VOLUME 1
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
ISSUE 12
Inside this issue Message from RG6/RG9
2
Chemical attack
3
Convoy
4
Fires Conference
8
Promotions and Re-up
13
The Rail Gunner
Monthly Staff Commander COL John C. Thomson, III Command Sgt. Maj. CSM Kelvin A. Hughes Rail Gunner PAO NCOIC SSG Kyle Richardson Rail Gunner Journalists SGT Lucas Hoskins SPC Dalinda Salazar
41st Fires Brigade “Rail Gunners!!”
Photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson , 1st Fires Brigade PAO FORT HOOD, Texas—Spc. Joseph Vales, Phoenix native, chemical agent specialist for Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, calls in an NBC 1 report after a mortar attack releasing non-persistent nerve agent in the air during the Table XV training exercise located on North Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 22. With recent technology and upgrades an NBC 1 report is sent using the Blue Force Tracker.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson 41st Fires Brigade, PAO
FORT HOOD, Texas—While Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade, were preparing to move locations and conduct counter fire missions, the unit was mortared with several rounds of an unknown chemical
agent during the Table XV battery level field training exercise on North Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 22. The blare of the M4 JCAD Chemical Agent Detection Device alerted the Soldiers, setting them into a ready phase. The sound of the alarm caused them to go from a Mission Orientated Protective Posture level two up to a level four. See CHEMICAL on Page 3
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
OCTOBER 2010
Rail Gunner 6 & 9 Send
Colonel John C. Thomson, III 41st Fires Brigade Dear Rail Gunner Family:
We start this month’s newsletter with a big shout out to the sixteen companies/batteries of the Brigade for their spectacular performance in the field during the month of September. Each of them safely and superbly increased their warfighting capabilities. Highlights of the training can be viewed on the Brigade Facebook page, the Fort Hood Sentinel, as well as the Fort Hood On Track television program. While we are extremely proud of their achievements, we also extend a hearty thank you to our Families for your support while we spent over two weeks away from home including some weekends. Your understanding and sacrifices are greatly appreciated, and rest assured that we are a much better, more combat-ready unit than we were a few weeks ago. On the individual front, SSG Joshua Frana of Battery, 1-21 FA returned from the Advanced Leader Course at Fort Sill, OK as
an Honor Graduate of ALC at Fort Sill, while SGT Santana Darby of Headquarters Battery, 1-21 FA earned Commandant’s List accolades from the most recent Warrior Leader’s Course. Additionally, Ms. Anita Hernandez of the 324th Signal Company’s Family Readiness group was recognized as a Fort Hood Volunteer of Merit in September for her countless hours of support to a number of different causes. Finally, four of our magnificent spouses were recognized at the 1st Cavalry Division’s Distinguished Service ceremony on October 5th for their volunteer support to our Army Family: Ms. Jackie Norris of A/26 FA FRG, Ms. Andrya Rhodes of 1-21 FA FRG, Ms. Beck Bishop of 2-20 FA FRG, and Ms. Gracie Lopez of 589th BSB FRG. Please join us in congratulating these magnificent individuals that help make our Rail Gunner Family so special. As we head into October, the Brigade is focused on recovery operations from our recent field training and ramping up for a command post exercise that happens at the end of the month. However, no weekend training is scheduled in October. Importantly, the Brigade will enjoy a four-day weekend October 8-11 for Columbus Day and a Brigade Training Holiday on October 25th in compensation for our recent field training. The week of October 18-22 is Fort Hood Fall Clean-Up, so our energies will be on beautification of unit areas, clean-up of training facilities, and maintenance of our quarters/yards. All units in the Brigade have volunteered to perform a project in support of Make a Difference Day on October 23, and we encourage all to help makes less fortunate folks’
Command Sergeant Major Kelvin Hughes 41st Fires Brigade CSM lives better on this particular day. Finally, all Rail Gunner troopers and family members are invited to the 1st Cavalry Division Association’s Stable Call on October 12, 4:30 p.m. at the 1st Cav. Museum, where there will be free food and live entertainment. The Rail Gunner Family is so special because of our wonderful Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members. We are, first and foremost, a true family that takes care of each other like brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters. Each of you is extremely vital to our mission success and nothing is more important than your wellbeing, health, and safety. If you see or notice a teammate that is down or needs help, please engage as a responsible battle buddy and also inform your leaders. We are Rail Gunner Strong because of all you do, each and every day – thank you for your service and dedication to our Nation! Rail Gunner Strong!
