33d Infantry Brigade Crosswire Issue 2

Crosswire
The

Issue 2 | July 13, 2012 Official Newsletter of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

vilians and a free thinking OP-
Notional is not acceptable FOR. This ensures we are train-
ing to be lethal and survivable.
Lt. Col. Marc Sullivan, Com-
by Lt. Col. Marc Sullivan, opportunities at our fingertips mander, 2nd Squadron, 106th
With this opportunity we
Commander, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment
Cavalry Regiment that only elite units have access have the ability to exercise the
to. full spectrum of our capabili- capabilities.
One of the most significant as- In the past, we’ve had to be ties while being fully integrated The training realism provid-
pects of this training event that creative in accomplishing our within the brigade. Here we ed by XCTC is practically on
all the 2nd. Squadron, 106th training objectives by simulat- have the battlefield enablers par with a rotation at the Joint
Cavalry troopers are excited ing an infantry platoon or sap- needed to train and assess our Readiness Training Center.
about is that notional is not ac- per squad from our ranks and skills. Working in concert with Years pass before opportuni-
ceptable. Nearly every piece of create a role-playing scenario. both the infantry and the artil- ties to conduct training like this
the combined arms fight is in XCTC, however, immerses us lery, along with all the other come along again. By owning
place and everything is in play. in an environment with a high enablers, we will steel our dis- our training and challenging
Illinois put the resources and the level of realism by adding ci- cipline and train to our fullest ourselves, this experience will
be amazing. At the end we’ll be
Polish Commander receives Illinois Military Medal the most lethal and survivable
brigade in the National Guard.
played a pivotal role in the mili-
tary partnership between the Il-
linois National Guard and Pol-
ish Forces.
The Illinois National Guard
have held a state partnership
with Poland since 1993. Over
the past two decades our candid Like us on Facebook!
and professional working, train- www.facebook.com/33rdibct
ing, and mentoring relationship
has solidified. In this issue
Poland and Illinois have co-
deployed together to Iraq and Featuring the Cav page 2-3
Polish Army Lt. Gen. Zbigniew Glowienka, the Polish Land Forces Afghanistan since the start of
Component commander was awarded the Illinois Military Medal overseas combat operations. 2-122 FA defeat IEDs page 4
of Merit July 11 at Camp Ripley in Lake Falls, Minn. (U.S. Army Bilateral Embedded Staff Team
photo Sgt. Michael Camacho /released) A9 is serving in Afghanistan Environment Msg page 4
by: Sgt. Michael Camacho, 108th supporting operations with Task
mander was awarded the Illinois Force White Eagle and the Pol- Disciplined Soldiers page 5
Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs
Military Medal of Merit July 11 ish Land Forces.
NCO Importance page 6
Polish Army Lt. Gen. Zbig- at Camp Ripley in Lake Falls,
niew Glowienka, the Polish Minn. Page 1
Land Forces Component com- Glowienka’s leadership has

Brigade’s CAV unit leads the charge

Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment based in Pon- Soldiers with Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment
tiac makes its way to the center range July 11 to qualify on and based in Dixon, Ill. conduct an air insertion from a UH-60 Black-
run the .50 caliber ranges during day five of the Army National hawk helicopter from the 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment
Guard’s XCTC program. Maj. Del L. Saam of Springfield, executive out of Decatur July 11. Cpt. Michael R. Kowalski of Chicago Heights
officer of 2nd Sqdn. 106th Cav., said he is very happy with how said “it’s something special when you get all the guys together for
things are going so far and looking forward to seeing things come an extended training like this. . You can see the camraderie and
together in upcoming platoon tactical training. (U.S. Army photo by cohesion quickly come together.” Kowalski continued, “This is the
Pfc. Allison Lampe/released) best organization in the guard - it is a priviledge to lead them.”
(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Allison Lampe/released)

Soldiers with Troop B, 2nd Squadron,
106th Cavalry Regiment based in Dixon, Ill
wait to fire M2 .50 cal. machine gun at a
practice range during the XCTC program.
The training is a well rounded program
that encompasses all the battle drills re-
quired of a Soldier. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Al-
lison Lampe/released)

Spc. Steve Garnica of Dekalb with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment based
in Aurora posts security during a reconaissance patrol July 10. It was the first day on the
lanes for the 106th Cav. Regt. who were working on a squad level tactical excellence.
According to first squad leader Staff Sgt. Kareem Abraham of Chicago, these smaller
exercises are all about increasing proficiency and building on basic battle skills. (U.S. Army
photo by Pfc. Allison Lampe/released)

