FFirrsidt ay Serving the National Guard and State Defense Force of Georgia Feature: 48th annual training Hammond visits 48th Soldiers in the field Afghan Army Sgt. Maj. visits with 48th leadership 78th Troop Command welcomes a new commander March 2009 Online at www.dod.state.ga.us 4 Afghan army Sgt. Maj. visits 48th senior NCOs 6 Georgia Air Guard commander visits 4 Soldiers, Airmen in "the box" 8 Guardsmen go for `piggy prizes' during Founder's Day 6 9 Guardsman places thrid in Ranger Run 10 Changing of the Guard at the 78th: 8 Blackstock welcomed to new command 13 Soldiers of the 230th BSC, 560th BFSB learn `non-lethal' skills 14 Ferrero promoted to colonel 10 Foundation selected as recipient for TOP GUN Ride for Children Soldier honored at Armed Forces luncheon 15 Annual legislative dinner draws 150 to hear 13 Guard's 2009 plans 16 116th Joint STARS provides battlefield `understanding' 16 18 48th IBCT at Fort Polk 20 Guard language program expands 23 Making the transition: Windows Vista will replace XP 23 First Friday Commander-In-Chief Gov. Sonny Perdue Adjutant General of Georgia Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt Publisher Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kenneth R. Baldowski Historian/Editor Dr. Beryl Diamond Managing Editor Amanda Kenny Assistant Editor Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry Contributing writers Sgt. Tracy Smith Spc. Adam Dean Pfc. Mozell Blakeley National Guard Correspondents 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office Unit Public Affairs Officers and Representatives Georgia Air National Guard Public Affairs Representatives Send comments, suggestions, articles, photo or contributions to: The First Friday doc@ga.ngb.army.mil The First Friday is published monthly under the provisions of AR 360-81 and AF 6-1 by the Directorate of Communications, Georgia Department of Defense. The views and opinions expressed in the First Friday are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army and Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The First Friday is distributed free to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons at their request. 2 The First Friday Briefing Tax season is upon us and while most of us dread the annual ritual of tax preparation, the National Guard Family Support Foun- dation anxiously anticipates tax season since from millions of Georgia taxpayers come a portion of the necessary funds that will go to help many Georgia Guard families experiencing financial hardships. Since 2005, Georgia income tax forms have displayed a simple box, which Georgia taxpayers can check to donate money to the National Guard Foundation. Last year, the Foundation col- lected more than $104,000 from the tax form check-off box. "Check the box and help a Guard Family" is the theme of a new series of public service announcements now airing in the Georgia media. Brigier Gen. Maria Britt, Army Guard commander, re- corded two video commercials for the campaign. Complimenting Check a box, the video PSAs are two radio PSAs and a newspaper display ad. These PSAs are aired and printed at no cost to the Help a Guard Family Foundation. "These PSAs emphasize how Geor- gia Guardsmen have always been ready to help their fellow Georgians and the nation during times of crisis," Britt said. "Sometimes at personal hardship for the in- dividual Guard family." By simply checking the box on the form, Georgians can donate one dollar or more to help Guard families. "These contributions mount up and allows us to help more Sol- diers, Airmen and their families throughout Georgia." Harriett Morgan, foundation administrator, said that 80 percent of all contributions made to the Foundation come in smaller incre- ments of a dollar or more from the income tax check off form. "We're delighted to receive any amount," Morgan explains adding that the foundation also receives donations from large corporations, businesses and individuals throughout Georgia. Since the establishment of the National Guard Foundation more than $1 million has been received to help more than 1,000 military families in Georgia. "We provide financial assistance for all kinds of personal and family needs from healthcare, to assistance with rent payments," continued Morgan. She also suggested that the upcoming deployment of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team this summer will continue to place strains on the foundation's resources as Soldiers and Airmen deploy into a war zone leaving families. The audio PSAs can be heard by linking to 30 sec PSA and 15 second PSA. If you have questions about the Foundation or to request help from the Foundation, call (678) 569-5702. And remember, Guards- men also have the opportunity to check the box on their Georgia Income Tax form and help a Georgia military family. The First Friday Briefing 3 Afghan Army Sgt. Maj. visits 48th senior NCOs Story and photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT PAO Afghan National Army (ANA) Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Roshan Safi, described his first office as "a bench" where his soldiers "can stop to ask me questions." Today, Safi, Afghanistan's highest ranking enlisted Soldier, has an office, but says he continues to find ways to make himself "available to his soldiers." "I must always be available for my Soldiers," Safi empha- sized. "Being the example, being the first, means that I must be able to set the path, the footprints, for the per- son who will come behind me." The Afghan sergeant major was in Atlanta recently to discuss his Army's role with a small gathering of senior Army enlisted lead- ers at the Georgia National Guard headquar- ters in Marietta. "I had no place to meet with my Soldiers so we had this bench outside of our headquar- ters," Safi said. "When they walk out, my Soldiers see this bench and can stop to ask me questions." The collection of his peers, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team sergeants major and first sergeants, nod knowingly at this simple statement. Safi refers to his selection as the first ser- Teamwork Specialist Michael E. McCranie receives guidance from the Afghan National Army's Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Roshan Safi. Safi visited senior NCO leadership of the 48th IBCT prior to its deployment. geant major of the army for the ANA and the sheer