On September 10th 2012 R.J. went to a hotel here in Phoenix, AZ where he stayed over night so the next morning he could board a plane to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
September 11th 2012 - R.J. left Phoenix, Arizona without his family or any friends to boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He arrived there at about 12:30 pm Arizona time so that would have been 3:30pm Missouri time. He met up with the others and boarded a bus that took him to Fort Leonard Wood. He then went to what is called Reception. From the September 11th to the 15th. I remember because he got to call on my birthday! I found out that while R.J. was in reception our marriage certificate was not certified so by the time I was able to fax over a certified copy of our marriage certificate they had already passed him up in line. So, neither me or my children to this day is in the record for military. That means no separation pay, no extra pay for dependents. So, that shorted us a lot of money on his check. And we are still dealing with it.
September 15th 2012 - R.J. loads another bus with drill Sargent on it to take him to where he will be at the remainder of basic training. He had to keep his head down the whole time. He there was shoved off the bus and herded into a line for formation to have whats called "The Shark Attack" done. This is where they have to stand in formation with their bags over their head straight up for 30min. People were screamed at, packs dropped, bags came over. Oh and before this they threw everyones bags in to a big pile and they had to find who's was who's. I couldn't find any pictures of R.J. but here is some of his Company. He is in the Bravo Bulldogs. His platoon is the Warlords 2nd Platoon. There are about 4 platoons in his company and just his platoon has 199 people in it. Here are some pictures of the "Shark Attack" OK, they didn't have pictures of their company but here is the Delta dogs they are 1 week behind the Bull Dogs. It kinda gives you an idea of what he was doing. It was raining when R.J. did it though so that is why im guessing there is no pictures. But this is a good example of what happened!
After this everything was just a blur to me so I will post up some Facebook statuses
Ugh
I am having bad dreams that Rj calls and he is completely changed and
he is extremely rude and does not care about me anymore. The worst part
is is that it is one of those real life dreams that don't feel like a
dream at all
Oh
my goodness this is way too hard both my kids are crying wanting daddy
and is pushing everything away I try to give them even me. Usually
telling them hes at work works but apparently not now. They have been
crying for 30min straight and I dont know what to do. I even tried
chocolate and they pushed it away and kept crying and asking for Daddy!
:(
so
not very happy so utah wasn't on the list for assignments when rj was
at reception so he chose 1. Texas 2. Germany 3. Italy 4. Hawaii....don't
ask me why he chose all pretty much out of the country...I wasn't there
lol so it is more than likely that we will be stationed in texas! Kinda
excited but very nervous at the same time!
Got
2 letters from R.J. Today. Last dated Sunday the 23rd so pretty recent.
He is doing good. Hasn't gotten in trouble at all. He has really good
Drill Sargent s and he is learning a lot. 60 days till AIT
OK
So here is the facebook page for R.J. they post pictures every Saturday
and He is On the Brovo team. There are some pictures already but I dont
see R.J. but he is there doing that stuff! Just put in the search
bar...
1st Battalion 48th Infantry Regiment Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Alle Ashcroft shared a link.
September 28 near Phoenix
R.J. IS ON TV! Well kinda at 04:02 of the clip R.J. is in the back ground walking to his seat with his food!!!!!!!!!! :)
http://www.kctv5.com/story/19644412/kctv5s-stacey-cameron-experiences-life-in-the-american-military
Just
booked my room for R.J.'s graduation. Completely refundable in case
anything happens! YAY! Things can only look up from here!
Book
your rooms now at STURGIS HEIGHTS on base. Call 877-711-8326 and ask for
the $60 per night rate. Rooms are going fast!I have already booked our
rooms for Nov 20th-24th!
OK, so there were my posts to facebook now for the 1ST Battalion Infantry Regiment Posts
September, 17th 2012
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and
Friends – We’re off to another awesome week here in Central Missouri –
five companies in training in the battalion with one scheduled to
graduate on Thursday and another company picking up new Soldiers on
Friday. We wish our Foxtrot Warrior Families and Friends safe travels
as they make their way to Fort Leonard Wood this week for graduation.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): First and
foremost, let me welcome the newest Dragoon Family Members the Bravo
Company Bulldogs!! Welcome aboard. It’s my hope that you find this
page as informative as Families who have gone through their ‘first
deployment’ a few weeks ahead of you. The Bulldogs begin their Basic
Combat Training experience in earnest today as they inprocess the
battalion and start the Soldierization process. Looking from some help
from Family Members further along in their ‘first deployment’ to help
our new Bulldog Family Members with the knowledge you’ve gained over the
past few weeks.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hope that everyone’s
having a great week; we sure are here in the Dragoon Battalion! We’ve
got a full day out at the rifle range for most of the battalion.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - The Bravo Bulldogs are off
to a good start on their BCT journey! Like other Soldiers in the
battalion, these citizen volunteers chose to do something greater then
themselves. If they give 100% of themselves over the next ten weeks,
pay attention to what their Drill Sergeants are teaching them, embrace,
internalize, and practice the Army Values – Loyalty, Duty, Respect,
Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage – each and
every day; and embody the Warrior Ethos – placing the mission first
(putting others before themselves), never excepting defeat (overcoming
all adversity), never quitting (‘nuff said), and never leaving a fallen
comrade (bringing others alongside him / her), they will succeed. These
are the fundamental aspects of the Army Profession of Arms. If you’re
interested in learning more about the Army Profession of Arms, check the
Center for the Army Profession and Ethic at: http://cape.army.mil/Army%20Profession/ArmyProfession.php.
Over the course of this week we’ll be welcoming their Family Members
and friends to our on-line community. For those Bulldog Family Members
who’ve found their way to this page already – start writing your letters
of encouragement now – daily are ok too.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – First and foremost – we’re
looking forward to seeing the Foxtrot Warrior Family Members and
Friends this morning for Family Day. We’ll see you at 08:30 am at the
Audie Murphy Club for Family Day activities and then later this
afternoon for the Warrior Banquet at the Pershing Community Center if
you’re attending. Unfortunately, I personally won’t
be able to attend as I have some scheduling conflicts, but several of our cadre members will be there.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - For our new
Bravo Company families I should have introduced myself earlier and let
you know a little bit about our semi-official site. Your Solider is now
a member of the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment “Dragoons.” I
have the privilege of serving as the Battalion Commander. Along with
our Battalion Command Sergeant Major, CSM Dokey, we’re responsible for
providing training and readiness oversight of six basic training
companies to ensure they have what they need to execute the Basic Combat
Training program of instruction. Each of our six companies (Alpha
through Foxtrot) led by a Company Commander (a Captain – or “CPT”) is
comprised of four platoons – your Soldier is assigned to one of those
platoons. It’s at the platoon and company level where the Drill
Sergeants are transforming your Soldiers from citizen volunteers into
confident, competent American Soldiers who live the Warrior Ethos and
our Army Values.
Each day I’ll provide a daily training update
that outlines the various activities going on across the battalion so
you have an idea of what you’re Soldier is learning. I’ll also provide
general information on “Army Stuff” that will help make your ‘first
deployment’ experience away you’re your Soldier a positive one.
Additionally, each week our companies will post at least twenty RANDOM
pictures (we don’t take requests – they’re just what we capture during
the week) from that week’s training. On Sunday’s I’ll post a music
video that I think captures the ‘mood’ of the Battalion.
You
can connect with family members who also have Soldiers in the same
company / platoon for unit specific information off the “Events” tab
above under that company’s graduation event. Family members who have
Soldiers in further in the training cycle can be a great source of
information. That being said – please avoid posting opinions, rumors,
profanity, or disparaging remarks about others. Our cadre and
volunteers do our best to address questions in a timely manner, but
please remember this is an additional duty beyond training your Soldier
to fight, survive, and win on the battlefield. Any post that has the
battalion unit insignia and signed with the poster’s name and rank is
from a unit member and provides the official response.
Good
Evening Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Huge day for the Foxtrot
Warriors as they’ve made it to Graduation!! Our congratulations to both
the Soldiers who successfully completed the tough, demanding challenges
presented to them during BCT and also to the Family Members and friends
who’ve survived your “First Deployment” away from your Soldier. Hope
all of you had a wonderful time over t
he last two days. I’m sorry that I haven’t been there to spend this special time with you.
Posting later today as I’ve been traveling since early this morning.
For those of you who have been on the page for a while you’ve seen that
each week we highlight an event from that week in the 48th Infantry
Regiment’s history. This week, I'm honored and humbled to be able to
spend the weekend with our Regiment’s World War II veterans during their
annual reunion. Pretty inspiring to be among them!
Last night
and today I saw that several Family Members have received returned mail
lately. I was not aware there was a problem until I saw the posts. We
will look into the problem tomorrow with the Brigade Mail Room. Please
keep in mind that you may get some more returned mail over the next
week as it's likely already in the system and we can't begin to look
into the problem until mid morning on Friday.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): -
Our focus during Red Phase is to Transform, Inculcate, and Train your
Warrior into a Physically Fit, Disciplined, and Confident Soldier who’s
proficient at his / her Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills and capable of
contributing to his / her first unit of assignment. This is no easy
task, yet for those who Never Quit, Never Leave a Fallen Comrade, Never
Except Defeat, and always bring their “A” Game, regardless of the task,
they’ll do fine. Keep them fired up and focused on accomplishing that
which they have set out to become – an American Soldier! Write
uplifting, encouraging, and motivational letters to your loved one. Red
Phase is meant to be tough, stressful, and demanding, so start writing
now. Our recommendation is to send your loved one self-addressed
stamped envelopes which allow them the ability to rapidly respond during
their limited personal time each night. Again, they’re extremely busy
and need your support.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Back on track with a
morning update today. Extremely busy day in the Dragoon Battalion as
all six of our companies are actively engaged in their training mission.
Hard to believe that it’s Friday already and the end of another
awesome week!
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - The Bulldogs are off to a
great start as they begin their journey to transform from civilian
volunteer to a U.S. Army Soldier! The focus of this first week of Basic
Combat Training is learning how to look, act, and walk like a Soldier.
They have a few physical readiness training (PRT) sessions under their
belt and are acclimatizing well to our ever changing weather; they have
learned how to properly wear their uniforms and are starting to identify
different ranks. They’re learning Army Heritage, Traditions, Customs,
Values, and Military Courtesies. As well as, how to efficiently navigate
the mess hall and keep their living space tidy - believe it or not!
They are learning how to march with plenty of drill and ceremonies
practice. And they have a new best friend that rarely leaves their
side, their assigned weapon. Today they have their first day of ‘real’
training here in BCT. They begin learning to work as team members today
on the Team Development Course. Working in buddy team pairs, Soldiers
have to negotiate a series of mentally and physically challenging
obstacles.
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hope your weekend’s off to a good start.
Yesterday the 7th Armored Division veterans visited the 1st Infantry
Division Museum at Cantigny Park. It was an amazing facility that
brought ba
ck a lot of memories for them.
We were also fortunate to be able to participate in the local Veterans
of Foreign Wars POW and MIA Day wreath laying ceremony recognizing those
83,417 troops the Defense Department lists as unaccounted for from our
Nation’s wars stretching from WWII to Iraq and Afghanistan.
As
mentioned Thursday night, we were recently made aware of an issue
involving mail sent to trainees being returned to the sender or back to
the Soldier’s home of record. As promised, we’re looking into the
issue, but we’re still tracking down the answer. I know that you’re
concerned about it – we are too – I appreciate your patience as we
figure out what happened and how to fix the problem. I hope to have some
good information to pass on to you sometime next week.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): The Bulldogs complete their first training
week out at the range today for familiarization fire with the M249 Squad
Automatic Weapon (the “SAW”) and the M240B Medium Machine Gun. These
two weapons provide the bulk of a Squad and Platoon’s combat power with
their high sustained rates of fire. Every Soldier, regardless of his /
her MOS, needs to become proficient on these weapons systems.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Boy it sure was chilly
this morning coming in for Physical Readiness Training; time to break
out the long sleeve shirts for PRT! I had a fantastic time with the 7th
Armored Division World W
ar II veterans
and their families over the weekend. It was absolutely inspiring to be
around them and hear about their experiences. Most importantly, the
weekend served as a poignant reminder of the bonds of trust and
friendship that form between Soldiers especially when facing and
overcoming adversity.
It’s the start of a new week and one
of the hot topics we’ll address this week is the mail issue that many of
you mentioned late last week. We will work to get the issue resolved as
soon as possible. We appreciate your patience as we figure out what
happened and how to fix the problem.
Several of you have asked
about when graduation information is sent out or that you haven’t
received the information yet. Typically, the Company Commander sends
out the graduation letter with the information you’re looking for during
week 6 or 7 of training. In the mean time, you can get the dates for
Graduation, Family Day, and the Warrior Banquet on our “Events” tab (to
get to the “Events” tab, click the #2 drop down arrow next to the
“Videos” tab).
I would also like to encourage you to sign up to
attend the Warrior Banquet with your Soldier. The Warrior Banquet is a
semi-formal experience that introduces you to one of our most time
honored traditions, the Regimental Mess. You can find out more about
the Warrior Banquet by checking out our post on the “Notes” tab (to get
to the “Notes” tab, click the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos”
tab). You can order tickets online at: https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/Leonardwoodrectrac.html
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): The Bulldogs start the
first of three days of First Aid training. When complete they will
test for the Combat Lifesaver Certification. Combat Lifesavers are
critical care providers on today’s battlefield and have done amazing
things to help save Soldiers’ lives, regardless of their military
occupational specialty (MOS – their job), that during other conflicts
would have led to death or catastrophic injuries.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s that crazy time of
year here in Central Missouri when you never know what the day’s weather
will be like; almost 25 degrees warmer this morning for PRT than
yesterday. Awesome to see o
ur companies
all out executing PRT this morning – was dragging a little myself, but
seeing our Soldiers getting’ after it fired me up!
We made
some headway yesterday tracking down the mail problem, but we’d like to
give it another day or so before we say we’ve fixed the problem
completely. Again, we thank you for your patience.
While I was
traveling last week, I forgot to mention that the Fort Leonard Wood
newspaper published two articles about Soldiers in our battalion last
week – one on the continuing series their running following four
Comanche Soldiers through Basic Combat Training and one highlighting the
Bravo Bulldog cadre members who executed a community service project in
the City of Dixon, Missouri on the first day of school this year. You
can check out both articles at the following links:
http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15223&Itemid=39
http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15234&Itemid=40
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): The
Bravo Bulldogs take a pause from First Aid training today and head out
to the range to “Blow Stuff Up!” Today they execute familiarization
with the AT4 Anti-Tank System and the M203 40mm Grenade Launcher.
Soldiers will fire sub-caliber munitions for the AT4 and practice 40mm
grenades with the M203. Some lucky Soldiers will get the opportunity to
fire a live AT4 and high explosive 40mm grenades from the M203!
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Rainy start to our
morning, but that won’t stop us from having a fantastic training day
today!
As a reminder, please check out our “Notes” page (click the #2 drop down arrow next to the
“Videos” tab). On our “Notes” page you’ll find a wealth of information
related to your Soldier’s Basic Combat Training experience that will
help you through your “first deployment.”
