BLACK DRAGON FRG Newsletter OCT 2012

BN Commander and Senior FRG Advisor Words

OCTOBER 4, 2012 VOLUME 9

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM 3

Chaplain’s Corner 4

HHB Hardcore 5

ALPHA Apaches 6

BRAVO Bulldogs 7-8

GOLF Ghost riders 9

Event Fliers 10-15

Current Events 16-18

Inside this issue:


BLACK DRAGON Soldiers, Families, and Friends : I would like to start my note to you all this month, by saying that

today the Department of Defense officially announced the 4th Bri-

gade, 1st Cavalry Division was going to deploy to Afghanistan in

the winter of 2012 (official release posted here: http://

www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15598). We

have all been talking about the deployment for the last 4-5

months, and in fact have spent the majority of our summer train-

ing for our possible deployment, so now that it is here it is time

that we make our final preparations. As a command team we re-

alize that deployments not only involve the Soldier but their fam-

ily (and extended family) as well. That is why we have commit-

ted to having involved families and empowered Family Readi-

ness Groups ever since I had the privilege of taking command.

Over the last several months we had several events focused on

informing our families so they can be better prepared for the up-

coming deployment, but we realize this is an ongoing process

and will continue to host events that involve and inform our fami-

lies throughout the deployment.

There are lots of ways that we will put out information to our fami-

lies, for announcements and updates on how the battalion is do-

ing we will continue to leverage our Social Media platforms (both

our Facebook pages and Twitter). For specific questions, con-

cerns, or help your Battery/Company Family Readiness Groups,

Group Leaders, and our FSRA Ms. Sheryl Banner are ready to

assist you. We will continue to publish their contact information

to your Soldier and through Social Media sites. We all under-

stand that deployments can be difficult times with the separation

as well as concern for your loved one; however as long as we

remain united, like the family we have become we will become

stronger during this deployment.

I have just returned from a two week reconnaissance trip to Af-

ghanistan; where I had the opportunity to visit with and receive

briefings from the Division all the way to the platoon level. After

hearing their briefings, observing their mission, and seeing the

terrain I am extremely confident in the ability of our Soldiers to

excel at the mission that is required of them. They are well

trained, they are well lead, and they are the best and the bright-

est of our nation they will be able to do whatever is asked and

then some more, they have our utmost confidence.

Part of the preparation for deployment is the re-alignment of the

battalion with some of our Soldiers becoming part of other bri-

gades here at Fort Hood. Right now we are taking less than 200

Soldiers from the 440 Soldiers that are currently assigned. To

make sure the remainder of our Soldiers is taken care of some

Soldiers will leave the battalion to join other units in the Division.

Golf Company along with some remaining elements of HHB and

Alpha will remain in 4th Brigade to support our Soldiers forward

and the equipment we have left behind. Bravo Battery will move

as a unit and be temporarily assigned to 1st Brigade (1-82 FA) so

that they can continue their Artillery Training. It is understand-

able that with all of these moving parts along with the deploy-

ment that some folks may become confused or frustrated, that’s

okay. If you have concerns or are confused please don’t hesitate

to bring those concerns forward to your unit leadership, and we

will do our best to answer your questions.

I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming 4-day Colum-

bus week-end or Block Leave period, everyone has

definitely earned some well-deserved time off.

Please take care of yourself during the holiday pe-

riod and we look forward to your safe return. Once

we come back from Block Leave (October 21) we will

shortly begin our movement into Afghanistan and

our unit re-alignment, please stay connect to your

battery/company leadership, Family Readiness

Group, and our Facebook page(s) for information

and updates.

As always, thank you for supporting your Soldier.

The Command Team of 5-82FA realizes that the Bat-

talion could not be as successful without your sup-

port and understand. Stay in touch with your FRGs

and follow us on our Social Media sites to keep up

with the latest information and opportunities.

Will and Jessy Johnson

FRG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/#!/

groups/582black.dragons/

Battalion Facebook Page www.facebook.com/#!/

pages/5th-Battalion-82nd-Field-Artillery-Regiment-

Black-Dragons/288593261191191

Twitter Account: @5th82fa

http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15598

http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15598

Pictures from BN Commander

OCTOBER 4, 2012 VOLUME 9



View of the rugged terrain of the Kapisa

Province in Afghanistan.

A M777 gun position in Laghman Province at

one of our outposts.