Spc. Tyler J Sullivan of Morris, a member of Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry
Regiment based in Dixon fires a M2 .50 cal. machine gun at a practice range dur-
ing the XCTC program. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Allison Lampe/released)
Page 2

Soldiers with Troop C, 2nd
Squadron, 106th Cavalry
Regiment use a compass to
navigate through the rugged
terrain at Camp Ripley, Minn.
The training is meant to test
Soldier’s ability to adapt to
unknown environments and
still continue forward with the
mission. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc.
Allison Lampe/released)

Spc. Scott Lange of Aurora with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment posts security
while his squad and team leaders determine their location beginning a reconnaissance patrol
July 10. The patrol used land navigation skills to make their way through the rough terrain before
coming under fire. These practice lanes allow the Soldiers to figure out what areas need to be ad-
dressed for final validation. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Allison Lampe/released)

A Soldier with Troop C, 2nd
Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regi-
ment walks the woods during
a squad tactical training mis-
sion during XCTC. (U.S. Army pho-
to by Pfc. Allison Lampe/released)

Lt. Col. Marc Sullivan, commander of the 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment and Cpt. Mi-
chael R. Kowalski, commander of Troop B, 2nd Sqdn., 106th Cav. Regt. discuss the range routes
July 11. Kowalski said his goal for XCTC is the development of his junior leaders and refinement
of senior leaders. With a fairly even mix of both previously deployed and new Soldiers, XCTC is
an opportunity to work on the very building blocks of training, said Kowalski. (U.S. Army photo by
Pfc. Allison Lampe/released)

Page 3

2-122 FA defeats IEDs in training.
by: Spc. Christopher A. Garibay,
33rd IBCT Public Affairs. ing Procedures if their leaders go
down,” said Sgt. 1st Class Hardy
Soldiers with Battery B, 2nd L. Williams of Chicago, platoon
Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery sergeant, Btry B, 1st. Bn., 122nd
Regiment based in Crestwood FA. “There’s a different feel
navigated through an Improvised when you’re in charge and you
Explosive Device (IED) and Ve- have to make the call on a dif-
hicle-Borne IED (VBIED) dur- ficult decision. But we did this
ing an exercise at the Army Na- because you never know what
tional Guard’s XCTC program might happen.”
on July 11, 2012. After each training scenario,
The training provided Soldiers Soldiers would stop to discuss
with the most up-to-date, real- the events that took place after
life scenarios they may encoun- each event. There was notice-
ter while deployed overseas and able improvement following
may prove to be life-saving. each iteration - Soldiers would Spc. Tyron K. Jones of Chicago with B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 122nd
“Soldiers conducted four it- make better decisions, said Wil- Field Artillery Regminent based in Crestwood searches an enemy
erations of IED/VBEID train- liams. combatant taken prisoner during an Improvised Explosive Device
ing exercises which included “I think we did great,” said (IED) Defeat training exercise. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher A.
scenarios where they reacted Garibay /released)
Spc. Tyron K. Jones of Btry B,
to contact from enemy forc- 1st. Bn., 122nd FA. “We were
es,” said 1st Lt. Sebastian M. rusty at first, but by the end we
Tarchala of Chicago, platoon were aggressive. It was especial-
leader, Btry B, 1st. Bn., 122nd ly great for new Soldiers in the
FA based in Crestwood. “It pro- unit because we don’t get this
vided opportunities for Soldiers type of training every day.”
who are not normally in leader-
ship positions to take charge of
stressful situations and react in
combat situations,” he said.
The Soldiers were given dif-
ferent obstacles to provide them
with the most opportunities to
enhance their learning.

Notes from the Environmental Officer at Camp Ripley
“Our Soldiers caught on Spc. Maurice M. Burrows of Chicago with Battery B, 2nd Battal-
quickly to unit Standard Operat- ion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment based in Crestwood pulls se-
curity during a training exercise. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Larry F. Thorpe
/released)

