always engaged

Transcription

always engaged

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MILITARY INTELLIGENCE READINESS COMMAND
ALWAYS ENGAGED
Volume 6 – Number 2
IN THIS ISSUE:
• T he 2013 Best Warrior
Competition
• IDT Travel Program
• L anguage and Cultural
Experts
• F oreign Exchange
Program
• O peration Get Fit
www.usar.army.mil/AlwaysEngaged
Message from the MIRC Family Programs Coordinator!
Soldier Readiness + Family Readiness = Army Strong
Readiness!
The readiness of the Army Reserve Soldier is dependent upon
the readiness of the Family. Since September 11, members of
the Army Reserves and their families have endured multiple
and long deployments and extended Family separation. The
dedication and support of Army Reserve Families plays an
important role in the successful completion of the vital work
that soldiers do to protect our Nation. As the Family Program
motto states, we are “One Army, One Family, and One team!” Who can volunteer? Anyone interested in the welfare
of our Soldiers and their Families can volunteer to be
part of a unit's Family Readiness Group. This includes
Family members (spouses, siblings, and parents), retirees,
veterans, former military members, friends, neighbors, and
local community members.
Who are the key people needed to make the Family
Readiness program a success at your Soldier's unit? YOU
ARE! Volunteers are essential to the establishment and
continuation of a winning Family Readiness Group (FRG).
If you are interested in being a part of your Soldier's unit
Family Readiness Program or interested in attending Family
Readiness Group trainings, please contact MIRC Family
Programs Coordinator, Saundria Cardwood at 703-806-5890.
Thank you for your continued support of the Army
Strong Reserve Family!
Get the latest MIRC news,
updates and information at
www.facebook.com/USARMIRC
Contents
From The Commanding General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
From The Command Sergeant Major. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
From The Command Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
From The Command Chief Warrant Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
From The Command Chaplain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Inactive Duty For Training Travel Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sensible Running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operation Get Fit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
First Annual MIRC Teen Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The 2013 Best Warrior Competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Language and Cultural Experts From Around The World. . . . . . . . 16
MIRC COMMAND TEAM
Brig. Gen. William “Duff” Duffy
Commanding General
Col. Stephen E. Zarbo
Deputy Commanding Officer
Mr. Michael Stocks
Command Executive Officer
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Frank M. Patton
Command Chief Warrant
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert B. Breck
Command Sergeant Major
The Reserve Officers Foreign Exchange Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The Eyes Of A Soldier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Soldier Spotlight: Sergeant Nasser Althaqeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The 314th Military Intelligence Battalion Activation Cremony . . . . . 22
The Human Resources Packet Accountability Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
MIRC MAGAZINE STAFF
Editor in Chief:
Maj. Gregg A. Moore
Public Affairs Officer
The All-Source Analyst Transition Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ON THE COVER — Members of the 325th Military Intelligence Battalion run on the track at Fort Devens, Ma. during their 'Operation Get
Fit' in August 2012. Photo by Maj. Gregg Moore.
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF
THE MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
READINESS COMMAND
ALWAYS ENGAGED
SUBMISSIONS — Always Engaged invites articles, story ideas, photographs and other material of interest to members of the MIRC family. Manuscripts and
other correspondence for the editor should be addressed to MIRC, Attn: Public Affairs, 8831 John J. Kingman Road, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, telephone 703-8066126. All email submissions should go to [email protected].
SUBSCRIPTIONS — Always Engaged is a primarily digital magazine with a limited print distribution of 400. Always Engaged is an authorized Department of the
Army publication, published throughout the year by the MIRC Public Affairs Office. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Department
of the Army or the Chief, Army Reserve, nor should they be construed as official policy or directive in nature. Local reproduction of all material is approved, except
for copyrighted articles or photos.
Design, Layout, and Printing — Allen Wayne, LTD., www.allenwayne.com
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Always Engaged • 1
MIRC Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members, as I write these words
I realize I will have likely left the MIRC by the time you read them. The
past almost two years have been the most professionally rewarding and
fulfilling of my military career. I owe a big thanks to each and every one of
you for making it so.
The MIRC is a tremendous organization. Despite many challenges,
we have been able to successfully meet every mission requirement and
are recognized as one of the Army Reserves best Commands. Whether
it is Logistics, Personnel Management, Maintenance, Training, Cost
Management or Operational Support, the MIRC is typically near the top
of the class in every category. I attribute this achievement to the great
people we have, who come to work every day with the goal of working
hard and doing their best; not because someone is looking over their
shoulders, but because it’s the right thing to do and all MIRC units and
Soldiers deserve nothing less than our best.
We’ve continued our outstanding contributions to the Army’s
Intelligence Enterprise both while deployed and from CONUS. The MIRC is
a recognized high value asset. In fact, during briefings by the Army G2 and
INSCOM Commander to the Army Chief of Staff the role of the MIRC was
FROM THE
COMMANDING GENERAL
mentioned so often that General Ray Odierno, Chief of
Staff of the Army, asked whether he needed to reassign
the MIRC to INSCOM. The answer is no, because in
addition to the Intelligence support we provide, the MIRC
also performs the mission command and administrative
support that make our Soldiers successful.
With success breeding success, the Army is relying
on the MIRC to provide additional force structure
and capability to support NORTHCOM and to create
two new Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigades
(E-MIB). This is testament to the Army’s confidence
in our ability to recruit, organize and train high
performing MI professional and teams who succeed
on the battlefield.
The MIRC continues to meet every request
for forces with significant portions of the 301st MI
Battalion already deployed and the 321, 323, and 338
preparing for deployment. Soldiers from across the
MIRC fill in holes where needed and are also meeting
many other mission requirements and taskings. The
2 • Always Engaged
performance of our Soldiers has cemented our
reputation as the Intelligence force provider of choice.
Col. Gary Troiano has been selected to become
the 5th Commanding General of the Military
Intelligence Readiness Command. No stranger to the
MIRC, Col. Troiano will lead the Command through
the next set of challenges and make us a stronger
and more capable team.
In closing, I am proud beyond description of
everything you do and thankful for the opportunity to
have served on the same team with you for two of the
best years of my life. Jody and I thank you from the
bottom of our hearts and wish each of you continued
success in the vital roles you play.
Always Engaged!
