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The Official Magazine of the Maine National Guard
Vol 4 // Issue 3
STRIDENT TRACER 2016
WILLIAMTUDOR GARDINER: GUARDSMAN,GOVERNOR
185TH ENGINEER SUPPORT COMPANY HELPS CANADIAN ARMED FORCES EXPAND RANGE COMPLEX MAINEIACS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT CAMP HINDS
YOUROPINION
WILL THE NATIONAL GUARD HAVE A LARGER ROLE IN THE FUTURE?
The Maine National Guard Public Affairs Office is pleased to present the September 2016 edition of the Bayonet Magazine. The Bayonet is the official magazine of the Maine National Guard and is made possible by Soldier and Airmen provided content and feedback. This edition highlights some of the recent accomplishments and updates from the Maine National Guard, including 5th Canadian Division’s largest Reserve Exercise, Strident Tracer 2016, Maine Air National Guard’s continued support of the Camp Hinds Innovative Readiness Training program and much, much more. If you enjoy the content that is provided in the Bayonet and would like to see more of it, please consider “liking” the Maine National Guard on Facebook where you can keep up to date on Maine National Guard current events! Thank you for your continued interest and unwaivering support to your National Guard. Always Ready! Always There!
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The Adjutant General BRIG. GEN. DOUGLAS FARNHAM Assistant Adjutant General - Air BRIG. GEN. GERARD BOLDUC Assistant Adjutant General - Army BRIG. GEN. HUGH CORBETT Public Affairs Officers MAJ. NORMAN J. STICKNEY (ARMY) MAJ. DEVIN ROBINSON (AIR) Managing Editor SGT. 1ST CLASS PETER MORRISON Journalists SGT. 1ST CLASS PETER MORRISON STAFF SGT. ANGELA PARADY STAFF SGT. TRAVIS HILL SPC. JAROD DYE Contributors CHAPLAIN (COL.) ANDREW GIBSON 1ST LT. JONATHAN BRATTEN CW3 SCOTT LACROIX A.J. BALLARD Layout and Design MAJ. NORMAN J. STICKNEY
Questions and feedback: Public Affairs Office, Building 8, Camp Keyes, Augusta, ME 04333 Phone: (207) 430-5759 Email: ng.me.mearng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil Online: www.me.ngb.army.mil
-Public Affairs Officer
Maj. Norman Stickney https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maine-National-Guard/286347663430 https://twitter.com/mearng https://www.flickr.com/photos/mearng
The Bayonet is produced by the Citizen Soldiers / Airmen of the Maine National Guard, and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, nor the Maine National Guard. All pictures are Maine National Guard photos unless otherwise identified.
COVER AND INSET PHOTOS: The 488th Military Police Company conducted annual training at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada where they completed weapons ranges, advanced driving courses and battle drills. At the conclusion of the training, the unit was presented with a challenge coin from the post commander, Colonel D.A. MacIsaac, for their hard work and tenacity. (Photos courtesy of Spc. Patrik Orcutt, 488th Military Police)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Message From
The Adjutant General, Brig Gen Doug Farnham
William Tudor Gardiner Governor, Veteran & Guardsmen
Maineiacs Support Camp Hinds Another Year of Hard Work is in the Books for the Nations Largest Innovative Readiness Training Project
The Chaplain’s Word Strident Tracer 2016
Soldiers Participate in 5th Canadian Divisions Largest Reserve Excercise
Motorcycle Safety
A look at the Maine Army National Guard’s Progressive Motorcycle Safety Program
County Thunder
185th Engineer Support Company Assists Canadian Armed Forces with Range Expansion Projects
Domestic Hot Water
Understanding Heat Pump Hotwater Technology
Your Opinion:
Will the National Guard Have a Larger Role as the Active Components Shrink? The Bayonet
Vol. 4 // Issue 3
A MESSAGE FROM
the adjutant general Maine National Guard Team, This past month I had a unique opportunity to attend the Change of Responsibility Ceremony as our outgoing Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Frank Grass, passed the responsibility to General Joe Lengyel. The Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, officiated the ceremony in front of family, friends, most members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other dignitaries. Also in attendance were the Adjutants General or representatives of all 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia and senior management of Delta Airlines. I always find it interesting to hear senior leaders’ remarks and comments as it is an insight to what they think is important and helps me understand the bigger picture. We have reprinted an excerpt from Secretary Carter’s comments at the ceremony to give you an idea. But I also find it interesting what our leaders choose to highlight. The presence of the representative of the 54, seated just behind the family was an important statement for the Joint Chiefs and Secretary to see. The strength of the National Guard is in the Guardsman from cities and towns across the 54 serving both their countries and their state or territory. For most people in our Maine communities you, a Guardsman, are the face and representative of the U.S military. The other powerful message was the presence of Delta Airlines management. General Lengyel is a Delta Airlines pilot on extended military leave. He invited his Delta bosses to thank them for allowing him the opportunity and for allowing hundreds of other employees to balance their military and civilian careers. General Lengyel said, “One of our most important partnerships is with our employers. Our business model simply does not work without them.” Again, in front of the Secretary of Defense and most members of the Joint Chiefs, a powerful reminder that is important for us all to understand and appreciate. Supporting ESGR programs is important, but equally important is communicating with employers and thanking them for giving you the opportunity to balance your two careers. As always, thank you for choosing to serve! Brig. Gen. Doug Farnham Adjutant General Maine National Guard