youth of the organization. War has been something the more than 27 million Afghans have known and, in the case of Safi, grown up with. The Afghan Security Forces were reformed in 2001 in response to these ongoing conflicts. Now the 35-year-old wishes to grow the Army of his people by being focused on partnering with provincial leaders and be- coming good neighbors. Growing up in an area Northeast of Ka- bul, Safi's background is Pashtun the predominant ethnic group in Afghanistan. During his visit, Safi said he wants to create a military environment that mirrors the diverse cultures and reli- gions of his country while reflecting the oneness of the organiza- tion. 4 The First Friday Briefing " "We must respect each other for who we are," Safi states pas- sionately. "When you join the army you join the Army culture. When I got into this position in 2006 we got a new uniform policy. And we had a new patch, and that patch as the 3rd Corps, the 2nd Corps was the new tribe. The flag of Afghani- stan brings them as one, but the unit designation establishes them as a tribe called freedom." His personal goal, maintains the sergeant major, is to cre- ate a legacy as a noncommissioned officer (NCO) based not on himself, but his Soldiers and the people of his country. "My dream is to improve our life's conditions while protecting my people," Safi continued. "I wish to bring peace and security to my people of Afghanistan, and that is why I joined; to help my people." As the 48th Brigade prepares for "The flag of Afghanistan brings them as one but the unit designation establishes them as a tribe called freedom. Sergeant Maj. of the Army Roshan Safi Afghan National Army deployment to Afghanistan, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hurndon said the Volunteer Brigade wants to seize the opportunity to incorporate a bit of `Georgia fla- vor' into Safi's vision. "Our efforts connect," Hurndon added. "We have a structured line of effort in how we will help in the SMA's determination and those of his Soldiers. Through mentoring and training, we empower and enable these proud people, as Soldiers. Working as a team we can improve the infrastructure in Afghanistan by building a rapport with tribal, religious and government leaders at every level." Specialist Michael E. McCranie, of Chauncey. assigned to Forstyh's 148th Brigade Support Battalion is slated to mo- bilize. In his meeting with Safi he said he was motivated by Safi's passion. "I know that they are at war and trying to put an army in place," McCrainie said. "I am happy we are going to be able to work with someone who instills the same values in his Soldiers as our military, and cares about his people." The First Friday Briefing 5 Voice of experience Photo by Pfc. Mozelle E. Blakley, 48th IBCT PAO Major Gen. Scott Hammond, commander Georgia Air National Guard listens as Tech. Sgt. James F. Harnisch, a joint terminal attack controller with the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron, explains a plotting device that coordinates air and ground targeting in-sync with real time battle operations. Hammond described the system's synchronization as "an invaluable metamorphosis in our war fighting capability." Sgt. Daniel Larson, fire support team leader, (far right) calls in coordinates. Georgia Air Guard commander visits Soldiers, Airmen in "the box" Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT PAO Major Gen. Scott Hammond, Georgia Air National Guard commander visited Soldiers and Airmen with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at their Tactical Operations center at Fort Polk's Joint Readiness Training Center. Georgia National Guard Citizen-Soldiers, who have just completed training "in the box" early February. The area where they train, near Leesville, involves an effective Army concept known as theatreimmersion whereby Warfighters train-as-they-fight with realistic scenarios to prepare the immersed unit for pending deployment. In the case of the 48th IBCT and their attached Air National Guard brethren, 165th Air Support Operations Squadron, the environment is Afghanistan and there is much to learn. New systems and methodologies have been put in place to better manage tactical maneuverability on the battlefield. Hammond's visit reinforced the ongoing commitment to the Warf- 6 The First Friday Briefing ighter effort, the joint forces approach to training and execution, and to `unbend,' what he calls, his own learning curve. "My job, as a pilot, was to take the mission and task then ex- ecute in the air flank," Hammond stated as he marveled at the digital imagery that now commands the battlefield. "Years ago, everything was done on grease boards, and run- ners would literally go to everyone in the field to manage execu- tion. This modernized transition allowing a common operating picture that is digitally provided and immediately transmitted everywhere is a remarkable improvement and an invaluable metamorphosis in our war fighting capability." Technical Sgt. James F. Harnisch, a Brunswick-based Air- guardsman, has been a support member of the 48th IBCT for more than four years. As an Air Guardsman and joint terminal attack controller, he realizes the visual differences in the environ- ment, blue versus green, but there is no variation in goals. That commonality has been proven and is on going. "I was in Mahmudiyah with Colonel King (48th IBCT deputy commander then 108th Cavalry commander) and the Roughrid- ers during OIF 05-06," Harnisch recalled of his first deployment with the brigade. "We have lived through the worst, and got to see the best of each other. When the `chicken plant' (Soldier's quasi-refur- bished housing) burned down, we lost equipment and personal items. It was upsetting but didn't affect us at all. We were there to do a job and we did it." Hammond sees Warfighters like Harnisch as supreme assets to the on- going war on terrorist. The stable force of air support expertise minimizes the lead-time needed to fill the request for their talents. "With numerous deployments under their belts our people come very expe- rienced," Hammond said. "There are some here who did not deploy the last time, and this is very important train- ing for them. But equally important for us is to make sure everyone is on the same page before we go." The crescendo of the tactical operating center slowly elevates to its