Army Reserve Careers Division Excellence In Training

“Not too back for a bunch of career counselors. They shot very well, ” notes Sgt. Major James Mauer or Army Reserve Careers Division, Battalion Three (ARCD Bn 3), nicknamed “Team Firestorm.”

In recent years, ARCD has been noted for hosting improved marksmanship events, including higher level shooting events normally seen at more advanced training. SGM Mauer explains, “Letting our ARCCs (Army Reserve Career Counselors) become Subject Matter Experts in marksmanship is beneficial as it demonstrates to their Soldiers they truly believe in effective training. Our events formally recognize the top ten percent in our Battalion with orders published by Department of Army and kept in their permanent records. This builds camaraderie, esprit de corps and team building.”

Better than merely hosting a range event, the training is proving effective. The unit is now enjoying a nearly 90% first time go rate on qualification, with the remainder passing on the second attempt. Soldiers that previously struggled to qualify a year prior were now earning awards within the Battalion for superior shooting. Staff Sgt. John Arcularius of ARCD Bn 3 said, “This is the second year that our Battalion has conducted actual training prior to qualification and it shows. The results are validated by improved performance.”

ARCD Bn 3 commander, LTC Stephen Keck noted, “This was absolutely OUTSTANDING Annual Training. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I am truly humbled to be a small part of Team Firestorm.”

Staff Sgt. Arcularius, a former member of the Marine Corps Weapon Training Battalion, praised the Marine shooting team at Quantico for their help. “The Marines spared no effort in helping us. Gunnery Sgt. Fernald, Staff NCOIC of the Rifle Team, made sure we had everything needed while at Quantico.”

For rifle shooting, ARCD BN 3 “Firestorm” Soldiers achieved a 76% first time qualification rate. With pistol, personnel achieved an 80% first time qualification rate. With a combined 82 Soldiers, this was a total 91% of ARCD personnel achieving a first time successful qualification rate. In addition, Firestorm shot rifle and pistol Excellence In Competition events. EIC events have been formally recognized by the Army since 1884. The program tracks marksmanship achievement via a point system commonly referred to as “Leg” points in an effort to obtain awards signifying heightened marksmanship ability. EIC badges are much more prominent than normal qualification badges, issued in Bronze, Silver and Gold, as opposed to the typical “tin” qualification badge, and eligible for wear on dress uniforms, as per 670-1. This EIC program is governed by AR 350-66 and is recognized by all services, not just the Army, as well as civilians.

All Army 2013

Nearly all marksmanship skill and knowledge was created via organized, competitive shooting. The US Army’s first marksmanship manual was developed and written by competitive shooters, people who learned their skills in competition shooting. Army Regulation 350-66 states that all organized, formal shooting events are classified as training and is an ideal vehicle for developing skilled and knowledgeable small arms instructors.

In 2004, the Army Marksmanship Unit revitalized The The All Army Small Arms Championships and have held it every year since. The event consists of matches with the M16/M4 series and M9/M11 pistol fired in a series of individual and team events. Matches consisted of precision and timed fire on known distance ranges on scored silhouette targets from 75 to 500 yards for rifle and 10 to 35 yards for pistol, along with Combined Arms matches utilizing both weapons in Close Quarters Battle rifle and pistol scenarios scored by elapsed time.

Army Reserve Careers Division Soldiers excelled in many of the matches conducted at the All Army Small Arms Championships. Notable individual performances included SFC John Buol winning second place in Pistol, second place in Combined Arms and a second place overall finish. SFC Leslie Lewis finished thirteenth place overall and SFC Charles Parker finished in the top bracket of the Excellence in Competition event, earning a full ten point leg towards his Distinguished Pistol Badge.

As a team, ARCD Soldiers took second place in Pistol, third place in the Combined Arms CQB events and fifth place overall.

