The challenge of information overload and how to teach people differently was the concept for the two-day Learning and Technology Symposium.
The Family Life Chaplain Training Center recently welcomed a new group of five Soldier and five civilian resident counselors.
Bronze campaign stars are now authorized for service members who have served in Iraq since Sept. 1, 2010, or in Afghanistan since Dec. 1, 2009, Defense Department officials announced today. The new campaign stars, worn on the Iraq and Afghanistan campaign medals, recognize service during Operation New Dawn in Iraq and the Consolidation III campaign phase in Afghanistan.
New Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta pledged there will be no hollow force on his watch.
There are a variety of minimalist running shoes available for purchase and wear. Effective immediately, only those shoes that accommodate all five toes in one compartment are authorized for wear.
Col. Thomas James replaced Brig. Gen. Ted Martin as the commandant of the U.S. Army Armor School June 28 in a change of command ceremony at the Benning Conference Center.
Lt. Col. Andrew Koloski replaced Lt. Col. William Thigpen as the commander of the 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, in a change of command ceremony June 27 at Brave Rifles Field.
Col. David Thompson relinquished command to Col. Kevin MacWatters as the commander of the 194th Armored Brigade Wednesday during a change of command ceremony at Brave Rifles Field.
Col. Lance “Duke” Davis replaced Col. Sean McCaffrey as commander of the 199th Infantry Brigade during a change of command ceremony June 28 at Stilwell Field.
Lt. Col. Michael Dane Acord took command of the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, replacing Lt. Col. Matt Seifert in a change of command ceremony June 23 at Camp James E. Rudder, Eglin AFB, Fla.
Col. Ronald Clark became the commander of the 192nd Infantry Brigade Thursday during a change of command ceremony at Pomeroy Field. Clark replaces Col. Terrence McKenrick.
The Fort Benning community said goodbye to one of its own Thursday in a ceremony at the Main Post chapel.
Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, helped U.S. service members celebrate the 235th anniversary of America’s independence by administering the oath of enlistment to 235 service members during an Independence Day celebration held July 4, 2011, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
Col. Jeffrey Fletcher replaced Col. Thomas Macdonald as garrison commander June 21 in a change of command ceremony at Ridgway Hall.
More than 70 armored vehicles were offloaded June 21 at the Ochille Railhead at Harmony Church, marking another milestone as the Armor School completes its move from Fort Knox, Ky., to the Maneuver Center of Excellence.
For the second time in three years, a Fort Benning drill sergeant is the Army’s best.
Fort Benning’s top warriors turned in another stellar performance this month at the 2011 Combined Arms Center event. Spc. Blaise Corbin captured the Soldier of the Year title, while the NCO honor went to Staff Sgt. Raymond Santiago. Both are assigned to the Ranger Training Brigade’s 4th Ranger Training Battalion. The competition was held June 13-17 at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
The Maneuver Center of Excellence has named its top career counselors and re-enlistment specialists for 2011.
Independence Day is a time to celebrate the birth of our great Nation. It is also an opportunity for Family and friends to gather to enjoy the holiday weekend. This past Memorial Day weekend was marked by tragedy with the accidental drowning deaths of two TRADOC Soldiers. I need your help to prevent further tragedies this Independence Day weekend.
The approaching 4th of July weekend will provide all of us with an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy a well-deserved extended holiday weekend. This popular holiday is usually associated with increased highway traffic. Privately owned vehicle and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of accident related fatalities within the US Army. Excessive speed and driving under the influence are the most common factors associated with these accidents. With this in mind, I ask each of you to exercise caution and stay alert. All vehicle occupants need to wear their seat belts and motorcyclists need to wear all required personal protective equipment.
The Maneuver Center of Excellence got another chunk of Armor on Monday.
The staff and students of McBride Elementary School will get a new building next year. H.R. 2055, which provides for military construction funding, passed in the House of Representatives June 14. Included in the bill is funding for several education-related projects on Fort Benning, beginning with a new school.
The first class under Fort Benning’s Culture and Foreign Language Program began June 14. Taught on post through Columbus State University’s Continuing Education division, the classes are geared toward Soldiers and designed to equip them for a broad range of intercultural operations.
Lt. Col. Cale Brown replaced Lt. Col. Christopher Willis as the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, in a change of command ceremony June 14 at Pomeroy Field.
Construction on Interstate 185 is close to being finished.
They’re here.
The Directorate of Emergency Services has modified its Visitor Control Center operations, post officials announced.
Soldiers with the 104th Transportation Company returned to Fort Benning’s Lawson Army Airfield Sunday after their 12-month deployment to Afghanistan.
Soldiers with the 63rd Engineer Company provided the expertise, equipment and labor to help renovate riding arenas at the Fort Benning Hunt Club for the Wounded Warrior Horsemanship Program.
The Army wants to turn dismounted tactical small units into overpowering forces on the battlefield and eliminate the enemy’s comparable effectiveness at that tier. The Maneuver Center of Excellence is playing a key role in making it happen.
Lt. Col. Mary Martin relinquished command of the 30th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) to Lt. Col. Stuart Kidder in a change of command ceremony June 6 at Pomeroy Field.
