WINTER WONDERLAND - Fort Jacksonjackson.armylive.dodlive.mil/files/2017/12/120717.pdf · Jackson...

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WINTER WONDERLAND ALSO INSIDE FORT JACKSON BATAAN DEATH MARCH TEAM SELECTED - P6 FMWR HOSTS MULTI-WORKOUT EXTRAVAGANZA - P7 FORT JACKSON OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON - P12-13 FORT JACKSON’S SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS SCORE HIGH IN EVALUATION P3 @FortJacksonPAO www.facebook.com/fortjackson @fortjacksonpao www.fortjacksonleader.com

Transcript of WINTER WONDERLAND - Fort Jacksonjackson.armylive.dodlive.mil/files/2017/12/120717.pdf · Jackson...

WINTERWONDERLAND

ALSO INSIDE

FORT JACKSON BATAAN DEATH MARCH TEAM

SELECTED - P6

FMWR HOSTSMULTI-WORKOUT

EXTRAVAGANZA - P7

FORT JACKSON OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON - P12-13

FORT JACKSON’S SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS SCORE HIGH IN EVALUATIONP3

@FortJacksonPAO www.facebook.com/fortjackson @fortjacksonpaowww.fortjacksonleader.com

��������Join us on FACEBOOK. Visit

FACEBOOK.COM/FORTJACKSON and click “like.�

TWITTER:@FORTJACKSONPAO

FRIDAY282nd Army Band Holiday Concert7-8 p.m., Patriot Hall, Sumter, S.C. A concert in celebration of Fort Jackson’s Centennial year, featuring the Crestwood High and Lakewood High School Chorus. “Home for the Holidays” is a general admission event open to the public. For free tickets contact ����3�� ����G��������5#" �����.���+�:���:�

SATURDAYMatinee Movie at the Library����!��C����3��� �@�! ���D��������������9���G����9�$ � ��������������� �����CED�#� �E��� ���6����� ���%#����������A���������� �need more information, contact 751-5589.

Army vs. Navy Viewing Party�����!��2�� ��� B��(��$�H�3�$�(�� ������the action on 18 television sets.

SUNDAYChildren’s Holiday Adventure11 a.m., NCO Club. Featuring face painting by Sarah Dippitty, creation stations, holiday buffet with breakfast and lunch items, magical music and games. Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite character and enjoy the festivities. Adults � ��?����� ���� ��������*���������� ��� ��?:���� �������� �� ���#� � ���� ��������+���� ��and under. For more information, contact ).�����.

DEC. 14282nd Army Band Holiday Concert)� !�� ���� ]��� � (���� � #� � ���� 6 ���� .�:�Park St., Columbia. A concert in celebration of Fort Jackson’s Centennial year, featuring ���������� �̂�'�G��������E��$� ��G����� �����choirs. For free tickets visit the Koger Center ���� 5#" �� $��'���� -� ��*� !� 2�������������& �����(���� �� ����$����#" �����.���)))�*���

Lego Club������� !�� ������ 9��� G���� 9�$ � �� �����your Lego brick building skills at the library. ������$ � ����������9����$ � 1�������$ �������� ��������� ����� ��� �� # ��� ������ %#� ���� �����A��������� � � ����� � �� ��#� ������� ���� ��751-5589.

DEC. 19Storytime at the Library�����������!��������9���G����9�$ � ��Winter is almost here so come to Storytime at the Library to hear winter stories, sing a winter song, and make a mittens ornament craft.

JAN. 2Watch Your Steps&������� ���� >��������� +�+-� ���� � ��� 6��employee walk and wellness program. ������ ������ ��'� �!��� �� ����� F� � ��� ��� ������ �� ���� ��3��9�������)*���)��

Holiday notesBasic Combat Training Museum�����(��2�����'����$�� ������# ��F� ��������)���0���������.

Thrift shop holiday notesChristmas items will be accepted until today. �������!�'����$�� ������ ����'��1��#�����1�-giving, and again for the holidays between F� ��������0���.�No consignments will be � �!������ ��������" ���'��1��#�������'����

Commissary holiday hours������(����� ��'����$���!���#� �$��������F� ��.�# �������:�!�%��'���$���!���#� ��!� ������� ��F� ��+�������+�!������'���� ���!���F� ��:����-��������(����� ��'����$���!���#� �$��������F� ����# �������:�!�������(����� ��'����$�� ������0����������'���� ���!���#� �$��������0��������-��

Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207This civilian enterprise newspaper, which has a

circulation of 10,000, is an authorized publication for

members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Fort Jackson

Leader are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed

by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense,

Department of the Army or Fort Jackson.

The appearance of advertising in this publication,

including inserts and supplements, does not constitute

endorsement by the Department of the Army or Camden

Media Co. of the firms, products or services advertised.

All editorial content of the Fort Jackson Leader is

prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public

Affairs Office of Fort Jackson.

The Fort Jackson Leader is published by Camden

Media Co., a private firm in no way connected with the

Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract

with Fort Jackson.

The civilian printer is responsible for commercial

advertising.

For display advertising rates and information call 803-

432-6157 or write Camden Media Company, P.O. Box 1137,

Camden, S.C. 29020. For classified advertising information

only: call 800-698-3514 or e-mail nwilson@chronicle-

independent.com or fax 803-432-7609.