Excerpt of Secretary Ashton Carter’s remarks, 3 August 2016: Before I speak about the character and the contributions of these two extraordinary officers, I want to speak directly to all of the citizen warriors here today, and our entire National Guard family. I’m so proud of all of you, and we’re so grateful for your vital contributions to the security of our nation. You keep our skies free from danger. You respond to disaster with compassion and professionalism at a moment’s notice. You stand watch at home and around the world. You responded when we needed you during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan all those years. You help The Bayonet
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brig. gen. douglas a. farnham
keep our most solemn commitment as a military, which is to provide our citizens the security they need to dream their dreams, raise their children, and live full lives, even if that means sometimes putting your own lives on hold, or on the line. That has been the spirit, the mission and enduring commitment of our national guard through the centuries, and never more so than over the past 15 years. Since September 11th, the men and women of our Army and Air National Guard – and their families – have answered the nation’s call to deploy – get this – over 787,000 times. And as a result, today’s Guard is battle tested – an agile, flexible, deployable force with combat experience and a broad range of skills gained both on the battlefield and in civilian life. The National Guard is a critical component of our total force, bringing to bear the experience and skills of our citizen warriors wherever and whenever needed to confront the challenges of a complex world. And we’ve got them. Today our nation faces – and the Guard is helping us to meet – no fewer than five major, immediate and evolving challenges: countering the prospect of Russian aggression and coercion, especially in Europe; managing historic change in the vital Asia-Pacific region; where China is rising, which is fine, but behaving aggressively, which is not; strengthening our deterrent and defense forces in the face of North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations; checking Iranian aggression and malign influence in the Gulf; and confronting terrorism, including accelerating the certain defeat of ISIL in its parent tumor in Iraq and Syria, and wherever it metastasizes. And as history has shown that we can never perfectly predict the strategic future – in fact it perfectly shows the opposite of that –we must also be flexible and agile in preparing for unknowns that we can’t anticipate today. We don’t have the luxury of choosing among these challenges. We have to do it all. And all around the world, the Guard does it all – from Eastern Europe, where the North Carolina National Guard equipped with HIMARS participated in exercises with 24 nations in Poland, to the Pacific, where the Hawaii National Guard 204th Airlift Squadron stands ready to respond throughout Pacific rim, to the Middle East – where 8,000 National Guard members are currently deployed in the air and on the ground, including the Wisconsin National Guard as it supports the 101st Airborne’s mission to enable local forces to take on ISIL and defeat ISIL. And right here at home, cyberwarriors like the Washington National Guard’s 262nd Network Warfare Squadron, whom I met earlier this year – wonderful, wonderful folks – are using the skills and experience they’ve gained in America’s wonderfully innovative technology community to protect our networks and to do things like counter ISIL’s influence online. The days of the National Guard serving exclusively as a strategic reserve – called up only in emergencies – are over. The post-9/11 environment has proven the Guard is an indispensable component of the Total Force, in day-to-day activities and large-scale operations, in planning and execution, and in conventional conflicts and novel threats. The National Guard will remain critical to accomplishing all of our Nation’s security priorities.
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WILLIAM TUDOR GARDINER:
GOVERNOR, VETERAN AND GUARDSMAN When the U.S. entered World War II in 1941, Gardiner joined up again to serve his country. This time, he chose the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as an intelligence officer in the 51st Troop Carrier Wing in North Africa.
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here’s a long history of Maine governors with military service. The most notable, of course, being Joshua L. Chamberlain of Civil War fame. However, Chamberlain was only in one war - although he did his best to try to get into the Army during the Spanish-American War in 1898. William T. Gardiner had the honor of being a veteran of two wars.
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illiam Gardiner was born in 1892 in Massachusetts. Graduating with a law degree from Harvard University in 1917, he immediately enlisted as a private in the Maine National Guard’s 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment that was being formed for service in World War I. It is a mark of his patriotism that he chose to enlist as a private rather than take an officer’s commission as someone of his educational background would have been prone to do. He quickly rose to sergeant, then company first sergeant, and took a commission as a lieutenant in Company A when the regiment converted to the 56th Pioneer Infantry Regiment (combat engineers) in 1918. From Camp Green, North Carolina, he travelled with the unit to France in the summer of 1918.
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he regiment went into action in the final campaign of World War I, the Meuse Argonne Offensive. Enduring shellfire and gassing, the 56th Pioneer Infantry cleared obstacles and built roads for the American Expeditionary Force around Verdun. Gardiner was assigned as adjutant for the 3rd Battalion, overseeing all administrative tasks for the unit. When the war ended on November 11, 1918, the regiment was picked to join the Army of Occupation in Coblenz, Germany. Gardiner was transferred to be a machine gun instructor at the 2nd Corps School and was later transferred to the 321st Field Artillery, 82nd Division. He was mustered out in May 1919.