Lt. Col. John Best replaced Lt. Col. Dean Bushnell as commander of the 3rd Battalion (Officer Candidate School), 11th Infantry Regiment, in a change of command ceremony Wednesday at Stilwell Field.
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Lt. Col. Robert A. O’Brien IV took command of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, replacing Lt. Col. Christopher Stone in a change of command ceremony June 7 at Camp Frank T. Merrill.
The U.S. Army Infantry School commandant said goodbye to Fort Benning on Wednesday.
Fort Benning’s Sgt. 1st Class Joe Kapacziewski was deployed to Afghanistan when he learned he was one of two recipients of this year’s Freedom Award. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command and President Barack Obama’s pick to be the next Army chief of staff, was the other.
RICHLAND, Ga. — Fort Benning officials met the public Monday to discuss land in western and central Stewart County marked as the preferred alternative for possible acquisition by the Army.
The first Armor Basic Officer Leader Course, taught at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, starts Thursday.
Lt. Col. George Schabbehar took command of the 4th Ranger Training Battalion from Lt. Col. Jeremy Miller in a change of command ceremony Wednesday at the Ranger Memorial.
Highschoolers are delving into Army life during a weeklong leadership camp hosted at Fort Benning and Columbus State University.
The Maneuver Center of Excellence has adopted a new motorcycle safety policy requiring all military riders at Fort Benning to go through mandatory training, even if they never bring the bike on post.
Lt. Col Daniel Cook III replaced Lt. Col. Mike Junot as commander of the 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, May 31 in a change of command ceremony at Building 5500 on Harmony Church.
Lt. Col. Kevin Butler replaced Lt. Col. Thomas Sheehan as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, during a change of command ceremony Thursday at Kanell Field.
Two decades ago, U.S. and coalition forces shoved Iraq out of Kuwait in relatively rapid fashion to claim an overwhelming victory in the Gulf War. The first national ceremony honoring the 382 American men and women who gave their lives took place Thursday.
Groundbreaking remains a few years away, but Fort Benning has christened the site of the future National Armor and Cavalry Museum.
Spc. Jerry Torres of the 209th Military Police Detachment put his life on the line May 22 to save two residents during a fire in Battle Park, located off Arrowhead Road on Fort Benning.
For the McAllisters, old family photos were at the forefront of their thoughts — irreplaceable mementos they thought would go up in smoke following a home fire on Fort Benning that ignited a neighbor’s apartment two weeks ago.
Fort Benning first responders debuted new crash vehicles this month to respond to aircraft-rescue firefighting. Fire and Emergency Services added two Striker 3000s to its fleet of aircraft response vehicles May 7.
ARLINGTON, Va. — War fighting and humanitarian assistance are just a few of the roles some 1 million members of the U.S. Army perform today, and have been for more than 200 years.
President Barack Obama announced his choices as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a Rose Garden ceremony Monday.
If you’re the type of person who likes learning about other cultures and enjoys showing visitors around Columbus, and Phenix City, then the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, International Student Division, needs you to serve as a sponsor for its international military student population.
The post’s Rigger of the Year was named Thursday. Pfc. Marco Villecco beat out eight opponents.
Motivational speaker and author Leslie Ostrander will give a presentation June 10 at the Benning Conference Center on balancing work and home life, building foundations for social success, problem solving and resiliency.
Col. Stephen Awe took command of Dental Activity, replacing Col. Lee Covington in a change of command ceremony May 24 at Ridgway Hall.
Army Secretary John McHugh has approved a policy allowing Soldiers to receive the Purple Heart for concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries not resulting in loss of consciousness.
At 8 a.m. Thursday, members of the Armor community will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site of the future home of the National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Museum adjacent to the NIM parade field.
Long before the fall of Osama bin Laden, another polarizing Middle East figure fell to U.S. forces — Saddam Hussein.
Fort Benning’s Destin Army Recreation Area recently celebrated a milestone in a series of projects that stop just shy of a complete resort overhaul. Maj. Gen. Robert Brown, Fort Benning’s commanding general, MWR team members and Destin guests celebrated the grand opening of a new conference and meeting center May 13.
Our military is made up of heroes — everyday individuals who put aside their own concerns and sense of self for the betterment of their nation and the community at large. They, however, are not alone in bearing that distinction.
An online program aimed at strengthening Soldiers’ resolve and behavioral health skill sets in pursuit of their objectives will debut Wednesday.
1: Sgt. Johnny Delgado, a coach, eyes Staff Sgt. Anthony Rucker’s scoring sheet as each team completes the first two challenges Monday. Delgado was on Fort Benning’s previous two Rigger of the Year teams that went on to win the Rigger Rodeo at Fort Bragg, N.C. Delgado hopes to add a third trophy to E Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment’s trophy case.
“Prepare to enter the water!” is not a normal command given to Ranger Training Brigade cadre when they are 25 miles from the nearest shore. However, that is exactly the command Staff Sgt. Douglas Frank gave his team of combat divers as their boat approached the sunken USS Oriskany in the Gulf of Mexico May 10.
Georgia Tech Research Institute officials were here May 12-13 for another peek at a foreign-made unmanned aircraft system built with off-the-shelf commercial parts.
The Army’s new physical fitness test was administered to a group of Fort Benning Soldiers last week as part of the service’s pilot program.