Air Assault Training at Fort Hood. Great

Job to Alpha Battery as the work with the

Aviation Brigade at Fort Hood to practice

moving the M777 Howitzer by Air.

BLACK

DRAGONS BULLETIN

BN CSM Words


Black Dragons, Families and friends; I continue to witness excellence among the Black Dragon formation

every day and I’m amazed of the things that you all accomplish day after day. As Soldiers, I ask you to re-

main mission focused and ready to meet the demands of the deployment and look out for each other in

everything that we do.

I am reminded of a quote from James H. Webb who was a former Marine and Secretary of State

(1987-1988) who stated, “I go anywhere in the world they tell me to go, any time they tell me to, to fight any-

body they want me to fight. I move my family anywhere they tell me to move, on a day’s notice, and live in

whatever quarters they assign me. I work whenever they tell me to work….And I like it.” What James H.

Webb described is what you are doing as a Soldier and a Black Dragon every day. Living and breathing

the Warrior Ethos. As you know, the Warrior Ethos has not changed. It is part of the Soldier’s Creed that

we know so well. It starts with the understanding that you are an American Soldier and a member of an

elite team that took an oath to serve the people of the United States and to live the Army Values. As a

Knight Warrior, you always place the mission first; you never accept defeat; you never quit; and you

never leave a fallen comrade. You are disciplined physically, mentally tough, trained and proficient in

Warrior Tasks and drills. You always maintain your arms, your equipment and yourself. You are an expert

and a professional. You are ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States and in

close combat. You are guardians of freedom and the American way of life and you are American Soldiers.

Again this could not be possible without the support of our Families and friends. Thank you all so

much for all the support as we move forward through the deployment. I’m very proud of each and every

one of you for maintaining a positive attitude leading up to this stressful time for all of us. I ask that you all

continue to maintain during this deployment. Although it can be hard being away from home and family

and friends, you must maintain your positive attitude. This will prove essential as we continue through this

deployment. Remember, we are BLACK DRAGONS!

Lastly, it is an honor and a privilege to serve with such a great team. Thanks to all of you for your sacrifice

to our country.

Can and Will!


CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Chaplain's Corner—FRG Newsletter – 30 September 2012

“Before You Get Married” – Part 4 of 4 (Surviving the In-Laws)

We end the series, “The BIG FOUR of a Successful Marriage,” with the final area you must discuss before

marriage – How to get along with the “In-Laws.”

"As a son-in-law or daughter-in-law, what are my obligations in relating to my spouse's parents?" How do

you view your in-laws? Is it a warm relationship or do you see your in-laws as a burden? Perhaps you feel

caught between trying to please them and just wanting to be yourself and have your own "space."

For some the response to the in-laws is to ignore them. The problem is that they're not just anyone.

They're connected to your spouse through genetics, history, and complex psychological dynamics. If you

avoid or argue, your spouse may feel caught in the middle between parents and you. If you feel your in-

laws are intruding into your married life, the old saying, "Good fences make good neighbors," may apply.

In concert with your mate, set reasonable boundaries; ask that he or she firmly and kindly insist that your

in-laws respect these limits.

What are those limits? Here are three things that "honoring" your in-laws does not mean:

It doesn't require that you submerge all your own feelings, desires, preferences, and needs in the service of "doing things their way."

It doesn't mean you must permit them to disrespect, control, or manipulate you for their own selfish ends.

It doesn't mean "obeying" their "parental" requests or requirements.

Sometimes the most honoring response is to diplomatically but firmly say, "No." It is important that both

you and your spouse stand together in your approach to the parents. In-law conflicts grow more compli-

cated when a spouse seems to side with the parents and against his or her mate.

This isn't so much an in-law problem as a marital one. If a spouse remains too dependent upon his or her

parents, or is blaming the in-laws for a disagreement between the couple, the result may be a deeper

problem developing in your own marital relationship. If you've become engaged in a quiet (or not so

quiet) war with your in-laws—or your spouse—about these issues, don't let it erode your marriage. Seek

out a marriage counselor.

