GI\ DLl DO . 1\1 ;).005 My Fellow Georgians: Georgia Deparlment of Defense PO Box 17965 Allanta. Georgia 30316 For the men and women of the Georgia Depanment of Defense, Georgia National Guard and Siale Defense Force, the past year has been one of challenge, gallanlry, and unprecedented courage and sadness. With the cry "this unit is fit to fight," we witnessed the largest deployment of Aony Guardsmen and women in the last half-century. In the summerof2005, 3,000 Georgians marched off proudly to protect our nation's freedoms and its citizens' rights and privileges. Thankfully, over Ihe past year our Guard families joyfully welcomed the return of many of our Soldiers and Airmen from deployments. But, for thc first time since the Korean War, more than a half,century ago, members of our organization fell in combal. Twenty-three members of our family- gallant Georgians of the 48th Brigade Combat Team -IOSltheir lives in Operalion Iraqi Freedom. These men, and their families, will always remain members of our National Guard family and their heroism etched deeply in the annals of Georgia Guard history. We can take hean in the words of Ihe late Governor Ernest Vandiver, then AdjUlant General of Georgia. who wrote, almost prophelically, in 1952, "blood still runs, life still ebbs...they have slemmed Ihe tide of dcfc31. Our battle sliD lies ahead. It is our task today to gird ourselves for combat, maintain readinesss...and be prepared. We shall not forget these Soldiers and Airmen." TIle year also offered up the mosl significant domestic challenge to our nation and to our Georgia Guardsmen in more Ihan century, as Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and Ihe GulfCoasl. Our response was impressive. As soon as called upon. we pUI helicopters in the air and troops on the roads 10 Louisiana and Mississippi. Your Georgia Guardsmen were instrumental in saving lives, distributing supplies and searching for those trapped in Iheir homes by rising water. Just as importantly. your all-volunteer Georgia State Defense force mobilized to assisl evacuees who were flown to DobbinsAir Reserve Base. It was truly a team effort. We ended Ihe year on a high note with the story of a little child who riveted the nation's and the state's citizenry: the tale of "Baby Noor."The child was discovered by members ofthe 48th Brigade's Company C, [st Baltal ion, 12 [st Infantry while on patrol for insurgents. Only months old, she was suffering from debilitating spina bifida. With the help of Guardsmen and civilian aid agencies here "Baby Noar" was brought to Georgia, life saving surgery was performed and the child. who was once destined to a life short and dreadful, was given a sccond chance. Families of all of our Guardsmen will nevcr forget 2005 ... they smilcd, laughed, cried and lost loved ones. They've witness their wives, husbands. brothers, sisters and relatives aid the nation both domestically and thousands of miles away. This report is only a snapshot of the agony and thc ecstasy of this year...and yet, your Georgia Army and Air National Guard, Stale Defense Force and civilian work force stand ready to meet Ihe next challenge, and to proudly derend our state and nation. Without doubt, 2005 was one of our most challenging years in decades for the Georgia Nalional Guard .. About our Cover The cover of our 2005 Annual Report features "Freedom: a painting by noted Georgia artist Steve Penley honoring the men and women of the Georgia National Guard who have served in the Global War on Terror. Mr. Penley is donating all proceeds from the sale of the paining and limited edition prints to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. David B. POylhress MajarGeneral The Adjutant General Our Organization Commanderom-C hlel Gov"",,,.. Sonny P..duo The Adjutant Gfne,al M.J Gen O.vld B poyn .. ~, United Stales Property and FIscal Off,ce Our Dual Mission The National Guard is unique in that it has two constitutionally mandated missions... Our Federal Mission: To provide trained, equipped and superbly led forces, capable of mobilizing and deploying as directed by the National Command Authority. Both the Army and Air National Guard have assumed a larger role in our national defense. Since Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 9,000 Georgia National Guard members have been federally mobilized to participate in the War on Terrorism, including more than 3,000 members of the 48th Infantry Brigade deployed to Iraq in 2005. And our State Mission: To provide military support to civil authorities during emergency situations such as civil disturbances and natural or man-made disasters. From Hurricane Katrina and the G8 Economic Summit to killer tornadoes in southwest Georgia, the Georgia Department of Defense and National Guard have supported tocal law enforcement and emergency management officials in times of need. More than 2,000 National Guard and State Defense Force members were on duty along the Gulf coast and in Georgia to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Other significant state deployments have included the flooding in central and southwest Georgia in 1994 and 1998; Operation Centennial Guard during the Olympic Games in 1996 and Operation Sky Guard in our state's airports in 2001 and 2002. Total Georgia DoD personnel called to State Active Duty 19932004: Over 15,000 January The new year begins with convoys and buses rolling out of lowns across Georgia as Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade leave their armories to begin training at Fort Stewart in preparation for their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom ... The 116th Air Control Wing is presented its unprecedented 11 th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service ... The 39-member 118th Personnel Service Company (Ellenwood) arrives in Kuwait and reports to Camp Doha ... The 171 sl Combat Aviation Support Battalion returns home after a year-long deployment to Southwest Asia. The 225-member unit logged more than 3,800 accident-free flying hours in its UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters throughout Kuwait and southern Iraq. February Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) becomes the first unit Army-wide to receive the new Army Combat Uniform ... Ernest Vandiver, who was twice Adjutant General of Georgia and former governor, dies at his home in Lavonia ... Company H, 171 sl Aviation (Dobbins ARB) arrives home after a year of flying its C-23 Sherpa airplanes in Southwest Asia. March Uzbekistan, located on the border of Afghanistan, becomes the temporary home base for rotating crews of Savannah's 165 Airlift Wing in support of the Global War on Terror. .. Afghan villagers look to the skies for the food and other neces- Senior Airman Mary Warnock, 165th Aerial Port Squadron, Savannah, guides a military vehicle