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): This morning the
Bulldogs started their day hosting 17 journalists from the University of
Kansas Journalism School. We met with international, national, and
local print and television news media. Some of them even participated
in the same physical readiness training as your Soldiers. Think you’ve
got game and want to experience what your Soldiers are during each
morning to get those six-pack abs and tungsten steel muscles? Check out
the Army’s Physical Readiness Training site on YouTube for video
demonstrations that you can incorporate into your own daily work out
plan
http://www.youtube.com/user/ArmyPhysicalFitness
Today the Bulldogs continue First Aid training on their way to earning their Combat Lifesaver Certification.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Yesterday’s focus on
suicide was a somber topic, but an important one that we need to
address. It was fantastic to see how all our Soldiers took the day’s
events seriously and worked to imp
rove their own resilience skills.
During our training stand-down yesterday our Soldiers learned the
importance of understanding the linkage between an Action, our Thoughts,
and the possible Consequences (ATC); how our own “Iceburgs” and
“Thinking Traps” our unconscious thoughts and our mental paradigms can
influence our thinking; how “Hunting the Good Stuff” each day can
improve our overall outlook; and how practicing “Real Time Resilience”
(RTR) can help us overcome negative self-talk, help us refocus, and get
back on task. Based on what we saw, I think the entire day was
beneficial not just for successfully completing Basic Combat Training,
but also for facing and overcoming any adversity life throws at us.
Our battalion got some national, regional, and local recognition this
week from the news media. If you remember on Wednesday, the Bravo
Bulldogs hosted 17 journalists for PRT and breakfast in our Dining
Facility (DFAC). Later that night, KCTV5, a Kansas City news station,
ran a spot about it on their 10:00 p.m. news cast. You can check it out
at: http://www.kctv5.com/story/19644412/kctv5s-stacey-cameron-experiences-life-in-the-american-military
Also our Delta Dawg cadre was in the Fort Leonard Wood paper The Guidon
for their community service project in the City of Dixon a few weeks
ago. They completed this project during their cycle reset period to
help the community get ready for their annual town festival. You can
check out that story at: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15242&Itemid=40
The Guidon also ran its sixth story following the Charlie Comanches through Basic Combat Training. Their story is at: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15260&Itemid=39
We’re extremely proud of our Soldiers and Cadre for the work they do
each and every day both here in the training environment and out in the
community.
On to today’s training update – extremely foggy start to the morning, but should burn off for a great weather day.
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2) – Continues First Aid training
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Fall must be in the air as
the mornings continue to be a little chilly for PRT. It’s turning out
to be a beautiful day though. Overall, we had a great week!
First and foremost – we’re pretty sure we got the mail situation taken care of throughout the week!
Saw some questions about how trainees who want to vote can do so. Please check out the “
Voting
Assistance” post that we put up this morning on our “Notes” tab. To
get to the “Notes” tab you have to click the #2 drop down arrow next to
the “Videos” tab.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2) – The Bulldogs are headed out
to one Basic Combat Training’s signature events and one of my all time
favorites – the Gas Chamber! Snot bubbles and tears everywhere
guaranteed! In all seriousness, using C.S. gas, the training event
demonstrates the effectiveness of the equipment provided to our Soldiers
to keep them safe should they ever come in contact with a chemical,
biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environment.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hard to believe that it’s
October already, football season’s in full swing, children trying to
figure out what they want to ‘be’ for Halloween, Columbus Day this
coming weekend – and for us a full week of training for five of our six
companies!
I saw several posts yesterday about phone calls - when Soldiers are allowed to call, how much time they
get to call, and who they call. Likewise, I saw recently a post about
affording Soldiers time to write letters home. Part of the Soldier’s
Creed and our Warrior Ethos states – ‘I will always place the mission
first.’ Stated in a different way, the task I’m required to accomplish
comes before me or my desires. While Sundays are a down day from full
up training, there’s still a lot of work that has to get done. Once
it’s done, then we can take care of our personal needs – washing
clothes, packing our gear for the next day’s training, shower, phone
call, letter writing. We also don’t dictate who Soldiers should call;
they’re adults, they can make that choice. Each Soldier has at least an
hour of personal time every night prior to lights out. How they use
this time is entirely up to them – wash clothes, shower, some extra PT,
write letters, read…
I would ask that all of us keep a little
perspective related to phone calls. I know that for many of you, this
may be your first time away from your Soldier for an extended period of
time. Many of us in uniform have gone for months at a time during
deployments without hearing our families’ voices on the phone or having
much, if any, connection with the outside world. Our families had no
idea what was going on because we didn’t routinely share information
about combat operations. Here in BCT, we don’t have to worry about
insurgents setting up road side bombs or shelling our base, but we do
have work that has to get done. Basic Combat Training shapes us as
Family Members and Friends building our personal resilience to overcome
adversity the same as our Soldiers.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Today
the Bulldogs complete the Physical Endurance Course - This one’s a
smoker! Soldiers negotiate a series of highly challenging obstacles
(ropes, tires, barbed wire, etc) as a test of agility, muscular
strength, and endurance. This physically and mentally challenging event
is designed to build your Soldier’s confidence and assess his / her
overall physical fitness. This afternoon they’ll have introductory
classes on Army communication systems – radios and reporting procedures.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We’ve got an incredibly
full day of training in the Dragoon Battalion today!!
CSM Dokey and I were able to spend some time yesterday afternoon with the Bravo Bulldogs and the Delta Dawgs
for
our battalion in brief providing an overview of BCT and our
expectations for their performance. You can check out one of the videos
we shared at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xLYt265ZM&feature=related
We’ve seen several questions over the last few days related to
Graduation, Family Day, pass privileges, travel arrangements, as well as
several others. Please check out our “Notes” tab and the various posts
there. You’ll find answers to several of your questions already
posted. To get to the “Notes” tab click the #2 drop down arrow next to
the “Videos” tab.
For our Bravo Company Family Members and
Friends specifically – we typically graduate BCT companies on Thursdays.
However, because your Soldiers are scheduled to graduate during
Thanksgiving week, we will be graduating them on WEDNESDAY, November
21st. We will hold Family Day for the Company and a special
Thanksgiving Meal in our Dining Facility on THURSDAY, November 22nd,
Thanksgiving Day so you don’t have to figure out what to do for a
holiday meal. We have a lot of details to work out still, just wanted
to give you a head’s up.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – The Bulldogs got off to an early start this
morning with an 8 kilometer road march (about 5 miles) to the Hand
Grenade assault course and range. That’s right Family Members – real,
live hand grenades!! Not to worry, before your Soldiers receive two
live M67 High Explosive Hand Grenades to throw, they’ll receive
extensive training on proper carrying, arming, aiming, and throwing
techniques. They will also negotiate the hand grenade assault course
requiring them to employ a practice inert grenade at various targets
(bunker, trench, and area target). Soldiers must receive a ‘go’ at the
low wall, the high wall (two different throwing positions) and on the
assault course before they are cleared for the live grenade bay.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Awesome start to our
morning in the Dragoon Battalion with our companies out on Fort Leonard
Wood’s roads for Ability Group Runs (AGRs) or interval workouts (30:60s
or 60:120s)! Took the opportunity to run with the Echo Enforcers, the
Charlie Comanches, and a little bit of time with the Delta Dawgs –
though I think I ran up and down the hill outsi
de our brigade headquarters about 4 times today…
We’re continuing to get a lot of questions about activities and
privileges – please refer to our “Notes” tab and the various posts
provided there. If you only have time to read one post, I recommend the
“Battalion Commander’s Soap Box”
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs
(Week 3) – Today the Bravo Bulldogs head out to the 30’ Warrior Tower
for rappelling. Like yesterday’s events on the grenade range, the
Warrior Tower provides Soldiers an opportunity to confront some of their
fears and learn that they can overcome them with a little bit of heart,
motivation and encouragement from the teammates, and sometimes, just a
little ounce of courage.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – CSM Dokey and I had an
awesome time out with the Comanches last night at the Night Infiltration
Course (NIC)! There’s something about live tracer rounds going off
over your head that makes training seem a whole to more realistic. I’ll
be honest, I was smoked when we got done low and high crawling under,
around, and through barbed wire and other o
bstacles
to reach our objective. After we reached the objective we spent some
time discussing teamwork, discipline, our Warrior Ethos, and our
Regimental veterans from World War II.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Yesterday CSM Dokey and
I spent time with some of the Bulldogs hearing about their BCT
experience thus far. We heard a lot of great things from these young
Soldiers – always energizing to hear what they have to say! Today the
Bulldogs negotiate the Land Navigation course. Using nothing more than a
map, a compass, and their knowledge of the terrain, Soldiers have three
hours to find three out of five points during the daylight phase of
training and two out three points during the night phase. This can be a
challenging event for Soldiers who have not spent a great deal of time
in the woods prior to attending Basic Combat Training.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s the start of another
awesome day in the Dragoon Battalion – AND it’s the end of another week
of Basic Combat Training. Your Soldiers are one more week closer to
achieving their goal of becoming a U.S. Army Soldier!
Yesterday
the Fort Leonard Wood newspaper, "The Guidon," continued its series
following Soldiers in Charlie Company through thei
r Basic Combat Training experience. You can check out the story at: http://www.myguidon.com/
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – This morning the
Bulldogs will take their first diagnostic APFT to gauge their fitness
level. Soldiers must pass the end of cycle APFT scoring 50 points or
more in each event to graduate from BCT. They head out to their first
Field Training Exercise (FTX) later today learning the basics of field
craft – occupying an assembly area (base of operations), preparing a
hasty fighting position, erecting a field expedient shelter (poncho
hooch), and basic movement techniques as a member of a squad.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We had some rough weather
here at Fort Leonard Wood yesterday that impacted our training somewhat,
specifically the APFT. We want to provide Soldier’s with the best
opportunity to succeed s
o we put them off until today.
Lots of conversation about graduation information being sent out to
Family Members and Friends over the last week or so. I confirmed with
the Alpha, Charlie, and Echo Company Commanders that they mailed
graduation information packets. Each Soldier is provided with a
graduation packet and an envelope; the Soldier addresses the envelope
and returns it to the chain of command; the company operations cadre
mails the packets. If a Soldier requires an additional graduation
packet, he or she has to inform the cadre members otherwise we will not
know that there’s a need.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – The
Bulldogs didn’t take their APFT yesterday due to the weather, but they
did complete it this morning. Later today they continue Basic Rifle
Marksmanship training with a grouping (getting all your shots within a
quarter-sized circle) and zero (where you aim is where the bullets go)
exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a fully
functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of
actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live
rounds. Most importantly, if affords Soldiers the opportunity to
receive instant feedback on their performance.
Good
Afternoon Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Crazy Missouri weather
going on today! After two crummy, rainy, and cold days Friday and
Saturday, today is a beautiful fall day!! Hope Sunday is as beautiful
where you are as well!
Lot
s and lots of photos and other stuff went up on the page yesterday! Hope you’ve enjoyed it.
I would like to highlight some things from a post many of you may not
have seen and some other areas where we could use your help:
Earlier this week in one of our companies a Soldier received some
contraband items in the mail from a Family Member. While we have that
on occasion, what made this particular incident stand out is that the
person who mailed the items attempted to smuggle them in by concealing
them in personal hygiene items. This was a deliberate effort to deceive
others and fail to follow the standard!
Likewise, we had a
number of Soldiers in a company who decided to fail to follow their
Drill Sergeant’s instructions when allowed to go to the Post Exchange
for some personal items (shoes and other personal items unavailable at
our local troop store). Rather than do as they were instructed, they
wandered over to an area they’re not allowed to be in – and they know
it.
Lastly, we had several Soldiers across a few companies who
up and quit on their recent Army Physical Fitness Tests putting out very
little overall effort and deciding to make it a community social event
rather than an assessment of their own physical abilities.
Family Members and Friends I can’t stress this point enough, activities
like the ones described above can put your Soldiers at graduation risk.
Fortunately for the Soldier with the smuggled contraband, the cadre
members discovered the items when mail was opened (yes, we do check
things that come in care packages). Had we not, and had the Soldier
made a poor choice to put the items in his / her wall locker instead of
bringing it to the Drill Sergeant’s attention, that Soldier would face
disciplinary action. Likewise, not doing what they’re supposed to do
when given some limited freedom or a specific task, limits future
privileges and brings more oversight from the cadre.
I saw and
deleted some comments yesterday that suggested that failing to abide by
standards or smuggle candy into Basic Combat Training isn’t that big of a
deal. On the contrary, our Army is a standards based profession built
upon the foundation of trust – trust that we’re living the Army Values
always! When we lie, deceive, disrespect others, or serve our own
self-interest, we’re not adhering to those Values.
Our cadre
are some of the most dedicated and professional Soldiers I’ve had the
opportunity to serve with over the last 20 some odd years. They are
more than willing to devote personal time and energy above and beyond
the long hours we already ask of them when they see that their Soldiers
care, are committed to excellence, and want to improve. We want to see
your loved ones be successful on their quest to become U.S. Army
Soldiers!
Many of you have asked how you can motivate your
Soldier – tell them to do the things their supposed to do, be a team
player, and commit themselves to excellence rather than just getting by.
I would also ask that you help your Soldiers by not putting them into
positions that may compromise their integrity or cause them stray off
the path they’ve chosen. Most of our Family Members and Friends
understand this and I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your
support!!
As always Sundays are set aside for voluntary
attendance at one of Fort Leonard Wood’s many religious services,
getting ready for the next week’s training, and area clean-up.
We’ve got a full week of training ahead!! Looking forward to getting
after it this week; Basic Combat Training – it’s ALWAYS a Good Time…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HmzwI67ec
Hope your Sunday’s a good one! “By Force and Valor!” LTC Anderson, Dragoon 6
(This was R.J.'s Company. They got in big trouble!)
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We’re off to a good start
for the week today here at Fort Leonard Wood; it’s gonna be a great week
with several ranges, some confidence building events, and a culminating
Field Training Exercise and Rites of Passage (ROP) ceremony for one of
our companies. We hope that you’re enjoying Columbus Day. Though it’s a
‘down’ day for major training even
ts,
there’s always something going on as we continue our Basic Combat
Training mission transforming citizen volunteers into U.S. Army
Soldiers.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo
Bulldogs (Week 4) – Today they’ve got practice Drill and Ceremony and
Basic Rifle Marksmanship enhancement training on one of our weapons
simulators. Later this week they’ll fire their first live rounds on the
rifle marksmanship range.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – When I checked our FB page
last night to see what came up over the course of the day, I realized I
never posted an update yesterday. Hard to believe how fast our days
move, though with five companies and over 900 Soldiers in training, we
always have things going on.
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Tra
ining,
before posting please check out our “Notes” and “Events” tabs. You can
get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab
above. You’ll find a wealth of information already provided to you.
If, after checking the posts on the “Notes” and “Events” tabs, you still
have a question, please let us know.
For our Charlie Comanche
Family Members and Friends travelling to Fort Leonard Wood next week for
Graduation Week activities we have some important information for you:
Getting on to Fort Leonard Wood requires anyone over the age of 18 to
have photo identification. Drivers are required to have a valid
driver’s license, show proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
You do not need a pass. If you rent a car, your rental contract serves
as your vehicle registration. You do not need anything special or
additional if you’re borrowing a vehicle. Your vehicle is subject to
search at any time you are on the installation. Unregistered privately
owned weapons are not allowed on the installation and create significant
problems for you if you bring one on post. Also, you are subject to a
$75 fine if caught driving while using a cell phone without a hands-free
device (speaker phone does not constitute a hands-free device).