Adapted from Focus on the Family's Complete Guide to the First Five Years of Marriage, published by Tyn-

dale. Copyright © 2006

CH (CPT) Robert D. Patterson

Battalion Chaplain

5-82 FA, 4BCT, 1st Cavalry Division

(254) 287-9574

Page 3

BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

HHB NewsletterWritten By: CPT Scott Hastings Volume 9

FRG Newsletter for HHB, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery

September has been a challenging month for the HARDCORE Battery. There were many competing demands placed on the Soldiers of this Battery, and as always your HARDCORE Soldiers found a way to accomplish everything that was asked of them. We had Soldiers going to Ranges, going through RFI to receive the new uniforms and gear they will be taking to Afghanistan, pushing through the SRP stations to verify that they are medically cleared to deploy and conducting the mandatory training that is part of the pre-deployment requirements that we all must complete. There were also the task of inventorying the equipment that is staying here and ensuring that it is assigned to Soldiers that can be accountable for it and ensure that it gets serviced as needed.

To the right you will see a few photos from some of the many ranges that we have done this month to include M4 Day and Night Qualification (Top Right), Hand Grenade Range, Crew Serve Weapons Range for the .50 cal and the M240B (Bottom Right) and the 9mm Range. We execute these ranges in order to verify that all Soldiers are properly trained and prepared to operate any weapon system at any time and under any conditions.

On top of everything else that we did this Month, we took the time to address a serious issue that is facing the Army at this Time. HHB conducted multiple training events as part of the III Corps Suicide Prevention Stand Down Day. This training was well received by the Soldiers of HHB as many of the events involved an open dialogue between the me and the Soldiers of the Battery as we discussed thing such as warning signs and how they can help by bringing these issues to the attention of someone in order to get the Soldiers the help that they are needing.

As always I would just like to express my thanks to the Soldiers and Family Members of HHB for all that you do. It has truly been a fantastic experience for me to be the Battery Commander for such a Great group of Soldiers and I continue to be amazed at the level of work and participation that we have from everyone in the organization!!

HARDCORE 6

HHB Soldiers getting ready for the M4 Night Fire Qualification

HHB Soldiers preparing to engage targets with the M240B

VO BLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

The Apaches spent the month of September

completing pre-deployment training and

requirements to complete their training for the

upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The month began with NCOs from Alpha Battery

signing for two M777A2s and their LMTV prime

movers from 3CR. Shortly after they signed for the

equipment, NCOs and Soldiers from the battery

completed the ASPT and Gunner’s Test to sustain

their skills.

While the 13Bs conducted their training, 13Ds from

throughout the battery received training on the

Centaur Lightweight Technical Fire Direction

System. The Centaur is a handheld, automated

technical fire direction system that serves as a

backup to the AFATDS or manual gunnery for

technical fire direction.

To culminate their training, Apache Battery

conducted one final live fire exercise where they

certified seven new section chiefs and fired over

100 rounds of HE, Smoke, and Illumination!

Apache Battery also utilized the M777A2 howitzer

to gain valuable air assault and sling load training

conducted by instructors from the III Corps Air

Assault School.

September was not spent only conducting artillery

training. Every Apache Soldier conducted day and

night qualification on their M4 and in addition,

received training on hand grenades, the M320,

M249, and M2A1. All Soldiers also completed

Counter-IED training. When Soldiers weren’t

conducting training, they were busy conducting

SRP operations and drawing their RFI.

Once again Apache Battery proved that they are

able to accomplish any task above standard!

GREAT JOB APACHES!

Apache NewsletterWritten By: CPT Martin Piecuch Volume 9

FRG Newsletter for Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery

Apache Battery certified seven new section chiefs and fired over

100 rounds safely during their M777A2 sustainment LFX!

Apache Battery was loaned two M777A2 Howitzers from the Fires

Battalion of 3CR!

Apache Battery received outstanding air assault training from

instructors from the III Corps Air Assault School.

Upcoming Events-Oct 3rd :Family Day BLORA

-Oct 5th-21st : Block Leave

-Late Oct/Early Nov: ADVON and Main Body Flights

*All dates are tentative and subject to change


Bulldog Newsletter

Family and friends of the Bulldog

Battery, the month of September has been

focused towards supporting the deploying

units within 5-82 FA. In addition, to

conducting recovery from JRTC 12-09.

Bravo Battery recovery involved a 100%

inventory of each piece equipment on the

hand receipt. The primary purpose of

this inventory is to ensure each piece of

equipment was redeployed from JRTC 12-

09 to standard without any damaged or

lost of equipment.