For questions or concerns about subscriptions,

call 803-432-6157. To submit articles, story ideas or

announcements, write the Fort Jackson Leader, Fort

Jackson, S.C. 29207, call 803-751-7045 or e-mail fjleader@

gmail.com.

Commanding General................Maj. Gen. John P. Johnson

Garrison Commander.............................Col. Stephen Elder

Public Affairs Officer..................................Michael B. Pond

Garrison Public Affairs Officer........................Patrick Jones

Command Information Officer.............Christopher Fletcher

Editor........................................................Wallace McBride

Staff Writer..................................................Robert Timmons

Website: www.fortjacksonleader.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/fortjackson

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fortjacksonpaoInstagram: www.instagram.com/fortjacksonpao

Community CalendarSEND ALL

SUBMISSIONS [email protected]

Deadline for events to be includ-ed in the calendar or Happenings is one week before publication. Include the time, date and place the event will occur, as well as other necessary information.

If you submit an article on an event that already has taken place, please send it as soon as possible. Tuesday is the last day we will we be able to accept an article for publica-tion the following Thursday. Include the date and place of the event, as well as a description of what took place. Please include quotations, if possible. With any photo you submit, include IDs — rank, unit, and $����������������

Questions? Call 751-7045.

F27inyLto�

S

ON THE COVERSanta Claus greets Fort Jackson chil-

dren during the Fort Jackson Winter

Wonderland Christ-mas Treelighting

Celebration Dec. 1 at Patriots Park.

SEE PAGES12-13

Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS

Fort Jackson: Gate Operation HoursGATE 1:��Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and outbound traffic.

GATE 2:��Open around the clock daily.

GATE 4:��Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and

outbound traffic.

GATE 5:��Open 5 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday for inbound and out-bound traffic.��Closed 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.��Reopened 4 to 6 p.m. for out-bound traffic only. ��Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.

NEWS

By ROBERT TIMMONSFort Jackson Leader

The Department of Defense recently acknowledged Fort Jackson’s youth services programs for having the “highest level of program quality” by reaccrediting the entire installa-tion’s school age programs.

School-Age Centers of-fer before and after school programs, weekend ac-tivities during the school year, and summer care and camps during school va-cations and must be DOD � ��"���

Accreditation of school age programs highlights the professionalism of staff and helps Families know their children will be well-taken care of while parents are at work.

“Accreditation means as a program we have met the most rigorous standards possible in this industry,” said Allison Stephens, a program associate with the Hood Street School Age Center. It means “we operate in the spirit of ex-cellence.”

“This also gives parents piece of mind knowing the school age programs they choose are of the highest quality and the staff are acknowledged for their hard work, dedication and pride,” said Sunny Bolton, the post’s CYS coordinator.

Juanita Jackson, assistant director of the Imboden School Age Center agreed.

The reaccreditation “has helped us with the well-being of our children and parents by helping them feel welcome and comfortable,” she said.

=������������� �� ����������!���������� �~� ���������#�-cilities, but shows employee’s dedication as well.

Accreditation means as a program we have met the most rigorous standards possible in

this industry.

— Allison Stephens,Hood Street School Age Center

program associate

Quality

WORK

See QUALITY: Page 15

Fort Jackson’s school age programs score high marks in DoD evaluation

Gemma Clopton, the director of the 24/7 Lee Road Child Care Center in 2016, checks to ensure bed-ding at the facility is ready for children. The Department of Defense recently acknowledged Fort Jackson’s youth services programs for having the ‘highest level of program quality.’

Leader file photo

NEWS

By DEVON L. SUITSArmy News Service

In an effort to improve Soldier and unit ����������� ����6 ��"������ ������'�2����� �Handgun System to the 101st Airborne Divi-sion 18 months ahead of schedule, according ���9��(����������3�'� ��! ��� ������� �#� ������������ '��!���� '������ 3 �� �� @�� �-�����5#" ��������

“The Army selected the 101st Airborne $����������������������#�������'����������and ammunition being available, and the unit’s training and deployment schedules,” 3�'� ������C�����2�)������2�.�2����� �G�������������! �� ����������#�����" ��������'�����������#���� ��;�������##� ������������6 ��'����!� ������� ����������#�'���� �D

3@5������� ������������� ������$����=������������� ��������"��������#�����2G��

����6 �� !����� ��� "���� ���� 2G�� ��� ��-fantry brigade combat teams, Stryker brigade combat teams, heavy brigade combat teams, =�������� E�� �� �� �� ��� �$��� #� ���� F�-partment of the Army civilian gate guards, and the U.S. Army Special Forces Command, � � ��������F�$��F�'�����3@5������� �

The 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade ���&� �����������E�� ����������������������������������� � �����������'�2G�

�� ����� ���� 2-� ���� 2��� � �� �!! �� �-ing 30-years of service, the Army needed to "�������'�����������������������C� ��� -curate, ergonomic, reliable and durable, and has increased terminal effects,” according to ��� ������3@5�������

���� ! ���������� �������� ������� ��������� ���1�����" ��� ��������2-��#� ������� ���had a manual safety in the form of a decock-���� ���� � ���� 2��� ���� ��� ���� ���� ��#����

���� �� � � ����� ��� ��� ��� ��� 3@5� ������ �&� ��� � ��� ���� 2-� ���� !�� � � ����� ���lacks integrated rails for attaching targeting enablers, and does not support Army-issued suppressors.

