with a post deploy-ment Platoon average higher than the other platoons, war-ranting the Platoon being award-ed with best APFT placard. 3rd Platoon is filled with athletes who showed their competitive spirit at Brigade Family Day as well as on the volleyball court of our latest FRG BBQ event. 3rd Platoon Arrowhead Soldiers continue to strive for excellence in everything they do from train-ing to recreational activities.

Arrowhead 6 & 7

PFC Poffenberger and assistant gunner

SPC Reed at a qualification range

Arrowhead Company finishes a 10 mile tactical movement at the conclusion

of 2 weeks of marksmanship training.

Blackfoot Company Soldiers, Families, and friends, I hope this letter finds you well and you are all enjoying the wonderful Colorado spring weather. Over the last month, your Soldiers have been hard at work preparing for upcoming training and operations. The main focus of this last months

training was weapons proficien-cy. Blackfoot Company Soldiers conducted Close Quarters Marksmanship, engaging targets - both day and night - in prepa-ration for our upcoming Battle Drill 6 live fire training. Your Soldiers gained experience and knowledge in shooting targets out to 600 meters that will pro-vide vital dividends during com-bat deployments. Lastly, mem-

bers of Blackfoot Companys weapons squad competed in a

grueling week long competition. Weapons Squad Soldiers con-ducted day and night qualifica-tions with their M240s, stress shoots, and a demanding 10 mile ruck march with all squad equipment. 3rd Platoons weap-on squad, led by SSG Bethea, placed first out of nine squads. A job well done by all.

Over the last month, Blackfoot Company has con-ducted vigorous training and been hard at work, but with the help of the Fort Carson Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) we were able to enjoy a day playing paintball. The Warrior Adventure Quest program, sponsored by MWR, gives de-ploying and recently re-deployed units the opportunity to relax through a wide variety of activi-ties. After several hours of paintball, Soldiers and Families gathered for a FRG BBQ. This trip was a well deserved and earned day of rest and fun.

This summer, many Blackfoot Company Soldiers will assist in the training of many units. In the months ahead, Blackfoot Company Soldiers will


Blackfoot CompanyConducting a Vital Mission by CPT Alex Tisdall and 1SG Russell ODonnell


Soldiers gained

experience and

knowledge in

shooting targets

out to 600 meters

that will provide

vital dividends

during combat

deployments

COL Pearl commends SGT Reeves for his bravery over the last deployment,

presenting him with his Purple Heart

First Platoon Soldiers conduct MEDEVAC training scenarios, specifically training on

hoist procedures, helping both the Blackfoot Soldiers and the MEDEVAC aircrew

maintain their skills

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

be entrusted in the training of ROTC cadets at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Their mission is vital to the training of future leaders in the United States Army. While many Blackfoot Company Soldiers will be at Ft. Knox, the remaining Soldiers will provide valuable training and feedback to an Oklahoma National Guard unit. In the coming weeks, these Soldiers will head to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where they will be responsible for establishing lanes and playing enemy com-batants for the National Guard unit to get realistic training in preparation for future deploy-ments.

If you are not involved in the Blackfoot Company Fam-ily Readiness Group and are interested please email [email protected] for more information.

Blackfoot 6 & 7

(Above) 1LT Andrew Yacovone, former Platoon Leader, B Co, 1-12IN moves to cover

during platoon vs. platoon paintball competition.

(Below) Blackfoot Soldiers return fire while conducting a round of capture the flag

during company Warrior Adventure Quest paintball trip

(Below) A Blackfoot Soldier utilizes Individual Movement Techniques to advance on the

opposing team

THE RED WARRIOR PATH

Comanche CompanyIn Honor of Their Service by CPT JB Brown and 1SG Joseph Gaskin

Once again,

our Comanche

Soldiers

proved to be

some of the

best shooters

in the whole

brigade!

Greetings to friends and families of Comanche Com-pany. Since our last newsletter, Comanche Company has been busy! Over the past month, we have been qualifying Soldiers on their assigned weapon systems, to include: M4 Carbines, M249 Squad Automatic Weapons, M240 Machine Guns, and M320 Grenade Launchers. This is in preparation for our squad and platoon maneuver training which will occur at the end of the year. Once again, our Coman-che Soldiers proved to be some of the best shooters in the whole brigade! In the next couple weeks, Comanche Company will be going through fire team maneuver training to master the basics of mov-ing and assaulting. Following our live fire training, we will begin preparations for our upcoming

deployment to Pinon Canyon to help our fellow Soldiers in 1st Brigade prepare for their future combat deployment.

In addition to training, Comanche Company was select-ed to serve as the divisions fu-

neral support team. Our Sol-diers are responsible for serving as an active duty honor guard for active duty and retired Sol-diers that request a military fu-neral. Our Soldiers are responsi-

ble for presenting the family of fallen Soldiers with a folded flag in honor of their service, playing Taps on the bugle to signify

that they can begin their rest, and finally providing a firing squad to render a 21 gun salute. The 21 gun salute is a time hon-ored tradition that can be traced back to earliest of wars. This gesture signifies the passing of a warrior to grant them peace.

Although Comanche

(Continued on page 9) C CO, 2-4 GSAB, 4th Combat Aviation BDE, instructs MEDEVAC cold load training to Comanche Soldiers

SSG Wagner instructs Soldiers on Air Assault Cold Load Procedures on a CH-47 at Butts Army Airfield

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

Company has been hard at work, we had an opportunity to relax and take a ski trip to Love-land Ski Resort, on April 10th. This event, hosted by the Mo-rale Welfare and Recreation office, was part of the Warrior Adventure Quest program, which allows Soldiers returning from deployment to decompress and enjoy the beautiful country we protect. This great event introduced many Comanche Soldiers to a new sport and highlighted the many opportuni-ties the local area has to offer.

Lastly, Comanche Company would like to issue a warm welcome to 1SG Joe Gas-kin, his wife Brenda, and their sons Caleb and Shane as they join the company. We are excit-ed to have such an experienced army family join our own!

Until the next time, Comanche Company is Getting After It!