If you are a new Army Spouse and you do not have a DoD Dependent ID
Card, you must use your time during Family Day and Graduation to get
one! I cannot stress this point strongly enough. Having an ID Card
while your Soldier is away at AIT allows you access to many services
provided to Soldiers and their Families. In order to get one while
you’re here if you do not already have one you must bring: the original,
filed and recorded marriage license, the spouse’s birth certificate,
the spouse’s Social Security Card, and a photo ID. Children over 10
also must have an ID card, requirements for a biological child of the
Soldier and the spouse must have their birth certificate and social
security card. The ID Card Section is open from 6:00 am – 7:00 am for
walk-ins; after 7:00 am they serve appointments only. Unfortunately,
the ID Card Section is closed on Thursdays after 1200. If you have
further questions or want to make an appointment you can call (573)
596-0744.
Lastly, please keep your personal safety and security
in mind as you finalize your travel plans. I know you’re excited about
seeing your Soldier and connecting with other Families, but remember
that this is an open page anyone can see. Posting your travel plans,
where you’re staying, and when you’ll be away from your home provide
others with an opportunity to see when your home is most vulnerable –
they may not always have your best interest in mind. It’s best to send
personal messages if you’re trying to connect with others as opposed to
posting on the page.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – Yesterday the Bulldogs continued Basic Rifle
Marksmanship training with a grouping (getting all your shots within a
quarter-sized circle) and zero (where you aim is where the bullets go)
exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a fully
functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of
actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live
rounds. Most importantly, if affords Soldiers the opportunity to
receive instant feedback on their performance. Today they’re executing
post clean-up detail, a daily requirement on our installation due to its
size. Every basic training company executes post detail once during
their cycle
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s the start of another
great Army day here at Fort Leonard Wood!! Fall is definitely upon us in
full swing with cooler temperatures and leaves changing colors. If
you’re traveling to Fort Leonard Wood in the next few weeks, please make
sure that you pack for the weather as it can get pretty chilly (around
30 degrees this morning) if you’re not
used to it.
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic
Combat Training, before posting please check out our “Notes” and
“Events” tabs. You can get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow
next to the “Videos” tab above. You’ll find a wealth of information
already provided to you. If, after checking the posts on the “Notes”
and “Events” tabs, you still have a question, please let us know.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo
Bulldogs (Week 4) – Fort Leonard Wood sure looked good yesterday
afternoon after the Bulldogs finished up their post detail requirement.
Today they continue Basic Rifle Marksmanship training by firing their
first live rounds during Grouping and Zeroing on a 25 meter target.
Over the next three days your Soldiers will refine their marksmanship
skills. Today’s training is a critical period as it sets the foundation
and builds confidence that what a Soldier aims at he / she can hit.
Weapons qualification is one of the single most stressful events in
Basic Combat Training – Soldiers must qualify on their individual weapon
to graduate.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Kinda gloomy start to the
morning weather-wise, but still a great day to train! It’s Friday and
the end of another week of Basic Combat Training. Family Members and
Friends – you’re one week closer to completing your “First Deployment”
away from your Soldier!
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Training,
before posting please check out our “Notes” and “Events” tabs. You can
get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab
above. You’ll find a wealth of information already provided to you.
If, after checking the posts on the “Notes” and “Events” tabs, you still
have a question, please let us know.
I would like to take a
moment to recognize two of our outstanding Drill Sergeants – DS Macias
(A Co) and DS Spiller (E Co). Yesterday they renewed their commitment
to serving the Nation by reenlisting. Our congratulations to each of
these dedicated NCOs!
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – The Bulldogs complete their zero and grouping training today.
10/15/2012
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Everyone in the battalion
was up and ready to go for the start of another week in Basic Combat
Training this morning; beautiful sunrise as we finished up PRT and
headed off to breakfast.
A friendly reminder for our Bravo
Bulldog Family Members and Friends, if you intend on attending the
Warrior Banquet / special holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day wi
th
your Soldier in our Dining Facility, we need your RSVP by the end of
October so we have the right amount of food. You can call (573)
596-0331 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs
(Week 5): As the CSM and I walked around our battalion area this morning
during Physical Readiness Training, we couldn’t help be hear “I’m Sexy
and I Know it” as we passed the Bravo Bulldogs. They’re headed off for
Uniform Fit today for their Army Service Uniform (ASUs – our dress
blues)
OK to catch everyone up R.J. got shin splints (really really bad ones) back in week 3 and 4 and missed a lot of training. That sunday when the contraband and everything went on I did not get to have my call from him. We usually get 15min calls every Sunday. But because he failed his PT test because he missed so much training he did not get to call. Also, because of the holiday on Monday letters did not get out to us till that Friday night. I went 2 weeks without knowing what was wrong with R.J. if he was in trouble, if he was getting medical discharge. I was horrible. I finally got a call this last Sunday the 14th He is doing much better now. He is off his medical profile and he made up all the training he missed. He passed his PT test and now he is onto Red Phase! YAY Well, Everyone is caught up mostly. Now to just my nightly posts! Thanks for reading. Sorry there is so much but I had to catch up. Bellow are some pictures of R.J. at Basic during these past weeks. Not many but they have a big platoon so im glad I got some!
Oh
my goodness this is way too hard both my kids are crying wanting daddy
and is pushing everything away I try to give them even me. Usually
telling them hes at work works but apparently not now. They have been
crying for 30min straight and I dont know what to do. I even tried
chocolate and they pushed it away and kept crying and asking for Daddy!
:(
so
not very happy so utah wasn't on the list for assignments when rj was
at reception so he chose 1. Texas 2. Germany 3. Italy 4. Hawaii....don't
ask me why he chose all pretty much out of the country...I wasn't there
lol so it is more than likely that we will be stationed in texas! Kinda
excited but very nervous at the same time!
Got
2 letters from R.J. Today. Last dated Sunday the 23rd so pretty recent.
He is doing good. Hasn't gotten in trouble at all. He has really good
Drill Sargent s and he is learning a lot. 60 days till AIT
OK
So here is the facebook page for R.J. they post pictures every Saturday
and He is On the Brovo team. There are some pictures already but I dont
see R.J. but he is there doing that stuff! Just put in the search
bar...
1st Battalion 48th Infantry Regiment Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Alle Ashcroft shared a link.
September 28 near Phoenix
R.J. IS ON TV! Well kinda at 04:02 of the clip R.J. is in the back ground walking to his seat with his food!!!!!!!!!! :)
http://www.kctv5.com/story/19644412/kctv5s-stacey-cameron-experiences-life-in-the-american-military
Just
booked my room for R.J.'s graduation. Completely refundable in case
anything happens! YAY! Things can only look up from here!
Book
your rooms now at STURGIS HEIGHTS on base. Call 877-711-8326 and ask for
the $60 per night rate. Rooms are going fast!I have already booked our
rooms for Nov 20th-24th!
OK, so there were my posts to facebook now for the 1ST Battalion Infantry Regiment Posts
September, 17th 2012
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and
Friends – We’re off to another awesome week here in Central Missouri –
five companies in training in the battalion with one scheduled to
graduate on Thursday and another company picking up new Soldiers on
Friday. We wish our Foxtrot Warrior Families and Friends safe travels
as they make their way to Fort Leonard Wood this week for graduation.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): First and
foremost, let me welcome the newest Dragoon Family Members the Bravo
Company Bulldogs!! Welcome aboard. It’s my hope that you find this
page as informative as Families who have gone through their ‘first
deployment’ a few weeks ahead of you. The Bulldogs begin their Basic
Combat Training experience in earnest today as they inprocess the
battalion and start the Soldierization process. Looking from some help
from Family Members further along in their ‘first deployment’ to help
our new Bulldog Family Members with the knowledge you’ve gained over the
past few weeks.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hope that everyone’s
having a great week; we sure are here in the Dragoon Battalion! We’ve
got a full day out at the rifle range for most of the battalion.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - The Bravo Bulldogs are off
to a good start on their BCT journey! Like other Soldiers in the
battalion, these citizen volunteers chose to do something greater then
themselves. If they give 100% of themselves over the next ten weeks,
pay attention to what their Drill Sergeants are teaching them, embrace,
internalize, and practice the Army Values – Loyalty, Duty, Respect,
Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage – each and
every day; and embody the Warrior Ethos – placing the mission first
(putting others before themselves), never excepting defeat (overcoming
all adversity), never quitting (‘nuff said), and never leaving a fallen
comrade (bringing others alongside him / her), they will succeed. These
are the fundamental aspects of the Army Profession of Arms. If you’re
interested in learning more about the Army Profession of Arms, check the
Center for the Army Profession and Ethic at: http://cape.army.mil/Army%20Profession/ArmyProfession.php.
Over the course of this week we’ll be welcoming their Family Members
and friends to our on-line community. For those Bulldog Family Members
who’ve found their way to this page already – start writing your letters
of encouragement now – daily are ok too.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – First and foremost – we’re
looking forward to seeing the Foxtrot Warrior Family Members and
Friends this morning for Family Day. We’ll see you at 08:30 am at the
Audie Murphy Club for Family Day activities and then later this
afternoon for the Warrior Banquet at the Pershing Community Center if
you’re attending. Unfortunately, I personally won’t
be able to attend as I have some scheduling conflicts, but several of our cadre members will be there.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - For our new
Bravo Company families I should have introduced myself earlier and let
you know a little bit about our semi-official site. Your Solider is now
a member of the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment “Dragoons.” I
have the privilege of serving as the Battalion Commander. Along with
our Battalion Command Sergeant Major, CSM Dokey, we’re responsible for
providing training and readiness oversight of six basic training
companies to ensure they have what they need to execute the Basic Combat
Training program of instruction. Each of our six companies (Alpha
through Foxtrot) led by a Company Commander (a Captain – or “CPT”) is
comprised of four platoons – your Soldier is assigned to one of those
platoons. It’s at the platoon and company level where the Drill
Sergeants are transforming your Soldiers from citizen volunteers into
confident, competent American Soldiers who live the Warrior Ethos and
our Army Values.
Each day I’ll provide a daily training update
that outlines the various activities going on across the battalion so
you have an idea of what you’re Soldier is learning. I’ll also provide
general information on “Army Stuff” that will help make your ‘first
deployment’ experience away you’re your Soldier a positive one.
Additionally, each week our companies will post at least twenty RANDOM
pictures (we don’t take requests – they’re just what we capture during
the week) from that week’s training. On Sunday’s I’ll post a music
video that I think captures the ‘mood’ of the Battalion.
You
can connect with family members who also have Soldiers in the same
company / platoon for unit specific information off the “Events” tab
above under that company’s graduation event. Family members who have
Soldiers in further in the training cycle can be a great source of
information. That being said – please avoid posting opinions, rumors,
profanity, or disparaging remarks about others. Our cadre and
volunteers do our best to address questions in a timely manner, but
please remember this is an additional duty beyond training your Soldier
to fight, survive, and win on the battlefield. Any post that has the
battalion unit insignia and signed with the poster’s name and rank is
from a unit member and provides the official response.
Good
Evening Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Huge day for the Foxtrot
Warriors as they’ve made it to Graduation!! Our congratulations to both
the Soldiers who successfully completed the tough, demanding challenges
presented to them during BCT and also to the Family Members and friends
who’ve survived your “First Deployment” away from your Soldier. Hope
all of you had a wonderful time over t
he last two days. I’m sorry that I haven’t been there to spend this special time with you.
Posting later today as I’ve been traveling since early this morning.
For those of you who have been on the page for a while you’ve seen that
each week we highlight an event from that week in the 48th Infantry
Regiment’s history. This week, I'm honored and humbled to be able to
spend the weekend with our Regiment’s World War II veterans during their
annual reunion. Pretty inspiring to be among them!
Last night
and today I saw that several Family Members have received returned mail
lately. I was not aware there was a problem until I saw the posts. We
will look into the problem tomorrow with the Brigade Mail Room. Please
keep in mind that you may get some more returned mail over the next
week as it's likely already in the system and we can't begin to look
into the problem until mid morning on Friday.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): -
Our focus during Red Phase is to Transform, Inculcate, and Train your
Warrior into a Physically Fit, Disciplined, and Confident Soldier who’s
proficient at his / her Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills and capable of
contributing to his / her first unit of assignment. This is no easy
task, yet for those who Never Quit, Never Leave a Fallen Comrade, Never
Except Defeat, and always bring their “A” Game, regardless of the task,
they’ll do fine. Keep them fired up and focused on accomplishing that
which they have set out to become – an American Soldier! Write
uplifting, encouraging, and motivational letters to your loved one. Red
Phase is meant to be tough, stressful, and demanding, so start writing
now. Our recommendation is to send your loved one self-addressed
stamped envelopes which allow them the ability to rapidly respond during
their limited personal time each night. Again, they’re extremely busy
and need your support.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Back on track with a
morning update today. Extremely busy day in the Dragoon Battalion as
all six of our companies are actively engaged in their training mission.
Hard to believe that it’s Friday already and the end of another
awesome week!
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - The Bulldogs are off to a
great start as they begin their journey to transform from civilian
volunteer to a U.S. Army Soldier! The focus of this first week of Basic
Combat Training is learning how to look, act, and walk like a Soldier.
They have a few physical readiness training (PRT) sessions under their
belt and are acclimatizing well to our ever changing weather; they have
learned how to properly wear their uniforms and are starting to identify
different ranks. They’re learning Army Heritage, Traditions, Customs,
Values, and Military Courtesies. As well as, how to efficiently navigate
the mess hall and keep their living space tidy - believe it or not!
They are learning how to march with plenty of drill and ceremonies
practice. And they have a new best friend that rarely leaves their
side, their assigned weapon. Today they have their first day of ‘real’
training here in BCT. They begin learning to work as team members today
on the Team Development Course. Working in buddy team pairs, Soldiers
have to negotiate a series of mentally and physically challenging
obstacles.
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hope your weekend’s off to a good start.
Yesterday the 7th Armored Division veterans visited the 1st Infantry
Division Museum at Cantigny Park. It was an amazing facility that
brought ba
ck a lot of memories for them.
We were also fortunate to be able to participate in the local Veterans
of Foreign Wars POW and MIA Day wreath laying ceremony recognizing those
83,417 troops the Defense Department lists as unaccounted for from our
Nation’s wars stretching from WWII to Iraq and Afghanistan.
As
mentioned Thursday night, we were recently made aware of an issue
involving mail sent to trainees being returned to the sender or back to
the Soldier’s home of record. As promised, we’re looking into the
issue, but we’re still tracking down the answer. I know that you’re
concerned about it – we are too – I appreciate your patience as we
figure out what happened and how to fix the problem. I hope to have some
good information to pass on to you sometime next week.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): The Bulldogs complete their first training
week out at the range today for familiarization fire with the M249 Squad
Automatic Weapon (the “SAW”) and the M240B Medium Machine Gun. These
two weapons provide the bulk of a Squad and Platoon’s combat power with
their high sustained rates of fire. Every Soldier, regardless of his /
her MOS, needs to become proficient on these weapons systems.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Boy it sure was chilly
this morning coming in for Physical Readiness Training; time to break
out the long sleeve shirts for PRT! I had a fantastic time with the 7th
Armored Division World W
ar II veterans
and their families over the weekend. It was absolutely inspiring to be
around them and hear about their experiences. Most importantly, the
weekend served as a poignant reminder of the bonds of trust and
friendship that form between Soldiers especially when facing and
overcoming adversity.
It’s the start of a new week and one
of the hot topics we’ll address this week is the mail issue that many of
you mentioned late last week. We will work to get the issue resolved as
soon as possible. We appreciate your patience as we figure out what
happened and how to fix the problem.