During the source selection process, hand-����� ���� ���� ��������� '���� �� ����� ��-orous operational, developmental, and user-acceptance testing. The Army Armament ����� ��� F�����!����� ���� @������ ����Center and the Army Research Laboratory played a key role in determining the level of �����������#��� ��'��!������������� ���$� ��� � ����� ��� F� ��� @���� 1�� ���� 2������ �(���� ��#�@� ����� ��9���������� �� ����!���

C>�� '������ ��� "��� �� '��!���� �����������"����� ���##������� �!�$������D�@����� 1�added.

See GUN: Page 15

Fort JacksonMovie Schedule3319 Jackson Blvd. Phone: 751-7488

FRIDAY� Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13) 7 p.m.

SATURDAY� Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13) 1 p.m.� Murder On The Orient Express (PG-13) 5 p.m.

SUNDAY� Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13) 1 p.m.� Murder On The Orient Express (PG-13) 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY� Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13) 2 p.m.� Murder On The Orient Express (PG-13) 5 p.m.

......................................................

TICKETSAdult: $6 / Child (6 to 11): $4

3-D TICKETSAdult: $8 / Child (6 to 11): $6 � Ticket sales open 30 minutes before each movie.� Movie times and schedule are sub-ject to change without notice.

WWW.SHOPMYEXCHANGE.COM

The XM17 or Modular Handgun System is the Army’s newest handgun currently being fielded to Soldiers. The 101st Airborne Division is the first unit in the Army to field the service’s new handgun. The 101st Airborne Division began fielding the MHS, Nov. 28.

Photo by SGT. SAMANTHA STOFFREGEN

Army fields Modular Handgun

System ahead of schedule

December 7, 2017 The Fort Jackson Leader Page 5

NEWS

ABOUT THE EVENT:The Bataan Memorial Death March is a chal-lenging march through the high desert ter-rain of the White Sands Missile Range. The memorial march is conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sac-rificing their freedom, health, and, in many cases, their very lives.

PURE PERSEVERANCEFort Jackson Bataan Death March Team selected

Soldiers turned out Dec. 2 to compete to become members of the Fort Jackson Bataan Death March Team. Maj. Pete Hofman, a writer/instructor with the U.S. Army Chaplain Center ���� � ����� ��� ��� " ���� ���� ���� 9�� 2�����'�>�������� # �� @ ��� (�!����� ���� ���������������� %�#��� ���������� ��� ��� �� ���� ����##�����0���������������� ������ ����������� �'�������� /�� 6 �� F ���� �� ������ 6 ������ ���##�����6������$���������������(�����@������G��-��� � ���������������������������'����$������ �������#� � �����������2�� ����F�����2� ��

� �������� #� � 2� �� �*�� ���.� ���>����� ������2��������������=�'�2��� �

The Bataan Memorial Death March is a chal-��������� ���� ������������������ ���� �����#����� >����� ������ 2������� ������ ���� � �� ���held annually to honor the service members who ��#������ ����3����!!����� ���>� ���>� �%%� # ��Japanese invaders and were forced to march across the islands to prison camps while under-������ ����������! ���������$������ � �!�� �

PHOTOS BY ROBERT TIMMONS

Soldiers start out on a ruck march to determine who would make the Fort Jackson Bataan Memorial Death March Team. Dec. 2 at Hilton Field. The Soldiers set their watches and stretched before starting the event. Some Soldiers were all smiles as they put on their 30 lbs. rucksack. The Memorial Death March is held every year to honor the service members who were taken captive by the Japanese during World War II and forced to march with little food, water or sleep to prison camps in the Philippines.

NEWS

Photos by EARL JONES

Fort Jackson’s Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a multi-

workout extravaganza Monday at the Solomon Center on post to

promote healthy lifestyles. Event attendees participated in various

workouts including aerobics.

MERRYFITNESS

By SEAN KIMMONSArmy News Service

A crash course on how to recognize jamming on communications devices and networks now helps prepare Soldiers for obstacles they may face while deployed or during rotations to combat training centers.

Using “space training kits,” small teams from U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command travel around the Army to locations where home station training is conducted. The kits help Soldiers there learn how to identify when an enemy is interfering with their communications or navigation equipment.

“The biggest problem I’m seeing at the (com-bat training centers), on a macro level, is that units

aren’t able to recognize that they are being GPS jammed,” said Capt. Zeke Clayson, chief of CTC training for the command’s G-3 Training Readi-ness Exercise Division. “They immediately as-sume it’s an equipment issue or an operator issue.”

Failure to realize that some electromagnetic interference may be an actual enemy attack can have major implications for a unit.

“I personally have seen that degrade an entire brigade’s operations,” Clayson said of scenarios at training centers. “These space kits enable the user at the lowest level to recognize when jam-ming is taking place and to prevent that sort of issue from arising.”

Clayson’s division typically works with two training kits. One of them, Space Kit 3, can rep-licate GPS jamming on handheld Defense Ad-

vanced GPS Receivers, also known as DAGRs. The Army provides DAGRs to Soldiers down- �����������!�����"������� �!���������������������while operating in unfamiliar locations.