normal level of controlled chaos as his Field trip photo by Pfc. Mozelle E. Blakley, 48th IBCT PAO Major Gen. Scott Hammond (foreground) participates in a joint close air support mission with joint operational elements of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard. The 48th IBCT Warfighters demonstrated capabilities at a live fire exercise at Fort Polk, La. "We must be as one on the battlefield, and in uniform in order to presence blends with the natural battle affect the mission," Hammond said. rhythm. Hammond knows that success is measured when all elements work in concert. "There should be no delineation as to uniform or branch of service. The primary focus is to make sure the 48th Brigade is successful during this upcoming deployment, and we will do ev- erything we can to make sure that they are successful," he said. The First Friday Briefing 7 Fun Run From the left Sgt. 1st Class Andy Tanner, SIDPERS NCOIC for JFHQ Personnel; 1st Sgt. DeVika Hull, senior enlisted Soldier for Augusta's 560th Battlefield Surveillance Battalion; and Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Georgia Army Guard commander, quicken their pace during the last leg of the Purple Pig Run. In the background, to Britt's right, video taping the runners, is Spc. Mike Perry who created the logo for the T-shirts. Guardsmen go for `piggy prizes' during Founder's Day Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry STONE MOUNTAIN -- More than 50 of Georgia's Citizen-Soldiers went "round the mountain" as they ran and some walked in the Army Guard's first-ever Purple Pig 5-mile Run, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at Stone Mountain Park. The event, brainchild of Capt. John Roscoe, administrative officer for Joint Forces Headquarters at Oglethorpe Armory in Ellenwood, and Maj. Anthony Poole, force intergration officer for JFHQ's Mobilization Readiness Office, is part of the first annual Founder's Day, which celebrates the landing at what's now Savannah, by one of the state's founding fathers, General James Oglethorpe. Sergeant Jerod Rozier, paralegal for the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, and 1st Sgt. Devika Hull, senior enlisted leader for Augusta's 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, both at Fort Gillem in Ellenwood, were the first male and female runners to cross the finish line. Each received the General Oglethorpe sword, and a purple pig statuette. Also, a JFHQ team, led by Col. Christoper Voso, mobilization readiness officer for the JFHQ Mobilization Readiness Office, was the first to carry its guidon across the line, and received the "coveted flying purple pig." 8 The First Friday Briefing Guardsman places third in Ranger Run Chief Warrant Officer 4 Randy Jones, a member of the Georgia Garrison Training Center Command (GGTCC) at Fort Stewart, placed third in the men's 54-59 age group. "When I go to drill I train on the best running track in Georgia," said Jones. "It is the one mile clay track at the GGTC. I call it the `Magic Mile'. The secret is to run it barefoot just after it has been freshly graded. The natural stride of running barefoot synchronizes and exercises the entire muscle group used in running." Community members were invited to run in the first Ranger Hunter Army Airfield Runway 10K race on Feb. 28, 2009, which was limited to the first 1,000 entrants and supported the Family readiness Group for the 1st Ranger Battalion. "We are just trying to expose ourselves to the community of Savannah," said Lt. Col. Brian Mennes, commander, 1st Battlaion, 75th Ranger. "We want the city to know who we are and that we are here for them. They have really welcomed us with open arms and this is our way of extending ourselves to them." The event kicked off with the children's run and then shifted over to the adult 10K race at the end. Prizes went to the top three male and female age groups. Jones was a member of the Ranger Battalion in 1974 when it was stationed at Fort Stewart and was glad that he was able to support the Family Readiness Group. Representing the Guard Chief Warrent officer 4 Randy Jones, left, accepts his thrid plce tropy during the Ranger Run at Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah The First Friday Briefing 9 Changing of the Guard at 78th: Blackstock welcomed to new command Story and photos by Spc. Adam Dean, 124th MPAD The Georgia Army National Guard's 78th Troop Command welcomed Col. Thomas H. Blackstock as its new commander during a ceremony at the unit's armory, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. "It's indeed a great honor for me to assume command of this unit, and I can't tell you how excited I am about this opportunity," Blackstock told the assembled Soldiers and guests. "I pledge to faithfully lead this organization into the future." The outgoing commander, Brig. Gen. Lawrence E. Dudney, moves on to provide leadership to Central Joint Task Force Phoenix, a multinational unit deploying to Afghanistan in support of The Global War on Terror later this year. Major Gen. William T. Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, thanked Dudney "for a job well done," and said he's confident in Blackstock's ability to continue the 78th's tradition of great leadership. "Tom, you're stepping into some very big shoes, and I know you're very capable. I also know you'll continue to lead this great organization into the future," said Dudney. Blackstock began his Georgia Guard career as an enlisted infantryman. Upon graduating from college in 1987, he was commissioned a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1996, Blackstock returned to the Guard as the commander of Marietta's Headquarters Company, 265th Engineer Group. Since then, he has also commanded the 648th Engineer Battalion, Decatur's 265th Engineer Group and has served as executive officer of 78th Troop Command. In his full-time job, Blackstock is director of installation management for the Guard's Construction and Facilities Management Office in Marietta. Most recently he commanded Metter's 265th Regional Support Group. Blackstock holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a master's degree in business administration from Touro University. His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course, Sapper Leader Course, basic and advanced airborne courses, Air Assault Course, U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and he holds a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in Philadelphia. Among Blackstock's military decorations are the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Georgia Meritorious Service Medal. 