Comanche 6 & 7

Comanche Company on the slopes of Loveland Ski Area

C CO, 2-4 GSAB, 4th Combat Aviation BDE, Instructs MEDEVAC cold load

training to Comanche Soldiers

PVT Pettus, of Comanche Company, engages a 400m target with the M249 while being coached by

SFC Maldonado


ing elsewhere in the Army, the Company is exceptionally proud to see these Soldiers continue their service. Dog 6 & 7

Dog CompanyHeavy Weapons in Action by CPT Jim Lee and 1SG Keiven Favor

The Company

conducted a

TOW Missile

range, allowing

8 gunners in the

Company the

opportunity to

fire a TOW

Missile.

Throughout April, Dog Company has completed numerous individual and crew training events, as well as under-gone numerous leadership changes. The Company con-ducted a Section PT Competi-tion, which 3rd Platoon won. Following the competition, the Company held a FRG barbecue in the Delta Company COF. The following week, the Com-pany conducted a TOW Missile range, allowing 8 gunners in the Company the opportunity to fire a TOW Missile. This was the first time in over 2 years the Company had conducted a TOW range. Following the TOW range, the Company has turned its efforts to establishing and training truck crews in prep-aration for gunnery conducted from May 11th through the 15th. The Company has utilized the Close Combat Tactical Trainer simulators to allow crews to practice fire commands and target engagement in a vir-

tual environment, prior to live gunnery. On April 8th, the Company said goodbye to 1SG James Edling, as he turned re-sponsibility for the Company over to SFC Keiven Favor. 1SG Edling had served in Delta Company for over 3 years, and he and his familys contribution

have made a lasting impression upon the Company. SFC Keiv-en Favor, his wife Katie, and son Coben were welcomed to the Company, and we look for-ward to his leadership and their involvement in the Company through the coming months. Additionally, the Company wel-comed 1LT Josh Dragnett to the Company as the 3rd Platoon Leader. Finally, Dog Company would like to congratulate SGT Kyle Baldwin, SPC Andrew Crotts, and SPC Eddie Bell on their reenlistments. Whether staying at Fort Carson, or mov-

A Dog Company Soldier fires a TOW Missile during the Companys 10 April TOW Range. During the range,

Soldiers in the company were able to refine their skills at engaging targets with the missiles and verify the functionality of all the

Companys ITAS systems.

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

(Above) 1SG Edling and SFC Favor following the Change of Responsibility for Dog Company on April 8th

(Below) SGT Labroski trains Dog Company Soldiers during the BN Machine Gun Squad Competition. The competition offered Dog Company Soldiers who dont normally serve in a traditional Infantry Weapons Squad the ability to refine their

dismounted machine gun skills.


Geronimo CompanyKeeping the Red Warriors Moving by CPT Ralph Mora and 1SG Joseph Davis

Every Soldier in

the platoon has

been instrumental

in keeping the

battalions

equipment

running as we

lead up to a full

summer of

training.

two weeks. On top of that, SPC Yuldashev (92F) and PFC Isa-belle (88M), both newly assigned to the weapon system, went to the MK19 range and both quali-fied expert on their first time firing the qualification table.

The Field Feeding Section worked tirelessly in Warfighter Dining Facility to provide nutritious meals to all of 2IBCT. Additionally, Soldiers participated in various culinary events. PFC Johnson went to Fort Lee for a culinary competi-tion in which she participated in three events: classic cuts, indi-vidual dish, and a cold table setup. She won the bronze medal for the first two events. PV2 Gildo and PFC Bradley both participated in the food enhancement course for two weeks here at Fort Carson. During this training, they were both certified SERVSAFE, meaning they demonstrated that they are responsible to prepare food without supervision. At


What a busy month its been for Geronimo Company! Along with springtime in Colo-rado, April brought a training schedule full of events. On top of the battalion range density weeks and the start of rail load operations for Cadet Summer Training, Geronimo Company had a lot of other events going on.

Maintenance Platoon has stayed busy supporting the battalion maintenance mission along with other taskings. Every Soldier in the platoon has been instrumental in keeping the bat-talions equipment running as

we lead up to a full summer of training. During the range den-sity weeks, SPC Shackleton (91F) supported the battalion by assisting in small arms repair issues on ground at the ranges, fixing any problems on the spot to allow companies to continue

their training. The recovery team conducted two recovery missions, providing support to units whose trucks had gotten stuck in transit to or from train-ing.

Distribution Platoon has been busy this past month, not only support-ing our battalion through range weeks but also as-sisting 704BSB with rail-head operations and 1-41 Infantry with the trans-portation of their ammo. All 15 Soldiers are doing an outstanding job com-pleting a wide variety of different taskings and missions. During our battalion range weeks, Distro PLT Soldiers transported companies to and from the ranges using buses, transported small arms ammunition, mortar rounds, and TOW mis-siles to various ranges, successfully completing multiple drops and pickups throughout the

New Geronimo Company Commander CPT Ralph Mora with his family at his Change of Command

Ceremony. His wife, son, daughter, and grandson joined him for the event

1SG Joseph Davis leads Geronimo Company in formation at the Change of Command Ceremony for CPT Ralph Mora

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

the end of the course they each prepared a five course meal, demonstrating the different methods of cooking they

(Continued from page 12) learned during their training.

Additionally, Geroni-mo Company conducted an FRG event at the Fort Carson Bowling Alley on April 10th, which was a success. Many Sol-

diers and their families attended and were able to welcome our new Commander, CPT Ralph Mora, and his wife, Irma, to the company with an evening of fun. The change of command between CPT Matt Howard and CPT Ralph Mora occurred on April 24th. Although it was sad to see CPT Howard go, the company is excited to have CPT Mora and his family as a part of the Geronimo Family.

Geronimo 6 & 7

PFC Brandon Isabelle from Distro Platoon fires the MK-19 grenade launcher during range density week, qualifying expert

PFC Mears, a Geronimo Company mechanic makes rapid repairs at the railhead on a brake line


HHC has been a cru-cial part of the Battalions train-

ing over these past few months as we have transitioned from post deployment leave into training at full speed towards the next combat mission.