Brig. Gen. William “Duff” Duffy,
Commanding General
Vol. 6, NO. 2
MIRC Soldiers, Noncommissioned Officers, Officers and family
members, I want to first start off by saying thank you for all you have
done, are doing and will continue to do for our great nation. It is
through your sacrifice and dedication that we are still able to maintain
our freedom and security of life.
As I approach the end of my second year as the MIRC CSM, I must
say that it gets better each year and I am looking forward to my last year
as your CSM. This year has given me the opportunity to meet and take
part in many of your training exercises, from ruck marches to weapons
qualifications. I have enjoyed the time I spent with all of you and look
forward to spending time with the rest of you.
During the last nine months I was able to be part of each Bde level
Best Warrior Competition and also the MIRC Best Warrior Competition.
I was so pleased to see the hard work and effort of both the Soldiers
and NCOs put into competing to be the MIRC Best Warrior. I was also
pleased to see the support of the leadership and sponsors who assisted
these Warriors in getting ready for and competing in the MIRC Best
Warrior. It is truly a team effort in preparing every individual for each
level of the competition.
I want to say a few words about the health and welfare of our
Soldiers and Leadership. Over the last year we have lost six members
of our team to Suicide. These are loses, like all others this way, that
FROM THE
COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR
leave a void in our lives and calls to question what could we
have done more to prevent or get help for these Soldiers.
We can’t second guess ourselves on what we could or
should have done, but we can start making a difference to
each other now. There have been many at risk Soldiers
identified by leaders, battle buddies and family members
across our command. I want to thank those individuals
and family members for recognizing that a fellow Soldier
needed help and then took action. I would ask at this time
that all of you take charge of your battle space and battle
buddies and maintain a 360 degree watch. Improve not
only our own foxhole but that of others around us. It is
all our responsibilities to take care of each other, and the
leadership’s responsibility to be engaged with our Soldiers
and take care of them. It does not matter what rank, position
or title you have, and everyone has a battle buddy and a first
line supervisor or leader, even me.
I would like to also thank all of those individuals who took
it upon themselves to take part in the MIRC CSM Cardio
Challenge I and II. At the end of the program, 830 individuals
participated in the second challenge; this includes Army
Reserve, Active Army, National Guard, civilian personnel
and also Navy, Marines and Air Force. We had CSM Panapa
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Willis, the INSCOM CSM, participate and complete the
challenge. The goal of the challenge is get our Soldiers
and Leadership to get each other into shape and ready to
pass the APFT and build camaraderie throughout the MIRC
Command and beyond. The goal is to improve the health
and strength of our forces at the same time as we develop
our junior leadership in the participation of the challenge.
Again I wish to thank everyone for their hard work and
dedication to serving our great nation and the citizens who
have entrusted us with their security. I am proud to be part
of such a great group of individuals, both military and civilian
who make up the Military Intelligence Readiness Command.
Always Engaged!
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert B. Breck,
Command Sergeant Major
I want to extend a thank you to the Command Team and Ms
Laos for the warm welcome to the MIRC. I have been a member
of the MIRC since November 2012 in the position of Commander
of the 2300 MIG but now join as your Command Executive Officer
in my civilian capacity. I spent the last year and a half as the
Command Executive Officer of the Army Reserve Legal Command
and have enjoyed my time with the Legal Command very much.
I look forward to the challenges of the MIRC CXO position and
also to interact with the MIRC’s full times staffs across the country.
My responsibilities encompass all civilian policy issues for the
Command. I have been a member of the Army Reserves since
1994 following twelve years of active duty. I have been a Miltech
since 2007. I look forward to meeting and interacting with the
Military Intelligence professionals of the MIRC. My e-mail address
is on the global listing or you can contact me through AKO. Feel
free to drop me a line and introduce yourself.
Always Engaged!
FROM THE
Mr. Michael Stocks,
Command Executive Officer
COMMAND EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mr. Michael Stocks is a native of Sacramento,
California with Masters Degrees in International
Relations and Strategic Studies. He entered
Government Civilian Service in September of 2007 as
the Staff Operations and Training Specialist/Deputy
G-7 of the 335th Signal Command (Theater) located in
Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2010, Mr. Stocks moved to El Paso, Texas as a
Strategic Planner on the 1st Armored Division Mission
Support Element Staff. This position was cut short by
an involuntary mobilization to Afghanistan.
Mr. Stocks accepted the position as Command
Executive Officer for the USAR Legal Command in
February of 2011 and assisted in orchestrating the
accession of the Legal Command to direct reporting
unit (DRU) to the US Army Reserve Command.
In June of 2013, he accepted the position as the MIRC
Command Executive Officer. In addition to his duties to
oversee all civilian actions he has dual responsibilities
overseeing the personnel, security, logistics, and
communications directorates of the Command.
Mr. Stocks is also the Commanding Officer of the
2300 Military Intelligence Group in Charlottesville, Va.
with detachments in three locations supporting the
National Ground Intelligence Command located at
Rivanna Station, Va.
He is the proud father of three daughters in the
greater Washington, DC area.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
The next few years will be full of change for our Armed
Forces, the Army Reserve and especially the MIRC. As the
MIRC structure evolves to meet the demands and changing
missions of the future, almost all of our formations will be
touched. The Army’s new construct of Regionally Aligned
Forces (RAF) is poised to replace ARFORGEN as the primary
driver of operational readiness. Fortunately, Army Reserve
MI has a long history of maintaining regional intelligence
expertise, giving us an immense store of institutional
knowledge that can be drawn upon for future theater
engagement and partnership building missions. And while
45% of the MIRC is already regionally aligned, that number
will grow until almost 60% of our force structure is providing
dedicated peacetime regional intelligence support to the Army
Theater commands.
Meanwhile, as our deployment operational tempo
decreases, we will finally have an opportunity to reconstitute
FROM THE
COMMAND CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
our current formations, build new formations, and
bring a renewed focus to our core competencies.
For our warrant officers, this means that we
can concentrate on training and mentoring
our Soldiers while providing strong leadership,
outstanding technical expertise and invaluable
mission continuity, each a hallmark of the warrant
officer corps. We must also take this opportunity
to leverage the hard fought knowledge and
experience gained in the last decade of conflict to
both maintain our operational readiness as well as
to train the next generation of Soldiers and leaders.