Portable professional development classrooms that can be set up virtually anywhere are currently being used by units in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Fort Knox has been a hotbed of adjustments in order to complete the changes mandated by the Base Realignment and Closure review of 2005 — new construction, new units, new transfers, new troops, new colors, and new resources.
Sgt. 1st Class Ray Castillo is again flourishing as a senior noncommissioned officer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., but that almost didn’t seem possible two years ago.
The Army published a draft Environmental Impact Statement Friday concerning the comprehensive study of the impact Fort Benning’s Training Land Expansion Program may have on local economies and the environment.
Leslie Ostrander knows about resilience. At age 4, Ostrander was paralyzed from the waist down in a fatal car accident on a county road between Columbus and Auburn, Ala., that killed her grandmother and injured her mother.
Photo 1: Firefighters with Fort Benning’s Fire and Emergency Services battle flames Thursday during a live-fire training exercise near Lawson Army Airfield. The exercise is conducted annually.
Four fallen Soldiers were honored Saturday in a 2nd Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, building dedication ceremony on Sand Hill.
The International Student Training Detachment and International Military Student Office merged Wednesday in a change of authority ceremony at Taylor Field.
A medical test in the works, though possibly still years away, could show Army medics in just a few hours if a Soldier has suffered from concussion.
Staff Sgt. John Heslin was named the Drill Sergeant of the Year Friday after squaring off against Fort Benning’s top drill sergeants in a weeklong competition.
The Ranger Training Brigade dominated Fort Benning’s NCO and Soldier of the Year competitions Friday.
By this summer, Soldiers in Afghanistan will be riding in new Stryker armored combat vehicles that have an improved hull design to protect them from improvised explosive devices and roadside mines.
In the aftermath of tornadoes April 27 that ripped across much of the central and northern parts of Alabama, the National Guard is still heavily engaged in assisting storm victims with more than 2,700 Soldiers and Airmen called to duty.
The U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing has been ranked the best program of its kind in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools. Located at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, the program rose to the top spot after coming in second in the magazine’s past two consecutive reports in 2004 and 2008.
Lt. Col. Kyle Feger assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment from Lt. Col. Wayne Brewster during a change of command ceremony May 3 at Pomeroy Field.
An Army wife who recently moved here as part of the Armor School arrival wants to bring more attention to spouse educational opportunities and hurdles.
Bob Gehricke has a special gift for his son’s birthday this summer: a large skull surrounded by bullet holes painted on a double-door.
What began as an ambitious vision in the minds of Army leaders in 1999 — to build a medium-class armored vehicle able to deploy quickly, transport troops safely, and bring agility and lethality across multiple platforms — has evolved into the battle-tested Stryker vehicle now celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
“Justice has been done,” said President Barack Obama in announcing the death of Osama bin Laden in a U.S. military operation in Pakistan.
The public got a peek at the locale for Fort Benning’s new hospital last week.
The 598th Maintenance Company arrived home just ahead of a powerful tornado outbreak that swept across Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Nearly 120 Soldiers returned Wednesday evening from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, when the storm system moved south toward the tricommunity area.
Capt. Jay C. Copley fought for three hours after sustaining a bullet wound through his neck.
Kristin Molinaro, the news editor for The Bayonet, won a Department of Defense writing award for her 2010 basic training series, “From civilians to Soldiers.” In the five-story series, she followed Soldiers in C Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, from the first day of Army inprocessing to graduation nine weeks later.
Lt. Gen. Orwin C. Talbott, 92, of 6200 Oregon Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., a former commandant of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center April 26 following a heart attack.
The first sling-load mission in the history of the Forward Support Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, was held April 11 during a joint training exercise with the Pathfinder School.
U.S. Army Airborne School students do a combat jump April 26 onto Fryar Drop Zone. The students must complete five total jumps from 1,250 feet to earn their wings from the Fort Benning school. The three-week course is taught by 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
A memorial and dedication ceremony was held Wednesday on Kelley Hill for two Soldiers killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Harmony Church Troop Medical and Dental Clinic held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony April 26.
Representatives from the families of two Soldiers — Pfc. Anthony Kaho’ohanohano and Pfc. Henry Svehla, who gave their lives for their comrades in Korea — received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House, Monday.
The Fort Benning chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club staged its first induction ceremony Wednesday in almost two years. Nine Soldiers gained entry, while an Army spouse was honored with the Margaret C. Corbin Award for outstanding volunteer efforts on and off post. Maj. Gen. Robert Brown, the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning commanding general, and post Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hardy presented membership medallions during the event at Pratt Hall.
Fort Benning officials believe the lack of injuries during the severe weather April 15-16 is a direct result of the effective use of composite risk management.
Now that the Maneuver Center of Excellence is coming into full view at Fort Benning, leaders here want to tell the rest of the Army all about it.
Twenty-one Soldiers with Fort Benning’s first active movement control company deployed Wednesday to Afghanistan.
In Cai Lay, Vietnam, Nov. 18, 1967, a young Soldier helped rescue his injured comrades by swimming across a river on an air mattress despite having a broken back, three broken ribs, shrapnel wounds, a gunshot wound and not being able to swim. Disregarding his injuries, he stood up and fired at enemy soldiers and protected his comrades until it was safe to transport them back across the water.