EIB

The first major training event that HHC attacked this spring was the Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) qualification test. In late March, over 600 Soldiers throughout the Brigade trained for several weeks to compete for their EIB. To qualify for the EIB, Soldiers had to score over 70% in each event of the APFT, qualify expert with their M4 Rifle, and complete a 12 mile foot march in less than three hours. During the week of rigor-ous testing Soldiers were re-quired to master day and night land navigation, assemble and disassemble numerous weapon systems within a strict time standard, and flawlessly execute daily training lanes designed to test their professional knowledge as Infantrymen as well as their physical and mental strength. In the end, only 23

Hatchet Company Train and Execute by CPT Jaylen Smith and 1SG Matthew ONeil

HHC conducted

its Scout Platoon

Assessment to

find the absolute

best Soldiers to

serve in the

Battalions

Reconnaissance

Platoon

completed the testing and earned the prestigious Expert Infantry Badge. HHC was ex-

tremely proud that four of our Soldiers earned their EIBs, CPT Thomas TC Bowcutt, 1LT

Andrew Nieminski, 1LT Jeff Lee, and 1LT Vytas Kap Ka-

pacinskas. We are also proud that HHC had more soldiers earn their EIB than any other company in the Brigade.

Best Ranger

Soon after EIB, 1LT Nieminski teamed up with 1LT Tim Robberstad to complete in the Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning GA. This was the 32nd annual running the Best Ranger Competition which is regarded as of one the worlds most difficult military competi-tions. 1LT Nieminski and 1LT Robberstad finished 18th overall of the 51 teams who began in

(Continued on page 15) Scout, recon, and Sniper teams refine new skills as rail ops teams

SFC Argent, the Mortar Platoon Sergeant, and Red Warrior kids experience the M2 Machine Gun at the Brigade Family Day

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

this incredibly difficult three-day competition; only 24 teams actu-ally finished. Their success in the competition is a remarkable achievement for these two Of-ficers. They did an outstanding job in their first attempt at Best Ranger, and proudly represented not only the Red Warrior Battal-ion, but also the Brigade and the Division.

Scouts

In the first week of April, HHC conducted its Scout Platoon Assessment to find the absolute best Soldiers to serve in the Battalions Reconnaissance Platoon. Every Company sent highly motivated Soldiers who volunteered for a week of gruel-ing physical and mental assess-ment for a chance to serve as our Battalions Scouts. These

Soldiers will conduct reconnais-sance operations for the Battal-ion, often requiring them to push beyond the front lines of our Rifle Companies to provide vital information about the ene-my and the battlefield. The Recon Platoon Sergeant, SFC Branden Velazquez, was respon-sible for planning the assess-ment, and all members of the current Scout Platoon took part in selecting the new Scouts. After a tough week of training, 11 new Soldiers were selected

and we look forward to serving with them over the next months. Conclusion

With

individual

training com-

plete, HHC

stands ready to

tackle the up-

coming chal-

lenges of col-

lective training

as we move

into the sum-

mer months.

We are starting

with Fire

Team valida-

tion this May,

and then fol-

lowed by

Squad valida-

tion in June. This training will

certify that our Soldiers can

shoot, move, and communicate

together as a lethal team. Also

we will send many of our Sol-

diers to support other training,

such as ROTC Cadet Summer

Training in Fort Knox Ken-

tucky, and the 1st Stryker Bri-

gades Pinon Canyon exercise.

Further, HHC is also supporting

the Installation Reaction Force,

taking part in the vital role of

security of Fort Carson. We all

look forward to these busy and

exciting months as we charge

ahead towards the next deploy-

ment.

-Hatchet 6 & 7

Soldiers from Hatchet Company take a break during their Safety Check Ride to eat lunch and discus the return route to Fort Carson.

CPT Benjamin Hooker is presented his guidon by 1SG Matthew ONeil prior to departing FT Cason for his next assignment


Battalion Staff Sections

Undeterred, I

eagerly filled out

the sheet. That

week I enlisted in

the U.S Army to

serve as a Human

Resources

Specialist

S1 A Privates Life for Me by PFC Tianna McDonald

Most people assume that being a Private in the mili-tary is simple. You do what you are told to do, when you are told to do it, and how you are told to do it. That is a pretty accurate statement, but there is a little more to it. I am Private First Class Tianna McDonald and this is my experience in the Army thus far. I signed up for the Army in November of my senior year in high school. I had committed to Eastern Washington Univer-sity on a cheer scholarship when an Army Recruiter came into my finance class. I listened to his speech and was intrigued by the presentation. The recruiters

message was filled with what I suspected were normal catch phrases intended to persuade

my peers to join, such as, Only 1% of America can do this,

You can have free schooling

and good benefits, and the

familiar Be your families he-ro. Despite the colloquial na-

ture of these sayings, my atten-tion was caught by the fact that he was only talking to the males in the class. All the signup sheets that he had passed around the classroom somehow found their way to the football players, the wrestlers, etc, so when he was finished I raised my hand and asked for a sheet. He looked surprised, bewildered that a four foot tall high school cheerleader would want to join the military. Undeterred, I eager-ly filled out the sheet. That week I enlisted in the U.S Army to serve as a Human Resources

Specialist. The rest of that year was filled with naysayers; many people made remarks about how I had a made huge mistake by joining, that I would fail out of basic training, that I would quit or even worse, make it through and hate it. Many of these de-tractions came from my teach-ers, but all the negative remarks only motivated me. The satisfac-tion of proving everyone wrong was what really made me decide to fully commit myself and put my all into the decision. I was determined to give the Army everything I had, whether it was sweeping a sidewalk in 90 degree heat, making copies, or in-processing a new Soldier. I would do it to the best of my abilities. That summer I shipped off to Ft. Jackson, South Caroli-

PFC Tianna McDonald holds a tray of awards being presented to Red Warriors by LTC Michael Avey

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

na, where I graduated Basic Training and Advanced Individ-ual Training. Upon completion of my training I received assign-ment orders for my first duty station, Ft. Carson, Colorado, where I was assigned to the 2nd

Infantry Brigade Combat Team. My first day as a Red Warrior was a culture shock. Having just come from Basic Training as a brand new E-1, I was still in the dont speak un-less spoken to mindset. How-

ever, when Specialist Miranda, a Battalion S-1 Clerk, brought me from reception to the battalion headquarters, I was surprised by the degree of respect I was given despite my limited time in the military, as compared to the majority of the unit who had just returned from Afghanistan to Ft. Carson. I started to train as the new S1 Leaves and Finance clerk the next day. Being in that section helped me to gain a solid understanding of the basic S1 tasks, including the many differ-ent forms we work with, where to find them, how to organize my office space, and many other things that helped me get ac-quainted with the large amount of Soldiers we support.