This summer marks the tenth anniversary of
the creation of the MIRC. We have grown much
since those early days when we were first learning
how to crawl until the present as Brig. Gen. Duffy
prepares to hand over the reins of a MIRC in full
gallop to Col. Troiano. However, there is much left
to do in order to realize the MIRC’s full potential.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
1
By necessity, we have constantly adapted to
maximize what works while abandoning what
doesn’t and this process is continual. The MIRC
of tomorrow will in all likelihood bear little
resemblance to how it is structured and functions
today. I look forward in eager anticipation to the
MIRC’s next ten years and watching it continue to
grow and mature as it remains Always Engaged!
Always Engaged!
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Frank M. Patton,
Command Chief Warrant
A Waist is a Terrible
Thing to Mind
CH (MAJ) Randy Fannin
Command Chaplain, MIRC
Here it is May, and by now most of us have
already taken our semi-annual APFT. I don’t mind at
all . . . when I’m ready. In fact, I enjoy the camaraderie
and competition. My commitment to serve God and
our Army Family forces me to take care of myself.
You see, (a little confession here), I’ve been minding
my waist most of my life. Like some of you, when
it’s going really well I tend to get a little mind-less.
It’s frustrating to realize that the older one gets, the
FROM THE
COMMAND CHAPLAIN
harder it is to get a “do-over.” Nevertheless
with each renewed effort to take care of
myself, I do so in the hope that my attempt
will be rewarded with results. Did you catch
the most important word in the last sentence?
Attempt? Reward? Results? Actually, I was
thinking “hope.” For some, hope is more like
a “wish.” From a spiritual perspective, “hope”
points to the sure thing – like a promise that
we can bank on, trusting that we’ll see the
results in due time." Hope is what fuels my
desire to stay in the struggle against the
forces of nature. How about you? What keeps
you going? I conclude with a line from an
interesting source, the late President Richard
M. Nixon, “A man is not finished when he is
defeated. He is finished when he quits."
Always Engaged!
CH (MAJ) Fannin and SFC Mitchell serve
as your Command Unit Ministry Team at Ft.
Belvoir.
We have 14 trained and ready Unit Ministry Teams
throughout the command providing care and
religious support for our MIRC Family.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
The Inactive Duty for Training
Travel Program
IDT Travel Program Eligibility Criteria:
TPU Soldiers that commute at least 150 miles
to their BTA duty location and meet one of the
following conditions:
★ A
re assigned as a Company Commander or
company First Sergeant.
The MIRC’s IDT travel program began April 1, 2013
to support actual travel expenses up to $300 for select
Troop Program Unit soldiers to attend Battle Assembly
each month. Soldiers using the program will use the
Defense Travel System to request travel authorization
and claim reimbursement. The United States Army
Reserve Command has generously funded and
expanded this program through September 30, 2014
and the foreseeable out-years.
The MIRC was one of the first four commands
USARC designated and authorized for participation
in the IDT travel reimbursement program. This may
become a permanent incentive depending on the
success of the program in supporting retention, morale,
and improving unit readiness. The purpose of the
program is to benefit our Shaping the Force initiatives,
recruiting, and retention goals. Ultimately, this is a
recruiting and retention tool to ensure critical positions
are filled with quality soldiers.
The IDT Travel Program complements the Lodgingin-Kind program. Soldiers remain eligible for both. The
MIRC IDT program point of contact is Maj. Mike Michell,
his email address and office phone number can be found
on the global directory and AKO. For more information
contact your Human Resources (S1/G1) section. ◆
★ P
ossess Enlisted MOS and serve in DMOS
position of 35L, 35P, 35S, or 56M.
★ P
ossess Warrant Officer MOS and serve in
DMOS position of 350G.
★ Possess Officer AOC of 56A.
★ A
re assigned to CENTCOM ARE, UIC W8YJAA
and subordinates and possess Enlisted MOS
and serve in DMOS position of 35G.
★ A
re assigned to 323 MI BN, UIC WZP5AA or
373 MI BN, UIC WYGEAA and subordinates
and possess Enlisted MOS and serve in DMOS
position of 35M3O.
★ A
re assigned to 338 MI BN, UIC WYGHAA and
subordinates and possess Enlisted MOS and
serve in DMOS position of 35M2O.
★ A
re assigned to 3100 SIG, UIC W8YFAA and
subordinates and possess Enlisted MOS and
serve in DMOS position of 35F3O and 35F4O.
★ A
re assigned to MIRC HHC, UIC W85FAA and
serve in an Inspector General position.
★ A
ll soldiers assigned to units preparing to
mobilize, to include cross-leveled soldiers.
★ P
ossess an Exception to Policy (ETP) approved
by the MIRC Deputy Commanding Officer.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Sensible
Running
Story and Photos by Maj. Gregg Moore
Soldiers from the CSASC and HHC, MIRC attended
a personalized running clinic at a local athletic shoe
store. Mark and Helen Russell, certified running
trainers, recorded video of each participant running
at various paces to discuss the strengths and
weaknesses of their individual forms.
The Russells emphasized that good form is natural
form. Biodynamical correct form is efficient and
comfortable. They said many people mistakenly wear
running shoes to help correct their form. Mr. Russell
said, “Don’t choose the shoe to help your form, learn
to run and choose the shoe that works for your form.”
The class is called Good Form Running, which has
four main points runners should consider. These points
are cadence, posture, mid-foot landings, and lean.
They said the ideal cadence, or tempo, for every
runner, no matter their height, weight, or speed is 180
steps per minute. This causes shorter, faster, and
lighter steps, which are more efficient. The 180-stepsper-minute tempo is the same as a standard military
running cadence or most upbeat rock n’ roll songs.
The ideal posture is a mostly straight up body, with
a slight forward lean. Shoulders and hips should be
lined-up over the foot as it strikes the ground. Arms
Mark Russell discusses the proper techniques to improve running speed, endurance, and to reduce the chance injury.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Mark Russell (right) coaches runners (from left to right) Staff Sgt. Flois Brown, Sgt. 1st Class Rudinna Davis, and Capt. James Retzer on the most
efficient arm position and body alignment.
The mid-foot landing facilitates good body alignment and saves energy.
should move back and forth from the shoulder, not
side to side, with the arms bent at approximately 90
degrees. Hands should not move past the hips on
Vol. 6, NO. 2
the back swing and not past the nipples on the front
swing, however, hand and arm movement will change
as the speed changes.
When the heel strikes first, it is in front of the
body and, therefore, the center of gravity, which
actually causes a braking action. The runner must
compensate by expending additional energy to
overcome the braking. The Russells said to avoid
the heel strike. Runners should likewise avoid toe
landings, which causes additional knee and calf
pressure. Running on the toes also causes a wasteful
upward expenditure of energy, fighting gravity. The
mid-foot landing is ideal.