10 The First Friday Briefing Change Colonel Thomas H. Blackstock accepts the 78th Troop Command guidon from Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Georgia Army Guard commander, during the change of command ceremony Feb. 8, 2009. The First Friday Briefing 11 This Month in Georgia GuardHistory 1918 - The 151st Machine Gun Battalion, formed from three companies of the Georgia National Guard's 2nd Regiment of Infantry in 1917, shipped out to Europe and fought with the 42nd "Rainbow" Division during World War I. One of the members of the 151st was Pvt. Harry Kendall of Macon, Ga. Portions of a mid-March letter to his mother follow. Members of the 151st were at that time attached to an Iowa Regiment. "......we are just out of the trenches, where we were for over 8 days in the mud and water and cold under the fire of the Boches.* But we opened up and ran all the Heinies out of their two front line trenches about 2 kilos back. That is about a mile and a half in America. ......the boys that the "regulars" say are only `strike breakers' after all, have proven they are darned good fighters." "The noise and excitement of the Boches artillery and shrapnel, their machine guns and infantry, was not half as bad and troublesome to us as the damn big rats and `shirt squirrels', which we found in great abundance in the trenches. The British call them lices. The French call them `cooties' and the Americans call them `shirt squirrels'." "Had a good hot bath today and burned up all my old clothes. " He then writes that everyone in the trenches has `shirt squirrels'; that it is nothing of which to be ashamed....."it shows that you are a good soldier and that you've been over the top." *Boche was a disparaging term for a German, esp. a German soldier. 1955 - Lieutenant Col. William Kelly, base detachment commander, announced the construction of numerous buildings and installation of jet fuel storage facilities for use by the 158th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Ga Air Guard, at Travis Field, Savannah. One of the priorities was the construction of a more than 12,600 square foot base headquarters to house the administrative section, unit supply, a base dispensary and classrooms. Also planned were 22 tropical type concrete block barracks that had windows with screens but no glass. 1955 The Adjutant General for Georgia, Maj. Gen. George J. Hearn, announced that conferences were being held with Florida National Guard officials concerning the conversion of the 48th Infantry Division to an armored division. Hearn indicated the conversion was being given serious consideration. The 48th then was a two-state brigade commanded by Maj. Gen. Joseph B. Fraser of Hinesville, Ga. It would become the 48th Armored Division, Georgia-Florida National Guard in November, commanded by Fraser. Compiled by Mrs. Gail Parnell 12 The First Friday Briefing Soldiers of the 230th BSC, 560th BFSB learn "non-lethal" skills Soldiers of the 230th Brigade Support Company, 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade conducted non-lethal weapon training Feb. 7, 2009, at Fort Gillem in order to strengthen their warrior skills in sup- port of their National Guard Reaction Force (NGRF) mission. "This training established individual confidence, company cohesion and strengthened our NGRF readiness... plus the Soldiers loved it.," stated Staff Sgt. Jason Flores, training noncommis- sioned officer, 230th BSC. The training was part of the ongoing certification to perform the National Guard Reaction Force (NGRF) mis- sion. The 560th Battlefield Surveil- lance Brigade will serve as the State's NGRF force for the next two years under the command team of Col. Combatives Peter VanAmburgh and Command Sgt. Specialist Rasheeda Washington of the 230th BSC after being sprayed with oleo- Maj. Lance Rygmyr. resin capsicum (pepper spray), takes down fellow Soldier Pfc. Matthew Cureton of the 230th BSC during non-lethal training. Hard training Specialist Trechelle Burey of the 230th Brigade Support Company, 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade is sprayed by trainer Sgt. 1st Class Juan Ojeda of the 3-108th Reconnaissance and Surveillance Squadron, 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, with pepper spray during non-lethal weapons training at Ft. Gillem. The First Friday Briefing 13 Ferrero Promoted to Colonel Lieutenant Col. Joe Ferrero, director of staff for Headquarters, Georgia Air National Guard has been promoted to the rank of Colonel. A 20-year Air National Guard veteran, Ferrero is responsible for the headquarters' administrative staff supporting the Georgia Air Guard commander and the 2,700 members of the Georgia Air Guard. He also provides operational guidance to the eight Air National Guard units located in Georgia. Ferrero was the former commander of the 117th Air Control Squadron in Savannah where he served from 1995 to 2007 as a weapons director, air surveillance officer, mission crew commander, director of operations, and later commander. During that time, he deployed to provide command and control of combat air operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. He also deployed seven times within the United States for homeland defense missions following Sept. 11, 2001. Ferrero entered the Georgia Air National Guard in 1989 with the 129th Air Control Squadron in Kennesaw. He received a regular commission upon graduation from the AFROTC program at Southern Illinois University, and later served on active duty as a missile launch officer and wing staff officer for six years. Ferrero is a 1992 graduate of the Emory University School of Law in Atlanta. He has served as the general counsel of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security; general counsel, assistant commissioner and acting commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections; and assistant attorney general at the Georgia Attorney General's office. Honoring Heroes Sergeant 1st Class Joseph Barnard of the 1st squadron, 169th Aviation Battalion was recently honored by the Chatham County Chamber of Commerce as the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the