Because I performed well I have been moved to the Awards section; a very visible, on- going, and demanding sec-tion. My job is to ensure that all the awards in the battalion are processed correctly and swiftly. This requires me to work closely with the leadership of the com-panies and battalion. I believe that this gives me an insight not usually afforded Soldiers of my rank into what leaders handle and how to operate at higher levels. As a PFC, it is a huge responsibility, but I am grateful for the chance to take charge of the section and show that rank does not always determine skill. One of my main observa-tions, especially being a female in an Infantry Battalion is that SHARP is taken seriously. In Basic Training my counterparts and I were briefed frequently, but most of the time my fellow Privates did not take the subject seriously. I was frustrated by their lack of maturity. This is why when I became a Red War-rior, I was amazed by the vigi-lant attitude displayed by my leadership and the communal respect afforded to everyone. One of my favorite things about

One of my

favorite things

about being a

Red Warrior is

how courteous

everyone is

towards one

another

being a Red Warrior is how courteous everyone is towards one another and how leadership is always willing to help Soldiers out in any situation. I know that the NCOs and Officers around me would always help me or get me to the right person if need be. Being a private in an S1 shop has proven to be difficult.

I am given a large responsibility and expected to perform, to take care of customers while han-dling current work in my and others sections, and to learn new skills every day. At times it can seem a bit overwhelming, but even now I can see in part the value in my position. I can hon-estly say that I do not regret joining the Army. I have en-joyed my time in the Red Warri-or Battalion and look forward to what the future holds. And if you need an award processed, now you know who to call.

PFC Tianna McDonald, 1LT Eric Brauninger, SSG Lashawn Grooms, and SGT Adrian Rushing wait for the start of

Command and Staff



S2 The Islamic State Threat by SPC Nicholas Hodges

The Islamic State (IS) has rapidly risen from a small insurgency to a global threat. The organization has become a lead Islamist terrorist group in the world and has done so through a level of violence to-wards civilians that most rival groups would not dare ap-proach. As IS becomes more powerful, America and its allies may be forced to take action beyond airstrikes and training advisors.

The creation of IS started as a fantasy of Jordanian born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who fled from Afghanistan to Iraq in 2001. Shortly after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Zarqawi started Jamaat al

Tawhid wal-Jihad (the forerun-ner of IS) with the help of Samir Abd Muhammad al-Khlifawi. Khlifawi was a former member of Saddam Husseins army and

was a major factor in the for-mation of the principles behind

the group. Papers found after Khlifawis death indicate he may

have been the actual founder of IS. Zarqawis organization ap-

proached radical Islam different-ly than most groups as they tar-geted Shia Muslim civilians much more than the Westerners that most groups were targeting. In 2004, Zarqawi decided to join forces with Osa-ma bin Laden and renamed his organization Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). Soon, however, AQIs


A flow diagram of countries from which residents or citizens have reportedly gone to fight for the Islamic State.

**Disclaimer**

As an Infantry Unit Intelligence Section in garrison, training for analysts comes through researching and analyzing terror-ist threats around the world. None of the opinions or analysis within this article constitute Army or national policy. This essay by SPC Hodges was developed for training purposes. It is included in the Battalion newsletter to demonstrate the staffs intense train-

ing that will eventual-ly yield critical sup-port to our infantry-men on mission.

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

targeting of civilians created a rift between the two organiza-tions. By 2006, Zarqawi began to have aspirations of becoming more than an insurgency leader. He began to see himself as a spiritual leader and insisted that Iraqi Sunnis adhere to his inter-pretation of sharia law. Howev-er, these ambitions were cut short when Zarqawi was killed in a 2006 U.S. airstrike. By 2011, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had taken control of AQI and being Iraqi allowed for more sympathy and support from Iraqis. Additional-ly, the group rebranded itself as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). With a larger force at his dispos-al, Baghdadi decided to begin targeting Shia Muslims support-ive of President Bashar Assad in Syria. ISI was then renamed the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In 2014, Syrian forces delivered a large blow to the rebels when they retook the city of Homs, the heart of the uprising. Baghdadi, however, had larger plans in Iraq and ISIL took the city of Mosul which demonstrated ISILs ability to seize and control large territories in Iraq. Baghdadi then used this opportunity to declare a cali-phate and rename the group the Islamic State (IS).

The Islamic State has expanded their influence to sev-eral other countries beyond Iraq and Syria. Additionally, IS claims territory in Libya, the Sinai Pen-insula, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Algeria, Afghanistan, and Paki-stan. Members are also in Mo-rocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Israel, and Palestine. This influ-ence is due to insurgents in these areas pledging allegiance to Baghdadi and IS. Furthermore, approximately one fifth of the foreign fighters joining IS have migrated from Western and European countries.

The Islamic State is very devoted to a very strict version of Sunnism called Salafism. The group seeks abso-lute control over the Muslim world as the only caliphate and wishes to purify the world by death to all infidels. IS intends

to turn their controlled territory into a state where they control everything to include education, policing, and taxes. This state would increase the power and wealth that already partly moti-vates IS leadership. Further-more, the organization has a very medieval view on life from warfare and slavery to how they speak. Additionally, the organi-zation firmly believes that an

apocalypse will come soon. Many of their actions are in preparation for the end of the world, such as capturing the religiously significant Syrian city of Dabiq. The reason for this is that Koranic prophecies state that this city is where the Armies of Rome will set up

camp and be met by the Armies of Islam.

In order to accomplish their main goal of implementing a legitimate caliphate, the Islam-ic State must continue to capture and maintain territory. To be legitimate to Muslims, a cali-phate must have territory in which to fully enforce Islamic Law. IS must also continue to garner support from Sunni Mus-lims around the world. They can accomplish this by ensuring strict adherence to the Koran in an attempt to instill fear as well as continue their jihad against infidels and apostates

(Muslims whom do not adhere to the Koran).