Master Sgt. Martha Miller board, glass and scrap metal. • CLP used for weapons clean- bears should be reported to
would like to remind Soldiers Scrap metal containers can be ing is only HW if it was manu- Range Control. When reporting,
of their expectations while found at the SW Transfer Sta- factured prior to MAR1994. include whether the bear has a
here at Camp Ripley. tion (SWTS) SW of Range If the CLP used is dated after radio collar and/or the colors of
Control. Contact SWTS for MAR1994, this waste can be the ear tags. Do NOT feed, tease
• Unused MRE heaters are haz- more information about obtain- thrown in the trash. or approach them. Field mess
ardous waste (HW) and must ing recycle containers for your • There are buffer zones around hall operations should haul gar-
be collected for disposal in the building. Shred documents con- Bald Eagle nest sites to protect bage to the cantonment area af-
containers labeled “UNUSED taining Classified, FOUO or PII fledglings. Human disturbanc- ter every meal.
MRE HEATERS” available at information before recycling. es are restricted from entering • Natural vegetation allowed
all of the DFACs. The SWTS is open from 0630 these buffer zones; 200m for for camouflage includes oak,
• All spills of hazardous mate- to 1500. ground maneuvers and 400m maple, aspen, and other hard-
rials must be reported to MSG • Used batteries need to be for aircraft flyovers. Active nest wood species less than 2 in. in
Miller at 217/725-1251. taken to SWTS. Contaminated sites are depicted on the Range diameter. Dead or down trees
• The Post recycling program soils will be containerized and Bulletin. are also allowed. Do not cut ev-
accepts plastic, paper, card- also taken to the SWTS. • Any encounter with black ergreens.
Page 4

Disciplined Soldiers know when
they need to ask for help
in serious trouble and financial problems cide, movement to contact is the best way
were mounting. He told me that is was hard to overcome obstacles.
to talk about his problems. He told me he The Army National Guard has resources
was not an emotional kind of person who to help you. The Army National Guard has
liked to share his feelings. He shared that a track record of helping soldiers … a re-
he felt shame and worried that if people cord of really helping those who want help.
knew he had issues, that people would The key is to be tough and ask.
judge him and think less of him as a sol- Where can toughness begin in addressing
dier. He thought that no one else was fac- your struggles? With you ….In the ask!
ing these struggles. Ask for help. Give you chain of command
As we walked and talked I offered as- the opportunity to assist you.
surance to the soldier that a path forward I’m proud of your 33rd IBCT Chaplain
was possible. I told him that despite his Corps. The Chaplains I know care and
struggles a hopeful future could be realized work hard for you. If you don’t know
and that getting his life and the life of his where to begin when looking for help, let
family back on track was not out of reach. me suggest the Unit Ministry Team. Reach
We agreed that he would need to face the out to the Chaplain Assistant or the Chap-
CH (Maj.) Gregory C. Moser of Palatine, brigade consequences of his choices, but in those lain. Things can change for you. Your situ-
chaplain of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat consequences the seeds of new possibility ation can improve. Your future can be that
Team. were realized. As we talked a plan for the bright destination that you once hoped for.
by: Maj. Gregory C. Moser, 33rd IBCT Help is only … an Ask Away.
Chaplain

Too often tough soldiers think that seek-
“Tough soldiers seek out help. I want each of
ing out help is a sign of weakness. It is not! you to know that everyone has issues, struggles,
Tough soldiers ask for help.
Over a period of months I watched as a or problems in life. That is normal.”
sergeant friend of mine began to change. Chaplain Gregory C. Moser
His attitude started to deteriorate. He was future emerged. It all began with honesty.
late for meetings. His appearance became The soldier was honest with himself. He
less than sharp. He was increasingly disen- would be honest with his wife. Together 33rd IBCT Chaplain Corps
gaged. Slowly his PT began to deteriorate. they would go to counseling. Together
It became obvious that his sleep patterns they would seek out financial help. They CH (Maj.) Gregory C. Moser
were off. His once warm conversations would consider going to church and see if a 33rd IBCT Chaplain
about home turned into stories of nights community of faith could be the right thing
out with friends and distance from family. for their family and kids. Things began to CH (Cpt.) Vincent Lambert
A once focused, disciplined, and combat change…. and for the better! Today that 2-122 Field Artillery Battalion
tested soldier was a shadow of the warrior soldier is a First Sargent and has the pos-
he once was. Finally, after several months sibility of an even brighter future. Why? CH (Cpt.) Eric Hughes
of increasing concern the situation reached Because that soldier did the toughest thing. 2-106 Cavalry Regiment
a critical point. Because of stress he was He took the hard right instead of the easy
making increasingly poor choices. The re- left. He asked for help! CH (Cpt.) Jenny Nielson
sult, he now faced disciplinary action. Tough soldiers seek out help. I want 634th Brigade Support Battalion
One afternoon I went up to him and each of you to know that everyone has is-
asked,“What is going on?” At first he was sues, struggles, or problems in life. That CH (Cpt.) David Brady
quiet and did not want to talk, his com- is normal. What has changed is the Army 1-178 Infantry Regiment
ments to me where short and to the point. National Guard’s approach to personal
“I just have to take it.” “My problems are problems and struggles? Years ago a tough CH (Cpt.) Jenkins
my problems.” “This is just the way it is.” soldier kept their problems to themselves 33rd BSTB
“Nothing will change. “Chaplain you can- and hid them from others. The result was
not help me!” One day he came up to me soldiers internalizing their problem. Prob- CH (First Lt.) J Kent Kroencke
and asked to talk. We walked around the lems only got worse and the Army mission 2-130 Infantry Regiment
Post … no one knew why we were talking suffered. Today the Army National Guard
or what we were talking about. He opened is finding that tough soldiers address their
up with his story of stress and worry. The problems early on. When it comes to per-
pain came pouring out. His marriage was sonal trouble, or even thinking about sui-
Page 5