Shooting events like All Army offer a great opportunity to take the training advantages that formalized shooting competition offers. All the courses shot offer near perfect feedback and allow the Soldier-shooter to see the exact placement of every shot fired. Courses on a KD range mark the location of groups and individually fired rounds, hit or miss, and the opportunity to record the results for later study. Zero settings and marksmanship error is readily observable and more easily diagnosed. Contrast this to the current Army norm of shooting on RETS “pop up” targets where this lack of critical feedback is simply not available and hinders the Soldier from improving skills. Merely participating in events such as All Army offers superior training compared to the norm of current Army qualification ranges.

The USAR Marksmanship Program is organizing events like this to be held regionally to encourage greater participation. Combining training, qualification and Excellence in Competition into one event eases the small arms training burden on units while offering a better state of readiness throughout the Reserves.

Sgt. Audie Murphy Competition and Induction

Six Soldiers from the Army Reserve Careers Division were inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club on February 6, 2013 at Lackland Air Force Base, TX.

Last September, the Army Reserve Careers Division chapter of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club held their competition at Ft. Benning, GA. Twelve candidates competed in a variety of events to include an Army Physical Fitness Test, essay, written test, appearance board, land navigation, weapons qualification and drill & ceremony. Each candidate had to individually pass all events to continue competing. Failure to pass an even meant leaving the competition immediately. Prior to the national competition, candidates were nominated by their individual commands for showing exemplary behavior and Soldier skills at a local board.

The competition started with candidates being required to achieve at least a 270 on their Army Physical Fitness Test. In the dim light of early morning, candidates pushed, grunted and sweat their way to obtaining a score high enough to keep them in the running for selection.
Once the Army Physical Fitness test was complete, Soldiers did a quick uniform change to the Army Service Uniform for the appearance board, written test and essay. The written test consisted of 100 questions on various subjects including weapons, first aid, leadership and Audie Murphy knowledge. In addition to the written test, candidates were required to write an essay between 500-600 words on their leadership philosophy and how it relates to the club’s leadership philosophy. Candidates did an amazing job of displaying their leadership techniques and shared personal stories on how they became successful leaders.

The appearance board proved to be the most challenging of events and held the most weight for scoring. Candidates were judged not only on their knowledge of Army subjects but also on military bearing, uniform appearance and confidence. Sponsors entered the board room first to brief board members on the candidate. Encouraging words could be heard in the hallways as sponsors supported their candidates prior to entering the board room and instilled confidence in them. Each candidate spent a grueling 45 minutes in front of board members answering questions and reciting the Non-Commissioned Officer creed. Once everyone was boarded, candidates were released to prepare for the next day’s activities.
Land navigation was the first event in the final day of competition. To continue in the competition, candidates were required to find at least one out of three points in three hours. Once all points were plotted, candidates trudged through the woods in search of the bright orange signs displaying points.

From there, candidates were sent to the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) 2000 to qualify weapons on the simulated range. Tensions were high in the qualification room as sponsors helped mentally prepare their candidates for the qualification. Once their weapons were zeroed, candidates had one chance to qualify after a practice round.

The next event, Drill & Ceremony, moved the candidates outside to test their marching skills. Each candidate marched a squad around, calling commands and cadence. Although drill and ceremony seemed to be a fairly passable event, this was the last item standing between the candidates and their official selection notification.

All 12 competitors did an outstanding job throughout the competition and each brought their own leadership style and skills. While not everyone made it through to the end of the week, they should all be commended on having the strength, discipline and courage to participate in such an intense competition. They are true signs of what it means to lead by example and epitomize the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club motto of “You Lead From the Front.”

The 6 Soldiers (and their sponsors) selected to the Army Reserve Careers Division Sgt. Audie Murphy Club are as follows:

5th BN – Sgt. 1st Class Troy Nuckles (Master Sgt. Kelli Harr)
8th BN – Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Gale (Sgt. 1st Class Sabrina Derhammer)
8th BN – Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Lundtvedt (Sgt. 1st Class Sabrina Derhammer)
11th BN – Sgt. 1st Class Ramirez (Master Sgt. Mario Marquez)
11th BN – Sgt. 1st Class Breslin (Master Sgt. Mario Marquez)
Army Reserve Careers Division HQ- Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Thorne (Master Sgt. Kelli Harr)

The above listed Soldiers were officially inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club at the Army Reserve Careers Division Annual Training on 6 February 2013.