The Islamic State is a very structured organization whose leadership allows IS to quickly respond to issues. The organization has a commander-in-chief, who also serves as the


Territory controlled by Islamic State as of the beginning of 2015

**Disclaimer**





S2 The Islamic State Threat (Continued) by SPC Nicholas Hodges

caliph, which has a council of advisors. Under the commander-in-chief are deputies for both Iraq and Syria with 12 governors responsible for specific areas for each country under each deputy. Each governor is in charge of eight councils: financial (managing the sale of oil and the purchase of weapons and sup-plies), leadership (implementation and drafting of laws), military (defense of the territory), legal (crime and pun-ishment), assistance (ensuring fighters are adequately re-sourced), security (internal polic-ing), intelligence (information gathering) and media (releasing statements and propaganda, and overseeing militants' use of so-cial media). The commander-in-chief of IS and proclaimed ca-liph is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The deputy of Syria is Abu Ali al-Anbari and the deputy of Iraq is Abu Muslim al-Turkmani. These deputies make many key decisions and oversee each re-

(Continued from page 19) spective country. Other key members include military coun-cil members Abu Ayman al-Iraqi and Abu Ahmad al-Alwani, Ah-mad Abousamra (lead propagan-dist) as well as Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi (formerly in charge of IS operations in Southern Iraq). Important cabinet members include Bashar Ismail al-Hamdani (head of prisoners), Muafaq Mustafa Mohammed al-Karmoush, known as Abu Salah (head of finances in Iraq), Abu Hajar al-Assafi (head of internal messages), and Abdullah Ahmed al-Meshedani (in charge of the arrival of foreign fighters' arri-val).

The terrorist group that has most influenced IS is al-Qaeda (AQ). Although the two have recently had disagreements over the targeting of civilians, al-Qaeda had a major impact on IS in its early years. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi pledged allegiance to Osama bin Laden and for a while named his organization after al-Qaeda. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) also

provides financial support and fighters for IS. The group also has connections to terrorist groups throughout the world that have pledged allegiance to Baghdadi. Countries that have reportedly helped finance IS are Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Ara-bia, although Saudi Arabia has now passed laws against financ-ing terrorist groups.

In the early days of IS, the group utilized foreign suicide bombers and not much else. For the past few years, IS has built a formidable, well-trained and equipped army which can seize and control cities that were pre-viously held by the Iraqi military. Although IS has recently lost territories, such as Tikrit, they still control much of Mosul, parts of Fallujah and Anbar Province. The Islamic State is able to control this territory through mass executions, public beheadings, suicide attacks, and a strong military. While some Sunni Muslims do support IS, it is through these tactics that they


Structure of Islamic State Leadership

**Disclaimer**



VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

instill fear and chaos as a meas-ure of control.

The Islamic State pre-sents one of the greatest current threats to the Middle East of any religious/terrorist organization. The group is more sophisticated and organized than at any time in its history and still evolving. While they do not currently pose

a large threat to the U.S. or al-lies, save Israel, the potential is there. Recent arrests throughout the U.S. and Europe prove that IS could potentially exploit these assets and have them carry out more attacks abroad. Additional-ly, recent high-profile attacks in Libya and France dictate ISs

intent to broaden their threat

area.

The Islamic State is

now a global threat and a danger

to global society as a whole. The

groups strict interpretation of

the Koran, financial revenue,

and continued support means

that any prospect of peace is

very unlikely. As their influence

spreads around the world, the

U.S. and its allies will likely be

forced to take more serious ac-

tion to mitigate this threat.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi leader of the Islamic State

Islamic State Fighters with captured Iraqi Trucks and Weapons

**Disclaimer**





The S-3 Shops

current

planning

priority is the

platoon live

fire exercise set

to take place in

August

S3Plan and Plan Some More by 1LT Andrew Nieminski

As the Red Warriors progress deeper into their training schedule, the Bat-talions S-3 Shop is running a mile a minute to ensure 1-12 Infantry is amply prepared for the battles ahead. At the end of April, the Red Warriors con-ducted range density week. 1-12 Infantry had every Company actively engaged in training and perfecting their craft as Infantry-men, shooting almost every weapon system in our arsenal.

As the origin of every operation coming through the battalion, the S-3 Shop is always looking to take down the 300 meter target. The S-3 Shops current planning priority is the platoon live fire exercise set to take place in August. With the battalion stretched thin over three different states by exten-sive manning taskings for the Cadet Sumer Training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, the Exportable Combat Training Capability in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and the 1SBCT supported training at Pinon Cannon Maneuver Site in

Southern Colorado, staying ahead of the game has become decisive to success. 1LT James Lockett, the Project Officer for the field training exercise in August , has already began wrangling the field trainings

initial planning, ensuring all tac-tical, doctrinal, and logistical concerns are addressed.

1LT Zach Rossow has been busy developing the rail-head plan of action for the bri-gade to be used for the vehicular movement to the Cadet Summer Training and the brigades up-

coming logistical movement to the National Training Center this fall. 1LT Tim Robberstad and 1LT Andrew Nieminski recently returned from Fort Benning, Ga where they repre-sented the 4th Infantry Division at the Best Ranger Competition. Despite a condensed 4 week train up, they managed to place 18th out of 51 teams. The 60 hour, 60 mile plus competition was originally developed to test each Rangers mental, physical,

and technical fortitude and, ulti-

mately, recognize the top Rang-ers and the units they represent. Throughout the rigors of this Ranger Olympics, only 24 out

of the 51 participating teams were even able to finish the con-test. Having two Soldiers from the same Battalion compete as a Division team against the Armys best is a testament of the

caliber of Soldiers that make up the Red Warrior Battalion.

Although the work seems to be exponentially in-creasing, the S-3 Shop is going through some extensive person-nel changes. In the coming months, the S-3 Shop will be losing their officer in charge, Maj Christopher Hallows, who will be taking the Brigade S-3 position. 1LT Tim Robberstad will be filling a position on the 4th Infantry Division staff. 1LT Michael Poist will be perma-nently changing duty stations to attend the Special Forces Career Course in Fort Brag, NC. 1LT Marco Garcia will be taking a Platoon as for Blackfoot Com-pany, Blackfoot 16. SFC Samuel Bethea will be helping 1-41 Infantry stand up their Medical Platoon. SSG Jacob Haag and SSG Scott Kuenz will both be going to Recruiter School and moving to their respective dis-tricts upon completion- and the Army keeps rolling along.

Before the S-3 Shop, as

we currently know it, becomes

reassembled, Maj Hallows will

be taking the shop on a half

marathon run during Physical

Training. During long run days,

the Shop has been increasing

mileage to build up for this cul-

minating PT session.