Having a slightly forward lean allows the runner
to harness gravity. The Russells said runners should
almost be falling forward, only to be stopped by the
foot coming up under the body. Runners should keep
their knees bent while running and flex at the ankles.
A good technique to practice the forward lean is
running up a slight incline.
For more information go to
http://www.goodformrunning.com/. ◆
OPERATION
GET FIT!
The 325th Military Intelligence
Battalion works out
Story and photos by Maj. Gregg Moore
Ralph Waldo Emerson penned, “The first wealth is health,” a century and a half ago. Since then fitness crazes
have come and gone, but the fact remains, no matter what you do to stay physically fit, the important thing is
that you are doing something.
Members of the 325th Military Intelligence Battalion spent their post-mobilization Annual Training to learn
about exercise, nutrition, and how to improve their general well-being at Fort Devens, Ma. Some of the training
came from experts within the unit, but there were also several local community fitness experts who donated
their time and knowledge.
Learning the right way to exercise can help prevent short-term and long-term injuries. Learning multiple ways
to exercise keeps it interesting so we can stay healthy for a lifetime. ◆
Running, walking,
jogging … we all
need to get moving.
Combatives training increases endurance, mental alertness, and flexibility. NCOs from a
local Drill Sergeant unit gave the 325th advanced combatives instruction for three days.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Weight training can be an important part of any physical fitness regimen. Depending on how you do it, lifting weights can increase muscular strength,
endurance, flexibility, and burn fat.
Yoga training: The Child’s Pose is a great resting pose. It gently
stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
al
u
n
n
A
t
s
Fir
MIRC
Teen Summit
Story By Ms. Anette Ellis,
MIRC Family Programs Director
Photos by Maj. Gregg Moore
Colonel Alison Ryscavage speaks with the teens about preparing for
their futures.
Ms. Tyronda Woolfolk from Tutor.com discussed the benefits of their
service. Tutor.com is a free service for all members of the military
and their dependents. Students at all levels can get help in all general
education subjects and many specialized major subjects.
April is designated as the “Month of the Military
Child” to honor all military children. The proclamation
dedicating April as Month of the Military Child
recognizes all military children and youth for their
heroism, character, courage and sacrifice. This year,
the Military Intelligence Readiness Command Family
Program Office and the Child Youth and School
Services team partnered together to host an event
that introduced our teens to the various programs
available to them as they transition from high school to
college as well as have an open discussion with them
regarding some of their concerns as military teens
and introduce them to some local colleges and the
application and admissions process.
On April 20, 2013, the MIRC Teen Summit was held
at the Mosby Reserve Center located at 8831 John
J. Kingman Road, Fort Belvoir, Va. The summit was
attended by 20 teens ranging in age from 13 to 18
and grades from 8 to 12. They represented a variety
of schools that included Potomac High School in
Woodbridge, Va., South County High School in Fairfax
County and West Springfield High School in Fairfax
County and a cross section of the military ranging
from Active Component Army, to Army National Guard,
Army Reserve and Marine Corps.
The Summit was an 8 hour workshop that consisted
of a presentation by Project Y.E.S on safe dating,
hands on training by Tutor.com designed to introduce
students to free tutoring services available to military
students from grades K through 12 and a resilience
and team building exercise by Operation Military Kids.
In addition, students from Howard University and
the University of the District of Columbia attended a
student panel and answered questions from the teens
in attendance. The teens asked the panel questions
ranging from the financial aid and the scholarship
Vol. 6, NO. 2
application process, what to consider when selecting a
college, and how to handle dorm-mate incompatibility.
The teens discussed some of their ideas about
what new family programs they would like the Army to
implement. Some of the concerns presented during
the lunch open forum included mentorship programs
that would enable military teens to link with military
members serving in fields that they are interested in.
These fields included computer science, intelligence
and the Army’s Special Forces. During the “town hall,”
teens openly discussed their shared mutual area of
concern with respect to Permanent Change of Station
moves. The teens in attendance expressed a desire
to utilize Social Media to meet other youth in other
states and countries prior to making a PCS move
with their sponsor. They also expressed the desire
to have more military youth programs within off-post
elementary, middle and high schools. Their hope was
to have “military student ambassadors” at these various
grade levels that can assist new military students to the
school, allow them to identify other military youth and
share their experiences with adapting to the school to
allow for smoother transition into schools by military
youth, especially those PCS’ing from overseas and
other states where they may not know anyone.
The day was enjoyed by all. The MIRC Family
Programs Office and Child Youth and School Services
would like to especially thank Mr. Darryl Haley, formerly
Former New England Patriot turned personal trainer and radio host,
Darryl Haley, teaches teenagers some basic exercises they could use
anywhere and every day to stay fit.
of the New England Patriots for his attendance at
the event with a presentation of “Let’s Move”. This
session was designed to get teens up and moving and
introduce them to fun and easy forms of exercise that
can be done at home, at school and only require 20 –
30 minutes of their day. We would also like to thank the
Virginia Office of Operation Military Kid in Richmond, Va.
for providing funding for breakfast and lunch that was
catered by Panera Bread. ◆
College students from local universities answer questions about college life, admissions, selecting classes, and more.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
The 2013
Best Warrior
Army Reserve Soldiers from the Military Intelligence
Readiness Command and 99th Regional Support
Command were challenged and tested both physically
and mentally during the Best Warrior Competition
(BWC) held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst,
N.J. from April 17-19, 2013. The event started off
with eleven competitors, all-varying in different
strengths and skills, using their knowledge and
experiences to compete for the Best Warrior or
Best Noncommissioned Officer title. The challenges
that they faced—from ruck marching to board
appearances—were to prepare them for a higher
competition level at the U.S. Army Reserve Best
Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., from June 23
to 28, 2013.
The usual four days of events were reduced to
three days this year, which meant a more compact
and busy schedule. Some events were taken out so
as not to overwhelm the competitors, and for the first
time, sponsors were not able to attend and support
their Soldiers.
“I think not having a sponsor there for them during
the three day event kind of made it difficult for them
to brush up on some of the things they needed to do,”
said Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Breck, “… but overall, I
wasn’t disappointed. I was pretty pleased with some of
the contestants and how they did.”
As the competitors began completing events,
promising candidates started to shine. Spec.