The “Rail Gunner Monthly” is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the “Rail Gunner Monthly” are not necessarily official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 41st Fires Brigade. All editorial content of this publication is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions contact the 41st Fires Brigade PAO office at 254-287-0739 or
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12 CHEMICAL, cont. from Page 1
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
Soldiers with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment, runs to man a position to repel an attack from the opposition forces invading the battery operation center during the Table XV battery level field training exercise located on North Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 27. The Soldiers were being evaluated on their ability to react to indirect fire. During the attack, one Soldier received a chest wound.
As the yellow smoke crept through the camp, the Soldiers donned the appropriate protective gear, moved into position and quickly gave audible and visual signals of ―Gas, Gas, Gas,‖ warning fellow comrades of the chemical attack. The unit wasn’t completely caught off guard because the command received several reports from higher headquarters about possible chemical attacks in the area. ―We received some intelligence from our higher command to be prepared for possible NBC attacks,‖ said Capt. Roland Pugh, battery commander for the Btry. C, 2nd Bat., 20th FA Regt. ―We went ahead and got into a MOPP level two because an attack seemed imminent.‖ Even though NBC training is important to Soldiers, counter
measures were put in place to minimize heat casualties. ―It’s been awhile since we’ve incorporated chemical attacks into our field training exercises,‖ said 1st Sgt. Anthony Igehart, Waco, Texas native, first sergeant for Btry. C, 2nd Bat., 20th FA Regt. ―Before the field, we started doing PT in our MOPP suits and masks. We wanted to identify the Soldiers who would struggle. By the time we got out here, we knew who to keep an eye on.‖ Igehart said PT served an extra purpose by allowing Soldiers to build confidence in themselves knowing they could withstand the additional heat from the extra equipment. As the gas made its way through the training area, one individual worked even harder to make sure his team wasn’t af-
PAGE 3
fected. ―I did what I was taught to do,‖ said Spc. Joseph Vales, Phoenix native, chemical agent specialist for Btry. C, 2nd Bat., 20th FA Regt. ―It’s my job to make sure everyone knows how to put on the NBC gear, decon themselves, equipment and vehicles. I just consider myself lucky because I have a chain of command that’s willing to support my training. Most places won’t do NBC training.‖ As the attacked prevailed, Vales shouted directions to the Soldiers on his team and sent up his NBC 1 report that would inform higher headquarters of the attack they encountered. The attack was a nonpersistent attack meaning the nerve agent dissipates quicker than a persistent attack which lingers like a cloud. ―After we got the reports up and closed off everything, we just had to wait for the gas to blow by,‖ said Vales. ―With the heat and the wind it would only take minutes to clear the area.‖ After hours in the sun, the unit succeeded in handling a chemical attack properly and concluded with an after action review with the brigade’s chemical noncommissioned officer in charge. ―It’s important to stay proficient with our NBC training,‖ said Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Blackwell, brigade chemical NCOIC, native of Oxford, N.C., 41st FiB. ―Even though the Army has gotten away from some of this training, the threat is still out there. This training could determine life or death.‖
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
OCTOBER 2010
Food, water, ammo; 589th BSB sustains fight Story and photos by Sgt. Lucas Hoskins 41st Fires Brigade, PAO
Some of the most important jobs on the battlefield does not involve raiding weapons caches, searching for enemy combat-
supplying all of the life and mission sustaining equipment to the two multiple launch rocket system battalions in their brigade. The Table XV training exercise is a battery level live fire
little more than a year in the Army, has only been assigned to the unit several weeks. ―This was the really the first convoy I’ve taken place in,‖ said Kuziel. ―I had great support from the noncommissioned offi-
Private First Class Lapoleon Hurell, a light-wheeled mechanic with Company B, 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Fires Brigade, returns fire when his convoy encountered opposition forces on a logistical patrol during the brigades field training exercise. Hurell, along with the rest of his patrol, delivered essential supplies such as fuel, food, and vehicle repair parts to the other elements of the brigade.