In a classroom setting, instructors use Space Kit 3 to emit interference that Soldiers can then learn to detect using the DAGR’s built-in analyzer.

After they recognize their devices are being jammed, Soldiers would then report the problem to the rest of their unit. Soldiers can also use the DAGRs to locate the source of the interference.

C5� �� ����� �� � �����"���� ����� ����� ! �������the staff and commander the opportunity to ei-ther target that jammer or to report the situation to higher (command) and request that higher (com-mand) resolve the issue,” he said.

See SPACE: Page 16

NEWS

‘Space kits’ help Soldiers recognize jammingSpc. Carl Arenberg, assigned to the 779th Engineer Company, prepares his Defense Advanced GPS Receiver for a night orienteering course at Camp Buehring, Kuwait in 2014. Using space training kits, small teams from U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command are now providing home station training to help Soldiers recognize when an enemy is interfering with their DAGR device or another piece of communications equipment.

Photo by SGT. RYAN HALLOCK

You were ready to do

your job. Thank youfor whatyou do.

— Air Force Gen.Joseph Lengyel

Photos by NICK SPINELLI, MEDDAC Public Affairs

NEWS

FORT JACKSON SCHEDULES POWER OUTAGES FOR DEC. 21Leader Staff Reports

Fort Jackson will hold a scheduled power outage from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 21 to perform general preventa-tive maintenance, repairs and inspec-tions. The outage will affect 75 percent of the installation. However, backup generators will power Moncrief Army Health Clinic, the Directorate of Emer-gency Services, post headquarters and the Network Enterprise Center.

“After careful consideration of all op-tions, the Directorate of Public Works proposed this as the date of least im-pact to Fort Jackson operations,” said J. Matthew Shealy, chief of DPW’s en-gineering division. “Since troops are gone during Victory Block Leave, this impacts the Fort Jackson mission the least. Weekends were avoided to de-crease impacts to retail operations like AAFES and the Commissary.”

Motorists are also cautioned to drive ���������������������������$�������throughout post will be affected.

KKUXY �$����� ������ ��� ���������will be shut down with four scheduled to reopen when power resumes. The Main Exchange is scheduled to open from 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Exchange Food Court from 2:30 to 8 p.m., the Gate 2 gas station from 2:30 to 11 p.m., and Class Six from 2:30 to 7 p.m. AAFES facilities may open earlier or later depending on the time power will be restored.

Sunny Bolton, Child Youth Services coordinator, said CYS programs will be closed Dec. 21 due to the power out-age. “If you are a single or dual Army service member and require mission related care, please contact Parent Central Services at 751-4865 and pro-vide your unit and commander’s name. Please respond by Dec. 6 if you need care.”

The Leader will release more infor-mation about the power outage as it becomes available.

For more information contact Wally Cabot-Bahamundi at 751-5425

Army Medicine Holiday BallNearly 400 service members, civilians, and Family members attended the 2017 Army Medical Department Holiday Ball took place Dec. 2 in Columbia, South Carolina. Joe Pinner, a Columbia institution, recognized as an honorary colonel on Fort Jackson, served as master of ceremonies; and Raymond T. Horoho, senior official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Readiness, was the guest speaker. The ceremony included the affiliation of more than 20 new members of the AMEDD Regiment and saw Col. David Mendoza, Fort Jackson Medical Department Activity’s deputy commander for nursing, and 1st Sgt. Damon Brown, 165th Infantry Brigade, receive the Order of Military Medical Merit. Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson and Army Training Center commander, and his wife also attended the event.

NEWS

ADDRESSES,PHONE NUMBERS

� Anderson Street Chapel, 2335

Anderson St., 751-7032

� Bayonet Chapel, 9476 Kemper St.,

751-4101/4542

� Chaplain Family Life Center, Bldg

5460, 751-4961

� Daniel Circle Chapel, 3359 Daniel

Circle, 751-1297/4478

� Education Center, 4581 Scales

Ave.

� Fort Jackson Garrison Chaplain and Religious Support Office, 4356

Hardee St., 751-3121/6318

� McCrady Chapel, 3820 McCrady

Road at McCrady Training Center,

751-7324

� Magruder Chapel, 4360 Magruder

Ave., 751-3883

� Main Post Chapel, 4580 Scales

Ave., 751-6469/6681

� Warrior Chapel (120th Adjutant General Battalion), 1895 Washington

St., 751-5086/7427

CATHOLICSunday� 7:30 a.m., Confessions, Solomon Center� 8 a.m., IET Mass, Solomon Center� 9:30 a.m., CCD, Education Center� 9:30 a.m., Mass, Main Post Chapel� 10:30 a.m., Reconciliation (after Mass or by appointment), Main Post Chapel

Monday through Thursday, First Friday11:30 a.m., Mass, Main Post Chapel

CHURCH OF CHRISTSunday10:30 a.m., Worship Service, Magruder Chapel

EASTERN ORTHODOXSunday9 a.m., Worship and Liturgy, Hospital Chapel

JEWISHSunday� 9:15 a.m., Worship, Anderson Street Chapel� 10:15 a.m., Fellowship, Anderson Street Chapel

LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Sunday10:30 a.m., Worship Service, Anderson Street Chapel

ISLAMICFriday12:45 p.m., Jumah services, Main Post Chapel

Sunday8 a.m., Islamic studies, Main Post Chapel

PAGANSunday11 a.m., Pagan Circle Sacred Well Congregation worship and study, Magruder Chapel

HISPANIC PROTESTANTSunday9 a.m., Worship Service, Magruder Chapel

PROTESTANTSunday� 8 a.m., Worship Service, Main Post Chapel� 8:30 a.m., Anglican/Liturgical, Bayonet Chapel� 9 a.m., Service, McCrady Chapel (SCARNG), McCrady Chapel

� 9:15 a.m., Adult Bible Study, main Post Chapel� 9:30 a.m., Sunday School, Main Post Chapel� 10 a.m., Gospel Worship Service, Daniel Circle Chapel� 11 a.m., Service, Main Post Chapel� 11 a.m., Chapel Next, Bayonet Chapel� 5 p.m., Aspire! Protestant Youth, Chaplain Family Life Center

Monday� 7 p.m., Protestant Women of the Chapel Woman’s Bible Study, Main Post Chapel

� 7 p.m., Protestant Men of the Chapel, Bible Study, Chaplain Family Life Center

Tuesday� 9 a.m., Protestant Women of the Chapel, Main Post Chapel

Wednesday� 12 p.m., Protestant Bible Study, SSI Library� 7 p.m., Gospel Bible Study, Daniel Circle chapel

Thursday� 11:45 a.m., Fresh Encounter Bible Study, Chaplain Family Life Center

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

By NICK SPINELLIMedical Department Activity Fort Jackson

When a third grade class at Congaree Elementary School in in Columbia, South Carolina wrote “thank you” letters to a retired service member for Veterans Day, they probably didn’t expect a trio of Soldiers to return their gratitude in person. But that is exactly what happened last week when three Soldiers from Fort Jackson’s Medical Department Activity joined Richard Carr, MEDDAC Logistics Division, in visiting the school.

“A friend of mine’s daughter goes to school there, and I guess when they were looking for a veteran to send a thank you letter to, she told them she knew someone who used to be in the military,” Carr said.

%�����������#" ���(� ����������� ���������� ����� � ������# ��the students hanging on his wall. He said he wanted to thank the kids, and thought it would be better if he did it in person.

“Initially, after I spoke to the teacher, I was just going to go by myself,” he said. “But then I thought, ‘I don’t have to wear a uniform anymore. Wouldn’t it be better if I brought some active duty Soldiers with me?’”

So on Nov. 29, that’s exactly what Carr did.

MEDDAC Soldiers thank elementary students with visit

Spc. Victor Rubio, Spc. Meesun Kim, and Spc Alexander Graham visited with a third grade class of Congaree Elementary School Nov. 29.

Photo by RICHARD CARR, MEDDAC

See MEDDAC: Page20

Combatant command enlisted leaders discuss operations, NCO empowermentBy LISA FERNANDODepartment of Defense News

Combatant command senior enlisted leaders discussed operations against terrorists in their areas, the state of forces and what non-commis-��������#" � ��$ �������������$������� �����������during a Pentagon news conference Nov. 29.

Command Sgt. Major John W. Troxell, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hosted the event at the end �#������� ���������#���F�#���������� �@��������Leader Council conference.

��������� �=(5����� �������������$���"����������������%���� ��������#�% �A������� ���6� �Force Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez ����� %�%�� ��� �� ! �$��� ��� /�� 6# � �� (�-mand’s area of operations.

C>���� ��� �����������! �����#�%�%���! ������ �� ��� ������� ����� ���B �� �������� ��� �!���source is what we’re seeing,” the chief said. C<��������~�'���#� #� �����"���� �� �����'����# �� 6# � �� ��� "���� ��� % �A� ���� �� ���� ��������B �� �����$� 1�6����� �8�$� �������'�������$���$��� ��� ������� ��������1��!�����! ��-�� ������������'� 1����! ������#� ��� ��! ���D

See NCO: Page 14

NEWS

Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, makes a point as he and the senior enlisted lead-ers for the U.S. combat-ant commands brief Pentagon reporters, Nov. 28.

Photo by SGT. AMBER I. SMITH

Walking in awinter

NEWS

By ROBERT TIMMONSFort Jackson Leader

When Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, with an assist by chil-�������������� �������� �������������������� ������������ ������������������������������������������� � �!����"�������������#����������#����������������� ���������� � ����� � ������� �����������$���������������������#�season.

Patriot Park outside of the Solomon Center was transformed into a “winter won-�������%�������� �� �������������������������#�� ��� �������&'&���*�#�+������������� ������ ������������ ������������/���0��2 ���

�����4��5�������� ����������*�7����8������������������� ���� ������;�-$����������������������< �$������������������������������ ���7�#��������������������� ����� �

Fort Jackson children play in

the snow during the Fort Jack-

son Winter Wonderland Christ-

mas Tree Lighting celebration

Dec. 1 at Patriot Park near

the Solomon Center on post.

Attendees were awarded with

games, food, and even snow

to play in before the tree was

lit and Santa arrived via Fort

Jackson fire truck.