Christopher Delk, a signals intelligence analyst for the
378th Military Intelligence Battalion, had the best Army
Physical Fitness Test score, finished the Ruck March
first and even gathered the most spoons for extra
points in the Mystery Urban Land Navigation Event.
Other competitors and event coordinators noticed his
enthusiasm as he took on each challenge.
BWC13_Pocket_video5
Staff Sgt. Micah Hulbert, along with the other
Best Warrior competitors, takes a written Land
Navigation Test before heading out in the field.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Competition
Sgt. Maurice Glasco performs a low fighting position during one of the
Warrior Task Training events at the MIRC Best Warrior Competition.
“I’m very proud to be here,” said Delk. “I hope to
win it … and if I can’t win it, I’d like to represent my
company, my unit, my leaders as best as I can.”
Sgt. 1st Class Sean McClenachan, an intelligence
analyst and individual training NCOIC for the Military
Intelligence Readiness Command G-3/7, also stood
out. He impressed NCO support staff with his
knowledge in the Warrior Task Training events, and
appeared more ‘cool and confident’ in the Board
than his fellow competitors. McClenachan thanks
the support and testing he received from MIRC HQ
soldiers and co-workers for his strong performances.
In the end, Command Sgt. Major Breck announced
that Delk and McClenachan as the MIRC Best Warrior
and Best NCO of 2013.
Story and Photos by
Spec. Erika Montano,
323rd MI Bn.
“There’s no doubt about that they earned the Best
Warrior [title] for the MIRC,” said Breck.
Delk and McClenachan are fully aware that the
competition at Fort McCoy, Wis. will be tougher than
what they’ve experienced so far, but both expressed
their eagerness to represent the MIRC at the
USARC BWC. They’ll have to put in more study and
physical training time in their schedules, so thinking
ahead, Delk and McClenachan exchanged contact
information to stay in touch and support each other for
June’s big event.
“Our goal is to bring
home the trophy,” said
McClenachan. “We’re going
to work as a team to get
ourselves squared away.”
Good luck to our Best
Warriors, and a big ‘hooah’ to
all the participants who attended
the MIRC/99th RSG BWC! ◆
Spec. Allyson Logan keeps a steady
pace during the Ruck March event.
Competitors must complete the
12 mile march in 3 hours carrying
a minimum of 35-pounds on
their back.
Spec. Allyson Logan presents herself infront of the MIRC’s five Command Sergeant Majors during the Board event. Standing
straight and answering respectfully towards her senior Non-Commisioned Officers, Logan waits until she’s told to be seated.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Language and Cultural Experts
from Around the World
Interpreter-Translator Aides (MOS: 09L) are native
or heritage speakers of North African and Middle
Eastern languages. Those include Arabic and its many
dialects, Farsi, Dari, and Pashtu. The 09L mission
has three components. 09Ls enable the Combatant
Commander with native-level language interpretation
and translation, with regional cultural awareness
familiarization support, and with the skills and
professionalism of Soldiers trained to Army standards.
They are truly unique individuals because they
possess native-level language and cultural expertise
from both their countries of origin and the Unite States
where they have lived good portions of their lives.
More broadly, the 751st/752nd Combat Support
(Interpreter-Translator Aide) Platoons form one of the
pillars of the U. S. Army Reserve’s linguist capabilities.
The “09L Company,” comprised of approximately
110 soldiers, falls under the MIRC’s Training Support
Command at Fort Belvoir, Va. I assumed Command
of the unit in August 2012. My previous 9 years of
service include 7 years in USASOC (2004-2008) and
USSOCOM (2010-2012) serving in tactical, operational,
and strategic PSYOP/MISO and 2 years as an
intelligence analyst with the MIRC’s 3200th Strategic
Intelligence Group (2008-2010).
The fulltime staff has grown to include the
Commanding Officer (Capt.), five fulltime Active-GuardReserve soldiers (2 x Sgt’s, 1 x Staff Sgt., 2 x Sgt. 1st
Classes) and one civilian Unit Administrator (soon
to be two). Also, five additional junior Officers (3 x
1st Lt’s, 2 x 2nd Lt’s) were recently recruited to serve
as platoon leaders, assistant platoon leaders, and
operations officers on the part-time side (TPU). The
additional fulltime support has helped transform the
Company into one of the Army’s premier languagecapable resources.
The 09L soldiers are furthermore unique because
of their diverse backgrounds. They share a story
similar to many immigrants of previous eras during
which wartime required extensive foreign language
and cultural knowledge only accessible through the
service of foreign-born patriots. In fact, many of them
were only joined by their immediate families when
Story by Capt. Miguel Marling, Commander,
751st/752nd Combat Support Platoons
they were well into their initial service contracts and
had sought and earned their American citizenship.
09Ls are fully dedicated to the ideals, principles, and
actions of the United States and the Army.
To top off the Company’s growth and success,
the 09L soldiers continually exceed expectations
as individual leaders. Members of this distinctive
organization continually participate in real-world
missions, including in support of the North East-Army
Reserve Intelligence Support Center, the 902nd
Military Intelligence Group, the 5th Armored Brigade,
Division West under 1st Army, ARCENT and the Royal
Saudi Land Forces, the DoD Criminal Investigative
Division, Fort Hood’s Mobilization Training Center
under 1st Army, the Army’s Machine Foreign Language
Translation System program, and the Presidential
Inauguration Detail, the 09L soldiers have been
honored with 3 SES/GO Letters of Commendation,
2 Army Commendation Medals, and 28 Army
Achievement Medals for their exceptional service and
professionalism. Additionally, one of the 09L Soldiers
recently finished the Army Level IV Combatives
Course and is scheduled to attend the Army Basic
Instructor Course, making him one of the most highly
proficient fighters MIRC-wide.