onto an aircraft while deployed to Rhine Mein Air Base, Germany_ sary supplies air dropped from CH47 Chinook helicopters by aircrews of Savannah's Detachment 1, Company F, 131 st Aviation during heavy winter snows. April The 48th BCT is validated as ready for combat after a grueling exercise at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. .. The 17th and final Joint STARS aircraft arrive at Robins' 116th Air Control Wing adding to the wing's complement of one of the Air Force's most sophisticated aircraft. .. Georgia's Counterdrug operations adds the new Full Spectrum Integrated Vulnerability Assessment Team (FSIVA) capability which provides civil authorities with early warning terrorism capability... Chief Master Sgt. Robert Colley of Macon's 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron is named the Air National Guard's top engineer nationally... The Georgia State Defense Force and Momoe's 178th Military Police Company team with local law enforcement to playa key role in Operation Castle Keep, a major homeland security exercise at the Buford Dam on Lake Lanier. May Following five months of intensive training, 3,000 Georgians of the 48th BCT, together with Soldiers from five other states, depart Fort Stewart Spc. Rani Rathburn, 178th Military Police Co, evaluates casualties following a "car bomb explosion" at a road block during the Operation Castle Keep training exercise at Buford Dam. for a year-long deployment to Iraq. The Brigade's historic mission marks the largest deployment of Soldiers of the Georgia National Guard since World War II ... Forward air controllers of the GeorgiaAir National Guard's 165th Air Support Operations Squadron, headquartered in Brunswick, accompany the 48th BCT on its deployment to Iraq ... Savannah's 122nd Rear Operations Center (The- atre Support Command) is again called to duty for operations in Southwest Asia. The unit, on its way to Iraq, was among Georgia's first Army National Guard units to deploy to Afghanistan in 2001 ... The Georgia Army Guard finishes as runner up for the Army's Community of Excellence Award, which brings an estimated $80,000 in prize money to be used to fund leadership development courses. June In Iraq, Georgia's 48th BCT takes over from the 10th Mountain Division and assumes responsibility for south Baghdad, including the famed "triangle of death"... Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia's Adjutant General, is awarded the national usa Patriot Award ... Staff Sgt. Patrick Ragan of the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron in Macon is selected as a part of the elite Presidential Communications Team ... Amid challenges nationally to recruit new military members, the Georgia Army National Guard leads the nation in overall accessions of new Soldiers and is ranked second in the nation for recruiter productivity. July 48th BCT Soldiers uncover a large cache of weapons near Baghdad headquarters, the first of many such successful operations during the ensuing months... Former Adjutant General of Georgia, Maj. Gen. Joseph Griffin, dies in Thomasville. Griffin served as commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade in the 1980's. August Georgia's 4th Civil Support Team (Dobbins ARB) hosts the inaugural meeting of the Governor's Agroterrorism CommiUee to develop plans for combating terrorism in the state's food supply ... The 221s1 Military Intelligence Battalion (FI. Gillem) deploys to Fort Dix, N.J., for the first leg of its return to Iraq... Peach State STARBASE, a science-focused program for elementary school students, combines the resources of Lockheed-Martin and Fernbank for a highly successful summer program. by Governor Perdue... Brig, Gen. Terrell Reddick, deputy commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, dies following a long illness... The 48th BeT assumes a major role in helping safeguard voting locations in Baghdad in preparation for the October constitutional referendum and elections. November Longtime Georgia State Defense Force chief of _ _.--, staff Col. Mike McGuinn is ap- pointed commander olthe 800 member unit and promoted 10 brigadier gen- eral ... Georgia 48th BCT Guardsman Spc. Brian Hall Spc. Brian Hall of Griffin recieves his accepts a Purple Purple Heart from President George Bush while recoveing from inuries at Heart at Walter Walter Reed. Reed Army Medial .:.:.:=.:.:.:=-------- Center from Presi- dent George W. Bush... The 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment departs Camp Attebury, Ind., for Iraq to assume responsibility for the Coalition Press InformaUon Center in the International Zone in Baghdad... The 48th Brigade transfers authority for south Baghdad to the 101 st Airborne Division and assumes its new mission to safeguard convoys and roads throughout the country ... Georgia activates the 170th Military Police Battalion, a new unit that will eventually include Winder's 178th MP Company and Kennesaw's 190th MP Company... Forty-live deployed Soldiers of the 118th Personnel Services Detachment return home the day before Thanksgiving. Governor Somy Perdue honors Georgia's laDen Soldiers during a prayer vigil allhe Stale Capitol. October The guidon of the 116th Air Control Wing is passed from Brig. Gen. Tom Lynn to Col. James 'Rev" Jones in a historic change of command ceremony attended December Georgia Soldiers and Airmen in Southwest Asia receive a Thanksgiving visit by Governor Perdue... Georgia'sArmy National Guard Commander, Brig_ Gen. Terry Nesbitt is promoted to major general. .. Governor Perdue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce announce a campaign to raise more than $1 million for families of Georgia's deployed Soldiers and Airmen through the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation ... Aircraft and crews of Savannah's 165th Airlift Wing complete a year of continuous rotations to Uzbekistan in support of the Global War on Terror. .. The year comes to a close as Baby Noor arrives in Atlanta to undergo surgery for spina bifida. Soldiers of the 48th BCT's Company C, 1st Battalion, 121 stlnfantry, dicovered the threemonth old infant while searching lor insurgents and orchestrated her trip to Atlanta for a lifesaving operation. Commander: Maj. Gen. Scott A. Hammond Command Chid: Command Chief Master Sgt. Betty Morgan The Georgia Air National Guard is comprised of 3,000 Airmen and officers assigned to two flying wings and six geographically separated units (GSUs) throughout Georgia. In the past four years, every Air National Guard unit in Georgia has been activated in support of the Global War on Terror. Flight crews, aircraft maintenance personnel, communications technicians, air controllers and air security personnel have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Uzbekistan and other locations throughout the Southwest