U.S. Army Accessions Command will be inactivated as part of Defense and Army efficiency reviews, officials announced.
Fort Benning’s senior enlisted leader is calling on Soldiers to hit the books — specifically Army Regulation 670-1. The regulation governs the wear and appearance of all Army uniforms, from the physical fitness uniform to the new service uniform.
The “super team” of Sgt. Maj. Walter Zajkowski and Master Sgt. Eric Turk is the winner of the 28th annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition.
William Boyd said he rarely misses the Best Ranger Competition — even if it means not telling relatives about his weekend travel plans.
A tornado touched down about a mile away from the Ranger Training Brigade compound in Harmony Church early Saturday morning, which forced organizers to delay the start of the night orienteering course at the David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition.
The Army’s new top enlisted Soldier made his first official post visit Saturday.
The Army’s best bomb-disposal unit calls Fort Benning home.
A Fort Benning basic training battalion is among nine Quality of Life Award winners announced April 8 by the Secretary of Defense.
The message is simple: You’ve answered the call to duty, now we will answer you.
Fort Benning is the first military installation to acquire the Flex Powerstation. The power station, seen as the cleanest power station in the world by the FlexEnergy website, will be tested at Fort Benning this summer to see if it can successfully generate cost-effective electricity.
Despite the nation’s budget woes, efforts to develop and distribute gear that will enable Soldiers to be more lethal and resilient in any environment will continue to be supported, predicted Program Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Peter Fuller, Thursday.
Col. William Drennon replaced Col. Judith Lee as commander of the 14th Combat Support Hospital Wednesday at Freedom Hall.
Steps are being taken on Fort Benning to make it greener, and save money. One way is through the use of solar photovoltaic energy.
As part of a “right-shaping” of the force, the Army will adjust retention-control points for Soldiers this fall. During his first appearance Wednesday on Capitol Hill, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III discussed the Army’s temporary end-strength initiative and ensuing force reductions before the House Appropriations Committee, defense subcommittee.
The Army must define a future strategy to deal with hybrid threats that operate along increasingly intricate networks in a “realm of uncertainty” on the battlefield, officials said last week at the 2011 Reconnaissance Summit.
The 2011 Airborne Awards Festival’s Fort Benning stop was highlighted by the dedication of a new $112,000 monument Friday on Eubanks Field.
The events are set for another grueling 60-hour demonstration of mental toughness and physical strength among contestants in the 28th annual Best Ranger Competition.
As the renovation to Building 4 wraps up and personnel prepare to reoccupy the tower, G-2 wants people to remember proper security procedures while moving classified documents.
The first U.S. Army Sniper School was initiated in 1955, right after the Korean War cease-fire. The present U.S. Army Sniper School was established at Fort Benning in 1987. The five-week course teaches students to engage targets up to 800 meters away and take them out with one shot. A sniper’s training incorporates a wide variety of subjects designed to increase his value as a force multiplier and ensure his survival on the battlefield.
Lt. Col. Travis Thompson assumed command of the 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment replacing Lt. Col. Shawn Klawunder during a change of command ceremony at Kanell Field.
Family and friends gathered in Freedom Hall Saturday to welcome home 75 returning Soldiers of the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
Top Army and civilian leaders highlighted the past, present and future Wednesday during MCoE Industry Day at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.
The Army’s Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems is rolling out its newest fleet of Abrams tanks.
When crisis strikes, Fort Benning’s Emergency Operations Center stands ready to respond.
President Barack Obama's $132 billion 2012 budget request for the Veterans Affairs Department demonstrates that despite a tight fiscal environment, the United States stands by its commitment to men and women who have served in uniform, Deputy VA Secretary W. Scott Gould told American Forces Press Service.
Col. William Drennon replaced Col. Judith Lee as commander of the 14th Combat Support Hospital Wednesday at Freedom Hall. Col. Bruce McVeigh, the reviewing officer, welcomed Drennon as the commander and said Drennon was no stranger to the “Silver Knight Team” of the 1st Medical Brigade.
Steps are being taken on Fort Benning to make it greener, and save money. One way is through the use of solar photovoltaic energy.
As part of a “right-shaping” of the force, the Army will adjust retention-control points for Soldiers this fall. During his first appearance Wednesday on Capitol Hill, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III discussed the Army’s temporary end-strength initiative and ensuing force reductions before the House Appropriations Committee, defense subcommittee.
A quarter-century-old Fort Knox, Ky., tradition has unfolded at Fort Benning for the first time.
The retired general who served as the nation’s 32nd Army chief of staff added his endorsement to the Armor-Infantry consolidation taking place here and praised the “breathtaking” facilities built at Harmony Church to accommodate troops moving in from Fort Knox, Ky.
The next round of meetings for the Training Land Expansion Program is set for May, pending the approval and release of a draft Environmental Impact Statement in mid-April.
Fort Benning’s 209th Military Police Detachment received the Stem Award, which recognizes TRADOC’s best Military Police unit Wednesday.
A World War II veteran and longtime Columbus resident who earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in the Battle of Okinawa is the newest member of the Chemical Corps Hall of Fame.