Photo by ROBERT TIMMONS

--n r .

h w s rt k.

S

wonderlandFort Jackson officially kicks

off the holiday season

See HOLIDAYS: Page 18

NEWS

NCOContinued from Page 11

The continent is an attractive area for the terror group. Colon-Lopez noted that more than 50 percent of Africa’s population is un-der 24 years old, and many have no viable future. Also, he said, many African countries have weak governments that are unable to ex-tend control into all parts of their nations, and ISIS is drawn to those areas.

AFRICOM is concerned about the spread not only of ISIS, but also of other violent ex-tremist groups, Colon-Lopez said.

Reporters asked U.S. Special Operations Command senior enlisted leader Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick L. McCauley on the pos-sible overuse of special operators in the last 16 years of war. McCauley said the force is at a sustainable level across the globe now, “but

that doesn’t come easily.”�5(52� �#" ����� ��'���� � �� �����������

the mission sets, McCauley said, explaining that the command studies all the requests and allocates forces to meet geographic combat-ant commanders’ requirements.

“Right now, we feel like we’re in a pretty good place with that, but again, it’s a con-stantly ongoing process,” he said. “We’re evaluating, divesting of some missions we may or may not be doing, and then moving into other areas.”

Troxell addressed the transnational and transregional aspects, saying nothing can re-ally be limited to one area or region anymore and noting that threats such as ISIS – born in the Middle East – have spilled over to Africa.

“We’ve seen attacks in Europe, but we’ve ���������������������3� �" ����'����D���������“So when we talk global integration, it’s key that all of us here work together and from a perspective of by, with and through our part-ners in building partner capacity.”

One aspect that is truly important, he added, is to help partner nations develop small-unit ����� ��� �!� �" ����� =(5�� '��� ��� ��� ����disciplined initiative within their command-ers’ intent to accomplish the mission.

The combatant command senior enlisted ����� �� ����� ����� ���� ������ ����� "������� ��transregional threat requires transregional co-�!� ������(�����9�!�;��!�1���$��������" ��� ���������'���� ����� ���� �#� 6# � ��� =(5��that AFRICOM sponsored in Garmisch, Ger-many.

He said it was a positive experience “just to be able to have a dialogue over four days on what are some of the things and initiatives that we need to be getting more aggressive on, and what methods we need to further utilize to ensure that they have professional forces,” he said.

Being together like that impressed on the 6# � ���=(5����������������'� 1�������� ��Colon-Lopez said. “I will quote the African partners when they stated at the end, ‘We

����� �����=(5���#��� � ���� ��>���������� �����=(5�� #� �6# � ��>������� ��� �� 1���these problems together,’” he added.

Troxell acknowledged that the U.S. force and its combatant commands face readiness challenges.

“Sixteen years of high operational tempo and unstable budgets have caused us to defer some modernization programs that we needed to get after,” he said. “It’s caused us not to be able to get after maintenance programs. And it’s caused some of our service members to use worn-out equipment.”

The military needs a stable budget to ad-dress these issues, he said.

The senior enlisted leaders act as the eyes and ears of the combatant commanders. They are at the side of four-star generals and admi-rals, and they have a voice at the military’s highest levels. And the fact that enlisted ser-vice members have that kind of experience ���� ��~��� �� ������ �� !�'� #��� ������� ���partner nations, Troxell said.

NEWS

GunContinued from Page 4

Moving forward, the Army’s next challenge stems from the ex-� ������ �#� "�������� ��� �� ����� ����“alignment of funding, production schedules, weapon and ammuni-tion delivery, and coordinating unit availability and user acceptance from gaining major commands,” Dawson said.

6#�� � ���� "������� ������� �� � ��sorted, Dawson said, weapons, magazines, spare parts, and acces-sories, such as holsters, can be de-livered to each unit.

Additionally, Soldiers assigned an MHS will qualify similarly to what they would have done with their M9s, Dawson added. While

A����" ������ ������ ��� ����� ����changed, user testing has indicated �����! �" ��� ��� � ��� ���$����-pected to improve.

>���� ���� "������� �#� ���� ��'�MHS, a recent change in Army policy will require team leaders and above to dual-carry the XM17 and M4, according to Easlick. Aside from special operations and military police units, junior leaders are not typically required to carry a sidearm.

In coordination with other pro-" ����� ������ ���� ���� � ���� ����-ance and support of the MCoE, the 101st is laying the foundation for an Army-wide training program that will teach Soldiers how to properly cycle between both weap-ons, while keeping lethality on target, according to Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Flynn, the 101st master gunner.

QualityContinued from Page 3

For Rochelle Parsons, a CYS program assistant at the Imboden School Age Center, accreditation “means validation. We know that we have a job to ��������$����� �� �������8���� ��" �������'��� ��excelling at what we do.”

Other workers agreed.“Being reaccredited proves what I’ve known all

along – that the caregivers in our program are always going above and beyond, to ensure the safety and well-being of our children,” said Chantee’ Parsons, another Child and Youth Program Assistant at Im-boden SAC.

Lisa Owens, from the Imboden Child Develop-ment Center, found reaccreditation to be “encourag-���D������� ��#" ������������� �C�� ��'� 1����'� ���it.” It also showed her the important role in helping “children become productive individuals” was rec-ognized by DOD.