Asia. The Georgia Air National Guard is made up of the following units... The Georgia Air National Guard Headquarters at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta includes the state headquarters staff whose mission is to provide command and control of Georgia Air Guard units. Co-located with the headquarters is the 530th Air Force Band. The 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins flies and maintains the Air Force's only fleet of Joint STARS (Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System) aircraft. The air-to-ground surveillance radar system is capable of tracking moving ground targets from more than 150 miles away, and provides ground commanders with real time intelligence. In 2005 the 116th earned its 11th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and passed a rigorous operational readiness inspection. The 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah flies C130 cargo aircraft carrying personnel and equipment around the world. In 2005 the unit deployed aircraft and more than 100 personnel to KarshiKhanabad (K2), Uzbekistan for 11 months. During this period the unit airlifted more than 35,660 pounds of cargo in support of the Global War on Terror. Col. Tom Moore, 165th commander, also deployed to K2 for four months as the 416th Air Expeditionary Group commander. During this time, he oversaw the base shutdown and relocation of base flying operations from K2 to Manas, Kyrgystan. The 117th Air Control Squadron, headquartered in Savannah, has been heavily tasked in the Global War on Terror to provide air traffic control over strategic U.S. cities, as well as overseas locations. At the end of 2005, more than 100 members of the unit deployed to Iraq to provide sale airspace management over that country. This is the first time that an Air Guard air control squadron has had total control of all air resources including fighters, tankers and airlift capabilities. The 165th Air Support Operations Squadron in Brunswick provides air liaison and terminal attack ground controllers. Their job is to plan and coordinate close air support for ground maneuver units. Nicknamed the gSnakeaters,n the 165th has earned 15 Bronze Stars, many with valor, in Iraq and Afghanistan. The unit has members deployed with the 48th Infantry Brigade in Iraq. The 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron, headquartered in Macon, provides worldwide engineering, installation and relocation of command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems. Brunswick's 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron reports directly to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and provides deployable, full capability, long range communications. The unit was activated and deployed for more than two years in the wake of 9-11. The 283rd Combat Communications Squadron, located at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, provides deployable, long range communication and information capabilities supporting Air Force and Joint Force commanders. In an extraordinary example of the National Guard's homeland security mission, communica- tions specialists from Brunswick's 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron, Marietta's 283rd Combat Communications Squadron and Macon's 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron established and maintained reliable communications links with local, state and national emergency aid agencies working throughout the Gulf Coast region following Hurricane Katrina. The 139th Intelligence Squadron, Georgia's newest Air National Guard Squadron in Augusta, is scheduled for activation in 2006. The unit, to be made up of linguists and intelligence specialists, will provide real time electronic intelligence support to national agencies. The Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC), located at Savannah International Airport, is one of four such training facilities in the nation. The CRTC provides airspace parking, maintenance areas, training facilities, dormitories and other support functions for Air Force, Marine and Navy units. In 2005, more than 70,000 personnel rolated through the training facility. The CRTC also includes the Townsend Bombing Range 'in southeast Georgia. Members of the Aerial Port Squadron from the 165 Airlift Wing, Savannah lAP, GA, deployed to Rhine Mein Air Base, Germany for 6 months to augment active duty personnel. Pictured above, Senior Airman Mary Warnock, 165th Aerial Port Squadron, removes rollers after helping to load pallets on an a C-5 aircraft. Spc Sam Rogers, with HHC 48th Brigade Combat Team, receives hIs "payment" from 8 young Iraqi GIrl who is overjoyed with her new shoes. Spc Rogers helped deliver donated shoes to the Abu Tubar School near An Nasiriyah in southern Iraq Commander: Maj. Gen. William T. I csbitt Command Sergeant Major: Command Sgt Maj. Neil Russell The Georgia Army National Guard is comprised of nearly 9,000 Citizen-Soldiers drilling in some 60 hometown armories across the state. Georgia's Army Guard is the 13th largest in the nation and is composed of combat, combat support and combat service support units. During 2005, the Georgia Army Guard provided significant support to the Global War on Terrorism with nearly 4,000 members deployed, including the 48th Infantry Brigade, the largest deployment of Georgia National Guard troops into a combat zone since World War II. In addition, the Army National Guard played a key role in the response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Army Guard in Georgia includes three major commands: the 48th Infantry Brigade, the 78th Troop Command and the 1st Aviation Group. 48th Infantry Brigade - Headquartered in Macon, the brigade is the largest unit of the Georgia Army National Guard with nearly 4,500 members drilling in more than 30 hometown armories. In May, 2005, the 48th Brigade deployed to Iraq following three months of intensive training at Fort Stewart, followed by a final mission rehearsal exercise at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. In addition to the Georgia Guardsmen, the 48th Brigade Combat Team was augmented by more than 1,200 troops from units from six other states. Through the highly successful first six months of operations, the Brigade conducted combat, security, engineering, civil affairs and nation-building operations in and around Baghdad (see more on page 13). 78th Troop Command - With headquarters in Decatur, the 78th Troop Command is composed of military intelligence, artillery, engineer, military police. medical, transportation and maintenance units. Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 3,000 members, representing virtually every unit assigned to the 78th, have mobilized and deployed in support the Global War on Terrorism, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as at various military bases across the United States. 