The 55th Heavy Brigade Combat Team's (HBCT) deployment to Kuwait has been delayed by nearly nine months. This change will require additional training to be completed before mobilization. The brigade will focus on Army Warrior Tasks to evaluate soldiers' individual skills in a group environment. Recent training events included sniper competitions and squad battle drills. A new family support group called MentorNet was formed to provide mentoring for military families through experienced senior mentors. Reasons for low family participation in Family Readiness Groups are discussed, along with ways to improve involvement.

1. OCT - DEC 2011
5 5 T H B R I G AD E N E W S L E T T E R
Vol 1 Edition 1
ST RI K E NE W S
BRIGADE’S MOBILIZATION DELAYED
The Office of the Secretary of
Defense has announced that the
2012
Pennsylvania National Guard’s 55th JAN
Heavy Brigade Combat Team FEB
(HBCT), headquartered in Scranton, MAR
will mobilize nearly nine months
after their originally planned date. APR
The 55th HBCT was scheduled to MAY
deploy to Kuwait in early 2012 and JUN
has spent the past year planning and JUL
training for this mission. The
mission for which the 55th HBCT AUG
has been preparing for has not SEP
changed, only the dates. OCT
The shift in dates is a result of the NOV
Department of Defense actions to
realign forces in the Central
Command theater. “The BCT’s leaders are starting an Since 9/11, Soldiers and units from
assessment of the impact of the the brigade have deployed to Central
“While the change is abrupt and
change and developing plans for Europe, Bosnia, Iraq, Kuwait, the
certainly has a major impact on
maintaining the unit’s readiness Sinai, and Afghanistan. More
every Guardsman’s personal and
until the new mobilization date.” recently, over 1,300 Guardsmen
professional life, additional time to
from the 55th HBCT also assisted
prepare for the mission is always Over 3,500 Guardsmen serve in the
civil authorities in Northeastern
beneficial,” said Col. George 55th HBCT in 23 communities
Pennsylvania during flooding
Schwartz, 55th Brigade Commander. throughout eastern Pennsylvania.
caused by Hurricanes Irene and Lee.
FORT PICKETT, PAGE 3 ARMY WARRIOR TASKS, PAGE 2 FAMILY READINESS, PAGE 5

2. TOO MUCH TRAINING - NO SUCH THING
Sgt. Brian Truesdale warrior tasks and four battle drills
required in theater. “We have designed
Too much training is like too much
money, there is no such thing. That is a flowing event so that Soldiers aren’t ARM Y WA RR I O R
good news as the 55th Heavy Brigade standing at a table talking about hand TA S K S
and arm signals,” said Boccardi.
Combat Team has not been short on
training throughout the past year. Instead, Soldiers use their
knowledge of multiple tasks at once in
The change of the brigade’s
a series of simulation lanes. A given
mobilization date will now require
lane evaluates a Soldier in several tasks
some training to be repeated due to the
and sub-tasks. Every Soldier is tracked
window of time it must be completed
to validate that they can successfully
in before mobilization. However, the
perform every task in every lane.
benefits are not lost since the Army
C OMB ATIVES
Warrior Tasks (AWT) training is As the brigade resets their
largely based upon our Mission schedule to meet the new mobilization
Essential Task List and should be dates, the brigade commander wants
conducted every year anyway. to ensure soldiers keep their skills
The AWT training is organized to sharp while not over-extending their
evaluate the soldiers’ individual tasks training obligations.
in a group environment, according to “Our soldiers have worked hard
Sgt. Maj. Raymond Boccardi, non- over the past year and accomplished a
commissioned officer in charge of the lot. Although we need to stay focused
Pre-Mobilization Training Assistance on deployment, we need to ensure they ROLL OVER TRAINER
Element, or PTAE. have adequate time for their families
He went on to explain that the and civilian employers,” Col. George
focus of the training is on an individual Schwartz, commander, 55th HBCT.
Soldier’s ability to perform all of the 15
GRENADES
S QUAD MOVEMENT

3. A UN IT O F AC T I O N
Soldiers in A co. and B co. 1-109th Combined Arms
Battalion conduct squad battle drills during their
October Annual Training at Fort Pickett Va.
Small unit dominance and close combat supremacy is
a result of proficient Soldiers and leaders and close.

4. A UN IT O F AC T I O N
Individual weapons qualifications was also
conducted during the October annual training
periods.
TOP: Pvt Slowikowski, a soldier with HHC 1-109th
Combined Arms Battalion, confirms the accuracy of
his M4 rifle prior to he's weapon qualification.
MIDDLE: Staff Sgt. Rossetti, a squad leader with C
Co 1-109th Combined Arms Battalion, engages a blue
target on the rifle qualification range at Fort Pickett,
Va.
BOTTOM: After scoring an expert qualification on
the rifle range, Sgt. 1st Class Lee, a platoon sergeant
with C Co 1-109th Combined Arms Battalion, tests
his advanced marksmanship skills by engaging
targets while wearing a protective mask.