On 10 September 2012, Bravo Battery

provided range support to execute the

Counter IED Training. The training

consisted of classroom instruction as well

as a walk through exercise. The

classroom portion of training consisted of

several different types of IEDs being

constructed, detonated and ways Soldiers

can identify IEDs and prevent incidents

from occurring. The walk through exercise

gave Soldiers an opportunity to identify

IEDs and go through the 5 Cs.

Bravo Battery has been extremely busy

providing range support in order to train

Alpha Battery and Headquarter Battery on

individual small arms core competencies

on several different weapon systems.

Bravo Battery conducted the M4 Day/Night

qualification on 17-19 September 2012 at

Black Gap Rifle Charlie and Black Gap

Rifle Bravo. In addition, to conducting a

M320 range on 20 September 2012.

Written By: CPT Troy Merkel Volume 9

FRG Newsletter for B BTRY, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery

Soldiers identifying IEDs

M4 Qualification


Unit: B/5-82 Field Artillery Dates Executed: 02OCT12 Activity: Pie in the Face Location: Fort Hood, TX

Pie-in-the-face Fundraiser


The Ghost Riders have been

very busy this month help-

ing to run ranges to helping

the battalion move forward

in preparation for their up-

coming mission. We were

charged with the responsi-

bility to manage the CROW

MTT training where Soldiers

from various units learned

how to operate the elec-

tronic controlled firing plat-

forms. We were also tasked

to operate the M67 Grenade

and .50cal/7.62mm machine

gun ranges. I would run out

of space if I mentioned all

our activities. More of our

Ghost Riders will now pre-

pare to move forward and

help the battalion in its mis-

sion. We will continue to

assist our Black Dragon Sol-

diers and set the conditions

for success here at home. I

look forward to seeing all of

you at the Organizational

Day on 03OCT 2012 at 1600.

Ghostrider 6

Maintenance Golf Maintenance com-

pleted 23 services. PLL sec-

tion opened and closed 180

work orders to conduct

weapons maintenance. Pla-

toon sets the standard on

100% Class IX recon rate.

Maintenance submitted the

Army Material Status Re-

port (AMSS) without error,

indicating a 97% Battalion

operational readiness rate

for month of September.

Distro Dawgs continue to

sustain the war-fighters by

supporting numerous ranges

for the month of September.

Their efforts assisted the M4,

M320, M67, M240, and M2

ranges to aid in maintaining

the Black Dragon high

weapon proficiency rate.

BLack dragons bulletin

OCTOBER 4, 2012

GOLF FSC, 5-82 FA

Training Events:

Ghostriders conducted

MTT Crows, Hand

Grenade, M240/M2

Ranges

Ghostriders provide

support to Black Drag-

ons on pre-deployment

tasks

Distribution Headquarters Headquarters Platoon re-

mains diligent behind the

scenes they persistently

provide Class I support to

our Black Dragons during

field exercises. Supply has

conducted various lateral

transfers to ensure not only

the company, but battalion

is prepared with the appro-

priate equipment for de-

ployment.

Hello, Ghost Riders and Fam-

ily members. As you all know

the Battalion is about to de-

ploy to Afghanistan and go on

Block Leave . The Ghost

Rider chain of command has

been trusted to maintain the

High Standards and Disci-

pline back here on Rear De-

tachment until they return

back home. We are looking

for volunteers to help assist us

with the Family Readiness

Group back here, so, we can

better facilitate information

with our Black Dragon fami-

lies. The Soldiers continue to

amaze me by executing sev-

eral missions at once with

little notification at times. As

we prepare for Rear-D opera-

tions, we are looking at hav-

ing activities for unit and fam-

ily morale. October will be

even busier than September

but there is no doubt in my

mind that the Ghost Riders

will continue to make it hap-

pen. Happy Birthday to eve-

ryone born in September.

Special points of interest:

Ghostrider 6’S Corner

Ghostrider 9’s Corner

Pre-Deployment Prepara-

tion

Training Calendar Events

for September and Octo-

ber 2012

Company Photo’s

Ghostrider 9

VOLUME 7

BLACKDRAGONS BULLETIN

Everyone is welcomed to come!

Deployment personnel are required!

BLABLACK DRAGONS BULLETIN

BLACK DRAGON FRG Newsletter OCT 2012

Documents

Transcript of BLACK DRAGON FRG Newsletter OCT 2012