ants, or kicking in doors because without the simple necessities like food, fuel, ammunition, and maintenance parts none of those jobs would be possible. The 589th BSB conducted training on convoy logistical patrols during the Table XV field training exercise on Fort Hood, Sept. 21. The Soldiers from the 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Fires Brigade are responsible for
exercise designed for leadership to evaluate troops, assess their capabilities, and equipment. All sections in the batteries must conduct the training and certification gates before qualification. Second Lt. Alex Kuziel, a native of Baltimore, currently serving as a platoon leader in Company A, 589th BSB, was tasked with being the convoy commander. Kuziel has just a
cers as well as my fellow lieutenants, which made it easier.‖ The convoy consisted of eight vehicles and 21 Soldiers. Along the route, the convoy came upon a road block which was booby-trapped by opposition forces. Staff Sgt. Juan Rodriguez, originally from Santa Monica, Calif., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 589th BSB as a food service specialist was the first to See BSB on Page 5
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
PAGE 5
BSB cont. from Page 4
react to the contact. ―I used as much of the rules of engagement and escalation of force as I could,‖ said Rodriguez. ―When I saw the first grenade being thrown, I was forced to take action quickly. Being in the front security vehicle you have to be on alert at all times.‖ Kuziel called his situation report to the battalion’s tactical operations center immediately. ―They can follow us Staff Sgt. Juan Rodriguez, a food service specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 589th Brigade Support on the Blue Force 41st Fires Brigade, returns fire on opposition forces as his convoy encountered an enemy force during the brigade’s Tracker and are able to Battalion, field training exercise. Rodriguez, along with the rest of his patrol, delivered essential supplies such as fuel, food, and vehicle see our exact location repair parts to the other elements of the brigade. at all times,‖ Kuziel Kuziel said, said. ―It’s important to let them ―Overall everyone know what’s going on so they did an outcan send help if the situation standing job for a gets out of control.‖ first run. We As the attack escaladed, the have a few things rear security vehicle, equipped we can work on, with a .50-caliber machine gun, but the bottom pushed forward to help suppress line is that the the attack. mission got acPvt. 1st Class Lapoleon Hurell, complished in a native to Georgetown, S. C., astimely and safe signed to Company B, 589th matter.‖ BSB as a light wheel mechanic, At the end of was on the trigger of the mathe day the war chine gun. fighters got all the ―This is what we have been supplies they training for, so it’s good to see it needed and eveactually be put to use,‖ said ryone returned to Hurell. ―Even though I’m a mecamp. chanic by trade, I have to stay in Second Lt. Alex Kuziel, a the Soldier-first mentality. I platoon leader in Company have to remember that as a gunA, 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Fires Briner, other people’s lives are in gade, calls a status report up my hands.‖ to his battalion headquarters after taking enemy fire durWhen asked about the overing a logistical patrol as part of a brigade field training exercise on Fort Hood. Kuziel served as the convoy commander and led eight vehicles all performance of his team carrying 21 Soldiers to deliver supplies and maintenance support to the rest of the brigade.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
OCTOBER 2010
Soldiers build spiritual strength Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Kyle Richardson 41st Fires Brigade, PAO
As the Soldiers from the 41st Fires Brigade take a break from the physical demands of the Table XV battery level training exercise, they took advantage of the down time and devoted some time to training and strengthening a part of the body often forgotten about; the spirit. Maj. Joseph Vieira, native of Quincy, Calif., brigade chaplain for the 41st Fires Bde., arranged for a 58th Street chaplain, 1st Lt. Thomas Obiatuegwu, native of Nigeria, to conduct a Catholic Mass for the Soldiers training in the field located on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 24. The 41st Fires Bde. has been in the field for two weeks, training and evaluating Soldiers’ combat and readiness skills. The training consists of fire and counter-fire missions, react to contact, civilians on the battle field, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear; along with other training scenarios. The Mass allowed the Soldiers a chance to practice their faith with their brothers in arms, work on strengthening their spirits, and fellowshipping with one another. ―Just because you’re out here in the field doesn’t mean you have to forget about your spiritual needs,‖ said Maj. Anthony Campbell, Lockhart, Texas native, brigade aviation officer for the 41st Fires Bde.
Soldiers with the 41st Fires Brigade attend a Catholic Mass in the field while participating in the brigade Table XV battery level certification training. The service was conducted by a 58th Street chaplain, 1st Lt. Thomas Obiatuegwu, native of Nigeria. Obiatuegwu conducted his first field Mass with the Soldiers of the 41st Fires Bde., Sept. 24.