The Snowball Express

The Military Family is such an integral part of what we do as Army Reserve Career Counselors and continues to be in the forefront of our minds as we “Never forget” our fallen comrades, or their families! The 2nd Battalion, Army Reserve Careers Division was able to participate in The Snowball Express event at the Pittsburgh Airport on 30 Nov, 2012 to show Army Support for these families!

Sponsored by American Airlines, The Snowball Express takes children of fallen servicemembers on a vacation to Dallas Texas.

This is the seventh annual event, held November 30 through December 4, 2012, marks the fourth time Snowball Express has visited North Texas. Activities for the families include:

• An “American Candy Land” reception upon arrival at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Youngsters had the opportunity to create holiday-themed crafts, enjoy cotton candy, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
• A visit to the AT&T Performing Arts Center for the annual tree-lighting celebration
• Participation in the Dallas Children’s Parade
• A trip to Six Flags Over Texas
• A private concert by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s, the renowned Texas honky-tonk.

More photo from the event are located at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pitairport/sets/72157632138368491/

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Army Reserve Marksmanship team assist Reservists with Soldier skills

Story and photos by Spc. Hector Corea, 366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

HUTCHINSON, Kansas – No matter what job specialty, assignment or mission, each and every soldier in the Army Reserves may one day be placed in a position to fire a weapon in a combat zone.

USAR Marksmanship Program and CSM Schultz

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Schultz, the 11th Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve, and Sgt. Maj. James Mauer, USAR Army Reserve Careers Division and Marksmanship Program.

 

The US Army Reserves has been a staunch supporter of organized marksmanship events throughout the force. Regulation supports competition shooting at all levels, starting at the unit level with the annual USAR Postal Match (http://armyreservemarksman.info/postal-match/) all the way up to Federally required marksmanship events (under Title 36, Section 40725 of the U.S. Code) represented by the US Army Reserve Marksmanship Program.

In light of this continued support, SGM James Mauer of the Army Reserve Careers Division and Marksmanship Program presents the official head gear worn by all USAR Marksmanship Program members to CSM Michael Schultz for continued support.

ARCD Running Team Finishes Army Strong

Members of the Army Reserve Careers Division competing at the Army Ten Miler in the team event finished in the award category and were officially recognized for success.

Team ARCD Mission Failure is not an Option competed among 37 Reserve Mixed teams and took third place. The Army Ten Miler defines Reserve Mixed teams as male and female team members with Reserve status from the same unit, duty station, or installation. At least one scoring member of the team must be of the opposite gender.

ARCD Mission Failure is not an Option team members included Erin Miller, John Dunlap, Eleanor Cunningham, Chris Westerholm, Angel Liberg, Steven Mckee, Nancy Cortes, and Romeo Santos.

 

ARCD Mission Failure is not an Option team members included Erin Miller, John Dunlap, Eleanor Cunningham, Chris Westerholm, Angel Liberg, Steven Mckee, Nancy Cortes, and Romeo Santos.

Army Marksmanship Unit Olympians at Army Ten Miler

The Army Ten Miler is the third largest road race in the world. Started in 1985, it attracts 30,000 runners, half of them currently serving in the US armed forces, and is supported by 1200 military personnel.

Leading off the 28th Annual Army Ten Miler at the Fitness Expo was CSM David Turnbull and COL James C. Markert, Regimental Commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard.) In attendance were members of the Army Marksmanship Unit, recently back from competing at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Shotgun shooter SSG Josh Richmond competed in the Double Trap event, SGT Vince Hancock successfully defended his 2008 Gold medal by taking Gold again in Skeet, and SFC Josh Olson competed in the mixed 50m Rifle Prone and mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone at the Paralympic Games.