1st Aviation Group - Units of the 1st Aviation Group fly rotary and fixed wing aircraft from flight facilities at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah and the Winder Municipal Airport. Nearly every avia tion unit in the Georgia Army National Guard has mobilized in support of the Global War on Terror- ism. In the past 24 months, three units were deployed to the Middle East, including the 171 st Aviation Battalion (Dobbins ARB), which flies UH60 Black Hawks; Detachment 1, Company F, 131 st Aviation (Savannah), which flies CH-47 Chinooks; and Company H, 171st Aviation Regiment (Dobbins ARB), which flies C-23 Sherpas. The Army component of the Georgia National Guard is the Joint Force Headquarters which is located adjacent to Fort Gillem in Ellenwood. In addition to its three major commands, the Georgia Army National Guard includes the Regional Training Institute in Macon, which is home of the state Officer Candidate School and other professional development programs; and the National Guard Training Center at Fort Stewart which provides housing, equipment, maintenance facilities and training sites for National Guard units from Georgia and other states. Photographed through a night vision device, a medic with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team provides assistance to an elderly Iraqi man during a night operation. Georgia Army National Guard Spc. Rani Rathburn and Sgt. Philip Snow discuss tactics at a road block during training exercise titled Operation Castle Keep at Buford Dam Saturday March 5, 2005. Operation Castle Keep was a multi- agency exercise designed to test cohesion and abilities of local, state, and national agencies against a possible terrorist attack. Rathburn and Snow are with the 178th Military Police Company. ./ Georgia State Defense Force members at Dobbins ARB stand readY...!9 help~ offload litterbound evad1ees from New Orlean"s in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Commander: Brigadear Gen. Michael McGuinn Command Sergrand Major: Command Sgt. Maj. George (Randy) Garrell The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is authorized under the Official Code of Geor- missions by helping the National Guard as a force multiplier, and to assist civil authorities with disaster relief efforts and humanitarian causes. 2005 activities included playing a key role in supporting other agencies in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The GSDF mobilized within gia, ntle 38. It is an all volunteer, structured, hours of the call for help and provided medical uniformed and unsalaried military branch of the and ambulatory evacuee mission support at Georgia Department of Defense. The motto of Dobbins Air Force Base. In the initial hours of the Georgia Stale Defense Force is Parati operations, more than 150 troopers of the State Servire, "Ready to Serve," and over the past year, Defense Force reported for duty. members of the unit have lived up to that molto The GSDF has nearly tripled in size since serving their communities, state and nation by Sept. 11, 2001, growing from 300 to more than contributing more than 13,424 volunteer hours to 800 today, and contingency plans exist to expand public service activities. the force if necessary up to 5,000 persons. The The purpose of the GSDF is to provide a men and women of the GSDF come from all walks professional complement to federal and state of life and include law enforcement and govern- ment employees, physi- A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ROLE OF THE GSDF cians, lawyers, airline pilots, educators, chemists, When ordered by The Adjutant General, The Georgia State Defense Force provides an organized, trained, disciplined, rapid response uniformed force. law officers, engineers, technologists and home- Volunteers respond to needs and emergency situations as defined by The makers. There is tremen- Adjutant General or the Governor. dous expertise throughout The GSDF performs a variety of tasks in support of the Georgia Department of Defense and its National Guard elements, including legal assistance, medical support, family assistance, technical support including communications, engineering and environmental support, and other specialized types of skilled assistance, plus the provision of augmentation troops where needed In addition, the GSDF performs civil support operation missions such as evacuation and traffic control assistance during natural disasters, on-site security, crowd control and medical first aid for major public gatherings, and maintains liaison with the Georgia Emergency ManagementAgency (GEMA) and local law enforcement agencies. During disaster situations it provides staffing to the GEMA and GaDOD emergency operations centers. the force in both military and civilian professional areas. More than 50 percent of the officers in the GSDF have advanced education degrees, and many, though not all, have prior military experience. Because the GSDF is an all volunteer force, members incur personal costs including equipment, training classes, manuals, office supplies, travel and billeting. In 2005, GSDF volunteers spent an estimated $223,000 out of pocket to accomplish their missions. With increasingly complex demands falling on the GSDF as more National Guard troops are committed abroad, the GSDF is streamlining its procedures, proactively doing more training and expanding to meet the escalating demands on the State of Georgia due to homeland security priorities. Captain Clark Howard, a nationally known consumer advocate, radio host and author, is a member of the GSDF. Pictured above, he boards an airplane to New Orleans to assist in the transport of Katrina evacuees to Georgia. YOUR STATE DEFENSE FORCE AT WORK .:. Providing immediate response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina by helping slaff evacuee reception operations at DobbinsAir Reserve Base. .:. Ensuring order at the annual Wings Over Georgia Airshow by providing troops for crowd control. security augmentation and on site medical first aid support. .:. Providing medical support 10 the Georgia Army and Air National Guard in conducting medical exams. :. Providing troops for traffic and crowd control as well as security for the annual Memorial Day ceremonies at Marietta National Cemetery. :. Performing chaplaincy services and providing family counseling . :. Providing troops for traffic and crowd control for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon . :. Participating in Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Georgia Department of Defense hurricane preparedness exercises. :. Providing infonnation technology, engineering, logistics planning, organizational improvement, legal, environmental, public affairs and other specially support and assitance