Georgia Army National Guard. A Savannah native, Barnard is a veteran of more than 20 years of military service, nine of those as a member of the Georgia Guard. The sergeant was honored at the group's annual Armed Forces luncheon in late February. This annual event gives the City of Savannah an opportunity to acknowledge and thank each branch of service for their sacrifice, as well as their contributions to the community. Major Gen. Anthony Cucolo, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, was the guest speaker for this event. He emphasized the sacrifice and evolution of the NCO, and their contributions to the complete force Foundation selected as recipient for TOP GUN ride for Children The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation has again been selected as a recipient of funds collected as part of the 7th Annual Top Gun Motorcycle ride for Children scheduled for Saturday, April 25. Along with the National Guard Foundation is the Center for Children and Young Adults in Marietta that will also benefit from proceeds of the motorcycle ride. The Center provides facilities and support programs for abused, neglected and abandoned children in metro Atlanta. The 7th Annual Top Gun Ride for Children will depart from Hooters in Kennesaw at 4:30 p.m. on April 25 for a one hour escorted ride through west Cobb County before ending at the gates of the Naval Air Station Atlanta and onto the Dobbins runway where static displays, foods, and a silent auctions will welcome the riders. 14 The First Friday Briefing Annual legislative dinner draws 150 to hear Guard's 2009 plans The Georgia National Guard legislative dinner has grown into one of the most anticipated events for legislators and commanders alike during the state legislative session. More that 150 legislators, Army and Air National Guard commanders, guests and sponsors crowded a dining room at Maggiano's Restaurant in downtown At- lanta recently, for the eighth annual Georgia National Guard legislative dinner. "I know it is a privilege for me and for all my fellow legislators to be among this group of very special Georgians tonight to recognize and pay tribute to all you mean to the state," said Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, who was attending his first legislative dinner. "We thank each of you for your sacrifices for every Geor- gian." Cagle went on to recognize the great leadership provided by Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia's Adjutant General, and to express the legislatire's apprecia- tion to him and to all those who put their lives on the line every day somewhere around the world. Also attending the annual event was Senator Eric Johnson, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, who told guests that this special night is to honor those men and women in uniform who serve. Nesbitt thanked the legislators for their continuing support of the programs of the National Guard and gave a quick review of activities of the Guard over the past year. A round of applause greeted Nesbitt's mention of Georgia's Youth Chal- lenge and the more than 8,000 lives that this program has affected. Brigadier Gen. Maria Britt, com- mander of the Georgia Army Guard, boasted of the impressive recruiting successes experienced by the Geor- gia Army Guard in '08 and noted the formation of two new brigades. The upcoming deployment of 2,400 members of the 48th Brigade to Afghanistan was detailed by Brig. Gen. Larry Dudney who will assume the position of Phoenix Task Force Commander later this spring. Talking `Guard' (L to R) Lt Governor Casey Cagle discusses forthcoming deployment of the 48th Infantry Brigade with Maj Gen Terry Nesbitt and Brig Gen Larry Dudney during the 8th Annual Legislative Dinner in Atlanta. Speaking for the Air Guard side, Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond asked the com- manders of the nine Air National Guard units to brieflt outline the significant activities of their units over the past year. "We thank you for your support of the Guard in your communities, " said Hammond. Every unit of the Georgia Air National Guard deployed airmen in support of the GWOT during 2008, Hammond told legislators "This a wonderful opportunity in which to speak to our legislators who have a great stake in the futures of National Guard units within their counties," said Col. Murray Hansen, of the 116th ACW. State Rep. Burke Day, chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, admitted, "I do not attend many evening functions during the session, but this is one I never miss." More than 20 members of the Georgia House of Representatives and 15 members of the Georgia Senate attended the National Guard Legislative Dinner. The First Friday Briefing 15 Troubleshooting Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Boquette Airman 1st Class Sarah Mattausch troubleshoots radar issues Jan. 7 at an air base in Southwest Asia. Airman Mattausch is a an airborne radar technician assigned to the 7th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron. She is a native of Valleyford, Wash. 116th Joint Stars provides battlefield `understanding' SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Airmen of the 7th Expeditionary Air Command and Control Squadron, flying from an air base in Southwest Asia, provide constant situational ground assessment from the air to coalition forces supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Inside the E-8C Joint STARS aircraft, the aircrew provides airborne battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance throughout the entire area of responsibility. "We are there every day for long periods of time. Our presence provides an in-depth understanding of how things are moving on the ground." said Lt. Col. Mack Easter, the 7th EACCS commander. By using the E-8C's surveillance capabilities, Airmen of the 7th EACCS provide real time situational awareness to a wide array of assets across the battlefield. The radar and computer subsystems on the E-8C can gather and display detailed battlefield information on ground forces. "We work with the Army from the corps level all the way down to the company level, integrating the ground movement picture from the joint terminal attack controller to the brigade tactical operations cen- 16 The First Friday Briefing ter," said Easter, who is deployed from