1LT Tim Robberstad and 1LT Andrew Nieminski evacuate a casualty through an

obstacle course during the Best Ranger Competition

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

Before the S-3

Shop, as we

currently know it,

becomes

reassembled, Maj

Hallows will be

taking the shop on

a half marathon

run during

Physical Training

(Above) MAJ Hallows leads the S3 shop officers on a tactical foot march

(Below) 1LT Nieminski oversees 1-12 Soldiers while they unload rail car spanners during preparations for rail head operations


unit reclaimed its history. It's about the guys who came before us, Maj. Michael Starz said. To

reconnect with those forefa-thers, the brigade celebrated the 154th birthday of the 12th In-fantry Regiment, which includes two 2nd Brigade battalions. The regiment had its origins in the Civil War and a history that in-cludes service in nearly every conflict that followed. They

put this regiment in the hardest places in the hardest times in our history, brigade commander

Col. Brian Pearl told more than 2,000 troops who gathered on a

Steven Brown and PFC Anifah Bradley, 18, of Geronimo Com-pany.

The event also re-ceived coverage by Tom Roeder of the Colorado Springs Ga-zette. The following excerpt was published in The Gazette on May 3rd:

Last month, the unit switched names, dropping the 4th Brigade Combat Team mon-iker in favor of the new title, which belonged to a unit that was folded this year in the face of Pentagon budget cuts. But, with a birthday celebration, the

On April 30th the Red Warriors joined together with our sister battalion, the Lethal Warriors of 2-12IN, to celebrate the 154th birthday of the 12th Infantry Regiment. Although May 3rd marks the official birth-day of the 12th Infantry Regi-ment, the celebration took place early due to the upcoming week-end. In recognition of the birth-day, Soldiers of both battalions participated in a 3-mile regimen-tal run through the 2nd Brigade area which was followed by a ceremony on the 2nd Brigade parade field.

During the ceremony, the brigade commander and both battalion commanders commended the Soldiers of the regiment for their actions, both past and present. The company commanders of each battalion retraced the units lineage by reading historical accounts of 12th Infantry Regiment Soldiers during major conflicts over the last 154 years. The end of the celebration was marked by the cutting of the birthday cake. The cake was cut by the Com-mand Sergeants Major of each battalion as well as the youngest Soldier from each battalion. 1-12IN was represented by CSM

The youngest Soldiers in the regiment were chosen

to cut the regiments birthday cake under the watchful eyes of their CSMs

The company guidons of the 1-12 Infantry Regiment stand in front of the battalion formation

In recognition

of the birthday,

Soldiers of both

battalions

participated in a

3-mile

regimental run

through the 2nd

Brigade area


S4 Regimental Birthday Celebration by CPT Vytas Kapacinskas

parade field to celebrate the regiment after a long morning run.

The ceremony gave the Red Warriors insight on the rich heritage that they come from as they continue to write new pag-es in the history of the 12th In-fantry Regiment.

Page 25 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

Geronimo 1-12 cooks created a massive cake for Soldiers to enjoy after the ceremony

COL Pearl addresses the Soldiers of the 12th Infantry Regiment,

discussing the 154 years of honorable service to the nation

LTC Avey shares a brief history of the 12th Infantry Regiment



Were more

than aware of

the difference of

having effective

communications

and having the

ability to

communicate

S6 Say Again, Over by SSG Charles Howard

Preparing for opera-tions, whether at home station or deployed to an austere envi-ronment, is no small task. A lot of planning and preparation is required to ensure that equip-ment is resourced and in work-ing order. The CNR (Combat Net Radio) section has to install radios and JCR (Joint Capabili-ties Release) systems in vehicles, conducting functions checks on the different communications systems and train Soldiers on conducting and setting up a retransmission station. While this is happening, the automa-

tions section works on the plans to set up the computer networks to allow the use of the internet and emails by arranging LOS (line of sight) shots to commu-nication towers or to satellites. As all this is happening, the S6 OIC and NCOIC conduct re-cons, coordinating with outside agencies, and attending briefings to plan the operation. But, no matter how much planning and preparation is done, there is always the possibility of a break-down in communication sys-tems and a breakdown in com-municating. We know this as

the human variable.

As members of the S6 were more than aware of the

difference of having effective communications and having the ability to communicate. Have you ever tried to relay a message or give an update on the radio, but you cannot understand the person on the other side? At some point we have all gathered around a radio trying to decipher the transmission, asking each other What did he say?, or

asking them to Say it again.

over and over. I sometimes think that commanders find humor in assigning a Soldier with speech impediments, strong accents, or Soldiers

whose second language is Eng-lish as their RTOs (Radio Trans-mission Operators). Being in S6 means that you sometimes get tasked with the job to provide effective communications to those who cannot effectively communicate. To give a better illustration, here is an actual conversation that happened in Iraq between a Battalion Com-mander (Regular 6) and his Tac-tical Operations Center (Regular Main) during the Iraqi elections.

Regular 6: Regular Main, I need

an update on the polling sta-tions, Over.

Regular Main: Regular 6, All 35

polling stations are manned and prepare for the elections to start. Over.

Regular 6: Regular Main, I did

not ask for that. What is the status of the polling stations? Over.

Regular Main: Regular 6, Our

Soldiers have linked up with the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police at all 35 polling stations, break. We have 4 polling stations with Ti-


SGT Lener Warden, PVT Rosevelest Stegal, and SPC Clarissa Arndt

work with a 117 G TACSAT Radio

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

In the past our

ability to

communication was

dependent on

distance, terrain, and

weather. It used to

take days or even

weeks to relay

information over

long distances. This

is no longer the case. gris teams prepare to search female local nationals, and are prepared for the elections to start in 2 hours. Over.

Regular 6: Regular Main, NO..

NO.. NO.. You are not listen-ing. You need to shut up and listen. Over

Regular Main: Regular 6, Rog-

er. Over.

Regular 6: Regular Main, See.

See. See. You are still talking and not listening. If you are talking, you are not listening. So you need stop talking and listen. Over

Regular Main: ..

Regular 6: Regular Main, You will respond when I am talking to you. Over.

Regular Main: (BN XO over-hearing the transmission enters the TOC and takes the micro-phone from the confused RTO.) Regular 6, this is Regular 5, all

polling stations are manned and ready. Over.

Regular 6: Regular 5, that a

good copy. Thats all I needed. Thanks, Nothing further. Regu-lar 6 OUT.