Children eat their lunches at the Lee Road Child Development Center. The facility offers 24-hour child care for those single parents while they are on duty.

Leader file photo

NEWS

SpaceContinued from Page 8

The newer Space Kit 4 can replicate ene-my interference on satellite communications.

While satellite communications receivers don’t have an internal analyzer, he said, Sol-diers can use an external spectrum analyzer to help identify interference.

“Based on the strength and frequencies they are seeing on the spectrum analyzer, they are able to determine whether that inter-ference is deliberate or accidental,” Clayson said.

With just one training kit, instructors are able to train more than 100 Soldiers a day. Soldiers need only about 20 minutes to get up to speed.

In that short time, trainers from SMDC are able to help Soldiers identify when their communications gear has been jammed. That

skill has become increasingly important un-der the Army’s multi-domain battle concept, which envisions dispersed forces operating in contested environments against near-peer threats.

“Right now, near-peers are very advanced in their space domain capabilities,” Clayson said. “These space kits enable us to prevent them from overmatching us.”

Soldiers more familiar on communication issues are already being seen at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, according to Maj. Steven W. Wojdakowski, space operations planner for the center’s op-erations group.

“As we continue to replicate various forms of SATCOM denial each rotation, bri-gade combat teams are becoming more aware that the threat exists,” he said. “Command-ers place more emphasis on communications planning than ever before, but we still have much work to do.”

Some brigades still struggle with exercis-ing their full suite of equipment in response

���"������������ ������������� ������>�8-dakowski said that may in part be due to a lack of training on equipment such as the Se-cure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Ter-�����������!��" ������������ ������� ������� �the tactical satellite.

The Army has enjoyed assured access to the space domain for some time, Wojdakows-ki said, but going forward, threats to space-based assets must be considered as part of operational planning.

C0���� ��� '�� "���� #� � 1��� �� ���� ��� ����$�����"���� ��� ���$��� ������ �� '�� �������

"���� #� � ��� ������ �������� �� ���� ��� ���� ��connectivity by understanding the threat to our systems, targeting threat emitters and sensors, and reducing our footprints in the electromagnetic spectrum,” he said.

The space kits are one way the Army can move in that direction by educating Soldiers on emerging threats.

“Soldiers appreciate the fact they are able to see what jamming looks like to them at their level and that they can do something about it to support the entire brigade’s opera-tions,” Clayson said. “It empowers them.”

NEWS

BRIEFSForever GI Bill

President Trump recently signed into law the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act also known as the “Forever GI �����D�'�� ��'����$ ���������" ���� �������������� ������� ������$���"���������'�'������-low more veterans to use the GI Bill and more time to use it. Some of the changes will go into effect immediately, most will not. The majority of the changes enhance or expand ��� ������$���"���#� ����� ������� �� ���-bers, families and survivors. Visit the follow-ing website or contact the VA Education Call Center at 888-442-4551, Mon – Fri, 7 a.m. to

6 p.m. Central Standard Time for any ques-�������$����E%������$���"���https://www.ben-�����!�� ��"#$#%%�& ���"#$����!�'

Winter HolidaySafety Poster contest

���� &� �� 0� 1���� ��#���� 5#" �� ��� ����-ing its annual Child Winter Holiday Safety Poster Contest until Dec. 15. The contest theme will be “Turn Your Attention to Ac-cident Prevention” focusing on the fact that all members of the community deserve a safe environment it also means that we are all responsible for doing our part to promote

and execute daily safety measures. Children are invited to participate and

submit their original impressions of winter holiday safety. The contest categories are K-1st grade, 2nd-4th grade, and 5th-6th grade. Posters must be submitted to the Fort 0� 1������#����5#" ��$��F� ��*��5� ������entries are received, they will be judged by a panel of safety professionals.

Children should depict those concepts and actions that they think would heighten awareness in looking both ways before crossing roads, watch for trip hazards, be safe on playgrounds, and bike safety. The posters should be no smaller than 8.5”x

11” or no larger than standard poster size 22”x28”. Ensure that the student’s name, grade, phone number and classroom teach-ers name are written on the back of each drawing.

The top posters in each category will be announced at a ceremony held in January. 6���'���� ��'���� � ������� � ��" �����#� � -ognition, small gifts and will be featured in the Fort Jackson Leader newspaper. Also, the winning posters will be on display at the Fort Jackson Main Exchange.

For more information contact Robert Forshee at 751-7599 or you drop by the ��#����5#" �������+������ �6��

NEWS

HolidaysContinued from Page 13

“It’s really nice and good that the base is hosting a holiday event where we can cel-ebrate with a large group,” he said.

Three-year-old Isabella was “enjoying” creating holiday artwork and all the other fun things at the event, Rebecca said.

>���� ��� ��� ���� ��� ~�!� ���� �'�� ��on the tree lights, Johnson joked about the tree’s size.

“We are proud of our tree,” Johnson said. Even though the post tree was a little smaller than last year, it will “make Charlie Brown proud.”

There is snow and good food and games, but “behold, our Fort Jackson Christmas tree,” he added. “Remember it’s not the ��;���#����������������"�����$���������;���#�����"��������������D

The tree was planted a few months ago and if someone “comes back in a few de- ����� ��� '���� $�� ����� ����" ���� �!� �"-cation of what we want in our Christmas tree,” he said.