the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. "We also work to integrate (MQ-1) Preda- tors, rotary wing and fast, fixed-wing aircraft all across the battlespace from one end of Iraq to the other. Additionally, our datalink capability allows us to communicate our radar picture to multiple brigades si- multaneously." Not only can the crews share information digitally across the battle- field, but also the E-8 crew can also talk to just about anyone in the world with its various radio and communication suites, he said. During major force-on-force engagements, E-8C members support the fight by tracking columns of movement. As the fight in Iraq and Afghanistan has changed, so has the E-8C role in the mis- sion. In the current en- vironment, crews are often looking for a single ground mover in an area of interest. "When an at- tack happens on the battlefield, we can backtrack using the information we col- lected to identify the origin of the attack- ers," said Lt. Col. Jerry Cole, the 7th EACCS director of operations. "Lately, that has been one of our most used capa- bilities." Staff Sgt. Karis Baker, an airborne Preflight Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Boquette operations technician assigned to the 7th EACCS, looks for, finds and tracks First Lt. Seth Simpson, left, and Staff Sgt. Jessica Earls perform preflight procedures in the cockpit of the E-8C Joint STARS Jan. 7 at an air base in Southwest Asia. Simpson is a co-pilot assigned to the 7th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, and Earls is a flight engineer assigned to the 7th EACCS. the ground movers. "(The JSTARS mission) also includes significant post-mission analysis by many organizations," said Baker, a native of Astoria, Ore. "We are analyzing the pattern of traffic movement," said Baker, deployed from Robins AFB. "Our radar records the whole mission. If something happened an hour ago, we can replay the event to see ex- actly how it went down." "We know from the time we get in theater to the time we leave, we'll be consistently busy," Cole said. "It's extremely rewarding to see the impact we have on the guys on the ground." The First Friday Briefing 17 Thinking outside of `the Box': Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith 48th IBCT PAO Training at Ft. Polk's Joint Readiness Training Center prepare 48thIBCT Soldiers for success downrange Applying some Kentucky Windage A gunner identifies an unfriendly and protects his convoy by disengaging the enemy. The attack was part of a simulated training exercise mission during 48th IBCT's train-up maneuvers at Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La. Fort Polk, La. -- The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team recently completed its 2009 Annual Training mission at Fort Polk, La. The infantry brigade, led by Col. Lee K. Durham and Command Sgt. Major Michael Hurndon, is preparing for its Afghanistan deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom this spring. The expanded three weeks annual training in `the box' presented real world scenarios to give performance barometer in an exaggerated operation level to prepare the Citizen-Soldiers for what is to come downrange in Afghanistan. "When you are tracking an operation in the field and we all have to spring into action we must do so as one," said Sgt. Aletha Diane Jackson, an administrative professional for the 48th Brigade staff. Jackson's job had her based in the tactical operations center, or TOC, during the two-phase CPX or command post exercise portion of training. "All aspects of operations; aviation, fire support, intelligence and administrative must sync to get Soldiers what they need as quickly as possible when the call for `Attention in the TOC' is given." The TOC is the central monitoring point for all field activities in the brigade's area of operations. During the Annual Training CPX, Soldiers engaged in simulated active and reactive theater operations with as many as two to seven named operations active at any given time. All activities were, as they would be in-theatre, conducted alongside their Afghan army counterparts. Because of the high operational (hi-op) tempo some instances was less actual and more notional, but the intention was the same; acquaint the Georgia National Guardsmen with new operational tracking tools for battlefield maneuvers and new `kit,' a term adopted from their British coalition counterparts for issued military gear. Part of the new toolkit for operations is the CPOF or Command Post of the Future. A `Star Trek-esque' computer tracking software that is more battlefield management system than database with all the moving parts, (video, digital audio integrated field radio equipment and mapping identifiers) that allow real-time communications for com- 18 The First Friday Briefing mand responses and, most important, faster reaction time. Specialist Mario Derring, a Headquarters and Head- quaters Company, 48th IBCT Fire Support Team CPOF op- erations specialist, a new position for the young soldier, but his determination is the same as that of Soldier's past; to get all he can from his training. "My goal is to learn what I can to ensure the safety of my fellow Soldiers and make our partnership with (the ANSF) successful." The primary mission for the Georgia Volunteer Brigade Guardsmen will be mentoring and training the Afghan Na- tional Army and Afghan National Police. Brigadier Gen. Lawrence E. Dudney will take command of the 11,000 personnel of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, which is currently headquartered in Kabul. The task force will include Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade as well as active duty Army, Navy and Marine service mem- bers. Dudney says that training the Afghan forces is a good fit for the many Guardsmen who performed similar mentor- ship roles during the 48th Brigade's 2005-2006 deployment to Iraq. "Granted, Afghanistan is not Iraq, but our soldiers have an appreciation for mentoring," said Dudney. "We have specific skills as citizens and Soldiers that will lead to the success of this mission. Quite a few of our Soldiers are in Wrapping it up law enforcement and others are educators and this duality is part of the uniqueness of the National Guard community and something our active brethren do not have. What I look forward to is working together as we help a strong