Senior NCOs Play Pivotal Role In Mission Success
by: Sgt. Jesse Houk, 139th Mobile Public Affairs
Detachment

Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion,
130th Infantry Regiment began their evalua-
tion process July 10 in the XCTC program.
The company worked on basic infantry
maneuvers including reacting to contact,
performing squad attacks, and clearing
buildings. They began with dry runs using
blank rounds at squad level and will com-
plete the evaluation with a platoon-size live
fire.
The training provided an environment
where the company could work together on
movements and tactics for an extended pe-
riod of time.
“It’s a whole different ballgame moving
through the woods as opposed to moving
through a village, but all of the fundamen-
tals still very much apply; the discipline,
the communication, all the small things that Capt. Matt Morse of Carterville, company commander, Company A, 2nd Battalion,
make or break a mission,” said Staff Sgt. 130th Infantry Regiment directs his Soldiers prior to making an assault on an enemy
Barry A. Engelhardt of Pinckneyville, Ill., location during their annual training. The training was a part of live fire exercises as a
squad leader, Co. A, 2nd Bn., 130th Inf. part of the Army National Guard’s eXportable Combat Training Capability program at
Regt. “The bigger objective will take care Camp Ripley, Minn. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jesse Houk/Released)
of itself if you get the small things right.”
Company A has had to handle, like many
other units, the transition of Soldiers getting the missions work. Many of them have two Calling all UPARs!
out and other Soldiers coming in. Annual or three deployments under their belt and
training is a great opportunity for Soldiers look to pass their knowledge and experi-
Submit your stories, pictures
to connect. ence on to some of the junior enlisted.
“I rely on the experienced noncommis-
and ideas for the next Crosswire
“We have a lot of new privates to integrate
into our squads,” said Capt. Matt Morse of sioned officers and specialists quite a bit,” issue!
Carterville, company commander, Com- said Morse.“We rely heavily upon those Email us!
pany A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regi- guys to make sure the junior enlisted knows 33rdIBCT.publicaffairs@gmail.
ment. “The goal is to maintain that squad what they’re supposed to be doing.” com
proficiency and increase unit cohesion and Expectations for this training were high
this is a great training event for those guys and it was accepted that some things will
to do that.”
Others within the unit agree.
have to be addressed, but success is the ex-
pected outcome within Company A.
Stay Informed.
“I’ve got three people in my squad who
have deployed before and I have a lot of
“We’re not where I would like to be;
there’s a lot of positive just like there’s a lot Stay Connected.
people who are attending their first annual of negative,” said Engelhardt. “You’ve got
training,” said Engelhardt. “This is their to assess, adapt, and rearrange and just keep
first time working with the people they’re moving forward and improving. Things
working with. We have a long road to go, will start to click.”
but lanes like these make a world of differ- Building and growing together is the key
ence and that should steer us in the right to making their XCTC experience a suc- www.facebook.com/33rdIBCT
direction.” cess.
“With alpha we strive for success,” said “I have been looking forward to this train-
Sgt. Troy M. Downen of Royalton, Ill., team ing opportunity with these guys just to find
leader, Co. A, 2nd Bn., 130th Inf. Regt. “We out what level they’re at and I expect good
come across a couple bumps every once in results,” said Morse. “Every day is going to Follow: @xctc2012ilng
a while, but that’s what we are here for; to build on itself.”
learn from it. When it comes time for the
live fire we will be proficient at it.”
The company relies on many of their se-
nior noncommissioned officers to help make www.flickr.com/photos/33rdIBCT
Page 6

33d Infantry Brigade Crosswire Issue 2

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