This summer, the Company will maintain its fast
pace. Currently three 09Ls (Dari-Farsi) are supporting
CENTCOM’s Combined Joint Interagency Task
Force on a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. In
June, the expertise of three 09Ls (Dari-Farsi) will be
featured as the Chief of the Army Reserve hosts of
a delegation of senior Afghan Ministry of Defense
officials. Late in the summer, two female 09Ls (DariFarsi) will accompany the 338th MI BN’s deployment
to Afghanistan. Additionally, the largest team of
09Ls to mobilize together yet, nearly 20 Soldiers, will
deploy to Kuwait in support of the Army G-2 during the
summer of 2013. “Detachment 1,” as the team will be
called, hopes to return home safely bearing yet further
accolades and honors for the TSC and MIRC. ◆
Vol. 6, NO. 2
The Reserve
Officers Foreign
Exchange
Program
By CPT Timothy J. Keegan
POL MIL Directorate (J5), USSOUTHCOM
From left to right: German Col. Baumgard, Civil Military Coordination
Center Commander, Capt. Keegan, German Lt. Col. Neesel, CIMIC
Deputy Commander (Taken at the German CIMIC Headquarters)
Our military’s global missions require international
experiences, examine “lessons learned” from a foreign
knowledge and understanding. The Reserve Officers
military point of view, and expand understanding
Foreign Exchange Program (ROFEP), now entering its
between U.S. and allied forces who often work
29th year, provides the framework for officers of all
alongside one another in areas affected by strife and
branches to build upon their personal experiences and natural disaster.
gain useful insights while training alongside two of our
With the increasing number of regional conflicts
nation’s most enduring military allies, the British and
and heightened levels of political instability, many
the Germans. The primary purpose of the program
American leaders believe the best way to promote
is to provide Reserve Component
lasting peace is through “smart
“The
value
of
military
officers training associated with
power” initiatives. Notably, projects
intelligence is exceeded by
mobilization duties, while enhancing
which lead to improvements in human
that
of
social
and
cultural
their ability to work and communicate
rights, good governance, educational
intelligence. We need the
with individuals from their respective
assistance, economic development,
ability
to
look,
understand,
host nation’s military.
and the establishment of impartial
and operate deeply into
For myself and 20 other
judicial reforms. Through my ROFEP
the
fault
lines
of
societies
predominately Military Intelligence
experience with German and NATO
where, increasingly
officers from the Army, Navy, and Air
CIMIC members we were able to
we
find
the
frontiers
of
Force who were recently selected for
share insights and experiences which
national security.”
the German exchange program, we
might otherwise prove elusive in a
– Admiral Cebrowski,
began our 18 day mission in Bonn, the
crisis environment.
Director of the Office
historic home of the German Ministry of
Given our military’s operational
of Force Transformation
Defense (MOD). Once briefed by the
tempo and the reliance upon Army
MOD, each American participant is sent
Reserve Military Intelligence personnel
individually to “host units” located throughout the country. to augment and often guide Humanitarian Assistance
These assignments are based upon the American
and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Civil Affairs missions,
officer’s military branch and matched with a German
the ROFEP assignment was extremely beneficial. I
equivalent unit. In that way, the contingent is afforded
encourage others to apply for this unique program,
maximum coverage of locations and experiences.
as joint-multinational knowledge and cultural
I was assigned to the Civil Military Coordination
understanding is a valuable force multiplier in the
Center (CIMIC) in Nienburg; the primary training facility dynamic environments that we invariably inhabit as
for German civil military operations and coordination.
professional Soldiers.
Given my background in U.S.-based humanitarian
The ROFEP is now accepting applications. For
assistance and disaster relief operations, this
more information visit: http://ra.defense.gov/
assignment afforded me the opportunity to discuss
programs/rtm/rofep.html. ◆
Vol. 6, NO. 2
The eyes of a soldier
Story by Maj. Gregg Moore
Take a few moments to remember one of the
many times you have looked in the eyes of a stranger.
Perhaps it was just a passing glance, maybe you were
in line at the grocery store, or walking along a public
sidewalk. Maybe you detected sadness in his or her
eyes, maybe you saw the slumping of the shoulders
and, although this person connected with your eyes, he
or she quickly looked away as if afraid that you might
spot a secret. Did you wonder what was going through
the person’s mind? What was going through your mind?
Were you the person who looked away, afraid?
Most people have thought about suicide at least
once during their lives. We all have our biases
about what “justifies” suicide or what we consider a
reasonable explanation for suicide. It’s easy to judge.
The hard part is not judging.
American Soldiers have volunteered to sacrifice
much for the greater good. Soldiers willingly undertake
many stresses and responsibilities for their values. To
be a Soldier, you have to care. There is a burden of
caring which shows in the actions and devotion of a
Soldier. It can also show in a Soldier’s eyes.
The news routinely reminds us that suicides in the
military, especially the Army, have steadily increased
since the beginning of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
All Soldiers attend annual suicide prevention briefings at
their units. These presentations are designed to convey
two important messages. The first lesson is to look for
the signs of depression or sadness and then ask if the
person is thinking about suicide. The second lesson is
to immediately get professional help for someone who
admits to having suicidal ideations. These are both valid
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Depression and Suicide Prevention Resources
• Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR)
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
• Medical Treatment Facility (MTF)
• http://www.taps.org
• Community Mental Health Clinic (CMHC)
• Military OneSource
• School Counselors
• www.militaryonesource.com or 1-800-342-9647
• Church/Chaplains
• Y
our “Armyonesource” service for geographically
isolated Soldiers and Family Members
• W
ounded Soldier and Family Hotline
1-800-984-8523
• Family Readiness Groups
• N
ational Youth Violence Prevention
Resource Center
• http://www.safeyouth.org
• http://www.armyfrg.org
• Join family readiness groups in your area
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
• A
rmy Center for Health Promotion and
Preventive Medicine (CHPPM)
• http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil
• 1-800-273-TALK
and important lessons. However, to stem the suicide
rate, we need to look deeper. We need to do more.
In as many as 70% of suicides, friends and families
report that they never saw any signs their loved one
was suicidal. This is because most people who are
thinking about suicide are often ashamed to let others
know, so they work hard to hide their feelings.
Reflect upon what you would do about the
people who hide their thoughts about suicide.
Consider why they would not want others to know
what they are thinking.
Caring people can go deeper yet. Get to know
people and try to understand what is going on in their
lives. All suicides are different, but there are a few
things that are almost always the same. The path
leading down the lonely road of suicide is almost
always started with loss. The importance of a loss
for one person may not have the same effect as it
does on someone else. Loss can be defined in many
ways, and many times there are a series of losses,
failures, and set-backs which build year after year,
weighing a person down. There are the obvious
types of losses such as losing a job, divorce, death of
a loved one, failure, and other, less obvious losses.
The less palpable losses can be moving from one part
of the country to another, or starting a diet, or loss of
Vol. 6, NO. 2
freedom because of a job promotion that requires
more time and effort. Losses do not equal suicide, but
they are the primary contributing stressors.
