B DETACHMENT 106TH FMCO FRG NEWSLETTER This newsletter is for official use only.
BULLDOGS
July 2012
Detachment Commander CPT Andrew Graziano
Detachment Sergeant SFC George Drakakis
“LET’S EAT!”
In This Issue: •Rothenberg ob der Tauber
July 2012
•M-16 Range •Bulldog’s Barbecue •Awards/Recognitions •Bulldogs Birthday •Ihrer Willkommen /Auf Wiedersehen
PFC Stephanie Rosales qualifies in the prone supported firing position at the M-16 Range.
PAGE 1
B DET ACHMENT 106TH FMCO FRG NEWSLETTER
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
July 2012
PAGE 2
B DET ACHMENT 106TH FMCO FRG NEWSLETTER
July 2012
M-16 Range MY FIRST by 2LT Adam Newberry For everyone there is always a first time for everything especially when it relates to the Army. Sometimes our “First” experiences can be memorable in many different ways such as our first physical fitness test, first deployment, or like me running my first M16 zero and qualification range as a newly commissioned Officer. I have been in the Army for over ten years and I have participated in multiple ranges. Throughout my career I have seen ranges conducted from several different perspectives; first- as a Private, waiting anxiously on a range for hours to fire my weapon. Secondly as a NonCommissioned Officer (NCO) conducting range safety duties, to coaching and mentoring Soldiers on Basic Rifle Marksmanship. Then on the day that I will never forget July 2, 2012 I had the privilege of conducting my first M16 range as the Officer in Charge. I knew the mission was inevitable after arriving in B/106th Finance Company some 30 days earlier, but what I didn’t know was how much of an impact it would truly have on me. This experience has given me a whole new perspective of the challenges that were overcome to make it a successful range as well as of the challenges that lie ahead. Being stationed in Germany, you can run into several obstacles ranging from lack of adequate resources and tools to limited military manpower. Running a successful range required lots of backward planning, coordination and immense communication through all channels. In regards to the communication it reminded me of how a computer (Team) operates and its entire complexity, in order for your computer (Team) to work properly without any errors then all the hardware/software (Leaders) need to communicate to each other properly. If the hardware/software (Leaders) are not properly communicating then the computer (Team) will start having errors and eventually the computer (Team) cannot perform at its peak performance, and I think we have all been on a computer (Team) long enough to see this problem occur. (continued..)
PAGE 3
B DET ACHMENT 106TH FMCO FRG NEWSLETTER
July 2012
M-16 Range Due to the Company being under strength of NCO`s, we had to network with outside units to borrow NCO`s to serve as range safety officers and to assist with training. The range NCOIC, SFC Drakakis, was able to procure two NCO`s and four additional firers from 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB). This was a win, win for both organizations; the Soldiers from 12th CAB were able zero and qualify on their M16`s as well as the two NCO`s assisted on the firing line. Helping our fellow battle buddies to the left and right is a pillar of our Army`s core values and is what makes us such a unique organization. SFC Drakakis said “Everyone worked together to get the job done. We could not have done it without the 6 additional Soldiers.”I certainly believe that the two NCO’s ensured mission accomplishment for this range and could not agree more with SFC Drakakis. Above all of these challenges there was something that I haven’t seen in a long time and it made this range even more memorable for my “first”. That was how the Soldiers were exceptionally professional and precisely proficient with their M16’s. Over 85% of the Soldiers either qualified as Sharpshooter or Expert and we had no disqualifications which is phenomenal. These Soldiers are truly tactfully and technically proficient but more than ever when it comes to their M16. PFC Griffith stated "As always, our Detachment did our best to keep everything as safe and smooth as possible”. But to me, this range felt slightly different than previous ranges I have been to as part of Bravo Detachment. I actually felt excited to go up and fire my weapon. Usually, I frown upon going to qualify, but this time I was very anxious. The range was run the best way I have ever seen, even with our obvious lack of NCOs at the range. Everyone stepped up, no matter what rank they were, and did what they had to do to get the job done. Everyone did better with scores either to gain promotion points, or to just have an improved qualification score. It really was a good day to be a Bulldog!" (continued..)
PAGE 4
B DET ACHMENT 106TH FMCO FRG NEWSLETTER
July 2012
M-16 Range (continued) This first experience for me has taught me a great deal and I believe every Lieutenant remembers there first range has an Officer in Charge (OIC). For me I was fortunate enough to have great Soldiers and NCO’s to be surrounded by in order to make this day a special day for myself. SPC Libby stated “The leadership and soldiers all worked together to make this M16 range successful. This was probably the least stressful range I have been to in my whole military career and the motivated setting helped me improve my score.” I believe it’s always a great day in the Army when Soldiers are improving, excited about improving, and/or setting new goals to improve. As I watched these Soldiers at 0530 on the morning of come to the range with a motivated, competitive attitude and willing to work has a team is what I believe every Leader looks forward too. Overall this day was an absolute accomplishment, Soldiers were trained and qualified on their M16 with shooting over 1600 rounds, great weather, and everyone made it home safely. I couldn’t ask for anything more! Bulldog Strong!
PAGE 5
B DET ACHMENT 106TH FMCO FRG NEWSLETTER
July2012
SFC Drakakis conducts a Preliminary Marksmanship instruction (PMI) before the range.
SPC Nikitin gives a thumbs up after qualifying.
Soldiers adjust there weapons at the M-16 Range.
PAGE 6
B DET ACHMENT 106TH FMCO FRG NEWSLETTER
BULLDOG BARBEQUE
July 2012
PAGE 7
B DET ACHMENT 106TH FMSU FRG NEWSLETTER
Upcoming Detachment Events
July 2012
PAGE 8
B DET ACHMENT 106TH FMSU FRG NEWSLETTER
July 2012
Awards and Recognitions
Auf Wiedersehen
Auf Wiedersehen
1LT Chismar
SGT Garcia
Auf Wiedersehen SPC Riboul
Bulldog Birthdays SPC Harris – 15 July
Ihrer Willkommen:
SSG Warren Guidry We are wishing the best of luck to our 7 Candidates attending Warrior Leaders Course. SPC Antar, SPC Braimah Q, SPC Harris, SPC Humpheys, SPC Michalowiz, SPC Shaw!!
Questions and comments regarding the newsletter and/or the FRG can be directed to Emily Graziano: Email: BulldogFRGAnsbach@googlemail.com Cell: 0151-400-24022