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eturning to Maine, Gardiner entered politics. He was elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 1920 and then Governor of Maine in 1929. He held this office until 1933.
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n September of 1943, Gardiner, now a colonel, accompanied 82nd Airborne Division artillery commander Brig. Gen. Maxwell Taylor on a secret mission behind enemy lines to check the feasibility of an airborne landing to take Rome, supported by the Italians that were apparently eager to defect. Smuggled in on trucks and wearing their uniforms so that if they were caught they would not be shot as spies, Gardiner and Taylor arrived in Rome, hundreds of miles behind the front lines. They were secretly escorted to the quarters of Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio in the middle of the night. Gardiner and Taylor were shocked to hear Badoglio say that not only would the Italians be unable to support an airborne landing, but that the Germans still controlled the majority of the city, including anti-air defenses.
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ardiner and Taylor assessed that the Italians would be unable to support the attack and that the U.S. paratroopers would suffer serious casualties from nearby German forces. Gardiner had a small radio that he now tried to get up and running to send a signal back. He was unable to get a signal, and everyone suffered through several torturous minutes until Gardiner was finally able to get back the code word to scrap the mission. It was not a moment too soon – the planes carrying pathfinders were already in the air. Gardiner would go on to become the Director of Intelligence for the famous 8th Air Force in 1944 to 1945, overseeing hundreds of bombing missions. From fighting in the trenches to secret missions to strategic planning, Gardiner was a multi-dimensional warrior.
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ragically, Gardiner was killed in 1953 when the plane he was travelling in crashed in Pennsylvania. He was on the way home from a 56th Pioneer Infantry reunion.
IMAGE LEGEND Far Left: Governor William Tudor Gardiner portrait (Courtesy of the Blaine House) Left: Collar insignia for the 56th Pioneer Infantry Regiment, representative of those worn by Company I during World War I. Top: A map depicting Sicily and the Surrender of Italy (Courtesy of US Army ) Below: A military photograph of Colonel William Tudor Gardiner (Courtesy of Warfare History Network)
1st. Lt. Jonathan Bratten is a contributing editor of the Bayonet and serves as the Maine National Guard Historian. He is always looking for photos, documents, and stories from past and current deployments. Contact him at: jonathan.d.bratten.mil@mail.mil
another year of Innovative readiness training at camp hinds Story by Staff Sgt. Travis Hill
RAYMOND, Maine - A lot has been accomplished over the past two years at Maine’s Boy Scout Camp Hinds thanks to the joint effort between the Air National Guard, Air Reserve, Navy Reserve and the Marine Corps Reserve. This joint effort, led by the Air National Guard, is a Department of Defense Innovative Regional Training (IRT) program designed to bring military engineer units and civil organizations together to put their training to work while serving local communities. Supplies and plans were provided by the Boys Scouts Pine Tree Council while the labor involved comes directly from the military units performing the construction. Two years prior to breaking ground at the 140-acres site, IRT service members assisted with Department of Defense environmental, architectural, and archaeological studies to prepare for the construction efforts. What began this year rotation as a foundation and slab, is now an freestanding 60 by 120 foot, 400-seat dining facility with wraparound porches, a kitchen, four classrooms and plenty of open space for next year’s incoming Boy Scouts. The Camp Hinds project is currently the largest IRT The Bayonet
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program nationwide, and this summer’s job list included not only the dining facility, but rough grading of roads, stone wall construction, construction of two 10,000 gallon tanks for fire suppression systems, a 3,000 along grease trap unit, one of the largest septic systems statewide, and installation and maintenance of underground water, electrical and communication lines. According to Master Sgt. Doug Cyr, Camp Hinds NonCommissioned Officer in Charge, the 2016 summer training included 8 rotations, with a ninth rotation in the plans, bringing military units this year from Maine, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York and Washington State together to complete the project. CONUS training opportunities like the Camp Hinds IRT program provide real-time training for engineer units to better prepare themselves for missions while deployed in all aspects of construction to include construction, plumbing, electrical, and heavy equipment operation. Additionally, units are able to perform together in the field as part of a team, hone in on valuable skills, perform under the dynamics of multi branch and multi state initiatives all while working alongside civilian counterparts.
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The chaplain’s word Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable and apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well… for if someone does not know how to manage his own household how can he take care of God’s church? (1 Timothy 3:2-5)
change. So, why does Paul put such an emphasis on the qualities of a clergy person, as in the scripture above? What difference does it make? If the scriptures and the nature of God remain solid, why would it change things to have an immoral minister?