Campbell was once a Eucharistic minister. He said he appreciated being able to attend a Mass in the field and assist the chaplain during service. Obiatuegwu or ―Obie‖ for short, taught about the importance of remembering one’s faith, conditioning the spirit as much as the physical body, and taking time to pray. ―Faith is a vital issue in one’s life,‖ said Obiatuegwu. ―Faith will keep you going when everything else falls short.‖ Soldiers with the 41st Fires Bde. were the first audience Obiatuegwu had a chance to deliver a field Mass too. In the unusual setting for a Mass, underneath camouflage netting, the Soldiers prayed, read scripture, and took part in Communion. ―Conducting a service in the
field is a little different than garrison,‖ said Staff Sgt. John Ocasio, native of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, brigade chaplain assistant, 41st Fires Bde. ―It’s a different feel and style, but the most important thing is for Soldiers to feel good when they leave.‖ Ocasio said that field services are usually shorter than a regular service but none the less they’re still affective. ―It is essential that a person maintains their faith structure while they are in the field and when they’re deployed,‖ said Vieira. ―It is one of those things that is no more to be denied than the air we breathe. Faith is where you can find the strength to continue with the mission even if your physical body is tired.‖
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
PAGE 7
Salsa fever invade Cav. Country for first time Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson 41st Fires Brigade, PAO
The Conga drums pounded in the background, the brass instruments whaled in the foreground, and the electric piano laid out the rhythmic patterns for the spicy sounds heard from the 1st Cavalry Division Band’s new Salsa group, Los Cavalleros, led by Staff Sgt. Robert Olivarri. As Los Cavalleros enters into its third week of practice in preparation of its opening show at the Killeen Civic Center for Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 11, the 13-man group extends a hand to its final member, Pfc. Amarilys Rodriguez, Puerto Rican native, an orderly room clerk for the 67th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment. ―I’m honored to have received a chance like this to perform with this group,‖ said Rodriguez. ―I feel like this is a great accomplishment for me and overall a big opportunity to expand my career.‖ Rodriguez said singing comes naturally to her since she’s been singing from her childhood, throughout high school and into her adult years as a civilian. With just under two years in the Army, Rodriguez is awaiting orders detaching her from the 41st Fires Brigade and reassigning her to the 1st Cav. Div. Band as a lead singer for Los Cavalleros. ―Pfc. Rodriguez has shown a good amount of talent and motivation given the short amount of time we have had to prepare for the show,‖ said Olivarri. ―I think
she’s a good match with the group.‖ Until Rodriguez receives
full support from her chain of command,‖ Sgt. Rafael Moyeno, native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, orderly room operations NCO for the 67th FSC, 2nd Bat., 20th Field Artillery Regt. ―It’s hard to let her go, we really didn’t want to let her leave but, I sat down with the command and we came to conclusion that we didn’t want to stand in the way of her career and dreams.‖ Members of the Salsa band prepare to perform popular songs like ―Celos‖ by Marc Anthony, ―Fabricando Fantasias‖ by Tito Nieves, ―No Quiera Na’regalal‖ by Giberto Santa Rosa and several hit songs from Elvis CrePrivate First Class Amarilys Rodriguez, Puerto Rican native, an orderly room spo. clerk for the 67th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Los Cavalleros Regiment, plays the Conga drum during practice with the Los Cavalleros at the 1st Cavalry Division Band building located on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 3. Los is a mixedCavalleros performed its opening show at the Killeen Civic Center for Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 11. nationality band playing all genres her orders assigning her to the of music, new and old, but band, she’s working double mostly Salsa, Mamba and Merroles in order to prepare for engue. The name of the group the upcoming show as well as takes after the Spanish word helping the 67th FSC with ―caballeros,‖ meaning gentledaily duties. men; however, the ―b‖ was re―She [Rodriguez] has the placed with a ―v‖ in honor of the 1st Cav. Div.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
OCTOBER 2010
First Team Fires Conference Story by Maj. James Schwartz 41st Fires Brigade, FECC OIC
nied by their Fire Support Coordinators, Artillery Battalion Commanders, and the 1st Cav. Div. Fire Support Element.