na- A combat medic with 148th BSB and participating in the Convoy Escort simulated training exercise treats a fellow Soldiers gunshot wound and puts his military traumatic injury training towork. The exercise mission was part ofthe 48th IBCT trainup at Fort Polk, La. in preparation of the Volunteer Brigade's' tion become even stronger." mentoring mission in Afghanistan. Force Protection Left: Private 2nd Class Mike Ramey a weapons specialist with the 148th BSB controls the crowd as his fellow Soldiers manage a vehicle IED explosion during a training exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La. The First Friday Briefing 19 Guard language program expands Members of the 221 Military Intelligence Battalion, a part of the newly created 560th BfSB, have played a key roll in initiating the Georgia State Command Language Program (SCLP), which is now up and running. Its mandate is to identify Georgia Soldiers who have a proficiency in a foreign language and assist them with training opportunities. Within the last six months the SCLP has surged from 28 to 107 identified Soldiers who are proficient in a foreign language. For these Soldiers, the Army has set aside a significant amount of money into a program called the Total Army Language Program (TALP) with its sole purpose to assist Soldiers in maintaining their proficiency. In fact the Army is even willing to pay Soldiers who are proficient in a foreign language regardless of what MOS they possess. If you are an Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian Farsi, Dari, Punjabi, Pashtu or Turkish speaker you are eligible to receive up to $400 a month in Foreign Language Proficiency Pay if you can take and pass the Defense language Proficiency Test in your respective language. So if you are a Spanish, French, Tagalog or Russian speaker why should you care or how does this pertain to the Army is interested in identifying Soldier linguists, and making them better as well as providing them opportunities to serve. There are 2-3 week long language refresher courses hosted around the United States as well as immersion courses hosted overseas in countries such as China, Serbia & Montenegro, France, Senegal (for French), Morocco (for French or Arabic), Egypt; Jordan (for Arabic), Costa Rica, Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, South Korea and Vietnam. Along with language training there are missions requirements being tasked on a regular basis requesting linguist support. When missions or opportunities arise, the Georgia State Command Language Program is called upon to provide linguist support. The Georgia Army National Guard has provided a Thai linguist to translate for the Staff Judge Advocate at Fort Eustis, Va., for a trial. While in Kosovo, a Guardsman served as an interpreter for the president of Poland. Story by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Puckett 20 The First Friday Briefing Within the Guard there are Arabic and Pashtu linguists providing real world contingency support to national level agencies in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Two Arabic speaking soldiers have been identified, and now support the National Ground Intelligence Center on a full time basis. The Guard also has a Serbo-Croatian and a Russian linguist who does real world intelligence support to national level agencies, during drill weekends. Many other opportunities are being proposed such as identifying Georgian linguists to help support the partnership program our state currently has with the Country of Georgia. If a Soldier does speak a foreign language, but feels that they are a little rusty, the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Gillem is developing a language library that will feature computer workstations, magazines, cable news television in foreign languages and a media resource center that allows Soldiers to bring their IPOD or MP3 players and upload the latest podcasts. There are plenty of training and mission opportunities for Soldiers who speak foreign languages, but they need to be identified so they can be provided with the opportunities. If you are interested in finding out more information about the Georgia State Command Language Program please contact Sgt. Dustin Willis or Sgt. Russell Pierce at (678) 569-5924. The First Friday Briefing 21 108th marks start of the 48th's Afghan deployment Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry From Dalton to Rome to Cedartown to Canton, Sol- diers of 1st Battalion, 108th RSTA stepped out on a cold March day, loaded themselves and their equipment aboard the buses that would take them to Camp Shelby, Miss., and began the first leg of their journey to Afghanistan. The 108th is only one part of the more than 2,000 mem- bers of the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team about to spend a year supporting Operation Endur- ing Freedom. For many among the 108th and the brigade, this is their second war-time deployment. The first, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, came in 2005 to 2006. While at Shelby, the members of Alpha, Charlie and Bravo troops, and those of their forward support unit, Company D, 148th Brigade Support Battalion, and other elements of the 48th IBCT going to Afghanistan, will be involved in some very intense training. What they'll be learning is how to train the Afghan army and National Security Police to better do their jobs. "When this unit and the brigade went to Iraq, it was the Saying Goodbye first time most of our people had gone to war," said Lt. Staff Sgt. Brian Mullinax, a communiCol. Randall Simmons, who commands the 108th. "With cations specialist with Rome's Troop that deployment under our belts, more than 60 percent of those going with us now have the experience we need to make this deployment a success." During the two days before they left for Mississippi, A, 1st Battalion, 108th RSTA, holds his daughter -2-month-old Briley, during the troop's send off ceremony at the Rome Armory. Behind him are his wife, LaSaundra, and his sister, Christi Fuller of the Soldiers of the 108th gathered in their armories, civic Rome. centers or local churches to receive the gratitude and well- wishes for a safe return home from their families, friends and communities. At each ceremony, the sentiment was the same. "Stay strong, believe in yourself, your unit, your training, your fellow