Well, perhaps if the messenger’s behavior distracts the listener, the listener might not hear the If a clergy person (which message. In the miliWhat differis what a bishop was tary we might say, ence does it make? To in Paul’s day) came “The leader is tell you the truth, whatever to the pulpit one just as imporyou do reflects on every other asday, and you tant as the pect of your life. Whether you are knew him/her training the a CEO of a company, a salesperto be an aduldoctrine son, a mill worker, a receptionist, terer, a drunk, and the a student, or an executive, your a child beater, m i s s i o n .” actions reflect on your famor worse; and if If an Offiily, your place of worship, that clergy percer, NCO, or your business, yourson read from the any solider in a SELF. scriptures on a given leadership position Sunday (or Saturday or Fri(and actually that’s all of day night), would it change your us) shows up drunk, is involved in mind about God, about Jesus, about an adulterous affair, or is involved the Scriptures? Would the nature with drugs, does it change the trainof what was written be changed by ing schedule or the Warrior Tasks or the inappropriateness of the mes- the seven army values? senger? No. However, the soldiers who are I think that for most of us, the fail- following that leader will be less ings of a particular clergy person likely to execute that schedule, that would not disrupt what we believe manual, or those values. If a leader about God. We might get angry does not stick to his/her promises at the person, but our fundamen- (such as marriage vows) or their tal opinions about God would not oath (by not living up to the army
values) in one area of their life, why should anyone expect them to live up to those moral precepts when the drill weekend comes? Some of you, reading this, are not in the military. You are a spouse, perhaps a son or daughter of a guard member. What is your responsibility in life? To your family, to your co-workers, to your friends? You might say, “Well, it doesn’t matter what I do with my spare time, as long as I do my job.” To tell you the truth, whatever you do reflects on every other aspect of your life. Whether you are a CEO of a company, a salesperson, a mill worker, a receptionist, a student, or an executive, your actions reflect on your family, your place of worship, your business, your SELF. Whether you like it or not, you are a leader! The question is, will anyone follow?
Chaplain (Col.) Andrew Gibson Senior Army Chaplain Maine Army National Guard
Story by Spc Jarod Dye. Photos from Unit Public Affairs Representatives
Soldiers assigned to the 488th Military Police Company conduct a reflexive fire range in the rain at Canadian Forces Base Gagetworn, New Brunswick, Canada. (UPAR Photo Spc. Patrik Orcutt).
STRIDENT TRACER 2016
5TH CANADIAN DIVISION’S LARGEST RESERVE EXCERCISE
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oldiers from the Maine Army National Guard traveled to Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada this month in order to participate in Strident Tracer, the 5th Canadian Division’s annual culminating training exercise. Exercise events began August 19 and ends August 27, 2016. Canadian and American soldiers trained together to gain insight on each other’s operational strategies as well as strengthen the relationship between their two militaries. “This AT (annual training) were doing Strident Tracer, we’re building our relationship with the Canadian Military while also helping them with their training grounds,” said Spc. Brad E. Jamison, an engineer with the 185th Engineer Support Company. The 185th, out of Caribou, Maine trained by conducting construction projects throughout the base. Their main project consisted of creating a building pad, the site for a future shoot house used to train Canadian soldiers in their tactical skills. The 185th improved 3 miles of roads The Bayonet
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around the construction site and demolished unwanted buildings on base. Jamison hopes the Canadians are impressed with the work of the 185th and will invite his unit back next year. Days before the 185th started their construction, the 251st Engineer Company (Sapper) used the grounds for urban mobility training. “The first week we were essentially enhancing those Sapper skills,” said Cpt. Brian McClellan, commander of the Sapper unit. “We were able to spend roughly about three days on the demo range where we utilized a little over 325 blocks of C4, a little over a 1000 feet of det (detonation) cord, we were also able to use Bangalores, claymore mines, and in our breeching operations we had a number of doors in order to do both ballistic explosive and mechanical breeching.” Soldiers from the 251st Engineer Company (Sapper) out of Norway, Maine trained with Canadian engineers, infantry and medics to improve their engineer skills by breaching buildings, communicating on radios, driving Humvees, constructing electronic explosives and creating concertina wire road obstacles.
Combat engineers specialize in mobility, counter mobility, survivability, and general engineering. “It’s good [training] because Sappers are really the Swiss army knife of the Army,” said McClellan. “We’re intended to work with everybody, so the more opportunities we can get to work with these units in a training environment the more it sets us up for success in a theater of operation.” As additional training, Sappers called nine line medical evacuations (medevac) over radios as training for a situation where an actually casualty might occur. Responding to those calls were soldiers from the 126th Aviation Regiment out of Bangor, Maine. The 126th flew to Gagetown in two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters specifically configured for medevac operation. The unit supported both American and Canadian forces with medical evacuation training and were prepared to respond to real medevac emergencies. The 126th share an operations center directly with Canadian forces, giving them a lot of time to interact.
Spc. Sean Farrell of the 251st Engineer Company (Sapper) fires an AT-4 missile at a target at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, Canada. The Sappers conducted multiple live-fire and demolitions ranges leading up to Strident Tracer (UPAR Photo by Spc. Joseph Smith).
Staff Sgt. Erika Yates looks out the door of the blackhawk helicopter during training MEDEVAC mission (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Jarod Dye).