Several of you have asked
about when graduation information is sent out or that you haven’t
received the information yet. Typically, the Company Commander sends
out the graduation letter with the information you’re looking for during
week 6 or 7 of training. In the mean time, you can get the dates for
Graduation, Family Day, and the Warrior Banquet on our “Events” tab (to
get to the “Events” tab, click the #2 drop down arrow next to the
“Videos” tab).
I would also like to encourage you to sign up to
attend the Warrior Banquet with your Soldier. The Warrior Banquet is a
semi-formal experience that introduces you to one of our most time
honored traditions, the Regimental Mess. You can find out more about
the Warrior Banquet by checking out our post on the “Notes” tab (to get
to the “Notes” tab, click the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos”
tab). You can order tickets online at: https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/Leonardwoodrectrac.html
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): The Bulldogs start the
first of three days of First Aid training. When complete they will
test for the Combat Lifesaver Certification. Combat Lifesavers are
critical care providers on today’s battlefield and have done amazing
things to help save Soldiers’ lives, regardless of their military
occupational specialty (MOS – their job), that during other conflicts
would have led to death or catastrophic injuries.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s that crazy time of
year here in Central Missouri when you never know what the day’s weather
will be like; almost 25 degrees warmer this morning for PRT than
yesterday. Awesome to see o
ur companies
all out executing PRT this morning – was dragging a little myself, but
seeing our Soldiers getting’ after it fired me up!
We made
some headway yesterday tracking down the mail problem, but we’d like to
give it another day or so before we say we’ve fixed the problem
completely. Again, we thank you for your patience.
While I was
traveling last week, I forgot to mention that the Fort Leonard Wood
newspaper published two articles about Soldiers in our battalion last
week – one on the continuing series their running following four
Comanche Soldiers through Basic Combat Training and one highlighting the
Bravo Bulldog cadre members who executed a community service project in
the City of Dixon, Missouri on the first day of school this year. You
can check out both articles at the following links:
http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15223&Itemid=39
http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15234&Itemid=40
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): The
Bravo Bulldogs take a pause from First Aid training today and head out
to the range to “Blow Stuff Up!” Today they execute familiarization
with the AT4 Anti-Tank System and the M203 40mm Grenade Launcher.
Soldiers will fire sub-caliber munitions for the AT4 and practice 40mm
grenades with the M203. Some lucky Soldiers will get the opportunity to
fire a live AT4 and high explosive 40mm grenades from the M203!
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Rainy start to our
morning, but that won’t stop us from having a fantastic training day
today!
As a reminder, please check out our “Notes” page (click the #2 drop down arrow next to the
“Videos” tab). On our “Notes” page you’ll find a wealth of information
related to your Soldier’s Basic Combat Training experience that will
help you through your “first deployment.”
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): This morning the
Bulldogs started their day hosting 17 journalists from the University of
Kansas Journalism School. We met with international, national, and
local print and television news media. Some of them even participated
in the same physical readiness training as your Soldiers. Think you’ve
got game and want to experience what your Soldiers are during each
morning to get those six-pack abs and tungsten steel muscles? Check out
the Army’s Physical Readiness Training site on YouTube for video
demonstrations that you can incorporate into your own daily work out
plan
http://www.youtube.com/user/ArmyPhysicalFitness
Today the Bulldogs continue First Aid training on their way to earning their Combat Lifesaver Certification.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Yesterday’s focus on
suicide was a somber topic, but an important one that we need to
address. It was fantastic to see how all our Soldiers took the day’s
events seriously and worked to imp
rove their own resilience skills.
During our training stand-down yesterday our Soldiers learned the
importance of understanding the linkage between an Action, our Thoughts,
and the possible Consequences (ATC); how our own “Iceburgs” and
“Thinking Traps” our unconscious thoughts and our mental paradigms can
influence our thinking; how “Hunting the Good Stuff” each day can
improve our overall outlook; and how practicing “Real Time Resilience”
(RTR) can help us overcome negative self-talk, help us refocus, and get
back on task. Based on what we saw, I think the entire day was
beneficial not just for successfully completing Basic Combat Training,
but also for facing and overcoming any adversity life throws at us.
Our battalion got some national, regional, and local recognition this
week from the news media. If you remember on Wednesday, the Bravo
Bulldogs hosted 17 journalists for PRT and breakfast in our Dining
Facility (DFAC). Later that night, KCTV5, a Kansas City news station,
ran a spot about it on their 10:00 p.m. news cast. You can check it out
at: http://www.kctv5.com/story/19644412/kctv5s-stacey-cameron-experiences-life-in-the-american-military
Also our Delta Dawg cadre was in the Fort Leonard Wood paper The Guidon
for their community service project in the City of Dixon a few weeks
ago. They completed this project during their cycle reset period to
help the community get ready for their annual town festival. You can
check out that story at: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15242&Itemid=40
The Guidon also ran its sixth story following the Charlie Comanches through Basic Combat Training. Their story is at: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15260&Itemid=39
We’re extremely proud of our Soldiers and Cadre for the work they do
each and every day both here in the training environment and out in the
community.
On to today’s training update – extremely foggy start to the morning, but should burn off for a great weather day.
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2) – Continues First Aid training
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Fall must be in the air as
the mornings continue to be a little chilly for PRT. It’s turning out
to be a beautiful day though. Overall, we had a great week!
First and foremost – we’re pretty sure we got the mail situation taken care of throughout the week!
Saw some questions about how trainees who want to vote can do so. Please check out the “
Voting
Assistance” post that we put up this morning on our “Notes” tab. To
get to the “Notes” tab you have to click the #2 drop down arrow next to
the “Videos” tab.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2) – The Bulldogs are headed out
to one Basic Combat Training’s signature events and one of my all time
favorites – the Gas Chamber! Snot bubbles and tears everywhere
guaranteed! In all seriousness, using C.S. gas, the training event
demonstrates the effectiveness of the equipment provided to our Soldiers
to keep them safe should they ever come in contact with a chemical,
biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environment.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hard to believe that it’s
October already, football season’s in full swing, children trying to
figure out what they want to ‘be’ for Halloween, Columbus Day this
coming weekend – and for us a full week of training for five of our six
companies!
I saw several posts yesterday about phone calls - when Soldiers are allowed to call, how much time they
get to call, and who they call. Likewise, I saw recently a post about
affording Soldiers time to write letters home. Part of the Soldier’s
Creed and our Warrior Ethos states – ‘I will always place the mission
first.’ Stated in a different way, the task I’m required to accomplish
comes before me or my desires. While Sundays are a down day from full
up training, there’s still a lot of work that has to get done. Once
it’s done, then we can take care of our personal needs – washing
clothes, packing our gear for the next day’s training, shower, phone
call, letter writing. We also don’t dictate who Soldiers should call;
they’re adults, they can make that choice. Each Soldier has at least an
hour of personal time every night prior to lights out. How they use
this time is entirely up to them – wash clothes, shower, some extra PT,
write letters, read…
I would ask that all of us keep a little
perspective related to phone calls. I know that for many of you, this
may be your first time away from your Soldier for an extended period of
time. Many of us in uniform have gone for months at a time during
deployments without hearing our families’ voices on the phone or having
much, if any, connection with the outside world. Our families had no
idea what was going on because we didn’t routinely share information
about combat operations. Here in BCT, we don’t have to worry about
insurgents setting up road side bombs or shelling our base, but we do
have work that has to get done. Basic Combat Training shapes us as
Family Members and Friends building our personal resilience to overcome
adversity the same as our Soldiers.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Today
the Bulldogs complete the Physical Endurance Course - This one’s a
smoker! Soldiers negotiate a series of highly challenging obstacles
(ropes, tires, barbed wire, etc) as a test of agility, muscular
strength, and endurance. This physically and mentally challenging event
is designed to build your Soldier’s confidence and assess his / her
overall physical fitness. This afternoon they’ll have introductory
classes on Army communication systems – radios and reporting procedures.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We’ve got an incredibly
full day of training in the Dragoon Battalion today!!
CSM Dokey and I were able to spend some time yesterday afternoon with the Bravo Bulldogs and the Delta Dawgs
for
our battalion in brief providing an overview of BCT and our
expectations for their performance. You can check out one of the videos
we shared at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xLYt265ZM&feature=related
We’ve seen several questions over the last few days related to
Graduation, Family Day, pass privileges, travel arrangements, as well as
several others. Please check out our “Notes” tab and the various posts
there. You’ll find answers to several of your questions already
posted. To get to the “Notes” tab click the #2 drop down arrow next to
the “Videos” tab.
For our Bravo Company Family Members and
Friends specifically – we typically graduate BCT companies on Thursdays.
However, because your Soldiers are scheduled to graduate during
Thanksgiving week, we will be graduating them on WEDNESDAY, November
21st. We will hold Family Day for the Company and a special
Thanksgiving Meal in our Dining Facility on THURSDAY, November 22nd,
Thanksgiving Day so you don’t have to figure out what to do for a
holiday meal. We have a lot of details to work out still, just wanted
to give you a head’s up.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – The Bulldogs got off to an early start this
morning with an 8 kilometer road march (about 5 miles) to the Hand
Grenade assault course and range. That’s right Family Members – real,
live hand grenades!! Not to worry, before your Soldiers receive two
live M67 High Explosive Hand Grenades to throw, they’ll receive
extensive training on proper carrying, arming, aiming, and throwing
techniques. They will also negotiate the hand grenade assault course
requiring them to employ a practice inert grenade at various targets
(bunker, trench, and area target). Soldiers must receive a ‘go’ at the
low wall, the high wall (two different throwing positions) and on the
assault course before they are cleared for the live grenade bay.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Awesome start to our
morning in the Dragoon Battalion with our companies out on Fort Leonard
Wood’s roads for Ability Group Runs (AGRs) or interval workouts (30:60s
or 60:120s)! Took the opportunity to run with the Echo Enforcers, the
Charlie Comanches, and a little bit of time with the Delta Dawgs –
though I think I ran up and down the hill outsi
de our brigade headquarters about 4 times today…
We’re continuing to get a lot of questions about activities and
privileges – please refer to our “Notes” tab and the various posts
provided there. If you only have time to read one post, I recommend the
“Battalion Commander’s Soap Box”
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs
(Week 3) – Today the Bravo Bulldogs head out to the 30’ Warrior Tower
for rappelling. Like yesterday’s events on the grenade range, the
Warrior Tower provides Soldiers an opportunity to confront some of their
fears and learn that they can overcome them with a little bit of heart,
motivation and encouragement from the teammates, and sometimes, just a
little ounce of courage.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – CSM Dokey and I had an
awesome time out with the Comanches last night at the Night Infiltration
Course (NIC)! There’s something about live tracer rounds going off
over your head that makes training seem a whole to more realistic. I’ll
be honest, I was smoked when we got done low and high crawling under,
around, and through barbed wire and other o
bstacles
to reach our objective. After we reached the objective we spent some
time discussing teamwork, discipline, our Warrior Ethos, and our
Regimental veterans from World War II.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Yesterday CSM Dokey and
I spent time with some of the Bulldogs hearing about their BCT
experience thus far. We heard a lot of great things from these young
Soldiers – always energizing to hear what they have to say! Today the
Bulldogs negotiate the Land Navigation course. Using nothing more than a
map, a compass, and their knowledge of the terrain, Soldiers have three
hours to find three out of five points during the daylight phase of
training and two out three points during the night phase. This can be a
challenging event for Soldiers who have not spent a great deal of time
in the woods prior to attending Basic Combat Training.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s the start of another
awesome day in the Dragoon Battalion – AND it’s the end of another week
of Basic Combat Training. Your Soldiers are one more week closer to
achieving their goal of becoming a U.S. Army Soldier!
Yesterday
the Fort Leonard Wood newspaper, "The Guidon," continued its series
following Soldiers in Charlie Company through thei
r Basic Combat Training experience. You can check out the story at: http://www.myguidon.com/
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – This morning the
Bulldogs will take their first diagnostic APFT to gauge their fitness
level. Soldiers must pass the end of cycle APFT scoring 50 points or
more in each event to graduate from BCT. They head out to their first
Field Training Exercise (FTX) later today learning the basics of field
craft – occupying an assembly area (base of operations), preparing a
hasty fighting position, erecting a field expedient shelter (poncho
hooch), and basic movement techniques as a member of a squad.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We had some rough weather
here at Fort Leonard Wood yesterday that impacted our training somewhat,
specifically the APFT. We want to provide Soldier’s with the best
opportunity to succeed s
o we put them off until today.
Lots of conversation about graduation information being sent out to
Family Members and Friends over the last week or so. I confirmed with
the Alpha, Charlie, and Echo Company Commanders that they mailed
graduation information packets. Each Soldier is provided with a
graduation packet and an envelope; the Soldier addresses the envelope
and returns it to the chain of command; the company operations cadre
mails the packets. If a Soldier requires an additional graduation
packet, he or she has to inform the cadre members otherwise we will not
know that there’s a need.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – The
Bulldogs didn’t take their APFT yesterday due to the weather, but they
did complete it this morning. Later today they continue Basic Rifle
Marksmanship training with a grouping (getting all your shots within a
quarter-sized circle) and zero (where you aim is where the bullets go)
exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a fully
functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of
actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live
rounds. Most importantly, if affords Soldiers the opportunity to
receive instant feedback on their performance.
Good
Afternoon Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Crazy Missouri weather
going on today! After two crummy, rainy, and cold days Friday and
Saturday, today is a beautiful fall day!! Hope Sunday is as beautiful
where you are as well!
Lot
s and lots of photos and other stuff went up on the page yesterday! Hope you’ve enjoyed it.
I would like to highlight some things from a post many of you may not
have seen and some other areas where we could use your help:
Earlier this week in one of our companies a Soldier received some
contraband items in the mail from a Family Member. While we have that
on occasion, what made this particular incident stand out is that the
person who mailed the items attempted to smuggle them in by concealing
them in personal hygiene items. This was a deliberate effort to deceive
others and fail to follow the standard!
Likewise, we had a
number of Soldiers in a company who decided to fail to follow their
Drill Sergeant’s instructions when allowed to go to the Post Exchange
for some personal items (shoes and other personal items unavailable at
our local troop store). Rather than do as they were instructed, they
wandered over to an area they’re not allowed to be in – and they know
it.
Lastly, we had several Soldiers across a few companies who
up and quit on their recent Army Physical Fitness Tests putting out very
little overall effort and deciding to make it a community social event
rather than an assessment of their own physical abilities.
Family Members and Friends I can’t stress this point enough, activities
like the ones described above can put your Soldiers at graduation risk.
Fortunately for the Soldier with the smuggled contraband, the cadre
members discovered the items when mail was opened (yes, we do check
things that come in care packages). Had we not, and had the Soldier
made a poor choice to put the items in his / her wall locker instead of
bringing it to the Drill Sergeant’s attention, that Soldier would face
disciplinary action. Likewise, not doing what they’re supposed to do
when given some limited freedom or a specific task, limits future
privileges and brings more oversight from the cadre.
I saw and
deleted some comments yesterday that suggested that failing to abide by
standards or smuggle candy into Basic Combat Training isn’t that big of a
deal. On the contrary, our Army is a standards based profession built
upon the foundation of trust – trust that we’re living the Army Values
always! When we lie, deceive, disrespect others, or serve our own
self-interest, we’re not adhering to those Values.
Our cadre
are some of the most dedicated and professional Soldiers I’ve had the
opportunity to serve with over the last 20 some odd years. They are
more than willing to devote personal time and energy above and beyond
the long hours we already ask of them when they see that their Soldiers
care, are committed to excellence, and want to improve. We want to see
your loved ones be successful on their quest to become U.S. Army
Soldiers!