Battle Captain: Somebody go

get S6, the radio is broken and the commander cannot under-stand us.

During the course of

history, the task of a signal sol-

dier has changed dramatically.

We constantly have to change

with the advancement of tech-

nology. In the past our ability to

communication was dependent

on distance, terrain, and weath-

er. It used to take days or even

weeks to relay information over

long distances. This is no longer

the case. With the advancement

of technology, we have been

able to overcome most of those

obstacles. This means that sig-

nal soldiers have to be trained

for todays operational environ-

ment. Even though, as the Ar-

my we have vast communication

assets at our disposal to include

high frequency radios, satellite

communications, government

cell phones, and of course the

internet, we have to remember

that the device is only as effec-

tive as the operator.

PFC Micah Weber, SPC Michael Sampedro, SPC (P) Kent Witzens, and SPC Clarissa Arndt

enjoy Brigade Family Fun Day with their Rockstar Energy Drinks


In my seven years of expe-rience as a pastor, minister, and Ar-my chaplain, I have worked with a number of couples and their rela-tionships. Some have been seriously dating, others engaged, many have been married and some have come to my office seeking counsel on the unique challenges of sharing parental responsibility with someone else who they are not in any kind of rela-tionship with. This accumulated experience certainly doesnt make me the expert on marriages and rela-

tionships. You only have to look as far as my own decade-long marriage to realize that I dont have it all figured out! However,

my work with couples and their relationships has afforded me some insight that I didnt carry with me seven years ago when I

graduated from seminary and became ordained as a pastor.

One of the challenges I regularly see young couples fac-ing in their relationship is the struggle to transition from being in a romantic relationship to being in a committed relationship. Often this hurdle comes around the same time that couples make the transition to being married to one another. It often strikes me that there is an enormous difference between being in love and being bound to another person for life.

Dont get me wrong, Im not suggesting that all commit-ted relationships are superior to romantic relationships. Im also

not suggesting that theres nothing romantic about the love a devoted couple shares with one another. In fact almost all mar-riages in our society start as some kind of romantic connection that blossoms into something deeper and more enduring. Thats

a simple fact, and yet the simplicity of it often belies the complex-ity of actually undergoing that transformation.

When relationships are in the earlier and more romantic stage, we often try to capture the magic of those blissful feelings and keep them in our hearts forever. Many young marriages struggle because couples fail to realize that their love wont always

carry the electricity of a lightning bolt. Love in those early stages can be so instantaneous and captivating, zapping us to grab our attention and infusing us with surging emotions and energy for our partner. The excitement of the electricity of that young love can even feel like a dangerous rush, and almost always feels like an exclusive privilege that we cherish deeply and want to hang onto forever.

I dont know if youve ever tried to hold onto electricity, though. Lightning isnt very easy to capture in a bottle. We try to

hold onto those romantic jolts that carry our relationships through the early years, assuming that the romance will be just as strong and the passion will be just the same if we only contain the magic of the moment in jars of good habits and sweet kisses. But love doesnt only exist in those lightning bolt moments, and last-

ing love rarely keeps the form of that electric and thrilling light-ning strike.

At some point almost all successful marriages that start-ed as a brilliant flash of heat and romantic electricity simmer into a fire that burns through the dark and cold nights of life, nights of separation and anxiety, nights of sickness and despair, nights of challenge and frustration. Romance still comes about and the passion ebbs and flows as the fire burns hotter or the cold draws closer. But couples who rely on the passion of the lightning bolt to get them through difficult times often find themselves in my office and disappointed that the romantic jolt they tried to cap-ture just isnt there when they need it.

Theres no magic recipe for how to navigate the blos-soming of romance into commitment. But as you go about that journey, as you notice the spark of your romance starting to settle into a fire and burn with embers that take vast amounts of water and time to extinguish, I hope you will do the things that need to be done in order to tend to that fire.

Anyone who has camped or tended to an old-fashioned fireplace knows that it takes work to keep a fire going. Fires have to be fed new fuel and energy to replace the ashes that are spent and no longer provide life. Relationships have to be replenished from time to time with new vigor and experiences, new energy and excitement. Fires also have to be kept under control or they run the risk of overwhelming the caretakers and consuming more than we can manage. Relationships, too, can run out of control with too much of a good thing, lacking the focus and slow, delib-erate growth that keeps the fuel burning hot and through the night.

As you carefully care for your spouses and your loved ones, I pray that you will notice that the embers and coals deep in the base of your relationship burn hotter and brighter than any lightning bolt of passion might provide. I encourage you to never treat your relationship or your marriage as a completed project or something that will always be magically sustained by the passion of your honeymoon.

Keep working on this marvelous opportunity you have to always make your relationship richer, more fulfilling, and better for both of you. Pay attention to your fire, and when it seems to be flaming out in one area after years of frustration or challenges, focus on that and stoke the coals back into something that wont

go out so easily.

Tend to your love, keep it fueled, and never give up on

it. If you do so, I pray that it will burn hotter than any challenge,

any separation, any deployment or any difficulty you might face.

Chaplains Message Fueling Your Marriage by Chaplain (CPT) Jeremie Vore

1,000 meters from the battalion

perimeter. As lead elements of

the relief force reached the be-

sieged observation post, intense

automatic weapons fire from

enemy occupied bunkers halted

their movement. Without hesita-

tion, Sgt. Roark maneuvered his

squad, repeatedly exposing him-

self to withering enemy fire to

hurl grenades and direct the fire

of his squad to gain fire superi-

ority and cover the withdrawal

of the outpost and evacuation of

its casualties. Frustrated in their

effort to overrun the position,

the enemy swept the hilltop with

small arms and volleys of gre-

nades. Seeing a grenade land in

the midst of his men, Sgt.

Roark, with complete disregard

for his safety, hurled himself

upon the grenade, absorbing its

blast with his body. SGT

Roark's magnificent leadership

and dauntless courage saved the

lives of many of his comrades

and were the inspiration for the

successful relief of the outpost.

His actions which culminated in

the supreme sacrifice of his life

were in keeping with the highest

traditions of the military service,

and reflect great credit on him-

self and the U.S. Army.