“This year we’re living right with the (Canadian) Battalion Medical Station,” said Staff Sgt. Erika R. Yates, a flight Medic with the 126th. “They’ve come right along with us to see what we have for equipment and how to load and off load patients on the helicopter.” “This is a great opportunity to work out kinks we don’t ordinarily get to work out,” said Staff Sgt. Erika R. Yates, a flight Medic with the 126th. “There’s always something to be gained by how people do things different and how people do thing similarly as well.” Canadian Forces see Strident Tracer as a necessary exercise to build their basic soldier skills, brush up on their tactics and techniques as well as gain insight from their multinational units. “Major exercises such as Strident Tracer 16 gives the opportunity for primary reservists to be challenged with tools and equipment and people and resources as well that they don’t really have access to throughout the year,” Said Canadian Army Col. Michael J. Morin, commander of the 5th Multinational Brigade and exercise director of Strident Tracer. “People are very happy and are looking forward to similar exercises and similar experiences,” said Morin.
Pvt. Thomas J. Hannigan operates a vibratory roller at the Hersey Urban Breaching Range. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Jarod Dye).
the army progressive MOTORCYCLE SAFETY program BY CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER THREE SCOTT LACROIX
The Safety Office firmly believes that the unique weather of Maine really makes the enforcement of the Army Progressive Motorcycle program that much more important to our Soldier’s safety.
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n accordance with AR 385-10, the Army Safety Program regulation states that: Prior to operation of any motorcycle, Army personnel will successfully complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or MSF-based approved motorcycle rider safety course. This is also the State of Maine standard to achieve a Motorcycle license endorsement. The Army Progressive Motorcycle program is designed to keep motorcycle operator training current and sustain or enrich rider skills. The Maine Army National Guard offers courses for service members at no cost and the program consists of the following: Basic Riders Course, Experienced Riders Course/Basic Riders Course 2 and the Motorcycle Mentorship Program. Motorcycles are popular with military personnel. The Department of Defense estimates that about 10 percent of Navy and Marine Corps uniformed members ride bikes. The Army’s share is about 16 percent, and the Air Force is lower at 6 percent. Following suite with the national average, roughly 15% of the Soldiers that make up the Maine Army National Guard ride Motorcycles on a regular basis. Due to Maine’s sporadic winters, riders get rusty after staying off their bikes during much of the cold weather. That, combined with trouble spots on Maine roads, such as potholes and sand could make motorcycle riders especially vulnerable. The Bayonet
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The citizens of Maine have really seen a recent uptick in Motorcycle fatalities in 2015. Maine experienced 32 motorcycle fatalities in 2015 which is almost triple last year’s total of 11. Motorcycle fatalities in Maine are at a 24-year high, and some riders believe the good weather could be part of the reason. While the dry, sunny days this summer have allowed more time on the road, state statistics show that speed played a factor in over half of the crashes, and more than two-thirds of the riders who died weren’t wearing helmets. Although fatal crashes have increased dramatically this year, the number of registered motorcycles in Maine has hovered just below 59,000 for the past three years. Speed, alcohol and the lack of safety equipment are regularly the cause of motorcycle fatalities that result from rider behavior. Inattentive drivers of cars and trucks is another major cause. All of these contributing factors are part of the course curriculum for the Basic Rider Course adding even more weight to the training. While privately owned vehicles are the National Guards biggest threat to our Soldiers, motorcycles are the disproportionate killer. Only about 16% of the Army rides on any given year, but motorcycle mishaps account for nearly half the total driving related deaths. Last FY, our Army experienced 26 fatal motorcycle mishaps, 11 of which were due to indiscipline of the rider. Sixty-two percent of those accidents occurred over a weekend, and interestingly none occurred over a holiday weekend. Eighty-eight percent of those accidents occurred between 0500 and 2300 hours with fifty percent occurring between 1700 and 2300 hrs. Unfortunately we are losing
riders at a faster pace this FY, but we can curtail that through engaged leaders and proper enforcement of off duty safety and education. Unfortunately over the last 10 years of motorcycle fatalities in the Army National Guard, sixty five percent of the fatal mishaps were over the age of 25 and fifty-four percent involved leaders E-5 and above up to COL. Leaders checking leaders is essential in reducing this disturbing trend. Most two vehicle accidents involving motorcycles are the fault of the driver of the other vehicle, who typically fails to see the biker. Motorcyclists who make a point of positioning themselves in their lanes to be more visible can help overcome this visibility issue. A motorcyclist has to be more alert at intersections, where most motorcycle vehicle collisions occur. Motorcyclists must anticipate that drivers making left turns may not see them and prepare to make defensive maneuvers. These lifesaving riding skills are also part of the main curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) courses. The Basic Riders Course (BRC) is initial training for all motorcycle riders and provides basic motorcycle skills and prepares them for licensing procedures. Once a Soldier has successfully completed the BRC, he/she can then obtain a state motorcycle endorsed license. Experienced Riders Course (ERC)/Basic Riders Course 2 (BRC2). Within one year of completing the BRC, it is required that the Soldier successfully complete the ERC/BRC2 on his/her own motorcycle. It is recommended that new riders be given a minimum of 60 days after the BRC or possession of a motorcycle to gain experience before taking the ERC/BRC2, however, Soldiers must complete the ERC/BRC2 within one year of completing the BRC and every five years thereafter. The ERC/BRC2 consists of approximately 5 hours of on-cycle range instruction and practice, utilizing the student’s own street-legal motorcycle. The
Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s BRC II is an excellent course for riders to become more comfortable on their own bike. The Motorcycle Mentorship Program (MMP) is a voluntary unit or installationlevel organization where inexperienced and seasoned motorcycle riders are paired together to create a supportive learning environment that promotes safe and responsible riding. Expanding the MMP is one of the seven goals outlined in the Fiscal Year 2016 Safety and Occupational Health Objectives, which re-energizes leader commitment to protect the force from mishaps, injuries and illness while improving readiness and force stability. This program supports the Army’s vision and goals for safety and occupational health. CPT Matt Picard, Med Det, had this to say about the Mentorship Program, “It has potential to open dialog between various skilled riders, allows opportunity to experience and demonstrate safe riding habits and techniques and lastly will build moral and unit cohesion between soldiers with this interest.” The Safety Center’s long-term goal is to engage and promote a 90 percent increase of organizational MMPs across the Army by 2020 through online tools, resources and safety assistance visits. SSG Todd Perkins, 262 En, attended the most recent ERC hosted by the Safety Office and believes that goal is a great idea. “With the increase in riders and motorcycle accidents it is imperative to increase awareness and provide it to the broadest scope possible”. The Safety Center and the Maine Army National Guard are also exploring the potential for a recognition program to promote, enhance and recognize MMPs that have contributed to improving motorcycle safety within their organizations. Installation commanders will ensure motorcycle operators, when entering the installation, are properly licensed, have successfully completed a motorcycle rider course, and are wearing the required personal motorcycle safety equipment. This standard applies to both federal and state owned facilities. The picture depicts an Experienced Rider Course (ERC) hosted by the Maine Army
National Guard consisting of ten Soldiers and two Airmen which was held on August 16th, 2016 at the local motorcycle range in Chelsea, Maine. This superb training was put on by the Subject Matter Experts of M.O.S.T. of Maine. SSG Perkins, has been riding a motorcycle since middle school. Given all of those years of riding experience, he had this to say about the ERC, “I learned a wealth of information. There is always room for improvement. Whether it be something simple as remembering to keep your head turned through the turn
or a constant reminder or the acronym SLPR (Slow, Look, Press, Roll) through the turn.” As did the other attendees of the recent ERC, he felt that with the skill learned, that he is more cognizant of his actions and is better prepared to react to any situation reducing his overall risk. Contact the Safety Office via phone or text at 207-620-6215 or email at scott.f.lacroix.mil@mail.mil to sign up for a free motorcycle safety course or a motorcycle mentorship program ride near you!
The 488th Military Police Company recently returned from Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada where they conducted their Annual training. Those that attended the driver’s course now fully understand the capability of their vehicles in sand, mud and water along with other obstacles. Armored Security Vehicles (ASVs) and the up-armored M1151 HMWWVs were the two primary vehicles used on the driving course. (Photo Courtesy Spc. Patrik Orcutt, 488th Military Police)
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A medic from the Maine National Guard 251st Engineer Company (Sapper) waits in a clearing for a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk to land during a medical evacuation training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada August 23, 2016. Operating the Black Hawk are soldiers from the Maine National Guard 126th Aviation Regiment. This exercise is part of Strident Tracer, an annual training event for the 5th Canadian Division which the Maine National Guard was invited to this year. (Maine Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jarod Dye)
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Soldiers assigned to the 251st Engineer Company (Sapper) conduct urban mobility breaching, detonating a water impulse charge at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada. The Sappers train with demolitions regularly in urban and rural environments to ensure mission readiness in any scenario. (US Army National Guard Photo by Maj. Norman Stickney / Released)
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The 262nd Engineer Company (Horizontal) is constructing a new parking lot for the Auburn YMCA property on North River Road, Auburn this week. The labor and equipment for the project is provided through the Innovative Readiness Training Program. IRT projects provide mission essential training for the Guard while strengthening the bond between local communities and the Maine National Guard. The commander of the 262nd Cpt. Kerry Boese said the partnership allows his Soldiers to get the training they need and is happy that it saves the YMCA money. “This project allows our younger inexperienced Soldiers to get in and do some of the heavy lifting with the guidance of our more experienced Soldiers. When that part is complete the more experienced folks can do the finesse work.” The 262nd will use heavy equipment to move gravel, level the area and create a useable space for parking. The YMCA plans to use the gravel lot as access onto the property, said Victoria Stanton director of Marketing and Advancement. “The space will be maintained year-round to allow members of the community to take advantage of the YMCA’s trail system. The trails will be groomed for hiking and mountain biking, as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The site also will be the future point of entry for our summer camp programs, which will fully transition to the Outdoor Education & Learning Center in summer 2018,” said Stanton. Boese expects ten days from start to finish to complete the project that will provide more community resources to the Kennebec Valley. “It’s all about giving back to the community, and getting Soldiers trained for any State or Federal mission.” The 262nd Engineer Company (Horizontal) headquartered in Westbrook, Maine, has 150 members. The unit operates heavy engineer equipment, such as dozers and front-end loaders, to build roads, airfields, and move tons of earth and material. (US Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Peter Morrison / Released)
The Bayonet
Vol. 4 // Issue 3
COUNTY THUNDER SUPPORTS GAGETOWN RANGE COMPLEX CANADIAN FORCES BASE GAGETOWN, Canada-The Maine Army National Guard 185th Engineer Support Company is conducting their annual training this month at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada in order to improve their unit capabilities, proficiency, and relations with Canadian forces.