With less than three weeks to go, Best Ranger Competition planners are adding finishing touches and ensuring event schedules remain under tight guard.
More than 100 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team forward and joint fires observers recertified and tested their call-for-fire skills and close-air support skills Wednesday through Friday at the Maneuver Center of Excellence Simulation Center. The brigade, which returned from its most recent deployment in October, is currently in its reset phase and was using the center to help hone their skills.
The Army may soon have a museum to call its own. Plans are in the works to construct The National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Va.
For the first time since its inception in 2005, the U.S. Army Combatives Tournament will be staged somewhere other than Fort Benning.
This year’s installment is headed to Fort Hood, Texas, which was given the opportunity to host after III Corps won the Lacerda Cup here last fall as team champion. The 2011 All-Army showdown is set for July 20-23.WASHINGTON — U.S. military actions in Libya are being conducted as part of a broad multinational coalition and in direct support of a United Nations mandate designed to set conditions for other coalition partners to play larger roles enforcing the no-fly zone there, President Barack Obama said today.
Senior leaders from around the Army will gather here early next month for the 2011 Maneuver Center of Excellence Reconnaissance Summit.
The Army’s official website for the 2011 Best Ranger Competition launched Friday. The unveiled site at www.army.mil/ranger is the one-stop shop for information about the competition, which is April 15-17.
A drill sergeant exchange between Army and Air Force cadre may yield insight into possible training improvements for both services.
Columbus State University’s Army ROTC battalion wants to lure more enlisted troops back into the classroom.
PICATINNY ARESENAL, N.J. — A lot can happen during the course of a phone call.
Two Soldiers from the platoon depicted in Restrepo delivered some motivation to a basic training unit in its fourth week on Sand Hill.
Installation officials are scheduled to conduct the annual antiterrorism/force protection exercise March 30.
Increased drug incidents throughout installations cause concern for the welfare of our Soldiers and families. Specific drugs of interest include Salvia, Spice, a cocaine-like substance being sold as “bath salts” and, most recently, “Devil Tracks.”
For years the Army’s chief of staff has said his service was “out of balance,” but he believes next year’s budget request will keep it on the road to recovery after 10 years of war.
A report released to the president and Congress March 7 recommends 20 changes in the way the military facilitates diversity, and suggests gender barriers be lifted on all career fields.
An Armor School need turned into a chance for the 11th Engineer Battalion to train — and the endeavor paid dividends for both.
Soldiers of the 192nd Brigade put their marksmanship and athletic skills to the test March 7-11 when 37 Soldiers set out to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency badge, one of the few foreign awards approved for American Soldiers.
For Pfc. Juan Manibusan of 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, joining the Army was now or never. Especially since his 19-year-old son, Pvt. Jeremy Manibusan of 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, graduated Friday.
The Army Center for Enhanced Performance wants Soldiers, leaders and basic trainees to build strong minds and bodies by tapping into the science behind an Olympic training model, the organization’s director said Thursday.
The number of Ranger School instructors has grown from a “critical” deficit of 60 percent in September to 80 percent, with the number expected to grow in the next few months, officials at the Ranger Training Brigade reported.
Active-component Soldiers interested in promotion to sergeant or staff sergeant must immediately update their personnel and training records before the Army implements the revised promotion system on June 1.
The deadline to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay has been extended to March 18.
Effective June 1, Soldiers serving on active duty, whether in the regular Army or Army Reserve and National Guard components, will encounter various changes within the Army Retention Control Points program.
A contingent from the National War College in Washington learned what it’s like to be Soldiers during a three-day visit to Fort Benning last week.
Did you win a lottery in the United Kingdom even though you live in the United States? Receive an e-mail offering a get-rich-quick scheme? Or maybe you received an e-mail asking to log in to a merchant or bank site and update your account information.
WASHINGTON — An Army official has recommended that Maj. Nidal M. Hasan be tried before a general court-martial authorized to consider capital punishment, Fort Hood, Texas, officials said.
The Environmental Management Division’s Land Management Branch is fighting fire with fire — literally.
Remember what your mother taught you about hitting girls? Combatives instructor Spc. Teddra Rodriguez wants you to try, but you better be prepared to defend yourself.
Vickie Dikes climbed the ranks to command sergeant major during her 28-year Soldier career. Outside the Army, she’s still knocking down obstacles.
WASHINGTON — America’s last known World War I veteran, Cpl. Frank Buckles, died Sunday at the age of 110. Buckles died of natural causes at his home in Charles Town, W.Va., according to a family spokesman, who added funeral arrangements would be announced later this week.
The traffic flow around Faith Middle School will change Tuesday to provide safer movement of children. Ingersoll Street in front of Faith Middle School will be blocked as well as the traffic loop in front of the school. The parking lot that runs parallel to Ingersoll will be limited to one entrance/exit to prevent people from driving through the parking lot in an effort to avoid the Ingersoll detour.
The new Harmony Church Access Control Point will open two lanes and conduct limited visitor pass services beginning March 15. The ACP, located along Route 27, will be open 24/7. The Department of Emergency Services is currently in the process of hiring additional guards to increase lane availability at the ACP and it is expected to achieve full operational capability by the end of the summer, according to Fort Benning officials. The opening of this ACP necessitates the shutdown of the old facility servicing 1st Division Road, which will close March 14.