to the Georgia Department of Defense and National Guard. :. Maintaining capacity to provide biomedical, chemical and HAZMAT specialty support to the Georgia National Guard, if needed. GeorgIa State Defense Force members receive instruction on crowd control techniques during the organization's annual training at Fort Stewart. Georgia National Guard Mobilization Update As of January 1, 2006 Georgia Army National Guard Units deployed overseas (Part of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom) 48th Infantry Brigade - Macon and 31 other hometowns 3rd Infantry Detachment - Fort Stewart (2nd rotation) 22151 Military Intelligence Battalion - Fort Gillem (2nd rotation) 1241h Mobile Public Affairs Detachment - Atlanta 122nd Rear Operations Center - Savannah (2nd rotation) Units mobilized or alerted in preparation for Operations Iraqi Freedom 1/214th Field Artillery - Elberton, Hartwell, Athens, Thomson, Washington, Waynesboro and Toccoa (2nd rotation) 878th Engineer Battalion -Augusta, Swainsboro, Sandersville, Lyons and Metter (2nd rotation) Units returned from active duty 221 st Military Intelligence Battalion - Fort Gillem 1/214th Field Artillery - Elberton, Hartwell, Athens, Thomson, Washington, Waynesboro, Toccoa 1901h Military Police Company - Kennesaw (2 rotations) 178th Military Police Company - Monroe (2 rotations) 148th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) - Winder 82nd Maintenance Company - Columbus 265th Engineer Group - Decatur 277th Maintenance Company - Kennesaw Company B, 161 st Medical Ballalion - Marietta 166th Maintenance Company - Jackson 878th Engineer Battalion -Augusta, Swainsboro, Sandersville, Lyons and Metler 202nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment- Kennesaw 178th Military Police Company' Monroe (2 rotations) 11 Oth Corps Support Battalion Headquarters - Columbus 165th Quartermaster Company - Brunswick 1148th Transportation Company - Thomasville and Moultrie Company H, 171 st Aviation - Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta 171 st Combat Aviation Support Battalion - Dobbins Air Reserve Base Detachment 1, Company F, 131 stAviation - Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah 118th Personnel Service Company - Ellenwood Georgia Air National Guard 116th Air Control Wing - Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins 165th Airlift Wing - Savannah 165th Atr Support Operations Squadron - Brunswick 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron - Brunswick 283rd Combat Communications Squadron - Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta 116th Security Police Squadron - RobinsAir Force Base, Warner Robins 1651h Security Police Squadron Savannah Combat Readiness Training Cenler - Savannah In May 2005, more than 3,000 members of the 48th Infantry Brigade, augmented by 1,200 Soldiers from five other states, deployed to Iraq in what was the largest deployment of Georgia Guard troops into a combat zone since World War II. Based for the first six months at Camp Striker, at the International Airport in southwest Baghdad, the unit had responsibility for operations in more than 250 square miles, including the famed 'Triangle of Death." In November, as part of the regular rotation of responsibilities, the Brigade had a major mission change with the primary focus on providing convoy and route security spread over hundreds of miles of roadways. The 48th's missions have been varied and in- tense. Patrols, mounted in Humvees and Bradley fighting vehicles, have traversed the dangerous roads in war-torn cities like Abu Ghraib and Mahmudiyah looking for insurgents and terrorists. Between May and November, 48th Soldiers captured and detained hundreds of insurgents, many of whom have been successfully prosecuted through the new Iraqi judicial system. Georgia's Citizen-Soldiers also identified and compromised hundreds of IEDs (impro- vised explosive devices) and unearthed significant weapons caches. But the 48th's mission ran far beyond the scope of close combat operations. The leadership of the brigade engaged in helping the country build a new, democratic government. They've established relationships with the sheiks and mayors in the communi- Above, the helmet and rifle of a 48th Brigade fallen soldier stands in silent remembrance during a memorial service at Camp Striker, near Baghdad. Top photo: Sgt. First Class Rick D. Smith, E Troop, 1DB'h Cavalry, on patrol near Baghdad. ties and worked closely with them to build trust, security and a new government. The Soldiers of the 48th have also focused on civic action projects such as establishing medical clinics and rebuilding schools and infrastructure to help the country rebuild, and to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. The success of the brigade has not come without a high price, however. Since their deployment, 23 Georgians of the 48th Brigade Combat Team have paid the ultimate sacrifice (see back inside cover). o SAYING GOODBYE ~ ~R;~.'~Y:~u~LESSING t--l Note: The 48th Brigade's deployment has captured the attention of media across the state and the region. The following column was penned by syndicated columnist C. Richard Yarborough during his trip to Iraq in October, shortly before the unit changed missions. His story captures the essence 01 the unit's mission as well as the successes and accomplishments of Georgia's CitizenSoldiers in Iraq. Camp Stiker, Oct. 14,2005 - I am coming home. As you read this, I should be on a C-5A headed for Dover, Del., and then to THE 48th BRIGADE IN IRAQ This map shows where 48th Brigade units are assigned since November 2005. home sweet home. I leave with mixed emo- tions. Taking the world's longest shower and troops from the 101 st Airborne, headquartered at Fort sleeping in a real bed with a real mattress will be a Campbell, Ky. The citizen-soldiers from Georgia have pleasure, but leaving behind the men and women of acquitted themselves well. Give credit to their leader, Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team wasn't easy. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver. Rodeheaver is a warrior These are good folks, and I wish that I'd had the lime who insists on getting in the middle of the action with to talk to more people from more places about more his men and mixing it up with the bad guys. His things, but logistics, distances and schedules sergeant major, James Nelson of Sylvester, just wouldn't allow, shakes his head and smiles, "The man is impossible The 48th's mission is about done here, Within to manage." the next month, there will be a new mission for them Rodeheaver is also a diplomat. If the constitu- in new locations. Coming in to replace the 48th are tional referendum passes - and given my travel ,,.. Major Chris Vasa (R) greets a local mosque leader durIng a visit to a Village near Lutafyia, Iraq, Vasa, is the Commander of the 1st Battalion, Military Intergration Transistion Team supporting the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade schedule you may know before I do - he will deserve no small measure of the credit for the work he has done with the local sheiks, imams and local government officials within his 250-square-mile area of responsibility. It hasn't been easy. Egos abound. After a tedious day of negotiating with the sheiks and watching them posture, vent and orate, the general, a regional economic development manager for Georgia Power, said he felt like he was in a county commission meeting in middle Georgia. The 48th has had a dangerous territory to police, including the aptly-named Triangle of Death. It is hard to know who is on our side and who isn't. The Iraqis don't smile a lot, and for good reason. They haven't had much to smile about in their lifetimes. The Georgians are working as hard on community relations as they are at ferreting out terrorists. For example, Lt. Col. John King commands the 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment, headquartered in Calhoun and composed of some 500 fighting men from throughout north Georgia. In addition to managing a significant part of the war, King has spent much time teaching local government officials the basics of how to conduct a public meeting. He knows whereof he speaks. He is chief of police in Doraville, working on a regular basis with his City Council. Which brings up an interesting point: The National Guard is made up of citizen-soldiers. Not only can they inflict some serious punishment on the bad guys - and do - but they have real world experience to pass along to the locals and help them get their new world up and running. However the war is resolved, this part of Iraq is going to be a little bit better because the 48th was here. I truly believe that. The strategy of showing the locals an alternative to terrorism is a good one, but it is going to take time and I'm not sure our instant gratification and politically divisive society will allow the time. That would be a shame. If the people of the Middle East ever get a taste of democracy, they aren't going to give it up easily. As the 48th prepares to leave, they are working with the 101 st Airborne to step in and take over the fight and the process of moving Iraq toward democracy. Leading the effort will be Col. Todd Ebel, a West Point graduate and a professional soldier in the finest sense of the word. We forget sometimes the personal sacrifices our military personnel make on our behalf. "I have missed the birth of two of my children," he said, "and will most likely miss two of their graduations." Ebel has nothing but praise for the 48th. Asked about the differences between his regular Army troops and the National Guard, he smiles and says, "Your guys get a lot more candy and cookies than we do." The colonel turned serious and said that to the enemy, there is no difference. That is why the transition between his troops and the 48th Brigade Combat Team must be seamless. The trip to Iraq was hard on this old man. I missed many hours of sleep. I didn't get to eat when I wanted. I almost got my fanny blown to kingdom come. Getting from place to place was sometimes a logistical nightmare. I have sucked up enough Iraqi dust to start my own desert with my next sneeze. But the hardships I have experienced in my short time here is nothing compared to the sacrifices of my fellow Georgians. Some even gave their lives. I hope it wasn't in vain. Now I am coming home to my family. My prayer is that the men and women of the 48th Brigade Combat Team will soon join me after a successful mission in Iraq. They are great Americans. Bless them one and all. First Lt. Jeff Morgan was instrumental in getting support to bring Noor to the U.S. tor lifesaving surgery. (Photo courtesy AJC) The Touching Tale Of Baby Noor Amidst the headlines of war has come a story that touched the hearts of many when a three-month-old Iraqi infant was rescued from certain death by the concern and compassion of Georgia Guardsmen serving In war-torn Iraq. Known as "Baby Noar," the Iraqi child was discovered by members of Company C, 1st Battalion, 121 st Infantry, during a raid near Abu Ghraib in search for insurgents. The child was born with spina bifida, a debilitating condition that, if not treated, would certainly have killed her within weeks. Thanks to the efforts of the Charlie Company soldiers who brought world attention to her plight, Noar arrived in Atlanta on New Years Eve for lifesaving surgery at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Childspring International, a child advocacy program, was instrumental in sponsoring Noor and her familiy into the country. Noor is recovering from successful surgery and the prognosis for her future is excellent. From the floodwaters of downtown New Orleans to the ravaged coastline of Mississippi, more than 2,000 Georgia Army and Air National Guard members responded to the call to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Even as the storm clouds were clearing, Army and Air Guard aviation assets were on the move. Two Georgia Guard UH-60 Black Hawks were already on-station at Camp Shelby, Miss., and found themselves immediately providing support. Within hours, CH-47 Chinook helicopters deployed to New Orleans and C-130 cargo airplanes began hauling cargo and troops into the flooded city, and returned with evacuees. In the days that followed the storm, nearly 1,500 members of the Army Guard's 78th Troop Command deployed to southern Mississippi along with members of the Georgia Air National Guard. Back in Atlanta, more than 150 members of the Georgia State Defense Force played a key role in receiving and processing thousands of evacuees through Dobbins Air Reserve Base. A look at the support... The 265th Engineer Group (Decatur) provided command and control for the central sector of the Mississippi coast. Setting up opera~ tions in a high school just north of Gulfport, the 265th's span of control included more than 850 Georgia Army and Air Guard members, as well as units from other states. Included in fhe task force was the 201 st Supply and Services Battalion (Newnan). The 110th Combat Support Battalion (Columbus) operated out of Kiln, Miss., with responsibility for providing support to the western sector of the Mississippi coast. Georgia's military and security police deployed to St. Barnard Parrish, just east of downtown New Orleans to help restore order and operate control checkpoints. As the flood waters receded, they conducted house-to-house searches for survivors. Operating out of Jackson Barracks, the force included security police from the 165th Airlift Wing (Savannah) and the 116th Air Control Wing (Warner Robins) along with 190th Military Police Company (Kennesaw), and