Soldiers, your leadership and your country," were the words used by local, state and national officials, like Calhoun mayor pro-tem George Crowley, state representatives Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambilss and U.S. Sen. Phil Gingrey. "And while you're away on your mission in Afghanistan," Gingrey told the 108th. "Know that your families will be safe and looked after. That is our mis- sion here at home. He's been reminded in the past six years, he said, of just how strong, caring and commit- Mission Ready ted Georgia communities are to their Citizen-Soldiers and their Captain Nathan Stone (right), who commands Rome's Troop A, 1st families. Battalion, 108th RSTA, discusses his unit's deployment with U.S. Phil Gingrey of Georgia, during the troop's send off ceremony at the "This is Georgia, and that's Rome Armory. just who we are, Gingrey said. 22 The First Friday Briefing Making the transition: Windows Vista will replace XP The Georgia Army National Guard begins transitioning from Microsoft's XP operation system (OS) to the Vista Operating System in the next 60-90 days with a completion target of December 09. This transition is required due to Microsoft's announced end to its support for XP, as well as the Army's and NGB's desire for a common operating system. The Vista OS also offers added enhanced security features. In addition to fielding the Vista OS, Microsoft Office 2003 will be upgraded to the Office 2007 suite. To ease the transition, detailed instructions will be provided to a group of personnel within each unit to prepare them to assist other users. Current plans also include training each user on the basic functions of the Vista OS and Microsoft Office as their systems are reimaged. IT officials acknowledge that there will be challenges for users and DOIM personnel as this project progresses. To minimize impact on the user plans are to provide training and imaging in multiple locations throughout the state effectively delivering the process to a location close to the user. Guardsmen can look for more details as planning and implementation progresses. All members are also encouraged to research these two systems/applications on their own, which can be accomplished at Microsoft's web site, along with various other on-line sources and technical publications. Guard members should also feel free to submit any questions, concerns, comments or suggestions you may have to the GA ARNG IT Help Desk (678.569.5611 or via email at: GAITHELPDESK2@ga.ngb.army.mil). The First Friday Briefing 23 Army, Air Guard faceoff at National Guard basketball game in April There's a real home court advantage for two teams scheduled to play on the hardwoods of Atlanta's Philips Arena in March. The teams will pair up with an awesome array of athletic abilities on each side, a fierce desire to play and win, and a commonly held goal to pay tribute to the men and women of the Georgia National Guard destined for deployment in 2009. The event is the first National Guard, Atlanta Hawks charity basketball game scheduled for April 10, 2009. Prior to a regularly scheduled NBA basketball game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Indiana Pacers, a team of Georgia Army Guardsmen face off with a team of Georgia Air Guardsmen for a high stakes, "Best in the Georgia Guard" competition loaded with pre-game fun and excitement. Guardsmen and their families are invited to witness this historic All-Guard matchup, and to remain for an exciting Hawks game and halftime activities that recognizes each unit scheduled for deployment in 2009. The Atlanta Hawks are providing discounted tickets for National Guard members and their families. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the many activities of the Georgia National Guard Foundation. Service reputations are on the line for this charity event that benefits everyone. Purchase your advance tickets now by completing the information on the event flyer, or call Tammy McEver at (678) 569-6025 or email tammy.mcever@us.army.mil. 110 CSSB at Annual Training Tifton, Ga.--The Georgia Army National Guard 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) recently completed its annual training at Camp Dodge, Iowa. While at Camp Dodge, Lt. Col. Roy Wood, 110th commander, and his staff conducted exhaustive command and staff training. The staff, consisting of 12 officers and 39 noncommissioned officers and soldiers, war gamed their combat mission using the JANUS military simulation software and exercised the Army Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). The exercise was in preparation for an upcoming deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and the Greater War on Terrorism (GWOT). "This deployment was excellent training for the battalion. We really put the staff through the paces of their war fighting mission," said Wood. In addition to the staff training, the 82nd Component Repair Company (CRC) executed intense maintenance operations, by rebuilding a transmissions, engines, and other assorted components on military vehicles. Unit members also completed nearly 100 work orders of various types. Additionally, both units participated in HWWMV Egress Assistance Training (HEAT) teaching Soldiers how to react in a vehicle rollover, Call For Fire Training, and Ground Radio Maintenance (GRM) Training. Master Sgt Andrew P. Pierce of the 117th Air Control Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard was presented the Airman Of The Year Award by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. The annual awards are presented to a deserving Airman, Soldier, Marine, Coast Guardsman, and Army Guardsman. Over 250 members of the Savannah business community turned out for the awards luncheon at the Westin Savannah Harbor to show their gratitude for the men and women from the greater Savannah area who protect our country. Upcoming Events March 6: helicopter static display (UH-60) at Timber Ridge Elementary School in McDonough, Georgia for their annual career day March 9-10: the 165th AW, along with the Savannah State ROTC, will be hosting Aviation Awareness Day at Hunter Army Airfield. A C-130 and CH-47 will be on display for the group. March 11: National Guard Day at the state capital. March 15: helicopter static display, provided by the 185th, at the Gwinnett Arena for the Military Appreciation Night. 24 The First Friday Briefing