WASHINGTON — First lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, plan to launch a campaign designed to rally citizens, businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide support for U.S. service members and their families.
The second phase of the M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer Course is now under way. The Armor School’s hands-on turret training began Monday. The BFV System Maintainer Course is the first Armor School course to commence under the Maneuver Center of Excellence since the school’s relocation to Fort Benning. The 12-week course is taught by F Company, 3rd Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment. Students will graduate April 14. The top six graduates with assignments to M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle units will remain at Harmony Church for three additional weeks to complete the Additional Skill Identifier Course.
Nine teams have been selected to represent the Ranger Training Brigade at the 28th annual Best Ranger Competition April 15-17.
Soldiers will be better prepared if they train how they would fight. This innovative physical readiness training philosophy, implemented by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, has driven the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School to revise not only how the Army conducts physical training, but also how it will evaluate a Soldier's physical capability.
Nearly 500 Infantrymen lined up to take the Army Physical Fitness Test at Fort Benning’s Todd Field Feb. 14. It was the first step in seeing which man had the skills and competence to earn the Expert Infantryman Badge.
DENTAC Soldiers got a flashback to basic training last week, but with an up-to-date twist — 12 Sand Hill drill sergeants instructed them in the basics of the new Physical Readiness Training program, launched Armywide in August.
As the Fort Benning work force expands, the positives outweigh the negatives, the MCoE and Fort Benning commander said Wednesday.
FORT BENNING, Ga. — A housing area on Main Post for enlisted Soldiers, junior noncommissioned officers and their families that dates back half a century is getting a hefty overhaul.
Six Japanese officers assigned to the Officer Candidate School, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, listened to a briefing Thursday from leaders of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, as part of their three day visit to Fort Benning.
If you can survive 61 days of some of the Army’s most intense, rigorous training, you earn the right to wear the Ranger tab. But Ranger School isn’t about just surviving — it’s about succeeding and leading your team despite struggles and stresses the instructors use to challenge you. Why? Because making the wrong decision in combat is not acceptable, no matter how tired or hungry you are, said Ranger instructor Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Hirata.
It was a race against time and against the odds as NCOs and officers of the Mailed Foot Battalion sprinted across Sand Hill Wednesday to complete a series of challenges.
Want to learn about more ways to contribute to the welfare of Soldiers and their families? The Fort Benning Army Emergency Relief campaign kickoff event will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium of Building 7 on 7117 Baltzell Ave. The event will cover what AER does and challenge the Fort Benning community to meet the goals of AER, said Ann Pratcher, Financial Readiness Program manager and Army Emergency Relief officer. Pratcher likened the event to a high school pep rally.
The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel began its 2011 hearing cycle last week looking at the Defense Department’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs.
For a returning Fort Benning unit, Valentine’s Day was full of love.
At first glance, the small unmanned aerial vehicle looks as harmless as a remote-control airplane buzzing around a city park. But the “Raven” is a real heavyweight on the battlefield, instructors said.
President Barack Obama’s fiscal 2012 defense budget request continues the department’s reform agenda, but protects personnel and family programs, Pentagon officials said.
Hundreds of Soldiers from units across Fort Benning are taking aim at the Expert Infantryman Badge this week.
A Soldier’s physical fitness numbers will soon be included as part of results given after taking the online “Global Assessment Tool.”
During a Survivor Outreach Services working group meeting last year, several participants expressed difficulty in gaining access to military installations to take part in SOS programs and support services. Survivors, including parents of fallen Soldiers, do not always have a DoD identification card, and are frequently required to obtain a visitor or temporary vehicle pass to enter garrisons. Soon survivors will be able apply for a Survivor Decal—much like the standard installation access decal—for their vehicle, greatly improving their ability to access the programs designed to support them.
The commandant of the U.S. Army Armor School got his star Friday.
They can defend you in court, support you on the battlefield and offer spiritual guidance.
The 2011 Military Saves Campaign kicks off Sunday with Military Saves Week.
This week the Army is exhibiting prototype vehicles and other technologies at the Chicago Auto Show.
Training will begin shortly for experts in certain specialties and leaders as part of the plan for finalizing repeal of the law that bars gay men, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly in the military, the chief of staff for the Defense Department’s repeal implementation team said here Monday.
The selection of Ranger teams is underway for the 28th annual Best Ranger Competition. Seventy-nine teams are competing for 50 available slots.
Today’s Soldier is tech savvy, uses state-of-the-art equipment to quickly and safely accomplish a mission, and can multitask with efficiency. To capitalize on these talents, the Army is conducting a pilot program that could potentially change the training environment.
About 120 Soldiers from various units around Fort Benning got a crash course last week on the Army’s new Physical Readiness Training techniques.
Another major move under Base Realignment and Closure kicked off Monday, and this one has nothing to do with the Armor School.
The Maneuver Battle Lab and U.S. Army Operational Test Command are closing out a three-week test of the new Rifleman Radio, making sure previous design improvements took hold in advance of an acquisition decision expected this summer.