 

CSM David Turnbull, COL James C. Markert, SSG Josh Richmond, SGT Vince Hancock and SFC Josh Olson.

Celebrating a Great Year in a Soldier’s Life: Competition, Promotion, Awards, Recognition…

By Staff Sgt. Astrid N. Lopez

The Under Secretary of the Army and Master Sgt. Caban, at the Pentagon Ceremony on June 19th, 2012.

As we celebrate Columbus Day and enjoy this long weekend, I will also like to celebrate, one year, in over a 20 years career for a great Soldier, Master Sgt. Arnaldo Caban-Cruz.

Master Sgt. Caban, was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up in Moca, Puerto Rico.  He joined the Army in 1991 and for the last two years has been part of the Army Reserve Careers Division (ARCD) as an Army Reserve Career Counselor (ARCC), just recently with the 3^rd Battalion, but until July 2012, it was with 5^th Battalion, Area 5, in Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.

Master Sgt. Caban went to Washington, DC and participated in a ceremony at the Pentagon were Recruiters and Career Counselors from the Active Army, Army Reserve and National Guard, were recognized by the Under Secretary of the Army, the Honorable (Dr.) Joseph W. Westphal.

This recognition occurred in June 2012, from the 17^th until the 20^th.  The 17^th was their travel day and on the 18^th the awardees were given a tour of the Pentagon, Master Sgt. Caban exclaimed: “It was impressive…once inside the building it felt like if you were in a city!”.  That same afternoon they were taken to different DC sites. The actual ceremony was conducted on June 19^th, 2012, and it was at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. “It was truly an honor to be recognized by the Under Secretary of the Army, Honorable John W. Westphal, and it was even a greater feeling to have the Command Sergeant Major for ARCD, Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Connie F. Commenia, the Sergeant Major from my Battalion, Sgt. Maj. James A. Wallace, and my Area Leader, Master Sgt. Madeline Santiago there with me at the ceremony, while I’m being recognized” As Master Sgt. Caban was talking it was easy to feel his emotion and see how excited and honored he truly felt.

It was a great year for Master Sgt. Caban; he was nominated to participate in the Battalion (5^th Battalion, ARCD) Army Reserve Career Counselor of the Year Board held in Orlando, Florida. “It was different from my previous experiences competing on a board…taking it a step further, because they not only test you in your soldiering knowledge, but also, your knowledge as an Army Reserve Career Counselor as well” Master Sgt. Caban explained.

“The tests and questions regarding Army Regulations and policies were not as challenging as the written essay”, he said, “because the topic of the written essay was unknown until the moment you are sitting down in the classroom with pencil and paper”.  The winner was announced on July 15^th, 2011. “It was truly an honor to have won the competition, and knowing that I was going to be representing the 5^th Battalion against the best, from other Battalions, was a challenge that I took with great pride” he said, after being announced the winner.

He then went on to participate in the Secretary of the Army, Army Reserve Career Counselor of the Year Board, Fiscal Year 2011, at Fort Benning, Georgia, against twelve other Career Counselors.  This competition lasted several days; about this competition he said “It was a little bit more intense…and there were several mystery events”. The fact that the competitors never knew how well they did after each event, made it even more difficult on them.  “We had to concentrate even more and just think about our next event”, he continued, “Regardless of how you felt you did on a particular test or event, you had to put it behind you and concentrate on the next one, that to me was the key during the competition”.  This competition included events like Land Navigation, Warrior Tasks, and Army Physical Fitness Test, among others.

On September 23^rd, 2011 he won again, and became the Army Reserve Career Counselor of the Year.  “This has been a great experience for me, I feel that these competitions have made me a more…well rounded Soldier and I encourage every Army Reserve Career Counselor who has not had the opportunity to compete yet, to try and do so in the future. I’m also very thankful for having the opportunity to represent myself, my Area and my Battalion to the best of my ability.”

At the same time that this competition was happening, Master Sgt. Caban, was also participating in the Promotion Board. So while being physically and mentally challenged in the Army Reserve Career Counselor of the Year Board, his Promotion Packet was also competing, and again he was selected for promotion.