the 178th Military Police Company (Monroe). Georgia's aviation assets set up a base of operations at Belle Chase Naval Air Station, just south of New Orleans. The CH-47s of the 131st Aviation Detachment (Savannah) and the UH60's of the 171st Aviation Support Battalion (Dobbins Air Reserve Base) played a key role in repairing broken levees by dropping huge sandbags into the water to plug the breaks. The helicopters also filled huge water buckets in Lake Ponfchartrain and dumped them on burning buildings across the flooded city. Using the hoists on their UH-1 Huey helicopters, members of the 148th Medical Company (Winder) rescued hundreds of survivors from rooftops, with the dramatic scenes often shown on national TV. C-130 Hercules cargo airplanes from the 165th Airlift Wing (Savannah) flew vital missions carrying troops and supplies into the damaged area and flying evacuees to safety. One of the most immediate and welcome responses came from the Georgia State Defense Force. As airplane loads of evacuees arrived, the SDF activated more than 150 members to help staff the emergency response center. Working out of two large hangars at Dobbins, SDF troopers unloaded hundreds of evacuees, many of them hospital and nursing home patients on stretchers or in wheelchairs. The SDF's medical team, working with other disaster relief agencies, played a key role in the medical evaluation process as New Orleans evacuees were triaged and moved to shelters in the metro-Atlanta area. Helping tie the efforts together was the high-tech communications support from the Georgia Air National Guard's communications units. The 283rd Combat Communications Squadron (Dobbins ARB) set up a communica~ tions hub in Lyman, Miss., with supporting elements of the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron (Brunswick) in Wiggins and Kiln, Miss., and the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron (Brunswick) in New Orleans. Above, Maj. Timothy A. Doherty of the 148th Medical Company, Georgia Army National Guard, helps an elderly man up from a school building near downtown New Orleans after being stranded by the flood waters that ravaged the city. Top right - Georgia State Defense Force and Air National Guard personnel at Dobbins Air Reserve Base care for an evacuee from New Orleans. 7'1Je Georgia Department of Defense performs a variety 01 nontraditional missions which I capitalize on the unique capabilities and assets of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard and State Defense Force. These missions are under the direction of the Joint Operations Directorate headquartered at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Missions include the Youth Challenge Academy, the 4th Civil Support Team, the State Partnership Program, STARBASE and the Counlerdrug Task Force. The Joint Operations Directorate is a/so responsible for planning and coordinating military support to civil authorities including homeland defense operations. Youth Challenge Academy Georgia's highly acclaimed Youth Challenge Academy graduated four classes during 2005 from the Fort Stewart campus near Hinesville and the Fort Gor- don campus near Augusta. Since the program's incep- tion 11 years ago, more than 6,000 formerly "at-risk" teens have graduated from the National Guard-spon- sored program. Youth Challenge is a unique initiative that helps Georgia's high school dropouts earn aGED or high school diploma. It also teaches them important "life skills," focusing on subjects that help prepare stu- dents for meeting future adult obligations. During a fivemonth residence phase, YCA uses discipline, structure and a healthy lifestyle to help students get their lives "back on track." Youth Challenge is not a disciplinary Cadets at the Youth Challenge Fort Gordon campus prepare for physical training. The unique program stresses physical, as well as mental fitness and community service. boot camp and attendance is voluntary. The program uses a structured military setting, and cadets are trained in traditional drill and ceremonies, military cus- toms and courtesies, teamwork and military leadership. The program is very successful with more than 20 percent of graduates continuing their education in colleges or votech schools, 17 percent joining the military and 55 percent finding civilian employment. Counterdrug Task Force The Counterdrug Task Force implements the governor's state plan by supporting federal, state and local law enforcement agencies statewide. During 2005, the unit participated in operations result- ing in the seizure of more than $38 million worth of marijuana plants, more than $11 million of cocaine and more than $1 million in methamphetamine. The Counterdrug Task Force's efforts directly resulted in the arrest of 3,424 criminals involved in illegal drug activities. The Security and Support Section (formerly The Security and Support Section flies OH58 Kiowa RAID) flew its OH-58 observation helicopters, equipped observation ~elicopters to provide aerial support with state-of-the-art technology, more than 800 hours and reconnaIssance for law enforcement members in su ort of law enforcement agencies throughout the of the Governor's Counterdrug Task Force. pp state. Counterdrug ground operations sections, Silent Watch and K-9 Support, resulted in numerous arrests by applying their unique military skills. In another important strategy in the battle to keep drugs off the streets, the Drug Demand Reduction Program took drug awareness training to nearly one-million Georgia young people through schools, community-based organizations and government agencies. 4th Civil Support Team Based at DobbinsAir Reserve Base, the 4th Civil Support Team is a 22-member unit whose mission is to support local incident commanders by assessing sus- pected weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents. The team advises civilian responders about appropri- ate actions, and provides technical coordination to fa- cilitate the arrival of additional forces if needed. The 4th CST is equipped with state of the art detection, analyti- cal, and protective equipment, along with secure satel- Sergeant Nick Agle of the Georgia National Guard's 4th Civil Support Team enters the 'hot zone' during a weapons of mass destruction exercise with U.S. Federal air marshals. lite and mobile telephone communications. The unit participates in both military and emergency first responder training, and team members undergo approximately 600 hours of specialized training above their military occupational skill education requirements. In addition to re- sponding to suspected WMD incidents, the team is routinely called to "sweep" high profile public events for the potential presence of weapons of mass destruction. Peach State STARBASE P each State STARBASE is part of a nationwide, highly interactive academic