The only way to find out if a loss is causal to
suicidal thoughts is to talk about those losses.
Perhaps the person at risk of suicidal ideations does
not even realize the stress they are under from their
loss. Just talking to him or her about the pressure
shows genuine concern, and can be enough to ease
anxiety – if even a little.
The truth is that people will think about suicide
whether you acknowledge it or not. Do the best
you can to learn about the people you are around.
Take the time to listen. Listen. Really listen. Let the
people you care about know it is normal to think about
suicide. Thinking about it is not the same as doing it.
You are there to help them get through it, alive.
If you or someone you care about needs help these
resources are available: National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK; Tragedy Assistance Program
for Survivors (TAPS): http://www.taps.org; Military
OneSource: www.militaryonesource.com or
1-800-342-9647. ◆
Soldier Spotlight
Staff Sergeant
Nasser Althaqeb
Military Intelligence Readiness Command linguist
Staff Sgt. Nasser Althaqeb is the kind of man that
gives a firm handshake and looks you in the eye
when you speak with him. A unique background
gives Althaqeb an unusual insight to the similarities
and differences between American and MiddleEastern culture. He was born in Los Angeles in 1969
to a mother of Mexican and Apache heritage and a
father from Kuwait City, Kuwait. At the age of five, his
family moved to Kuwait City where Althaqeb spent his
formative years.
He enjoyed living in Kuwait, but he believed there
were too many rules about what one can and cannot
do, which made it difficult to grow up there. However,
Althaqeb said growing up in Kuwait helped him
stay out of trouble. He said had he grown up in Los
Angeles he would have been in a lot more trouble.
In Kuwait City, religion and the culture dictated the
rules and there were a lot of things he could not do
because it would embarrass his family.
Althaqeb felt Kuwait City was not for him and
decided to come back to the United States when he
was eighteen. He feels he came back to California
at the right time in his life because he was ready to
go to school and knew what he wanted to do in life.
He said, even then, that his main goal was to join
the Army.
Althaqeb was employed in shipping and receiving
and other odd jobs before he became an Emergency
Medical Technician and earned his Phlebotomy
license in 1991. He then worked in emergency rooms
in Irvine and Laguna Hills, California for sixteen years
before joining the Army in 2007.
While growing up in Kuwait, he started his Martial
Arts training with Judo. And long before joining the
Army, Althaqeb began training in Jiu Jitsu, Karate,
Tae Kwon do, kick boxing other fighting styles. Most
of the training was at Mike Gannon’s “Joker’s Wild
Fighting Academy” in Lake Forest, California, where
Gen. Lloyd Austin, Commanding General of US Forces Iraq (Sept. 2010
to Dec. 2011), awards Staff Sgt. Nasser Althaqeb the Joint Service
Achievement Medal.
Staff Sgt. Nasser Althaqeb taking a break while on a security detail
in Iraq.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Staff Sgt. Nasser Althaqeb in Jordon for the Eager Lion irregular warfare exercise in 2012.
he tested and earned the level of brown belt. He is
also qualified through level 4 at the Army Combatives
School, Fort Benning, Georgia.
He joined the Army Reserves in 2007 as an Arabic
Linguist and was selected to deploy immediately after
completing basic training. He speaks several Arabic
dialects – which he can use in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia,
Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, and others in the region.
Althaqeb's favorite part of the Army has been
the opportunity to travel the world. He worked with
Special Forces in Iraq for a one-year deployment. He
has been a culture and language instructor at the
Regional Training Center at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
His most recent deployment was as part of General
Lloyd Austin’s personal security detachment for
Operation New Dawn in Iraq as American forces
withdrew from the country. ◆
Staff Sgt. Nasser Althaqeb on Personal Security Detail for Gen. Lloyd
Austin during Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
Vol. 6, NO. 2
The 314th Military Intelligence Battalion
Activation Ceremony
Story and photos by Spc. Erika Montano, 323th MI Bn.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The 314th Military Intelligence
Battalion held their Activation and Change of
Command Ceremonies at the U.S. Navy’s Mine
and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command March
3rd. Honored guests included Brig. Gen. William
F. Duffy, Military Intelligence Readiness Command
Commanding General, Rear Admiral James H.
Rodman, Jr., Space and Naval Warfare Systems
Command Chief Engineer, Col. Janet E. Riley, 648th
Regional Support Group Commander, Chief Warrant
Officer 5 Frank M. Patton, MIRC Command Chief
Warrant Officer, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert B.
Breck, MIRC Command Sergeant Major, as well as
Soldiers from the Central Command Intelligence
Support Center Det. 0694 and the U.S. Army Reserve
Element CENTCOM Det. 3. Soldiers stood at ‘order
arms’ as family, friends and loved ones watched Col.
Riley, the reviewing official, unveil the 314th MI Bn. flag
for the presenting of the unit colors.
314th pocket video
represents its acceptance of responsibility for the
organization. Wherever the command is, the unit
colors follow.”
Before transitioning into the Change of Command
Ceremony, Brig. Gen. Duffy had a few words to say to
the new unit.
“To the Soldiers of the 314th, you’ve got a hard
road ahead of you. Starting off a new unit is never
easy, and I want to thank Steve Robertson for stepping
up and taking on this initial responsibility of building
something out of nothing, and to Jay [Iannacito], for
taking on as commander, I offer you probably my
apologies. Right now this country is going through
some very challenging financial times, with budget
issues. A lot of it is driven by powers that we cannot
affect but who we work for.”
As challenging as it seems for the 314th MI Bn.,
Brig. Gen. Duffy is optimistic for their future, and
encourages them to rely on leadership and hard work
to accomplish the mission.
“Stand this unit up and be ready to go to war when
we don’t have a whole lot of resources to apply.”
As the event continued, Lt. Col. Steven Robertson
passed the colors to Col. Riley, who then passed the
colors to Lt. Col. Jay Iannacito. In this traditional Army
symbol, Robertson relinquished his command to
Iannacito, the new commander of the 314th MI Bn. ◆
Soldiers of the 314th Stand in
formation during the ceremony.
“The Activation Ceremony is a simple traditional
event, rich with symbolism and heritage. Key to
this ceremony is the encasing of the unit colors,”
announced Maj. Nathaniel Russ of the 314th MI Bn.
“These colors represent not only the lineage and
honors of the unit, but also the unity of its Soldiers.