Story and Phtotos by Spc. Jarod Dye
gravel throughout the week while rollers and graders compact and level the dirt to create a stable building pad. “We have received missions from both American and Canadian units and we’ve been able to go out and support them,” said 1st Lt. Russell Boynton, the executive officer of the 185th.
The engineers are working with the Canadian Army in order to restore and rebuild roads and training sites as part “We’ve worked on three different projects…we’ve grated of exercise Strident Tracer. about three miles of roads to increase the safety of operators driving on the range roads…where we’re at now at the “This AT were doing Strident Tracer, we’re building our Hersey Breaching site, it’s our largest project site so far and relationship with the Canadian Military while also help- we’ve moved over 3,000 yards of dirt in just two days…” ing them with their training grounds,” said Spc. Brad E. Jamison, an engineer with the 185th. Once the building site is completed, Canadian forces are slated to build a shoot house to further enhance their solStrident Tracer, is the culminating event for the 5th Cana- dier’s tactical skills. dian Division. This year American units were invited to join the training in order to mutually benefit both militaries. This project is not only giving Canadian forces a training site, but it’s giving new soldiers in the 185th an opportuSoldiers are repairing roads, constructing a foundation nity to see a project from start to finish. pad for a future structure, and removing debris from old buildings using various construction vehicles. Some soldiers are experiencing annual training for the first time, expanding their horizons within the Army and their Dump trucks continuously transport dirt to the construc- understanding of joint force operations. tion site, delivering thousands of cubic yards of dirt and The Bayonet
Vol. 4 // Issue 3
“I got out of school in May,” said Pvt. Thomas J. Hannigan, a new engineer with the company. “Jumping right into this was definitely an experience and a learning curve.” Fortunately for Hannigan he has experienced peers and leaders like Jamison and Boynton to help show him the ropes.
Left: Soldiers assigned to the 185th Engineer Support Company out of Caribou, Maine operate D6 dozers to spread loam on the Hersey Urban Breaching Range at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, Canada. The engineers participated in Operation Strident Tracer and worked with Canadian forc-
“We did just take on a new private, we do have some new guys that only have three years in or so,” said Jamison. “This is very new to them. Finished product is definitely going to be very valuable to them. It’s one thing when you’re training but it’s another when you actually have to give something to another person.”
es to improve their training site. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Jarod Dye, 121st Public Affairs Detachment)
Below: A ground guide safely backs up a 10-ton dump truck at Hersey Range, Canadian Forces Base Gagetown,
The soldiers and leadership of the 185th are thankful for this opportunity and look forward to working more with their Canadian counterparts in the future. “I personally wish that we do so well that they invite us back,” said Jamison. “This is serious work, we’re giving this to the Canadians, so it has to be done well.”
Canada. The 185th Engineer Support Company estimates that they were able to deliver over 2,000 cubic yards of fill to expand the urban breaching range complex. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Jarod Dye, 121st Public Affairs Detachment).
DOMESTIC HOT WATER HEATERS: a closer look at hotwater heat pumps A.J. Ballard is a Certified Energy Manager and is a contributing editor of the Bayonet. He serves as the Maine Army National Guard Energy Manager within the Directorate of Facilities Engineering.
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n the last energy article I discussed domestic hot water systems, specifically natural gas and propane fired tankless units. This article will focus on Hybrid “Heat Pump” domestic hot water heaters. Similar to the tankless water heaters, hybrid heat pump water heaters are installed in Maine Army National Guard facilities. In several older buildings at Camp Keyes, the existing 40 gallon electric hot water heaters were replaced by facilities personnel from the Maine Army National Guard with 50 gallon hybrid heat pump water heaters. These units are significantly more efficient than a standard electric water heater because they only use approximately 1,200 watts (in the heat pump mode) compared to 4,500 watts of electrical energy. There are four basic modes of operation: Heat Pump only – maximizes energy efficiency Hybrid – uses heat pump and heating element simultaneously. Electric – least energy-efficient, uses electric elements only. Vacation – saves energy by placing the unit in “sleep” mode. Now you are probably thinking how do they work? Generally it is easier to move something than to make something. Putting that principle to use, heat pump hot water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly, which requires much less energy. They work just like your refrigerator or air condition unit, except in reverse (see diagram on the far right). The first infrared picture (top right) shows the heat pump in the operational mode. The approximately 75F warm boiler room air is moving through the unit and discharging air at around 55F. The second picture (bottom right) shows the delivery of the hot water to the sink at 121F.