Many of you have asked how you can motivate your
Soldier – tell them to do the things their supposed to do, be a team
player, and commit themselves to excellence rather than just getting by.
I would also ask that you help your Soldiers by not putting them into
positions that may compromise their integrity or cause them stray off
the path they’ve chosen. Most of our Family Members and Friends
understand this and I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your
support!!
As always Sundays are set aside for voluntary
attendance at one of Fort Leonard Wood’s many religious services,
getting ready for the next week’s training, and area clean-up.
We’ve got a full week of training ahead!! Looking forward to getting
after it this week; Basic Combat Training – it’s ALWAYS a Good Time…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HmzwI67ec
Hope your Sunday’s a good one! “By Force and Valor!” LTC Anderson, Dragoon 6
(This was R.J.'s Company. They got in big trouble!)
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We’re off to a good start
for the week today here at Fort Leonard Wood; it’s gonna be a great week
with several ranges, some confidence building events, and a culminating
Field Training Exercise and Rites of Passage (ROP) ceremony for one of
our companies. We hope that you’re enjoying Columbus Day. Though it’s a
‘down’ day for major training even
ts,
there’s always something going on as we continue our Basic Combat
Training mission transforming citizen volunteers into U.S. Army
Soldiers.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo
Bulldogs (Week 4) – Today they’ve got practice Drill and Ceremony and
Basic Rifle Marksmanship enhancement training on one of our weapons
simulators. Later this week they’ll fire their first live rounds on the
rifle marksmanship range.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – When I checked our FB page
last night to see what came up over the course of the day, I realized I
never posted an update yesterday. Hard to believe how fast our days
move, though with five companies and over 900 Soldiers in training, we
always have things going on.
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Tra
ining,
before posting please check out our “Notes” and “Events” tabs. You can
get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab
above. You’ll find a wealth of information already provided to you.
If, after checking the posts on the “Notes” and “Events” tabs, you still
have a question, please let us know.
For our Charlie Comanche
Family Members and Friends travelling to Fort Leonard Wood next week for
Graduation Week activities we have some important information for you:
Getting on to Fort Leonard Wood requires anyone over the age of 18 to
have photo identification. Drivers are required to have a valid
driver’s license, show proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
You do not need a pass. If you rent a car, your rental contract serves
as your vehicle registration. You do not need anything special or
additional if you’re borrowing a vehicle. Your vehicle is subject to
search at any time you are on the installation. Unregistered privately
owned weapons are not allowed on the installation and create significant
problems for you if you bring one on post. Also, you are subject to a
$75 fine if caught driving while using a cell phone without a hands-free
device (speaker phone does not constitute a hands-free device).
If you are a new Army Spouse and you do not have a DoD Dependent ID
Card, you must use your time during Family Day and Graduation to get
one! I cannot stress this point strongly enough. Having an ID Card
while your Soldier is away at AIT allows you access to many services
provided to Soldiers and their Families. In order to get one while
you’re here if you do not already have one you must bring: the original,
filed and recorded marriage license, the spouse’s birth certificate,
the spouse’s Social Security Card, and a photo ID. Children over 10
also must have an ID card, requirements for a biological child of the
Soldier and the spouse must have their birth certificate and social
security card. The ID Card Section is open from 6:00 am – 7:00 am for
walk-ins; after 7:00 am they serve appointments only. Unfortunately,
the ID Card Section is closed on Thursdays after 1200. If you have
further questions or want to make an appointment you can call (573)
596-0744.
Lastly, please keep your personal safety and security
in mind as you finalize your travel plans. I know you’re excited about
seeing your Soldier and connecting with other Families, but remember
that this is an open page anyone can see. Posting your travel plans,
where you’re staying, and when you’ll be away from your home provide
others with an opportunity to see when your home is most vulnerable –
they may not always have your best interest in mind. It’s best to send
personal messages if you’re trying to connect with others as opposed to
posting on the page.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – Yesterday the Bulldogs continued Basic Rifle
Marksmanship training with a grouping (getting all your shots within a
quarter-sized circle) and zero (where you aim is where the bullets go)
exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a fully
functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of
actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live
rounds. Most importantly, if affords Soldiers the opportunity to
receive instant feedback on their performance. Today they’re executing
post clean-up detail, a daily requirement on our installation due to its
size. Every basic training company executes post detail once during
their cycle
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s the start of another
great Army day here at Fort Leonard Wood!! Fall is definitely upon us in
full swing with cooler temperatures and leaves changing colors. If
you’re traveling to Fort Leonard Wood in the next few weeks, please make
sure that you pack for the weather as it can get pretty chilly (around
30 degrees this morning) if you’re not
used to it.
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic
Combat Training, before posting please check out our “Notes” and
“Events” tabs. You can get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow
next to the “Videos” tab above. You’ll find a wealth of information
already provided to you. If, after checking the posts on the “Notes”
and “Events” tabs, you still have a question, please let us know.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo
Bulldogs (Week 4) – Fort Leonard Wood sure looked good yesterday
afternoon after the Bulldogs finished up their post detail requirement.
Today they continue Basic Rifle Marksmanship training by firing their
first live rounds during Grouping and Zeroing on a 25 meter target.
Over the next three days your Soldiers will refine their marksmanship
skills. Today’s training is a critical period as it sets the foundation
and builds confidence that what a Soldier aims at he / she can hit.
Weapons qualification is one of the single most stressful events in
Basic Combat Training – Soldiers must qualify on their individual weapon
to graduate.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Kinda gloomy start to the
morning weather-wise, but still a great day to train! It’s Friday and
the end of another week of Basic Combat Training. Family Members and
Friends – you’re one week closer to completing your “First Deployment”
away from your Soldier!
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Training,
before posting please check out our “Notes” and “Events” tabs. You can
get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab
above. You’ll find a wealth of information already provided to you.
If, after checking the posts on the “Notes” and “Events” tabs, you still
have a question, please let us know.
I would like to take a
moment to recognize two of our outstanding Drill Sergeants – DS Macias
(A Co) and DS Spiller (E Co). Yesterday they renewed their commitment
to serving the Nation by reenlisting. Our congratulations to each of
these dedicated NCOs!
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – The Bulldogs complete their zero and grouping training today.
10/15/2012
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Everyone in the battalion
was up and ready to go for the start of another week in Basic Combat
Training this morning; beautiful sunrise as we finished up PRT and
headed off to breakfast.
A friendly reminder for our Bravo
Bulldog Family Members and Friends, if you intend on attending the
Warrior Banquet / special holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day wi
th
your Soldier in our Dining Facility, we need your RSVP by the end of
October so we have the right amount of food. You can call (573)
596-0331 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs
(Week 5): As the CSM and I walked around our battalion area this morning
during Physical Readiness Training, we couldn’t help be hear “I’m Sexy
and I Know it” as we passed the Bravo Bulldogs. They’re headed off for
Uniform Fit today for their Army Service Uniform (ASUs – our dress
blues)
OK to catch everyone up R.J. got shin splints (really really bad ones) back in week 3 and 4 and missed a lot of training. That sunday when the contraband and everything went on I did not get to have my call from him. We usually get 15min calls every Sunday. But because he failed his PT test because he missed so much training he did not get to call. Also, because of the holiday on Monday letters did not get out to us till that Friday night. I went 2 weeks without knowing what was wrong with R.J. if he was in trouble, if he was getting medical discharge. I was horrible. I finally got a call this last Sunday the 14th He is doing much better now. He is off his medical profile and he made up all the training he missed. He passed his PT test and now he is onto Red Phase! YAY Well, Everyone is caught up mostly. Now to just my nightly posts! Thanks for reading. Sorry there is so much but I had to catch up. Bellow are some pictures of R.J. at Basic during these past weeks. Not many but they have a big platoon so im glad I got some!
so
not very happy so utah wasn't on the list for assignments when rj was
at reception so he chose 1. Texas 2. Germany 3. Italy 4. Hawaii....don't
ask me why he chose all pretty much out of the country...I wasn't there
lol so it is more than likely that we will be stationed in texas! Kinda
excited but very nervous at the same time!
Got
2 letters from R.J. Today. Last dated Sunday the 23rd so pretty recent.
He is doing good. Hasn't gotten in trouble at all. He has really good
Drill Sargent s and he is learning a lot. 60 days till AIT
OK
So here is the facebook page for R.J. they post pictures every Saturday
and He is On the Brovo team. There are some pictures already but I dont
see R.J. but he is there doing that stuff! Just put in the search
bar...
1st Battalion 48th Infantry Regiment Fort Leonard Wood, MO
1st Battalion 48th Infantry Regiment Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Alle Ashcroft shared a link.
September 28 near Phoenix
R.J. IS ON TV! Well kinda at 04:02 of the clip R.J. is in the back ground walking to his seat with his food!!!!!!!!!! :)
http://www.kctv5.com/story/19644412/kctv5s-stacey-cameron-experiences-life-in-the-american-military
http://www.kctv5.com/story/19644412/kctv5s-stacey-cameron-experiences-life-in-the-american-military
Just
booked my room for R.J.'s graduation. Completely refundable in case
anything happens! YAY! Things can only look up from here!
Book your rooms now at STURGIS HEIGHTS on base. Call 877-711-8326 and ask for the $60 per night rate. Rooms are going fast!I have already booked our rooms for Nov 20th-24th!
Book your rooms now at STURGIS HEIGHTS on base. Call 877-711-8326 and ask for the $60 per night rate. Rooms are going fast!I have already booked our rooms for Nov 20th-24th!
OK, so there were my posts to facebook now for the 1ST Battalion Infantry Regiment Posts
September, 17th 2012
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and
Friends – We’re off to another awesome week here in Central Missouri –
five companies in training in the battalion with one scheduled to
graduate on Thursday and another company picking up new Soldiers on
Friday. We wish our Foxtrot Warrior Families and Friends safe travels
as they make their way to Fort Leonard Wood this week for graduation.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): First and foremost, let me welcome the newest Dragoon Family Members the Bravo Company Bulldogs!! Welcome aboard. It’s my hope that you find this page as informative as Families who have gone through their ‘first deployment’ a few weeks ahead of you. The Bulldogs begin their Basic Combat Training experience in earnest today as they inprocess the battalion and start the Soldierization process. Looking from some help from Family Members further along in their ‘first deployment’ to help our new Bulldog Family Members with the knowledge you’ve gained over the past few weeks.
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – First and foremost – we’re looking forward to seeing the Foxtrot Warrior Family Members and Friends this morning for Family Day. We’ll see you at 08:30 am at the Audie Murphy Club for Family Day activities and then later this afternoon for the Warrior Banquet at the Pershing Community Center if you’re attending. Unfortunately, I personally won’t
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): First and foremost, let me welcome the newest Dragoon Family Members the Bravo Company Bulldogs!! Welcome aboard. It’s my hope that you find this page as informative as Families who have gone through their ‘first deployment’ a few weeks ahead of you. The Bulldogs begin their Basic Combat Training experience in earnest today as they inprocess the battalion and start the Soldierization process. Looking from some help from Family Members further along in their ‘first deployment’ to help our new Bulldog Family Members with the knowledge you’ve gained over the past few weeks.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hope that everyone’s
having a great week; we sure are here in the Dragoon Battalion! We’ve
got a full day out at the rifle range for most of the battalion.
On to today’s training update:
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - The Bravo Bulldogs are off
to a good start on their BCT journey! Like other Soldiers in the
battalion, these citizen volunteers chose to do something greater then
themselves. If they give 100% of themselves over the next ten weeks,
pay attention to what their Drill Sergeants are teaching them, embrace,
internalize, and practice the Army Values – Loyalty, Duty, Respect,
Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage – each and
every day; and embody the Warrior Ethos – placing the mission first
(putting others before themselves), never excepting defeat (overcoming
all adversity), never quitting (‘nuff said), and never leaving a fallen
comrade (bringing others alongside him / her), they will succeed. These
are the fundamental aspects of the Army Profession of Arms. If you’re
interested in learning more about the Army Profession of Arms, check the
Center for the Army Profession and Ethic at: http://cape.army.mil/Army%20Profession/ArmyProfession.php.
Over the course of this week we’ll be welcoming their Family Members
and friends to our on-line community. For those Bulldog Family Members
who’ve found their way to this page already – start writing your letters
of encouragement now – daily are ok too.
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – First and foremost – we’re looking forward to seeing the Foxtrot Warrior Family Members and Friends this morning for Family Day. We’ll see you at 08:30 am at the Audie Murphy Club for Family Day activities and then later this afternoon for the Warrior Banquet at the Pershing Community Center if you’re attending. Unfortunately, I personally won’t
be able to attend as I have some scheduling conflicts, but several of our cadre members will be there.
On to today’s training update:
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - For our new
Bravo Company families I should have introduced myself earlier and let
you know a little bit about our semi-official site. Your Solider is now
a member of the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment “Dragoons.” I
have the privilege of serving as the Battalion Commander. Along with
our Battalion Command Sergeant Major, CSM Dokey, we’re responsible for
providing training and readiness oversight of six basic training
companies to ensure they have what they need to execute the Basic Combat
Training program of instruction. Each of our six companies (Alpha
through Foxtrot) led by a Company Commander (a Captain – or “CPT”) is
comprised of four platoons – your Soldier is assigned to one of those
platoons. It’s at the platoon and company level where the Drill
Sergeants are transforming your Soldiers from citizen volunteers into
confident, competent American Soldiers who live the Warrior Ethos and
our Army Values.
Each day I’ll provide a daily training update that outlines the various activities going on across the battalion so you have an idea of what you’re Soldier is learning. I’ll also provide general information on “Army Stuff” that will help make your ‘first deployment’ experience away you’re your Soldier a positive one. Additionally, each week our companies will post at least twenty RANDOM pictures (we don’t take requests – they’re just what we capture during the week) from that week’s training. On Sunday’s I’ll post a music video that I think captures the ‘mood’ of the Battalion.
You can connect with family members who also have Soldiers in the same company / platoon for unit specific information off the “Events” tab above under that company’s graduation event. Family members who have Soldiers in further in the training cycle can be a great source of information. That being said – please avoid posting opinions, rumors, profanity, or disparaging remarks about others. Our cadre and volunteers do our best to address questions in a timely manner, but please remember this is an additional duty beyond training your Soldier to fight, survive, and win on the battlefield. Any post that has the battalion unit insignia and signed with the poster’s name and rank is from a unit member and provides the official response.
Each day I’ll provide a daily training update that outlines the various activities going on across the battalion so you have an idea of what you’re Soldier is learning. I’ll also provide general information on “Army Stuff” that will help make your ‘first deployment’ experience away you’re your Soldier a positive one. Additionally, each week our companies will post at least twenty RANDOM pictures (we don’t take requests – they’re just what we capture during the week) from that week’s training. On Sunday’s I’ll post a music video that I think captures the ‘mood’ of the Battalion.
You can connect with family members who also have Soldiers in the same company / platoon for unit specific information off the “Events” tab above under that company’s graduation event. Family members who have Soldiers in further in the training cycle can be a great source of information. That being said – please avoid posting opinions, rumors, profanity, or disparaging remarks about others. Our cadre and volunteers do our best to address questions in a timely manner, but please remember this is an additional duty beyond training your Soldier to fight, survive, and win on the battlefield. Any post that has the battalion unit insignia and signed with the poster’s name and rank is from a unit member and provides the official response.