The Redbook is a collection of shared Fires knowledge and standards that govern 1st Cav. Div. Fire Support training and The 1st Cavalry Division applies to all Fires units across hosted a Red Team Fire Supthe First Team, including canport Conference at Fort Hood’s The conference was the first non, rocket, and mortar delivery Club Hood on Sept. 2. Key division level Fire Support units, forward observers, and participants included Maj. Gen. Conference in recent memory fire direction centers. AdditionDan Allyn, Division Commander; since the 1st Cav. Div. DIally, it also applies to critical eleCol. Scott Efflandt, 1st Brigade VARTY ―Red Team‖ inactivaments that ensure accurate, timely, and decisive fires such as counterfire radars, meteorological stations, and survey teams. According to its introduction, ―The First Team Redbook is a product of the leaders of Fires units assigned to the division. It is a compilation of standards that provide tactics, techniques, procedures and standards to be used by First Team leaders to effect fire support training.‖ It identifies not only the training A multiple launch rocket system team from the 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment, fire rockets from a MLRS during a field requirements and exercise located at Fort Hood, Texas, July 19. The unit went out for a few days to train up new crews on the unit’s equipment and strategies, but also how to conduct and receive fire missions. the frequency with which the training must be contion on June 30, 2005. During Combat Team commander; Col ducted. the conference, Maj. Gen. AlJohn Peeler, 2nd Brigade Comlyn and his subordinate combat Team commander; Col. Historically, Redbook stanmanders discussed current Doug Crissman, 3rd Brigade dards impacted the way a briFire Support trends in both the Combat Team commander, Col. gade trained and functioned. Iraq and Afghanistan theaters Brian Winski, 4th Brigade ComWith today’s on-going conflicts of operation, reviewed full bat Team commander; Col. J.T. and complex operational envispectrum Fire Support training Thomson, 41st Fires Brigade ronments, the Redbook takes initiatives, and concluded with commander; Maj. Shawn Huginto consideration the needs of approval of the 1st Cav. Div. gins, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade today’s modularized Brigade ―Redbook.‖ Operations Officer, all accompaCombat Teams to adapt and
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
PAGE 9
FIRES cont. from Page 8
dominate in any operational environment. Additionally, it accounts for the demanding Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) cycle and the requirement to prepare units for full spectrum operations. The Redbook prescribes minimum Fires training standards up to crew level (Table VI qualification) to ensure solid grounding in the basics of all fire support tasks, and also describes collective fires training strategies for platoon-level and higher operations based upon the Brigade’s wartime mission. As part of his opening comments, Maj. Gen. Allyn stressed the importance of having a welltrained fire support element and its ability to be a decisive combat element on the battlefield. He noted the importance of leveraging the 41st Fires Brigade, which is under the training and readiness authority (TRA) of the 1st Cav. Div., for expertise in training and mentorship of Fires training at all levels across the formation, similar to what the Division Artilleries (DIVARTY) used to provide. Only two other active duty divisions have a colocated TRA Fires Brigade, so the First Team has a unique opportunity in this regard. "Crosstalk among artillerymen, especially Fires commanders, is vital to the overall health of the Field Artillery as a branch,‖ stated Lt. Col. Miles Brown, commander, 1st Battalion, 82 Field Artillery Regiment, 1st BCT. ―The Redbook is a significant step. While promoting this vital crosstalk, it also provides a gold standard for training across the full spectrum of fire
Maj. Gen. Daniel Allyn, a native of Berwick, Maine and commanding general of 1st Cavalry Division, briefs the room during the Fires Support Conference at Club Hood located on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 2. The conference discussed the Redbook, a collection of standards to help leaders understand training requirements and strategies.
support. The icing on the cake is that today’s Fire Support Conference was led by our Maneuver Commanders. Their participation served as confirmation that they understand their responsibility to effectively prosecute all the warfighting functions - not just movement and maneuver." ―The current forum will bring the fire supporters on Fort Hood all together on a common ground in order to conduct training, integration, and synchronization so that everyone understands what the standards are,‖ said Lt. Col. Patrovick Everett, deputy commander of the 41st Fires Bde. ―Additionally, it makes sure that we as fire supporters understand everything it takes to get fires integrated into the combined arms fight.‖ As a conclusion to this year’s Fire Support Conference, com-
manders and staff had the opportunity to receive an update on the Army’s latest family of smart munitions currently utilized in combat. Representatives from the TRADOC Capabilities Manager Team for Cannon Systems (TCM-Cannon) provided commanders with an update on the 155mm Excalibur precision munition that has been successfully employed in both Iraq and Afghanistan. They also briefed commanders on a new 120mm mortar "Advanced Precision Mortar Initiative" scheduled for fielding in early 2011. The new 1st Cav. Div. Redbook was signed and published on Sept. 9 and has been provided to the Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, Okla. While primarily intended for use by 1st Cav. Div., it also offers best practices and lessons learned for our greater U.S. Army Fires community.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
OCTOBER 2010
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
PAGE 11
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
OCTOBER 2010
VOLUME 1
THE RAIL GUNNER MONTHLY
ISSUE 13
1-21 FA Staff Sgt. Bryan Tremaine Edwards HHB Staff Sgt. Tiffiny Amanda Bryant
To MSG Sgt. 1st Class John M. Terry To SGT Spc. Derick J. Grantarthur Spc. David T. Hemingway Spc. Steven Lowe Spc. Cornelius Shelby Cpl. Jeremy M. Wolff
Want more news and information, become a Facebook fan of the 41st Fires BDE