The graph to the right is from a sensor placed in the discharge side of the unit. It shows the cycling of the heat pump over seven days. As you can see, when in the operation mode, the discharge air is in the upper 50’s and when it is off the boiler room temperature is in the upper 70’s. This graph like the infrared pictures on the left, shows the heat pump cycling approximately 2-3 hours These infrared pictures clearly show the heat pump transferring per day transferring the warm boiler room air to the water in the “heat” from the air to the water. tank via the heat pump process.
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Above: A heat pump used for hotwater in one of the Maine Army National Guard Facilities. Right: A chart that depicts how a heat pump works. Below: Chart showing cycle process
For the home owner if you are considering replacing your electric hot water heater, you should be aware of the following:
>> Heat pumps produce condensate (water) and you will need plumb to a nearby drain. >> They emit a low noise at around 58 dB >> Will dehumidify the space they are in, making it ideal for a damp cellar. The table below shows the estimated cost for a hybrid heat pump water heater. There is also a generous Efficiency Maine rebate http://www.efficiencymaine.com/at-home/waterHeat Pumps are significantly more efficient than electric hot waheating-solutions/. ter heaters because they move heat as opposed to making heat. The table below compares the estimated annual energy savings Estimated Cost for a 50 Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater between a heat pump hot water heater in the “heat pump mode� Estimated Rebate Eff Cost After and a typical electric hot water heater. cost Maine Rebate 50 Gallon Heat Pump Water
Estimated Energy Use and Cost Watts Avg Electric 40 gallons Heat Pump 50 gallons
Hours kWh kWh per per day per day year
$ per kWh
Estimated Heater annual cost
4500
3
13.5
4927.5
$0.14
$690
1200
4
4.8
1752
$0.14
$245
Estimated annual savings
$1,100
$500
$600
$445
inMagazine/ January, 2013
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YOUR OPINION
FEEDBACK FROM THE FIELD DO YOU THINK THE NATIONAL GUARD WILL HAVE A LARGER ROLE IN THE FUTURE AS THE ACTIVE COMPONENT SEES CUTS? The Bayonet
Vol. 4 // Issue 3
The Bayonet took to the streets to ask a few service members if they thought the the national guard would take on a larger role with active component services taking troop cuts.
Spc. Eric D. Johnson 251st Engineer Company (Sapper) Combat Engineer
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think when you look back historically, as the regular Army has been in drawback periods, the nation has relied on its National Guard in a more comprehensive role. So, yeah I do believe it would draw upon our strengths.
Spc. Kristen York 262nd Engineer Company Heavy Equipment Operator
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o, I don’t, and that kind of makes me scared for what the future of the Maine National Guard might look like. If the regular Army is facing cuts, I feel like funding in general will be cut back, including the National Guard.
I
definitely believe that we will still play a major role in national emergencies that we have state side. Louisiana is proof of the importance of the National Guard and Maine took a big role in Massachusetts two years ago.
2nd Lt. Taylor Hall 101st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Officer
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he National Guard already plays a vital role in current operations and that role will continue to grow in future years.
A
s threats at home and abroad increase, the National Guard is uniquely positioned to serve in multifaceted operations to ensure national and homeland security.
Recruit sustainment program
Soldier of the quarter What are your goals? To better myself in every way possible, while serving the greatest nation on earth. What are your future plans? Earn a degree in criminal justice through Central Maine Community College and ultimately serve in civilian law enforcement. Why did you join the Maine Army National Guard? To enjoy the benefits of serving my country while having the ability to pursue my civilian career Did you know: Private Brown volunteers monthly at the animal shelter and annually at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. He offers the following advice for anyone who is preparing for basic combat training:
Name: Max Brown Rank: Private, E-2 Military Occupational Skill: 31B, Military Police Unit: 488th Military Police Company, Waterville, ME Basic Training Location: Fort Leonard Wood, MO
“Keep your eyes snapped, ears open,” said Brown, “Don’t look around, eyes straight ahead and listen to everything the Drill Sergeant says. And always remember: Be in the right place, at the right time in the right uniform” “It will get better, hunt the good stuff. Understand that all the training you receive serves a purpose. They are training you to become the Soldier that they would want next to them in the foxhole. “
Advanced Individual Training: Fort Leonard Wood, MO Hometown: Auburn, ME High School: Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, Class of 2012 Hobbies and Interests: Fishing, hunting, motorcycling, self-sustainment farming, and vehicle restoration
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Vol. 4 // Issue 3
MAINE GUARDSMEN earn free instate college tuition! VISIT HTTP://WWW.ME.NGB.ARMY.MIL FOR MORE INFO OR SCAN THE CODE ON THE LEFT
The Bayonet
Vol. 4 // Issue 3
the Vol 4 // Issue 3
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