Good
Evening Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Huge day for the Foxtrot
Warriors as they’ve made it to Graduation!! Our congratulations to both
the Soldiers who successfully completed the tough, demanding challenges
presented to them during BCT and also to the Family Members and friends
who’ve survived your “First Deployment” away from your Soldier. Hope
all of you had a wonderful time over t
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Back on track with a morning update today. Extremely busy day in the Dragoon Battalion as all six of our companies are actively engaged in their training mission. Hard to believe that it’s Friday already and the end of another awesome week!
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - The Bulldogs are off to a great start as they begin their journey to transform from civilian volunteer to a U.S. Army Soldier! The focus of this first week of Basic Combat Training is learning how to look, act, and walk like a Soldier. They have a few physical readiness training (PRT) sessions under their belt and are acclimatizing well to our ever changing weather; they have learned how to properly wear their uniforms and are starting to identify different ranks. They’re learning Army Heritage, Traditions, Customs, Values, and Military Courtesies. As well as, how to efficiently navigate the mess hall and keep their living space tidy - believe it or not! They are learning how to march with plenty of drill and ceremonies practice. And they have a new best friend that rarely leaves their side, their assigned weapon. Today they have their first day of ‘real’ training here in BCT. They begin learning to work as team members today on the Team Development Course. Working in buddy team pairs, Soldiers have to negotiate a series of mentally and physically challenging obstacles.
he last two days. I’m sorry that I haven’t been there to spend this special time with you.
Posting later today as I’ve been traveling since early this morning. For those of you who have been on the page for a while you’ve seen that each week we highlight an event from that week in the 48th Infantry Regiment’s history. This week, I'm honored and humbled to be able to spend the weekend with our Regiment’s World War II veterans during their annual reunion. Pretty inspiring to be among them!
Last night and today I saw that several Family Members have received returned mail lately. I was not aware there was a problem until I saw the posts. We will look into the problem tomorrow with the Brigade Mail Room. Please keep in mind that you may get some more returned mail over the next week as it's likely already in the system and we can't begin to look into the problem until mid morning on Friday.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - Our focus during Red Phase is to Transform, Inculcate, and Train your Warrior into a Physically Fit, Disciplined, and Confident Soldier who’s proficient at his / her Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills and capable of contributing to his / her first unit of assignment. This is no easy task, yet for those who Never Quit, Never Leave a Fallen Comrade, Never Except Defeat, and always bring their “A” Game, regardless of the task, they’ll do fine. Keep them fired up and focused on accomplishing that which they have set out to become – an American Soldier! Write uplifting, encouraging, and motivational letters to your loved one. Red Phase is meant to be tough, stressful, and demanding, so start writing now. Our recommendation is to send your loved one self-addressed stamped envelopes which allow them the ability to rapidly respond during their limited personal time each night. Again, they’re extremely busy and need your support.
Posting later today as I’ve been traveling since early this morning. For those of you who have been on the page for a while you’ve seen that each week we highlight an event from that week in the 48th Infantry Regiment’s history. This week, I'm honored and humbled to be able to spend the weekend with our Regiment’s World War II veterans during their annual reunion. Pretty inspiring to be among them!
Last night and today I saw that several Family Members have received returned mail lately. I was not aware there was a problem until I saw the posts. We will look into the problem tomorrow with the Brigade Mail Room. Please keep in mind that you may get some more returned mail over the next week as it's likely already in the system and we can't begin to look into the problem until mid morning on Friday.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - Our focus during Red Phase is to Transform, Inculcate, and Train your Warrior into a Physically Fit, Disciplined, and Confident Soldier who’s proficient at his / her Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills and capable of contributing to his / her first unit of assignment. This is no easy task, yet for those who Never Quit, Never Leave a Fallen Comrade, Never Except Defeat, and always bring their “A” Game, regardless of the task, they’ll do fine. Keep them fired up and focused on accomplishing that which they have set out to become – an American Soldier! Write uplifting, encouraging, and motivational letters to your loved one. Red Phase is meant to be tough, stressful, and demanding, so start writing now. Our recommendation is to send your loved one self-addressed stamped envelopes which allow them the ability to rapidly respond during their limited personal time each night. Again, they’re extremely busy and need your support.
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Back on track with a morning update today. Extremely busy day in the Dragoon Battalion as all six of our companies are actively engaged in their training mission. Hard to believe that it’s Friday already and the end of another awesome week!
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): - The Bulldogs are off to a great start as they begin their journey to transform from civilian volunteer to a U.S. Army Soldier! The focus of this first week of Basic Combat Training is learning how to look, act, and walk like a Soldier. They have a few physical readiness training (PRT) sessions under their belt and are acclimatizing well to our ever changing weather; they have learned how to properly wear their uniforms and are starting to identify different ranks. They’re learning Army Heritage, Traditions, Customs, Values, and Military Courtesies. As well as, how to efficiently navigate the mess hall and keep their living space tidy - believe it or not! They are learning how to march with plenty of drill and ceremonies practice. And they have a new best friend that rarely leaves their side, their assigned weapon. Today they have their first day of ‘real’ training here in BCT. They begin learning to work as team members today on the Team Development Course. Working in buddy team pairs, Soldiers have to negotiate a series of mentally and physically challenging obstacles.
Good Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hope your weekend’s off to a good start.
Yesterday the 7th Armored Division veterans visited the 1st Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny Park. It was an amazing facility that brought ba
Yesterday the 7th Armored Division veterans visited the 1st Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny Park. It was an amazing facility that brought ba
ck a lot of memories for them.
We were also fortunate to be able to participate in the local Veterans
of Foreign Wars POW and MIA Day wreath laying ceremony recognizing those
83,417 troops the Defense Department lists as unaccounted for from our
Nation’s wars stretching from WWII to Iraq and Afghanistan.
As mentioned Thursday night, we were recently made aware of an issue involving mail sent to trainees being returned to the sender or back to the Soldier’s home of record. As promised, we’re looking into the issue, but we’re still tracking down the answer. I know that you’re concerned about it – we are too – I appreciate your patience as we figure out what happened and how to fix the problem. I hope to have some good information to pass on to you sometime next week.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): The Bulldogs complete their first training week out at the range today for familiarization fire with the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (the “SAW”) and the M240B Medium Machine Gun. These two weapons provide the bulk of a Squad and Platoon’s combat power with their high sustained rates of fire. Every Soldier, regardless of his / her MOS, needs to become proficient on these weapons systems.
As mentioned Thursday night, we were recently made aware of an issue involving mail sent to trainees being returned to the sender or back to the Soldier’s home of record. As promised, we’re looking into the issue, but we’re still tracking down the answer. I know that you’re concerned about it – we are too – I appreciate your patience as we figure out what happened and how to fix the problem. I hope to have some good information to pass on to you sometime next week.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 1): The Bulldogs complete their first training week out at the range today for familiarization fire with the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (the “SAW”) and the M240B Medium Machine Gun. These two weapons provide the bulk of a Squad and Platoon’s combat power with their high sustained rates of fire. Every Soldier, regardless of his / her MOS, needs to become proficient on these weapons systems.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Boy it sure was chilly
this morning coming in for Physical Readiness Training; time to break
out the long sleeve shirts for PRT! I had a fantastic time with the 7th
Armored Division World W
ar II veterans
and their families over the weekend. It was absolutely inspiring to be
around them and hear about their experiences. Most importantly, the
weekend served as a poignant reminder of the bonds of trust and
friendship that form between Soldiers especially when facing and
overcoming adversity.
It’s the start of a new week and one of the hot topics we’ll address this week is the mail issue that many of you mentioned late last week. We will work to get the issue resolved as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience as we figure out what happened and how to fix the problem.
Several of you have asked about when graduation information is sent out or that you haven’t received the information yet. Typically, the Company Commander sends out the graduation letter with the information you’re looking for during week 6 or 7 of training. In the mean time, you can get the dates for Graduation, Family Day, and the Warrior Banquet on our “Events” tab (to get to the “Events” tab, click the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab).
I would also like to encourage you to sign up to attend the Warrior Banquet with your Soldier. The Warrior Banquet is a semi-formal experience that introduces you to one of our most time honored traditions, the Regimental Mess. You can find out more about the Warrior Banquet by checking out our post on the “Notes” tab (to get to the “Notes” tab, click the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab). You can order tickets online at: https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/Leonardwoodrectrac.html
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): The Bulldogs start the first of three days of First Aid training. When complete they will test for the Combat Lifesaver Certification. Combat Lifesavers are critical care providers on today’s battlefield and have done amazing things to help save Soldiers’ lives, regardless of their military occupational specialty (MOS – their job), that during other conflicts would have led to death or catastrophic injuries.
It’s the start of a new week and one of the hot topics we’ll address this week is the mail issue that many of you mentioned late last week. We will work to get the issue resolved as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience as we figure out what happened and how to fix the problem.
Several of you have asked about when graduation information is sent out or that you haven’t received the information yet. Typically, the Company Commander sends out the graduation letter with the information you’re looking for during week 6 or 7 of training. In the mean time, you can get the dates for Graduation, Family Day, and the Warrior Banquet on our “Events” tab (to get to the “Events” tab, click the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab).
I would also like to encourage you to sign up to attend the Warrior Banquet with your Soldier. The Warrior Banquet is a semi-formal experience that introduces you to one of our most time honored traditions, the Regimental Mess. You can find out more about the Warrior Banquet by checking out our post on the “Notes” tab (to get to the “Notes” tab, click the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab). You can order tickets online at: https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/Leonardwoodrectrac.html
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): The Bulldogs start the first of three days of First Aid training. When complete they will test for the Combat Lifesaver Certification. Combat Lifesavers are critical care providers on today’s battlefield and have done amazing things to help save Soldiers’ lives, regardless of their military occupational specialty (MOS – their job), that during other conflicts would have led to death or catastrophic injuries.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s that crazy time of
year here in Central Missouri when you never know what the day’s weather
will be like; almost 25 degrees warmer this morning for PRT than
yesterday. Awesome to see o
ur companies
all out executing PRT this morning – was dragging a little myself, but
seeing our Soldiers getting’ after it fired me up!
We made some headway yesterday tracking down the mail problem, but we’d like to give it another day or so before we say we’ve fixed the problem completely. Again, we thank you for your patience.
While I was traveling last week, I forgot to mention that the Fort Leonard Wood newspaper published two articles about Soldiers in our battalion last week – one on the continuing series their running following four Comanche Soldiers through Basic Combat Training and one highlighting the Bravo Bulldog cadre members who executed a community service project in the City of Dixon, Missouri on the first day of school this year. You can check out both articles at the following links:
http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15223&Itemid=39
http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15234&Itemid=40
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): The Bravo Bulldogs take a pause from First Aid training today and head out to the range to “Blow Stuff Up!” Today they execute familiarization with the AT4 Anti-Tank System and the M203 40mm Grenade Launcher. Soldiers will fire sub-caliber munitions for the AT4 and practice 40mm grenades with the M203. Some lucky Soldiers will get the opportunity to fire a live AT4 and high explosive 40mm grenades from the M203!
We made some headway yesterday tracking down the mail problem, but we’d like to give it another day or so before we say we’ve fixed the problem completely. Again, we thank you for your patience.
While I was traveling last week, I forgot to mention that the Fort Leonard Wood newspaper published two articles about Soldiers in our battalion last week – one on the continuing series their running following four Comanche Soldiers through Basic Combat Training and one highlighting the Bravo Bulldog cadre members who executed a community service project in the City of Dixon, Missouri on the first day of school this year. You can check out both articles at the following links:
http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15223&Itemid=39
http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15234&Itemid=40
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): The Bravo Bulldogs take a pause from First Aid training today and head out to the range to “Blow Stuff Up!” Today they execute familiarization with the AT4 Anti-Tank System and the M203 40mm Grenade Launcher. Soldiers will fire sub-caliber munitions for the AT4 and practice 40mm grenades with the M203. Some lucky Soldiers will get the opportunity to fire a live AT4 and high explosive 40mm grenades from the M203!
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Rainy start to our
morning, but that won’t stop us from having a fantastic training day
today!
As a reminder, please check out our “Notes” page (click the #2 drop down arrow next to the
As a reminder, please check out our “Notes” page (click the #2 drop down arrow next to the
“Videos” tab). On our “Notes” page you’ll find a wealth of information
related to your Soldier’s Basic Combat Training experience that will
help you through your “first deployment.”
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): This morning the Bulldogs started their day hosting 17 journalists from the University of Kansas Journalism School. We met with international, national, and local print and television news media. Some of them even participated in the same physical readiness training as your Soldiers. Think you’ve got game and want to experience what your Soldiers are during each morning to get those six-pack abs and tungsten steel muscles? Check out the Army’s Physical Readiness Training site on YouTube for video demonstrations that you can incorporate into your own daily work out plan
http://www.youtube.com/user/ArmyPhysicalFitness
Today the Bulldogs continue First Aid training on their way to earning their Combat Lifesaver Certification.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2): This morning the Bulldogs started their day hosting 17 journalists from the University of Kansas Journalism School. We met with international, national, and local print and television news media. Some of them even participated in the same physical readiness training as your Soldiers. Think you’ve got game and want to experience what your Soldiers are during each morning to get those six-pack abs and tungsten steel muscles? Check out the Army’s Physical Readiness Training site on YouTube for video demonstrations that you can incorporate into your own daily work out plan
http://www.youtube.com/user/ArmyPhysicalFitness
Today the Bulldogs continue First Aid training on their way to earning their Combat Lifesaver Certification.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Yesterday’s focus on
suicide was a somber topic, but an important one that we need to
address. It was fantastic to see how all our Soldiers took the day’s
events seriously and worked to imp
rove their own resilience skills.
During our training stand-down yesterday our Soldiers learned the importance of understanding the linkage between an Action, our Thoughts, and the possible Consequences (ATC); how our own “Iceburgs” and “Thinking Traps” our unconscious thoughts and our mental paradigms can influence our thinking; how “Hunting the Good Stuff” each day can improve our overall outlook; and how practicing “Real Time Resilience” (RTR) can help us overcome negative self-talk, help us refocus, and get back on task. Based on what we saw, I think the entire day was beneficial not just for successfully completing Basic Combat Training, but also for facing and overcoming any adversity life throws at us.
Our battalion got some national, regional, and local recognition this week from the news media. If you remember on Wednesday, the Bravo Bulldogs hosted 17 journalists for PRT and breakfast in our Dining Facility (DFAC). Later that night, KCTV5, a Kansas City news station, ran a spot about it on their 10:00 p.m. news cast. You can check it out at: http://www.kctv5.com/story/19644412/kctv5s-stacey-cameron-experiences-life-in-the-american-military
Also our Delta Dawg cadre was in the Fort Leonard Wood paper The Guidon for their community service project in the City of Dixon a few weeks ago. They completed this project during their cycle reset period to help the community get ready for their annual town festival. You can check out that story at: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15242&Itemid=40
The Guidon also ran its sixth story following the Charlie Comanches through Basic Combat Training. Their story is at: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15260&Itemid=39
We’re extremely proud of our Soldiers and Cadre for the work they do each and every day both here in the training environment and out in the community.
On to today’s training update – extremely foggy start to the morning, but should burn off for a great weather day.
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2) – Continues First Aid training
During our training stand-down yesterday our Soldiers learned the importance of understanding the linkage between an Action, our Thoughts, and the possible Consequences (ATC); how our own “Iceburgs” and “Thinking Traps” our unconscious thoughts and our mental paradigms can influence our thinking; how “Hunting the Good Stuff” each day can improve our overall outlook; and how practicing “Real Time Resilience” (RTR) can help us overcome negative self-talk, help us refocus, and get back on task. Based on what we saw, I think the entire day was beneficial not just for successfully completing Basic Combat Training, but also for facing and overcoming any adversity life throws at us.