So as the colors represent an organization, it is
the commander’s acceptance of the symbol that
Vol. 6, NO. 2
The Human Resources Packet
Accountability Site
Story by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Monica Petersen-Smith, MIRC G1
The MIRC G1 has fully implemented the use of the
Human Resources Packet Accountability Site (HRPAS)
for the processing of all personnel actions. HRPAS is an
Army Reserve G1 directed SharePoint based application
used for the submission, processing and tracking of
personnel related actions.
HRPAS was developed in order to provide an
effective and efficient method of processing and tracking
personnel actions. The traditional method of using
regular mail, express parcel or e-mail was found to be
ineffective, costly, and did not provide a reliable tracking
method which led to processing delays, as well as missed
or lost actions. In addition, the traditional method did not
provide an effective means of measuring efficiency.
HRPAS provides the HR community with a single
website for personnel packet submission, processing
Vol. 6, NO. 2
and tracking with all levels of command located on one
site. It provides live action status at all levels and meets
the Army Record Information Management System
(ARIMS) archival standards. In addition, HRPAS contains
built-in email notification and alert features as well as
built-in reports and the ability to tailor reports to meet
organizations needs.
All levels of command have received training in the
use of HRPAS by USARC and are using the application for
processing personnel actions. To date the MIRC G1 has
processed over 275 personnel action packets through
HRPAS. HRPAS is only available to Army Reserve human
resource professionals. For questions contact your
human resources section or email [email protected]. ◆
The All-Source Analyst
So you want
to join a Military
Intelligence
Readiness
Command battalion
or detachment
near you but you
are not a Military
Intelligence soldier?
You can do that.
We need all-source
analysts (35F
Military Occupational Specialty) at many of our units.
The All-Source Analyst is somewhat of a jackof-all-trades in the Military Intelligence field. They
use intelligence gathered by the other intelligence
specialties, analyze it, and put it together in a usable
form to help commanders understand the enemy and
make decisions. 35F qualified soldiers are expected
to know how to explain their analysis, many times in
face-to-face presentations to their senior leaders.
At the school, students are introduced to basic
skills including information security, how to present
intelligence data orally, written and graphically.
They learn about friendly and enemy equipment and
tactics, map reading, and symbology. They then
build on those basic skills as they are introduced to
core competencies of Intelligence Preparation of
the Battlefield, information Collection, and Targeting
using automated intelligence systems supporting
the military decision making process. Students
complete their learning experience in a field training
exercise leveraging individual skills in a collective
field training environment.
Staff Sgt. Twanda Lowe, of Detachment 8 United
States Army Reserve Element Central Command,
Sardis, Miss., recently joined the MIRC unit as a Military
Technician and needed to transition to an MI MOS.
She said, “I enjoyed the class more than I thought I
would. I was nervous at first.” Lowe admitted “It’s a
scary thought to start something new. I had to buck
up and I got through it.”
Cpl. Danyl McCormick, of the 345th Military
Intelligence Battalion, Fort Gordon, Ga., said she
prepared for the course by studying MI field manuals.
But her three children were her primary motivation.
McCormick decided she wanted to become a Military
Intelligence soldier after she worked with the 513th MI
Brigade when deployed to Iraq in 2009 with the 475th
Quartermaster. Unfortunately, her tour ended short
when her HMMWV was hit by an improvised explosive
device and suffered multiple injuries. After 19 months
of recovering and facing a medical separation from the
Army, she worked hard to pass the full Army Physical
Fitness Test. Passing the test convinced the medical
review board she could meet the standards despite
multiple surgeries and a long recovery.
McCormick then joined the 345th MI Battalion and
began preparing for the 35F transition course. She
credits the phenomenal and dedicated instructors for
helping her and others get through the intense course.
She said, “They didn’t care how long they had to stay
as long as we learned what we needed for that day.”
McCormick said her course roommate, Sgt. Erika
Laos, also helped her enormously because they never
stopped talking about what they learned, practiced
terms, and studied together. McCormick said Laos
mentored her constantly through the course and they
pushed each other to work harder.
Sgt. Erika Laos, of Detachment 2, 3100 SIG,
was the June 2013 course honor graduate. To
prepare for the course, she said she spoke to
noncommissioned officers and officers in her unit,
who all lauded the course.
Laos said, “The course first and foremost helped
soldiers improve reading, writing, and presentation skills.”
Communication is an important part of the specialty.
She enjoyed the challenging course, saying, “After
15 years, this was first time I was paid to think in the
Army.” When she found out near the end of the
course she had one of the top scores, her roommate,
McCormick pushed her to make number one. When
Laos asked McCormick why she should try to achieve
the highest score in the class, McCormick told her,
“Because you can. Why not?”
The Army Reserve All-Source Analyst Transition
Course is hosted by the 1st Brigade, 100th Training
Division at Fort Devens, Mass. According to the
Vol. 6, NO. 2
Transition Course
35F Transition Course Class number 13-005. (Photo provided by Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Anderson).
course manager, Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Anderson,
to attend the class soldiers need to pass the Army
Physical Fitness Test, score a 110 GT or higher on the
ASVAB, be in good standing with at least six years left
in service, and must qualify for a top-secret clearance.
Although, this is an Army Reserve course, National
Guard soldiers also attend.
Anderson said, “Students do the entire same
workload in 52 days as the Active Component does in
sixteen weeks.” Attendees should expect long work
hours with anywhere from 18 to 24 fellow students.
The course has four instructors. Anderson, who
Vol. 6, NO. 2
was formerly a MIRC soldier at the 3100 SIG, moved
to his current position at the transition course in
January 2013. He leads three civilians, who are either
current TPU Military Intelligence soldiers or retired
MI specialists. There are decades of MI experience
between the instructors, who, by all accounts are very
passionate about sharing their knowledge.
If you are interested in the course, contact your
local Army Reserve Military Intelligence Unit human
resources specialist or the MIRC Command Career
Counselor, Master Sgt. Arthur Starks at 703-806-5203
or [email protected].
"Spec. Christopher Delk (left) and Sgt. 1st. Class
Sean McClenachan (right) proudly show of their
MIRC 2013 Best Warrior Competition trophies after
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Breck (center) awarded
them. (Photo by Spec. Erika Montano, 323rd MI Bn).
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF
THE MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
READINESS COMMAND
ALWAYS ENGAGED
NEXT ISSUE:
MIRC CHANGE
OF COMMAND.

always engaged

Transcription

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