Being an NCO is not just about training for the war fight, it’s also about mentoring Soldiers. The Henry Caro NCO Academy’s Advanced Leader Course not only prepares Soldiers to serve as Infantry squad and section leaders, but is also now teaching skills to help get Soldiers promoted and write winning evaluations.
Air Assault School teaches students the tools they need to conduct combat air assault operations. “The toughest 11 days in the Army” is a common phrase among graduates, who include Soldiers from nearly every job specialty and international students.
Several range access roads and dirt trails on Fort Benning are closed as engineers upgrade and convert them to gravel tank trails.
The Army has a bold vision for managing natural resources on its installations — they will become net zero. That is, as we go about the complex business of living, working and training on installations, our use and production of resources will balance out, so that in the end, we do not overconsume or waste. The most exciting part of the Army Net Zero vision is we all have a part to play in achieving it.
As a young boy growing up in Uganda, Joseph D’costa became inspired by America’s role in World War II and told his teacher he wanted to go to the U.S. Military Academy someday.
The Maneuver Center of Excellence has made a permanent splash Down Under.
A local Army Reserve unit with a mission to groom noncommissioned officers for Drill Sergeants School has opportunities for Soldiers getting out of active duty.
Maj. Gen. Robert Brown renewed the installation’s commitment Friday to the Army Family Covenant. In a ceremony at the new Army Community Service building, formerly Patch Hall, the Fort Benning and Maneuver Center of Excellence commander signed the covenant, followed by Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hardy, Col. Thomas Macdonald and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore.
The Allen family exemplifies what’s working with the Army Family Covenant.
A new monument dedicated to U.S. combat paratrooper and glider units is sprouting up on Eubanks Field.
Maj. David Schultz, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regiment, assumed the duties and responsibilities of the 3rd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regiment, from Lt. Col. Mark Price during a 198th Infantry Brigade transition of authority ceremony Jan. 18 at the Sand Hill Recreation Center.
President Barack Obama unveiled a government-wide plan Monday to strengthen military family support, offering a glimpse at a few of the new programs and cooperative efforts being launched in the coming months to improve quality of life and well-being for military families.
The Army Family Action Plan has once again proved invaluable for Soldiers and families.
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will rededicate the USAMU Round House, commonly called the “Patton Round House” in association with Gen. George Patton’s time at Fort Benning, at a ceremony Friday.
An invention developed at Picatinny Arsenal, now being shipped to Afghanistan, will make ammunition stowage safer and more effective for Soldiers onboard combat vehicles.
A Fort Benning-trained Infantryman will appear in People magazine. Pvt. Jeffery Neason, 23, is one of four service members who will be highlighted in an upcoming issue for their efforts to lose weight. Neason lost more than 100 pounds to enlist.
The Army is closing in on a 1-million user milestone for those who have taken the “Global Assessment Tool” survey, the results of which serve as a starting point for an individual Soldier’s journey though the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program.
An overview of the Marne Road Bridge expansion, Lindsay Creek Interchange and Dixie Road widening construction projects.
As social media reinvents the Web through online videos, chats and Facebook pages, Fort Benning has found a new tool in talking to troops and families.
As transformation to the Maneuver Center of Excellence unfolds with the spectacle surrounding the historic Armor-Infantry consolidation, leaders shouldn’t lose sight of the post’s primary mission, Maj. Gen. Robert Brown said.
Col. Johnnie L. Johnson Jr. took command of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Col. Pete Jones in a change of command ceremony Thursday at the National Infantry Museum parade field.
A commission of current and retired officers, senior noncommissioned officers and civilians charged with evaluating Defense Department policies to ensure they promote equal opportunity plans to recommend lifting the ban on women in combat.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced measures Jan. 6 the Department of Defense is taking in its next step toward reform.
Fort Benning ushered in a new era Wednesday with the launch of the Armor School’s first class at Harmony Church.
Lt. Col. James Willard became the new commander of the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment Jan. 10 at Kefurt Gym, succeeding Lt. Col. Shaun Tooke.
The 203rd Brigade Support Battalion changed command Jan. 11 at Kefurt Gym, with Lt. Col. Monica Burnhauser replacing Lt. Col. William Marks.
The first Fort Knox, Ky., unit pegged for relocation to the Maneuver Center of Excellence has cranked up basic combat training on Sand Hill.
Lt. Col. Steven George replaced Lt. Col. Todd Zollinger during the 3rd Brigade Special Troop Battalion change of command ceremony Jan. 11 at Kefurt Gym.
The foundation for the long-awaited union of Infantry and Armor is in place, but Army and tricommunity leaders can’t get complacent as the Maneuver Center of Excellence takes a final step toward reality, the MCoE and Fort Benning commanding general said Thursday.
Fort Benning Garrison Commander Col. Tom Macdonald released an updated map identifying the areas of land being considered for potential acquisition by the Army. The new map is more defined and also includes new areas of study located in Harris and Talbot counties.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has recommended to President Barack Obama that he nominate Gen. Martin E. Dempsey to be the next Army chief of staff.
Lt. Col. Andrew Hilmes took the reins Friday from Lt. Col. Christopher Kennedy as commander of 3rd Squadron, 1st U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
A trip to the Main Post PX put Likedia Martinez in the right place at the right time to save a Soldier’s life Dec. 28. Driving down Dixie Road on her lunch break, Martinez was behind a pick-up truck driving unusually slowly.