While Johnson started out lighthearted in his comments, he became more seri-ous when speaking about what the season means to the Army beginning in Valley Forge up until today.

“Today many of our teammates in uni-form and our Department of Defense civil-ians are forward deployed right now guar-anteeing our pursuit of happiness,” he said. “As you pursue happiness this holiday sea-son don’t forget that there are always those less fortunate and this is absolutely a sea-son of giving.”

Before Santa Claus arrived on the $� 1��#���&� �� 0� 1����" �� � � 1�����'���swamped by children, Sgt. Brian Bohan-non, a vocalist with the 282nd sang, “Must have been ol’ Santa Claus” and the Chil-dren’s Choir from the School Age Services Program of CYS sang a few holiday clas-sics.

Fort Jackson’s holiday season began with the tree lighting and will continue with two holiday concerts by the 282nd Army Band one Friday in Sumter, South Carolina and Dec. 14 at the Koger Center in Colum-bia and culminate in drill sergeants and trainees heading home on Victory Block Leave.

Rebecca Eller, wife of Capt. Mike Eller, a student at the Adjutant Gen-eral School, and her 3-year-old daughter Isabella, hold up artwork the youngster created at an arts and crafts booth at the event.

Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS

Above, children toss snowballs Dec. 1, as the snowman in the background tosses freshly made snow into the air during the installation’s Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Patriots Park near the Solomon Center on post.

Left: Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson and Army Training Center commander, is assisted by children from the post’s Child, Youth Services in flipping the switch to light the post’s Christmas tree Dec. 1 at Patriot Park on post. Johnson said, ‘As you pursue happiness this holiday season don’t forget that there are always those less fortunate and this is absolutely the season of giving.’

NEWS

Above, Santa Claus points at the good children of Fort Jackson who will get their Christmas wishes as he arrives to the Fort Jackson Winter Wonderland Christmas Treelighting Celebration Dec. 1 at Patriots Park near the Solomon Center. Below right, Children from Fort Jackson’s Child, Youth Services choir sign holiday classics to the crowd moments before Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson and other children flipped the switch to light the post’s tree. Below left, Fort Jackson community members not only got to see snow on post, Santa arrive by fire truck, but also witness a block of ice carved into a reindeer.

Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS

NEWS

November retireesFamily, friends and Soldiers gathered to honor 20 military retirees for their dedication to duty and honorable service to the nation, Nov. 26 at the post theater. Retiring in November were: Col. Belinda L. Spencer, USARCENT, Shaw Air Force Base; Lt. Col. Richard T. Mull, MEDDAC, Fort Jackson; Lt. Col. Darin A. Tibbetts, Leader Training Brigade, Fort Jackson; Capt. Ryan S. Knott, HHC, ATC, Fort Jackson; CW3 Elizabeth A. Vogt, 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, Shaw Air Force Base; 1st Sgt. Christian M. Chisholm, 3rd Battalion 60th Infantry Regiment; 1st Sgt. Brian M. Castro, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment; Master Sgt. Sandra L. Marrero; 108th Training Command, Charlotte, N.C.; Master Sgt. Thairen M. Carter, HHC, ATC; Sgt. 1st Class Julio C. Mejia, HHC, 369th Adjutant General Battalion; Sgt. 1st Class Justin B. McCrae, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment; Sgt. 1st Class Jose L. Lozano, HHC, ATC, Fort Jackson; Sgt. 1st Class Demetria L. Williams, HHBn, Fort Jackson; Sgt. 1st Class Derek D. Diggs, HHD, 193rd Infantry Brigade, Fort Jackson; Sgt. 1st Class Jason E. Huntington; HQs, USAREUR, G3; Sgt. 1st Class Stephenson P. Robb, HHBn, Fort Jackson; Sgt. 1st Class Furman F. Johnson, FSC 579th, Camp Casey, South Korea; Staff Sgt. Joshua H. Smith, Delta Co., 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment; Staff Sgt. Brian C. Smilowska, HHC, ATC, Fort Jackson; and Sgt. 1st Class Angeletta M. Christian, NCOA-SSI, Fort Jackson.

Photo by RAQUEL McDONALD

MEDDACContinued from Page 10

“We took the Fort Jackson ambulance down to the school,” he said. “The kids didn’t know we were coming and seemed re-ally shocked that the Soldiers took time out of their busy day to say thanks.”

While at Congaree, the Soldiers sat down '���� ���� 1���� ���� "������ ��� �! �!���question and answer session.

“They asked about different jobs in the Army and what we do on a daily basis,” said �! �6������� �E ����������#��������������MEDDAC Soldiers. “It was a lot of fun.”

�������� �� ���������� �������$��!������#� �!� �� ���'����������������

“Our Soldiers did the most amazing job, ����'� ���� ��! �#���������D�(� ������C>������ � �� ������ ! ���� �#� ���� #� � ��1���� ����time to do this.” The letters Richard Carr received from a Congaree Elementary School third grade class now hang on his office wall.

Photos by RICHARD CARR, MEDDAC

December 7, 2017 The Fort Jackson Leader Page 23