Soldiers selflessly sacrificed their

lives while engaging in fierce

combat with a determined ene-

my to save their fellow com-

rades. SGT Roark was a native

of Vallejo, California. He was a

young squad leader in C Compa-

ny, 1-12IN at the time of his

death in Kontum Province, Vi-

etnam on May 16, 1968. He had

just celebrated his 20th birthday

three months earlier. His re-

mains were lost and were not

recovered until November of

1979 when they were subse-

quently returned to his family

for burial. His Medal of Honor

citation follows as an example of

the tremendous heroism within

our Red Warrior past:

For conspicuous gal-

lantry and intrepidity in action at

the risk of his life above and

beyond the call of duty. Sgt.

Roark distinguished himself by

extraordinary gallantry while

serving with Company C. SGT

Roark was the point squad lead-

er of a small force which had

the mission of rescuing 11 men

in a hilltop observation post

under heavy attack by a compa-

ny size force, approximately

The Medal of Honor is

our nations highest decoration

for valor. The medal was first

introduced in 1861 as a means

to recognize gallantry in battle

of enlisted Soldiers within the

Army and Navy. In 1918 Con-

gress authorized the President to

award the Medal of Honor to,

each person who, while an

officer or enlisted man of the

Army, shall hereafter, in action

involving actual conflict with an

enemy, distinguish himself con-

spicuously by gallantry and in-

trepidity at the risk of his life

above and beyond the call of

duty. From that point forward

the medal was reserved for only

the most exemplary acts of her-

oism and valor.

Since the awards in-

ception, seven 12th Infantry Reg-

iment Soldiers have earned the

Medal of Honor. All but one

received the medal from the

Vietnam War. The Red Warrior

Battalion was deployed to Vi-

etnam from 1966-1970. Of the

six Medals of Honor earned in

the 12th Regiment during Vi-

etnam, two were earned by Red

Warriors PFC Louis E. Willett,

and SGT Anund C. Roark. Both

Page 29 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

SGT Anund Roark Red Warrior Medal of Honor Recipient

by 1LT Aaron Pool

SGT Anund C. Roark


For two weeks in April, 1-12 IN conducted our first post-deployment range density. A range density is a series of ranges designed to qualify Sol-diers on all of our organic weapon systems. The Red War-riors shot AT4 anti tank weap-ons, M9 pistols, M320 grenade launchers, M249 light machine guns, M240 medium machine guns, M2 heavy machine guns as well as M4 Known Distance and Close Quarters Marksman-ship ranges. The ranges were Company internal/self sup-ported or had one Company tasked to support the entire Battalions worth of firers. Range density week also in-cludes a machine gun team course led by Arrowhead Com-pany which consisted of a fa-miliarization fire at the EST, day and night qualification at the range, crew drills and a culminating late night to dawn 9.6 mile foot march. Range density proved to be a good opportunity to certify weapons

PVT Pettus, of Comanche Company, engages a 400m target with the M249 while being coached by SFC Maldonado

Range Density Week

by 1LT Michael Hardman

SGT Villani and SGT Miltenberger qualify on the M320 40mm grenade

launcher during the Red Warrior Range Density Weeks

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

squad gun crews as well as conduct a best weapons squad competition. Over the span of two weeks a lot of valuable training was accomplished. More than just Soldiers qualifying expert on the weapons systems for first time since redeployment, leaders were challenged to ef-fectively plan, coordinate with adjacent units, and ensure lo-gistics support, all factors con-tributing to successful team building. The schedule over the past two weeks has been an all inclusive training event with many priorities, requiring that the burden of responsibility within the Company and Pla-toons to be disseminated across all hands. Squad Leaders and Team Leaders have been more involved in range opera-tions than ever before, profes-sionally developing them for the opportunity when they become that range NCOIC. Despite the important training that was being con-ducted, we as a Company, had to battle red cycle tasks, mak-ing it difficult to get the neces-sary personnel to the appropri-ate ranges. Everyone remained flexible and adaptive through-out the 10 days and we made

it happen. Proper execution

of maintenance before depar-ture had a direct correlation to effective training. I personally learned quickly not to cut cor-ners on range preparation. Whether we went to or ran that same range the day before, we still had to run top to bottom through the range checklist. Spot checks and Inspections were the determining factor to how smooth the range ran each day. End state: Soldiers and leaders gained valuable training in a short amount of time, most qualifying expert on their primary and specialty weapons

systems. As a combined effort of Companies, the Battalion was able to achieve our goal of maximizing the number of Soldiers trained in the shortest time possible. Though not flawless in execution, the end state has been achieved and the Red Warrior Battalion is that much more lethal than it was two weeks ago.

SPC McMillan engages a target at 10m at the CQM range under the coaching of SSG Long

Arrowhead Soldiers train on close quarters marksmanship during the Red Warrior

Range Density Weeks. SFC Honaker, 2nd Platoon A Co Platoon Sergeant,

leads the company through qualification


SGT Nathan Brown hails from Del-

tona, Florida. Brown proudly repre-

sents the Scout Platoon and the Red

Warrior Battalion as the Brigade

NCO of the Year. SGT Brown

claims he was only able to even get

this far and to earn this title because

of the great NCOs that have invest-

ed in him. SGT Brown would like

the thank First Sergeant Tucker (former Scout Platoon Sergeant) for giving him so many

chances to prove himself as a Scout and for always leading from the front. He showed SGT

Brown and the Scout Platoon what a true NCO needed to do. SGT Brown would also like

to thank SSG Kreusel for providing an example of leadership when SGT Brown was a new

E-4. It was challenging, but he made sure I always did more than I thought I could. He

was the one who helped mold me into

what I am. Lastly, he wants to thank

SGT Ratzlaff for making sure he had

everything needed for this board, even

if that meant staying till 2030 on a Fri-

day night. He kept me motivated and

reassured me that I was going to win,

no questions asked. He is looking for-

ward to representing 2IBCT at the Di-

vision level competition. I want eve-

ryone to see what our war fighting bat-

talion produces. Always Red Warri-

ors! SGT Brown said.

SGT Nathan Brown, Assistant Squad Leader in 1-12 IN Scout Platoon, after winning

the 2IBCT NCO of the Year

Sergeant Nathan Brown, 2ng Brigade NCO or the Year

SGT Nathan Brown, with members of the Scout Platoon during the last deployment

The Red Warrior Path 14 MAY 2015

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Transcript of The Red Warrior Path 14 MAY 2015