Our battalion got some national, regional, and local recognition this week from the news media. If you remember on Wednesday, the Bravo Bulldogs hosted 17 journalists for PRT and breakfast in our Dining Facility (DFAC). Later that night, KCTV5, a Kansas City news station, ran a spot about it on their 10:00 p.m. news cast. You can check it out at: http://www.kctv5.com/story/19644412/kctv5s-stacey-cameron-experiences-life-in-the-american-military
Also our Delta Dawg cadre was in the Fort Leonard Wood paper The Guidon for their community service project in the City of Dixon a few weeks ago. They completed this project during their cycle reset period to help the community get ready for their annual town festival. You can check out that story at: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15242&Itemid=40
The Guidon also ran its sixth story following the Charlie Comanches through Basic Combat Training. Their story is at: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15260&Itemid=39
We’re extremely proud of our Soldiers and Cadre for the work they do each and every day both here in the training environment and out in the community.
On to today’s training update – extremely foggy start to the morning, but should burn off for a great weather day.
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2) – Continues First Aid training
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Fall must be in the air as
the mornings continue to be a little chilly for PRT. It’s turning out
to be a beautiful day though. Overall, we had a great week!
First and foremost – we’re pretty sure we got the mail situation taken care of throughout the week!
Saw some questions about how trainees who want to vote can do so. Please check out the “
First and foremost – we’re pretty sure we got the mail situation taken care of throughout the week!
Saw some questions about how trainees who want to vote can do so. Please check out the “
Voting
Assistance” post that we put up this morning on our “Notes” tab. To
get to the “Notes” tab you have to click the #2 drop down arrow next to
the “Videos” tab.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2) – The Bulldogs are headed out to one Basic Combat Training’s signature events and one of my all time favorites – the Gas Chamber! Snot bubbles and tears everywhere guaranteed! In all seriousness, using C.S. gas, the training event demonstrates the effectiveness of the equipment provided to our Soldiers to keep them safe should they ever come in contact with a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environment.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 2) – The Bulldogs are headed out to one Basic Combat Training’s signature events and one of my all time favorites – the Gas Chamber! Snot bubbles and tears everywhere guaranteed! In all seriousness, using C.S. gas, the training event demonstrates the effectiveness of the equipment provided to our Soldiers to keep them safe should they ever come in contact with a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environment.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Hard to believe that it’s
October already, football season’s in full swing, children trying to
figure out what they want to ‘be’ for Halloween, Columbus Day this
coming weekend – and for us a full week of training for five of our six
companies!
I saw several posts yesterday about phone calls - when Soldiers are allowed to call, how much time they
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Today the Bulldogs complete the Physical Endurance Course - This one’s a smoker! Soldiers negotiate a series of highly challenging obstacles (ropes, tires, barbed wire, etc) as a test of agility, muscular strength, and endurance. This physically and mentally challenging event is designed to build your Soldier’s confidence and assess his / her overall physical fitness. This afternoon they’ll have introductory classes on Army communication systems – radios and reporting procedures.
I saw several posts yesterday about phone calls - when Soldiers are allowed to call, how much time they
get to call, and who they call. Likewise, I saw recently a post about
affording Soldiers time to write letters home. Part of the Soldier’s
Creed and our Warrior Ethos states – ‘I will always place the mission
first.’ Stated in a different way, the task I’m required to accomplish
comes before me or my desires. While Sundays are a down day from full
up training, there’s still a lot of work that has to get done. Once
it’s done, then we can take care of our personal needs – washing
clothes, packing our gear for the next day’s training, shower, phone
call, letter writing. We also don’t dictate who Soldiers should call;
they’re adults, they can make that choice. Each Soldier has at least an
hour of personal time every night prior to lights out. How they use
this time is entirely up to them – wash clothes, shower, some extra PT,
write letters, read…
I would ask that all of us keep a little perspective related to phone calls. I know that for many of you, this may be your first time away from your Soldier for an extended period of time. Many of us in uniform have gone for months at a time during deployments without hearing our families’ voices on the phone or having much, if any, connection with the outside world. Our families had no idea what was going on because we didn’t routinely share information about combat operations. Here in BCT, we don’t have to worry about insurgents setting up road side bombs or shelling our base, but we do have work that has to get done. Basic Combat Training shapes us as Family Members and Friends building our personal resilience to overcome adversity the same as our Soldiers.
On to today’s training update –
I would ask that all of us keep a little perspective related to phone calls. I know that for many of you, this may be your first time away from your Soldier for an extended period of time. Many of us in uniform have gone for months at a time during deployments without hearing our families’ voices on the phone or having much, if any, connection with the outside world. Our families had no idea what was going on because we didn’t routinely share information about combat operations. Here in BCT, we don’t have to worry about insurgents setting up road side bombs or shelling our base, but we do have work that has to get done. Basic Combat Training shapes us as Family Members and Friends building our personal resilience to overcome adversity the same as our Soldiers.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Today the Bulldogs complete the Physical Endurance Course - This one’s a smoker! Soldiers negotiate a series of highly challenging obstacles (ropes, tires, barbed wire, etc) as a test of agility, muscular strength, and endurance. This physically and mentally challenging event is designed to build your Soldier’s confidence and assess his / her overall physical fitness. This afternoon they’ll have introductory classes on Army communication systems – radios and reporting procedures.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We’ve got an incredibly
full day of training in the Dragoon Battalion today!!
CSM Dokey and I were able to spend some time yesterday afternoon with the Bravo Bulldogs and the Delta Dawgs
CSM Dokey and I were able to spend some time yesterday afternoon with the Bravo Bulldogs and the Delta Dawgs
for
our battalion in brief providing an overview of BCT and our
expectations for their performance. You can check out one of the videos
we shared at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xLYt265ZM&feature=related
We’ve seen several questions over the last few days related to Graduation, Family Day, pass privileges, travel arrangements, as well as several others. Please check out our “Notes” tab and the various posts there. You’ll find answers to several of your questions already posted. To get to the “Notes” tab click the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab.
For our Bravo Company Family Members and Friends specifically – we typically graduate BCT companies on Thursdays. However, because your Soldiers are scheduled to graduate during Thanksgiving week, we will be graduating them on WEDNESDAY, November 21st. We will hold Family Day for the Company and a special Thanksgiving Meal in our Dining Facility on THURSDAY, November 22nd, Thanksgiving Day so you don’t have to figure out what to do for a holiday meal. We have a lot of details to work out still, just wanted to give you a head’s up.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – The Bulldogs got off to an early start this morning with an 8 kilometer road march (about 5 miles) to the Hand Grenade assault course and range. That’s right Family Members – real, live hand grenades!! Not to worry, before your Soldiers receive two live M67 High Explosive Hand Grenades to throw, they’ll receive extensive training on proper carrying, arming, aiming, and throwing techniques. They will also negotiate the hand grenade assault course requiring them to employ a practice inert grenade at various targets (bunker, trench, and area target). Soldiers must receive a ‘go’ at the low wall, the high wall (two different throwing positions) and on the assault course before they are cleared for the live grenade bay.
We’ve seen several questions over the last few days related to Graduation, Family Day, pass privileges, travel arrangements, as well as several others. Please check out our “Notes” tab and the various posts there. You’ll find answers to several of your questions already posted. To get to the “Notes” tab click the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab.
For our Bravo Company Family Members and Friends specifically – we typically graduate BCT companies on Thursdays. However, because your Soldiers are scheduled to graduate during Thanksgiving week, we will be graduating them on WEDNESDAY, November 21st. We will hold Family Day for the Company and a special Thanksgiving Meal in our Dining Facility on THURSDAY, November 22nd, Thanksgiving Day so you don’t have to figure out what to do for a holiday meal. We have a lot of details to work out still, just wanted to give you a head’s up.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – The Bulldogs got off to an early start this morning with an 8 kilometer road march (about 5 miles) to the Hand Grenade assault course and range. That’s right Family Members – real, live hand grenades!! Not to worry, before your Soldiers receive two live M67 High Explosive Hand Grenades to throw, they’ll receive extensive training on proper carrying, arming, aiming, and throwing techniques. They will also negotiate the hand grenade assault course requiring them to employ a practice inert grenade at various targets (bunker, trench, and area target). Soldiers must receive a ‘go’ at the low wall, the high wall (two different throwing positions) and on the assault course before they are cleared for the live grenade bay.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Awesome start to our
morning in the Dragoon Battalion with our companies out on Fort Leonard
Wood’s roads for Ability Group Runs (AGRs) or interval workouts (30:60s
or 60:120s)! Took the opportunity to run with the Echo Enforcers, the
Charlie Comanches, and a little bit of time with the Delta Dawgs –
though I think I ran up and down the hill outsi
de our brigade headquarters about 4 times today…
We’re continuing to get a lot of questions about activities and privileges – please refer to our “Notes” tab and the various posts provided there. If you only have time to read one post, I recommend the “Battalion Commander’s Soap Box”
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Today the Bravo Bulldogs head out to the 30’ Warrior Tower for rappelling. Like yesterday’s events on the grenade range, the Warrior Tower provides Soldiers an opportunity to confront some of their fears and learn that they can overcome them with a little bit of heart, motivation and encouragement from the teammates, and sometimes, just a little ounce of courage.
We’re continuing to get a lot of questions about activities and privileges – please refer to our “Notes” tab and the various posts provided there. If you only have time to read one post, I recommend the “Battalion Commander’s Soap Box”
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Today the Bravo Bulldogs head out to the 30’ Warrior Tower for rappelling. Like yesterday’s events on the grenade range, the Warrior Tower provides Soldiers an opportunity to confront some of their fears and learn that they can overcome them with a little bit of heart, motivation and encouragement from the teammates, and sometimes, just a little ounce of courage.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – CSM Dokey and I had an
awesome time out with the Comanches last night at the Night Infiltration
Course (NIC)! There’s something about live tracer rounds going off
over your head that makes training seem a whole to more realistic. I’ll
be honest, I was smoked when we got done low and high crawling under,
around, and through barbed wire and other o
bstacles
to reach our objective. After we reached the objective we spent some
time discussing teamwork, discipline, our Warrior Ethos, and our
Regimental veterans from World War II.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Yesterday CSM Dokey and I spent time with some of the Bulldogs hearing about their BCT experience thus far. We heard a lot of great things from these young Soldiers – always energizing to hear what they have to say! Today the Bulldogs negotiate the Land Navigation course. Using nothing more than a map, a compass, and their knowledge of the terrain, Soldiers have three hours to find three out of five points during the daylight phase of training and two out three points during the night phase. This can be a challenging event for Soldiers who have not spent a great deal of time in the woods prior to attending Basic Combat Training.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – Yesterday CSM Dokey and I spent time with some of the Bulldogs hearing about their BCT experience thus far. We heard a lot of great things from these young Soldiers – always energizing to hear what they have to say! Today the Bulldogs negotiate the Land Navigation course. Using nothing more than a map, a compass, and their knowledge of the terrain, Soldiers have three hours to find three out of five points during the daylight phase of training and two out three points during the night phase. This can be a challenging event for Soldiers who have not spent a great deal of time in the woods prior to attending Basic Combat Training.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s the start of another
awesome day in the Dragoon Battalion – AND it’s the end of another week
of Basic Combat Training. Your Soldiers are one more week closer to
achieving their goal of becoming a U.S. Army Soldier!
Yesterday the Fort Leonard Wood newspaper, "The Guidon," continued its series following Soldiers in Charlie Company through thei
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – This morning the Bulldogs will take their first diagnostic APFT to gauge their fitness level. Soldiers must pass the end of cycle APFT scoring 50 points or more in each event to graduate from BCT. They head out to their first Field Training Exercise (FTX) later today learning the basics of field craft – occupying an assembly area (base of operations), preparing a hasty fighting position, erecting a field expedient shelter (poncho hooch), and basic movement techniques as a member of a squad.
Yesterday the Fort Leonard Wood newspaper, "The Guidon," continued its series following Soldiers in Charlie Company through thei
r Basic Combat Training experience. You can check out the story at: http://www.myguidon.com/
On to today’s training update –
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – This morning the Bulldogs will take their first diagnostic APFT to gauge their fitness level. Soldiers must pass the end of cycle APFT scoring 50 points or more in each event to graduate from BCT. They head out to their first Field Training Exercise (FTX) later today learning the basics of field craft – occupying an assembly area (base of operations), preparing a hasty fighting position, erecting a field expedient shelter (poncho hooch), and basic movement techniques as a member of a squad.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We had some rough weather
here at Fort Leonard Wood yesterday that impacted our training somewhat,
specifically the APFT. We want to provide Soldier’s with the best
opportunity to succeed s
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – The Bulldogs didn’t take their APFT yesterday due to the weather, but they did complete it this morning. Later today they continue Basic Rifle Marksmanship training with a grouping (getting all your shots within a quarter-sized circle) and zero (where you aim is where the bullets go) exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a fully functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live rounds. Most importantly, if affords Soldiers the opportunity to receive instant feedback on their performance.
o we put them off until today.
Lots of conversation about graduation information being sent out to Family Members and Friends over the last week or so. I confirmed with the Alpha, Charlie, and Echo Company Commanders that they mailed graduation information packets. Each Soldier is provided with a graduation packet and an envelope; the Soldier addresses the envelope and returns it to the chain of command; the company operations cadre mails the packets. If a Soldier requires an additional graduation packet, he or she has to inform the cadre members otherwise we will not know that there’s a need.
On to today’s training update –
Lots of conversation about graduation information being sent out to Family Members and Friends over the last week or so. I confirmed with the Alpha, Charlie, and Echo Company Commanders that they mailed graduation information packets. Each Soldier is provided with a graduation packet and an envelope; the Soldier addresses the envelope and returns it to the chain of command; the company operations cadre mails the packets. If a Soldier requires an additional graduation packet, he or she has to inform the cadre members otherwise we will not know that there’s a need.
On to today’s training update –
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 3) – The Bulldogs didn’t take their APFT yesterday due to the weather, but they did complete it this morning. Later today they continue Basic Rifle Marksmanship training with a grouping (getting all your shots within a quarter-sized circle) and zero (where you aim is where the bullets go) exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a fully functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live rounds. Most importantly, if affords Soldiers the opportunity to receive instant feedback on their performance.
Good
Afternoon Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Crazy Missouri weather
going on today! After two crummy, rainy, and cold days Friday and
Saturday, today is a beautiful fall day!! Hope Sunday is as beautiful
where you are as well!
Lot
Lot
s and lots of photos and other stuff went up on the page yesterday! Hope you’ve enjoyed it.
I would like to highlight some things from a post many of you may not have seen and some other areas where we could use your help:
Earlier this week in one of our companies a Soldier received some contraband items in the mail from a Family Member. While we have that on occasion, what made this particular incident stand out is that the person who mailed the items attempted to smuggle them in by concealing them in personal hygiene items. This was a deliberate effort to deceive others and fail to follow the standard!
Likewise, we had a number of Soldiers in a company who decided to fail to follow their Drill Sergeant’s instructions when allowed to go to the Post Exchange for some personal items (shoes and other personal items unavailable at our local troop store). Rather than do as they were instructed, they wandered over to an area they’re not allowed to be in – and they know it.