enrichment program de- signed to reinforce math and science skills for elemen- tary age students by introducing them to aviation and space exploration. Fifth graders from selected schools attend the course for a full day each week for five weeks. Students perform hands-on experiments and simulations, and go on field trips to see the various Air Force and Army aviation facilities and equipment. Activities include rocket building, problem solving exercises, science experiments and flight simulation in the facility's computer lab. The curriculum has been designed to correlate with the Georgia fifth grade quality core curriculum for math, A students from Cobb County's Belmont Hills Elementary School puts the finishing touches on the model rocket he built while at STARBASE. science and technology. STARBASE is housed in a specially built facility at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. State Partnership Program The Georgia National Guard has partnered with the Republic of Georgia since the mid-1990's and has built a strong working relationship between the two coun- tries. One Georgia Guardsman serves as a full-time liai- son in Tiblisi, the country's capital city. The program fo- cus is on three key areas: enhancing the Republic of Georgia's ability to respond to emergencies (similar to U.S. National Guard's role during state emergencies); assisting Georgia in building a viable helicopter aviation program; and assisting with humanitarian and engineer- Troops from the Republic of Georgia salute the reo ing efforts. Georgia continues to be important to U.S. in- viewing party during a formation to honor The Adju- terests because of its strategic location and oil pipelines tant General and other Georgia National Guard lead- ers during their 2005 visit. running through the region. Georgia is also significant in the Global War on Terrorism since an unknown number of al Qaida groups are believed to have hidden out in the remote Pankisi Gorge. Georgia's Historic National Guard Georgia's long and rich military history began in hunt down the Mexican bandit Pancho Villa who had England in the early 1730's. Under the direction of been raiding U. S. settlements. English aristocrat, James Edward Oglethorpe, the A year later in 1917, Georgia boys were "over future colonists were trained by Sergeants of the thereM fighting for victory in the Great War in Europe. Guard to serve as colonial militia. Settling in Georgia The 151st Machine Gun Battalion of the Georgia in 1733, Oglethorpe and his militia, along with his National Guard became part of the 42nd Rainbow British regulars, defended the colony against hostile Division and experienced 167 days in combat with the Native Americans and in July 1742 defeated a Spanish enemy. Some 23 years later (1940) the Georgia invasion force at the Battle of Bloody Marsh. National Guard, along with the National Guard of every Georgia's Militia forces later joined with General state, was mobilized for one year, ostensibly for George Washington to secure American indepen- training. Before they could return Pearl Harbor was dence. In January In 1779 at Fort Morris near Sunbury, bombed and the United States entered the war. General John Mcintosh responded to a British demand During World War tI, Georgia Army National for surrender with "We would rather perish in a vigorous Guardsmen landed in France just after D-Day and defense than accept your proposal sir," wrote Mcin- served with distinction as part of the 30th and 8th tosh. "We sir, are fighting the Infantry Divisions. In Italy, bailie of America and there- GeorgiaAir Guardsmen flew fore disdain to remain neutral bombing runs; and in the til its fate is determined. As Pacific Georgia Guardsmen to surrendering the Fort fought on Guadalcanal, in receive this reply, Come and New Guinea, and partici- take it!" pated in other engagements. Patriotic volunteer militia Following fhe war, the highlighted the frontier period Georgia Army and Air of the new state. Men of the Nationat Guard was reorga- "Georgia Batlalion~ aided nized.ln the 1950s Georgia Texas in its fight for indepen~ Air National Guardsmen dence from Mexico in 1836 were activated for the Korean and volunteered to help remove the Seminole Indians from Florida during the second Seminole War. , Conflict. And in the 1960s and 1970s,Air National A mortar crew of the 121 st Infantry fires during Guardsmen were called upon the campagin in Europe in 1945. to fly airlift missions into In the War Between the South Vietnam. States, Georgia responded by filling volunteer regi~ In 1990 and 1991, more than 5,000 GeorgiaArmy ments, battalions, and batteries, numbering 130, and Air National Guardsmen were mobilized to serve second in number only to Virginia. Georgia troops during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. More fought in both the Eastern and Western Theaters, and than 700 of the Georgia men and women saw service state defense militia tried desperately to stem in Saudi Arabia while others served in the United Sherman's 'March to the Sea' after the burning of States in a variety of missions. Atlanta. The federal mobilizations continued into the late Following Reconstruction and the reestablishment 1990s and early 2000s when Georgia Guardsmen were of a state military force in the late 19th century, called to serve in Bosnia. The 3rd Infanfry Detachment Georgia Guardsmen trained and prepared for service and 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment both both domestically and abroad. In 1898, Georgia raised served in the late 1990's, and the 48th Infantry Brigade 3,000 troops for the Spanish~American War effort, the deployed some 1,200 Soldiers to the Balkans in 2001. last major conflict prior to the dawning of the Georgia Following the events of September 11,2001, Guard's modern era. Georgia Army and Air National Guard units rapidly The modern era began in 1903 with the designa- deployed in support of Operations Noble Eagle tion of the militia as the ~National Guard" and the end (domestic security) or Enduring Freedom (the war in of the separate Black Militia. As Georgia National Afghanistan). Following the invasion of Iraq in 2002, Guardsmen, the state's military forces were often Guard units mobilized and deployed in support of called to quell domestic disturbances - often sparked Operation Iraqi Freedom. By mid 2005, the largest by labor strikes - and to assist in carrying out court mobilization of Georgia Guardsmen since World War II mandated death sentences and to aid in recovery from was underway with the deployment of the more than natural disaster. 3,500 personnel of the 48th Brigade to Iraq. By year's In 1916, Georgia National Guardsmen deployed to end most Georgia Army and Air Guard units had seen the Mexican border to help General John J. Pershing duty in the Global War on Terrorism.