Like many others this time of year, I have been reflecting on the past 12 months and looking forward to the new year. In my professional capacity, I am focusing on the future of the installation management community.
Holly Petraeus hopes to hear from service members and families about their financial issues in the coming months as she leads efforts to create the Office of Servicemember Affairs.
Dr. Emmitt L. Brown, the scientist from the movie Back to the Future, had things fairly well devised several years ago, feeding trash to the “flux capacitor” to power his time machine.
Soldiers with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment, headed out to the field for their final field training exercise Thursday through today. The seven-day exercise is a culminating test of all the knowledge the Infantry Soldiers have learned in their 14-week one station unit training at Sand Hill.
Lt. Col. John Pirog took command of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in a change of command ceremony Friday. Pirog takes the reins from Lt. Col. Robert Ashe, who commanded the battalion for more than two years.
Lt. Col. Andrew Hilmes took the reins Friday from Lt. Col. Christopher Kennedy as commander of 3rd Squadron, 1st U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
Lt. Col. Christopher Hussin succeeded Lt. Col. Dwayne Smith as the commander of the 11th Engineer Battalion Thursday at Stilwell Field. The reviewing officer was Col. Thomas MacDonald, the post garrison commander.
The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, hailed a new leader Thursday.
As construction continues on the Maneuver Center of Excellence, the 30th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) is gearing up for more than 2,000 Armor initial entry training Soldiers this summer.
FORT BENNING, Ga. — In an effort to stem accidents and keep troops from making their own simulator devices in roadside bomb training, the Army is producing a short safety awareness video set for release this summer.
The first U.S. Army veterinarian technician has earned the Ranger Tab.
Fort Benning will host its first Facebook town hall meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
As the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, I have an important responsibility to oversee the Army Family Action Plan process, which is a program that enables Soldiers, civilians and family members to communicate quality of life issues to Army leaders. Information provided through this process allows leaders the opportunity to affect changes that will lead to a more satisfied and resilient Army community.
Six is my lucky number. It’s the first number that always comes to mind when I pick a random number. It’s the common number contained in the last four of three Social Security numbers inscribed in my memory — my father’s, husband’s and my own. It’s the number of high schools I went to while my father served more than 30 years in the Army; the number of years I enlisted for as an Army journalist, and until about a year ago, the number of military installations I lived on prior to my husband’s retirement after almost 30 years of service.
The number of longleaf pine trees on Fort Benning will soon top 14.7 million. Tree planters have been working since the beginning of December to plant 1,000 acres — approximately 605,000 seedlings — of the hardy Southern pine.
In preparation for deployment, Rangers of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment recently conducted a live-fire training exercise using Fort Benning’s new Digital Multipurpose Range Complex.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — The U.S. military is fielding new mine roller technology expected to provide even more protection from improvised explosive devices.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - The Army’s newest MEDEVAC helicopter is seeing action for the first time in Iraq while serving as a test bed with a Vermont National Guard aviation company.
FOB FENTY, Afghanistan — Looking to improve their vehicles’ performance, two Soldiers came up with an idea for a new bumper on the Mine-Resistant, Ambushed-Protected all-terrain vehicle. Members of the 426th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, named it the “Bastogne bumper” for their 101st forebears who stood fast in the Belgian city during the World War II Battle of the Bulge.
Soldiers planning to re-enlist may see their options reduced, according to a recent Army memorandum. The changes took effect Tuesday.
Two military children from a local youth organization headed to the White House this week after being invited by the Office of the First Lady.
Fort Benning’s Network Enterprise Center, formerly the Directorate of Information Management, has changed the way it delivers information technology services.
The team at the Army Career and Alumni Program wants to help Soldiers transition to civilian life successfully. To do so, ACAP offers important resources and programs that will help Soldiers reach their goals.
A New Year and a new way of doing business when it comes to communicating with our Soldiers, families and civilians at Fort Benning — that’s the goal in offering the first Facebook Fort Benning town hall meeting from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 12. This is an important first for Fort Benning. Town hall meetings are a great way to share information and have two-way conversations. With this Facebook town hall — we are going virtual with our efforts.
With this final edition of the year, The Bayonet staff wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
The Army is seeking submissions for its third annual Secretary of the Army Quality of Life Awards program.
For the “Home of Champions,” setting a standard of excellence is no easy task. Collectively, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldiers commitment to a standard of excellence led to one of the unit’s most successful years since its inception in 1956.
Army efforts to assemble the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning took a giant step forward this year, but hurdles remain before the organization becomes fully operational next September, the deputy garrison commander for transformation said Tuesday at the monthly MCoE community update.
Another batch of senior officers made it through Fort Benning’s Pre-Command Course on Thursday, but this class made a little history.
A set of identical twins made it through basic training this fall. In the process, they left behind a trace of confusion on Sand Hill. Pvts. Gerrod and Sherrod Loud took part in A Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment’s graduation Thursday on the parade field next to the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park — but not before giving the unit’s drill sergeants fits at times trying to distinguish the two.
Hundreds of Fort Benning families will enjoy a fresh Christmas tree this year thanks, in part, to several Michigan tree farms.