Lastly, we had several Soldiers across a few companies who up and quit on their recent Army Physical Fitness Tests putting out very little overall effort and deciding to make it a community social event rather than an assessment of their own physical abilities.
Family Members and Friends I can’t stress this point enough, activities like the ones described above can put your Soldiers at graduation risk. Fortunately for the Soldier with the smuggled contraband, the cadre members discovered the items when mail was opened (yes, we do check things that come in care packages). Had we not, and had the Soldier made a poor choice to put the items in his / her wall locker instead of bringing it to the Drill Sergeant’s attention, that Soldier would face disciplinary action. Likewise, not doing what they’re supposed to do when given some limited freedom or a specific task, limits future privileges and brings more oversight from the cadre.
I saw and deleted some comments yesterday that suggested that failing to abide by standards or smuggle candy into Basic Combat Training isn’t that big of a deal. On the contrary, our Army is a standards based profession built upon the foundation of trust – trust that we’re living the Army Values always! When we lie, deceive, disrespect others, or serve our own self-interest, we’re not adhering to those Values.
Our cadre are some of the most dedicated and professional Soldiers I’ve had the opportunity to serve with over the last 20 some odd years. They are more than willing to devote personal time and energy above and beyond the long hours we already ask of them when they see that their Soldiers care, are committed to excellence, and want to improve. We want to see your loved ones be successful on their quest to become U.S. Army Soldiers!
Many of you have asked how you can motivate your Soldier – tell them to do the things their supposed to do, be a team player, and commit themselves to excellence rather than just getting by. I would also ask that you help your Soldiers by not putting them into positions that may compromise their integrity or cause them stray off the path they’ve chosen. Most of our Family Members and Friends understand this and I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your support!!
As always Sundays are set aside for voluntary attendance at one of Fort Leonard Wood’s many religious services, getting ready for the next week’s training, and area clean-up.
We’ve got a full week of training ahead!! Looking forward to getting after it this week; Basic Combat Training – it’s ALWAYS a Good Time…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HmzwI67ec
Hope your Sunday’s a good one! “By Force and Valor!” LTC Anderson, Dragoon 6
I would like to highlight some things from a post many of you may not have seen and some other areas where we could use your help:
Earlier this week in one of our companies a Soldier received some contraband items in the mail from a Family Member. While we have that on occasion, what made this particular incident stand out is that the person who mailed the items attempted to smuggle them in by concealing them in personal hygiene items. This was a deliberate effort to deceive others and fail to follow the standard!
Likewise, we had a number of Soldiers in a company who decided to fail to follow their Drill Sergeant’s instructions when allowed to go to the Post Exchange for some personal items (shoes and other personal items unavailable at our local troop store). Rather than do as they were instructed, they wandered over to an area they’re not allowed to be in – and they know it.
Lastly, we had several Soldiers across a few companies who up and quit on their recent Army Physical Fitness Tests putting out very little overall effort and deciding to make it a community social event rather than an assessment of their own physical abilities.
Family Members and Friends I can’t stress this point enough, activities like the ones described above can put your Soldiers at graduation risk. Fortunately for the Soldier with the smuggled contraband, the cadre members discovered the items when mail was opened (yes, we do check things that come in care packages). Had we not, and had the Soldier made a poor choice to put the items in his / her wall locker instead of bringing it to the Drill Sergeant’s attention, that Soldier would face disciplinary action. Likewise, not doing what they’re supposed to do when given some limited freedom or a specific task, limits future privileges and brings more oversight from the cadre.
I saw and deleted some comments yesterday that suggested that failing to abide by standards or smuggle candy into Basic Combat Training isn’t that big of a deal. On the contrary, our Army is a standards based profession built upon the foundation of trust – trust that we’re living the Army Values always! When we lie, deceive, disrespect others, or serve our own self-interest, we’re not adhering to those Values.
Our cadre are some of the most dedicated and professional Soldiers I’ve had the opportunity to serve with over the last 20 some odd years. They are more than willing to devote personal time and energy above and beyond the long hours we already ask of them when they see that their Soldiers care, are committed to excellence, and want to improve. We want to see your loved ones be successful on their quest to become U.S. Army Soldiers!
Many of you have asked how you can motivate your Soldier – tell them to do the things their supposed to do, be a team player, and commit themselves to excellence rather than just getting by. I would also ask that you help your Soldiers by not putting them into positions that may compromise their integrity or cause them stray off the path they’ve chosen. Most of our Family Members and Friends understand this and I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your support!!
As always Sundays are set aside for voluntary attendance at one of Fort Leonard Wood’s many religious services, getting ready for the next week’s training, and area clean-up.
We’ve got a full week of training ahead!! Looking forward to getting after it this week; Basic Combat Training – it’s ALWAYS a Good Time…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HmzwI67ec
Hope your Sunday’s a good one! “By Force and Valor!” LTC Anderson, Dragoon 6
(This was R.J.'s Company. They got in big trouble!)
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – We’re off to a good start
for the week today here at Fort Leonard Wood; it’s gonna be a great week
with several ranges, some confidence building events, and a culminating
Field Training Exercise and Rites of Passage (ROP) ceremony for one of
our companies. We hope that you’re enjoying Columbus Day. Though it’s a
‘down’ day for major training even
ts,
there’s always something going on as we continue our Basic Combat
Training mission transforming citizen volunteers into U.S. Army
Soldiers.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – Today they’ve got practice Drill and Ceremony and Basic Rifle Marksmanship enhancement training on one of our weapons simulators. Later this week they’ll fire their first live rounds on the rifle marksmanship range.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – Today they’ve got practice Drill and Ceremony and Basic Rifle Marksmanship enhancement training on one of our weapons simulators. Later this week they’ll fire their first live rounds on the rifle marksmanship range.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – When I checked our FB page
last night to see what came up over the course of the day, I realized I
never posted an update yesterday. Hard to believe how fast our days
move, though with five companies and over 900 Soldiers in training, we
always have things going on.
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Tra
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Tra
ining,
before posting please check out our “Notes” and “Events” tabs. You can
get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab
above. You’ll find a wealth of information already provided to you.
If, after checking the posts on the “Notes” and “Events” tabs, you still
have a question, please let us know.
For our Charlie Comanche Family Members and Friends travelling to Fort Leonard Wood next week for Graduation Week activities we have some important information for you:
Getting on to Fort Leonard Wood requires anyone over the age of 18 to have photo identification. Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license, show proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. You do not need a pass. If you rent a car, your rental contract serves as your vehicle registration. You do not need anything special or additional if you’re borrowing a vehicle. Your vehicle is subject to search at any time you are on the installation. Unregistered privately owned weapons are not allowed on the installation and create significant problems for you if you bring one on post. Also, you are subject to a $75 fine if caught driving while using a cell phone without a hands-free device (speaker phone does not constitute a hands-free device).
If you are a new Army Spouse and you do not have a DoD Dependent ID Card, you must use your time during Family Day and Graduation to get one! I cannot stress this point strongly enough. Having an ID Card while your Soldier is away at AIT allows you access to many services provided to Soldiers and their Families. In order to get one while you’re here if you do not already have one you must bring: the original, filed and recorded marriage license, the spouse’s birth certificate, the spouse’s Social Security Card, and a photo ID. Children over 10 also must have an ID card, requirements for a biological child of the Soldier and the spouse must have their birth certificate and social security card. The ID Card Section is open from 6:00 am – 7:00 am for walk-ins; after 7:00 am they serve appointments only. Unfortunately, the ID Card Section is closed on Thursdays after 1200. If you have further questions or want to make an appointment you can call (573) 596-0744.
Lastly, please keep your personal safety and security in mind as you finalize your travel plans. I know you’re excited about seeing your Soldier and connecting with other Families, but remember that this is an open page anyone can see. Posting your travel plans, where you’re staying, and when you’ll be away from your home provide others with an opportunity to see when your home is most vulnerable – they may not always have your best interest in mind. It’s best to send personal messages if you’re trying to connect with others as opposed to posting on the page.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – Yesterday the Bulldogs continued Basic Rifle Marksmanship training with a grouping (getting all your shots within a quarter-sized circle) and zero (where you aim is where the bullets go) exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a fully functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live rounds. Most importantly, if affords Soldiers the opportunity to receive instant feedback on their performance. Today they’re executing post clean-up detail, a daily requirement on our installation due to its size. Every basic training company executes post detail once during their cycle
For our Charlie Comanche Family Members and Friends travelling to Fort Leonard Wood next week for Graduation Week activities we have some important information for you:
Getting on to Fort Leonard Wood requires anyone over the age of 18 to have photo identification. Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license, show proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. You do not need a pass. If you rent a car, your rental contract serves as your vehicle registration. You do not need anything special or additional if you’re borrowing a vehicle. Your vehicle is subject to search at any time you are on the installation. Unregistered privately owned weapons are not allowed on the installation and create significant problems for you if you bring one on post. Also, you are subject to a $75 fine if caught driving while using a cell phone without a hands-free device (speaker phone does not constitute a hands-free device).
If you are a new Army Spouse and you do not have a DoD Dependent ID Card, you must use your time during Family Day and Graduation to get one! I cannot stress this point strongly enough. Having an ID Card while your Soldier is away at AIT allows you access to many services provided to Soldiers and their Families. In order to get one while you’re here if you do not already have one you must bring: the original, filed and recorded marriage license, the spouse’s birth certificate, the spouse’s Social Security Card, and a photo ID. Children over 10 also must have an ID card, requirements for a biological child of the Soldier and the spouse must have their birth certificate and social security card. The ID Card Section is open from 6:00 am – 7:00 am for walk-ins; after 7:00 am they serve appointments only. Unfortunately, the ID Card Section is closed on Thursdays after 1200. If you have further questions or want to make an appointment you can call (573) 596-0744.
Lastly, please keep your personal safety and security in mind as you finalize your travel plans. I know you’re excited about seeing your Soldier and connecting with other Families, but remember that this is an open page anyone can see. Posting your travel plans, where you’re staying, and when you’ll be away from your home provide others with an opportunity to see when your home is most vulnerable – they may not always have your best interest in mind. It’s best to send personal messages if you’re trying to connect with others as opposed to posting on the page.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – Yesterday the Bulldogs continued Basic Rifle Marksmanship training with a grouping (getting all your shots within a quarter-sized circle) and zero (where you aim is where the bullets go) exercise at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). The EST is a fully functional simulation replicating the sights, sounds, and feel of actually firing a weapon on the range without actually firing live rounds. Most importantly, if affords Soldiers the opportunity to receive instant feedback on their performance. Today they’re executing post clean-up detail, a daily requirement on our installation due to its size. Every basic training company executes post detail once during their cycle
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – It’s the start of another
great Army day here at Fort Leonard Wood!! Fall is definitely upon us in
full swing with cooler temperatures and leaves changing colors. If
you’re traveling to Fort Leonard Wood in the next few weeks, please make
sure that you pack for the weather as it can get pretty chilly (around
30 degrees this morning) if you’re not
used to it.
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Training, before posting please check out our “Notes” and “Events” tabs. You can get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab above. You’ll find a wealth of information already provided to you. If, after checking the posts on the “Notes” and “Events” tabs, you still have a question, please let us know.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – Fort Leonard Wood sure looked good yesterday afternoon after the Bulldogs finished up their post detail requirement. Today they continue Basic Rifle Marksmanship training by firing their first live rounds during Grouping and Zeroing on a 25 meter target. Over the next three days your Soldiers will refine their marksmanship skills. Today’s training is a critical period as it sets the foundation and builds confidence that what a Soldier aims at he / she can hit. Weapons qualification is one of the single most stressful events in Basic Combat Training – Soldiers must qualify on their individual weapon to graduate.
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Training, before posting please check out our “Notes” and “Events” tabs. You can get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab above. You’ll find a wealth of information already provided to you. If, after checking the posts on the “Notes” and “Events” tabs, you still have a question, please let us know.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – Fort Leonard Wood sure looked good yesterday afternoon after the Bulldogs finished up their post detail requirement. Today they continue Basic Rifle Marksmanship training by firing their first live rounds during Grouping and Zeroing on a 25 meter target. Over the next three days your Soldiers will refine their marksmanship skills. Today’s training is a critical period as it sets the foundation and builds confidence that what a Soldier aims at he / she can hit. Weapons qualification is one of the single most stressful events in Basic Combat Training – Soldiers must qualify on their individual weapon to graduate.
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Kinda gloomy start to the
morning weather-wise, but still a great day to train! It’s Friday and
the end of another week of Basic Combat Training. Family Members and
Friends – you’re one week closer to completing your “First Deployment”
away from your Soldier!
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Training,
A friendly reminder for our Bravo Bulldog Family Members and Friends, if you intend on attending the Warrior Banquet / special holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day wi
If you’re new to our page or have a specific question related to Basic Combat Training,
before posting please check out our “Notes” and “Events” tabs. You can
get to them by clicking the #2 drop down arrow next to the “Videos” tab
above. You’ll find a wealth of information already provided to you.
If, after checking the posts on the “Notes” and “Events” tabs, you still
have a question, please let us know.
I would like to take a moment to recognize two of our outstanding Drill Sergeants – DS Macias (A Co) and DS Spiller (E Co). Yesterday they renewed their commitment to serving the Nation by reenlisting. Our congratulations to each of these dedicated NCOs!
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – The Bulldogs complete their zero and grouping training today.
I would like to take a moment to recognize two of our outstanding Drill Sergeants – DS Macias (A Co) and DS Spiller (E Co). Yesterday they renewed their commitment to serving the Nation by reenlisting. Our congratulations to each of these dedicated NCOs!
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 4) – The Bulldogs complete their zero and grouping training today.
10/15/2012
Good
Morning Dragoon Family Members and Friends – Everyone in the battalion
was up and ready to go for the start of another week in Basic Combat
Training this morning; beautiful sunrise as we finished up PRT and
headed off to breakfast.A friendly reminder for our Bravo Bulldog Family Members and Friends, if you intend on attending the Warrior Banquet / special holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day wi
th
your Soldier in our Dining Facility, we need your RSVP by the end of
October so we have the right amount of food. You can call (573)
596-0331 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 5): As the CSM and I walked around our battalion area this morning during Physical Readiness Training, we couldn’t help be hear “I’m Sexy and I Know it” as we passed the Bravo Bulldogs. They’re headed off for Uniform Fit today for their Army Service Uniform (ASUs – our dress blues)
On to today’s training update:
Bravo Bulldogs (Week 5): As the CSM and I walked around our battalion area this morning during Physical Readiness Training, we couldn’t help be hear “I’m Sexy and I Know it” as we passed the Bravo Bulldogs. They’re headed off for Uniform Fit today for their Army Service Uniform (ASUs – our dress blues)
OK to catch everyone up R.J. got shin splints (really really bad ones) back in week 3 and 4 and missed a lot of training. That sunday when the contraband and everything went on I did not get to have my call from him. We usually get 15min calls every Sunday. But because he failed his PT test because he missed so much training he did not get to call. Also, because of the holiday on Monday letters did not get out to us till that Friday night. I went 2 weeks without knowing what was wrong with R.J. if he was in trouble, if he was getting medical discharge. I was horrible. I finally got a call this last Sunday the 14th He is doing much better now. He is off his medical profile and he made up all the training he missed. He passed his PT test and now he is onto Red Phase! YAY Well, Everyone is caught up mostly. Now to just my nightly posts! Thanks for reading. Sorry there is so much but I had to catch up. Bellow are some pictures of R.J. at Basic during these past weeks. Not many but they have a big platoon so im glad I got some!
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