His peers celebrated his success by conducting a Promotion Ceremony at Ft. Buchanan, Puerto Rico, on January 19^th, 2012. Our Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Thomas E. Bartow and Sgt. Maj. Wallace were part of the Ceremony and also many of his peers.

As we can see it has been a great year for Master Sgt. Caban, whom recently changed his primary station and was transferred to Ft. Meade, Maryland on July 16^th, 2012. He is now the Area Leader for Area 6, of the 3^rd Battalion, ARCD.

Congratulations to him for his success and performance. We thank you for your service and for being all that you can be, so that we remain Army Strong.

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1st Battalion ARCD welcomes a new commander

Lt. Col. Eric V. Myrick, 1st Battalion ARCD outgoing commander, surrender the Battalion’s colors to Col. Gary U. Bullard, Commander of the Army Reserve Careers Division.

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Mayra O’Neill, 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT DEVENS, Mass. – The 1st Battalion Army Reserve Careers Division bid farewell to Lt. Col. Eric V. Myrick, and welcomed Lt. Col. Kurt D. O’Rourke as the battalion’s new commander during a change of command ceremony held July 9, 2012 at Fort Devens Community Activities Center.

Myrick a native of Montgomery, Ala., assumed command of 1st Battalion ARCD on May 10, 2010, becoming the second to command the battalion since the ARCD activated in October 2008. He has held a variety of demanding positions throughout his career from serving as a Platoon Leader, all the way to performing the duties as the Manpower Policy Officer as a member of the Office of the Chief Army Reserve, G-1 [Human Resources].

During his farewell speech, Myrick said that being the 1st Battalion commander has been the best assignment of his career. “You have inspired me and made me a better officer and I hope I have been able to help you,” he said.

Inspired by the late basketball coach James Thomas Anthony, who never gave up or let his team quit, he tells the soldiers of 1st Battalion, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up, don’t quit.” Myrick praised his NCOs by saying, “You have done many good things over the past two years, and I know you will continue to get better.” “Stay passionate about what you do. Find a way to get yourselves motivated and re-energized if you need to, but continue to push forward.”

Myrick’s new assignment will be with the Department of the Army at the Pentagon.

The incoming commander, Lt. Col. Kurt D. O’Rourke a native of Beverly, Mass., began by thanking his family for enduring three moves in the past four years, which they have handled with grace and enthusiasm, as they continue to support the challenges of military life.

His last assignment was as a student at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa. Prior to attending the War College, O’Rourke was assigned as the Chief of Plans, Analysis, and Integration Directorate for the 99th Regional Support Command, Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J.

O’Rourke considers taking over this command a gift and honor, and most of all a great privilege. “Command during a time of war and great transition for our armed forces is a distinct privilege,” he said. “Part of the honor of today is assuming command of a unit which has the distinction of having the finest non-commissioned officers in the United States Army Reserve,”

O’Rourke said with great pride. He continued to praise his NCOs and the Corp of the Non-Commissioned Officer by saying, “You have been, are, and always will be the backbone of the Army. You are the standard bearers of excellence and the Army Values.” However, he did emphasized that, “Mission failure is not an option.”

O’Rourke concluded his speech by quoting Adm. James Stockton, a Medal of Honor recipient and 8-year Vietnam prisoner of war by saying:

“Leadership must be based on goodwill. Goodwill does not mean posturing and, least of all, pandering to the mob. It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers. We are tired of leaders we fear, tired of leaders we love, and tired of leaders who let us take liberties with them. What we need for leaders are men of the heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But, leaders like that are never without a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away.”                                                                                        – Adm. James Stockton-

The United States Army Reserve Careers Division was established on 1 October 2008 by permanent order and assigned to the Headquarters, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort McPherson, Ga. This is the only accessioning agency assigned solely to the U.S. Army Reserve. Its mission is to shape and sustain the strength of the Army Reserve through aggressive retention and transition programs.

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