5. MENTORNET, A BRIGADE WIDE FAMILY NETWORK
PV2 Ashley E. Heckard oversight to ensure training and “I realized there are a group of
“To provide accessible, monetary dispersement as needs are military spouses that have gone
compassionate mentoring for our identified. through multiple deployments and
families through educational outreach.” The ‘Advisory Committee’ is six would be good leaders for the family
That is the mission statement for the designated battalion representatives readiness groups, providing great
newly formed “MentorNet”, a military who identify the needs and justification guidance”, said Ranaudo.
community where spouses and family to the ‘Executive Committee’. “(MentorNet) also allows the mentors
members can receive support from a The last committee is designed to to have a support group as well.”
brigade-wide network of strong, manage funds that help support the Most soldiers and their families have
experienced mentors. brigade's Family Readiness Groups. a difficult job adjusting to the
“The planning group is made up of “The advisory (Senior Mentors) to deployment atmosphere.
about a dozen volunteers, and spouses the Family Readiness Groups are “I have been deployed before and I
of senior officers and NCO’s”, said Lt. experienced and have been around the know the stress that comes along with
Col. Marty Kane, the Rear Detachment military lifestyle for quite a while”, said it”, said COL Schwartz. “This is to help
Commander of the 55th Brigade. Gayla L. Debonise, a senior mentor overcome that challenge of separation.”
“Membership will be expanded to all of with MentorNet, “I like to sometimes The MentorNet group is still in its
the HBCT’s battalions in the near call us the ‘oldie moldies’ of the beginning phase, but all who are
future.” organization.” involved look at the group as a
The organizational structure of the The MentorNet organization has beneficial and resourceful project.
group is comprised of four separate meetings every other week at the “Our ultimate goal is to improve
committee’s. The ‘Senior Mentors’, who armory in Scranton, PA. Along with resiliency and work through adverse
are the spouses of senior officers and advising Family Readiness Groups, the situations to become stronger than
non-commissioned officers. Their MentorNet plans to organize big events before”, said Schwartz. “Everything we
purpose is to provide life experiences for military families. An ‘Essential Life do is for the Family Readiness Groups,
and stability to junior family members. Skills Workshop’ will be held March 3, to improve activities, to have a positive
The ‘Executive Committee’ is made 2012 in Scranton, June 9 in impact on the families of Soldiers. And
up of the 55th Brigade’s Commander Philadelphia and August 25 in we will ultimately fulfill that goal.”
Col. George M. Schwartz, the Executive Kingston instructed by Kami A.
Officer Lt. Col. Judah M. Whitney, Lt. Merrifield, Ph. D, an assistant professor If you would like to know more
Col. Marty Kane, Command Sgt. Maj. for Human Development and Family information about the Essential Life
Wade E. Heilman and Sherry Ranaudo, Studies at Penn State University and Skills Workshop you can view that and
a Family Readiness Support Assistant. Staff Sgt. Eric J. Darling, the Master more on
Their purpose is to provide command Resiliency Trainer for the brigade. www.militaryfamilylifeskills.org.

6. BRIGADE SNIPERS
STALK UP ON
ASK A JOE
What do you expect to experience when you
(eventually) reach Kuwait?
NATIONAL
COMPETITION
Pvt. Derek Dur phy
Sgt. Robert Farley and Sgt.
A Co 1-110 Inf. Battalion
Charles Snyder, snipers with HHC
Attached To HHC 55th HBCT
1-109th Combined Arms Battalion,
attended the National Guard
Sniper Championship held at Camp “Based on what I’ve seen so far, I
Robinson Arkansas from 13-20 see my chain of command being
November 2011, where they took
well organized and getting me
sixth place out of thirteen sniper
the information I need. Oh....
teams. They competed against
National Guard, active Army, Air and its going to be very hot.”
Force and Special Forces snipers in
17 events.
“This is an outstanding
accomplishment for part time Pfc . Jacob
National Guard Soldiers who do S h o e m a ke r
not get much trigger time
HHC 210 MP Battalion
throughout the year,” said Lt. Col.
Alan Ornoski, commander or
1-109th CAB. “These two “I think higher security will be
outstanding NCO's trained very needed in Kuwait with the Iraq
hard focusing on their physical pullout happening. So we need to
fitness. They shot extremely well treat this as any other
and were consistently in 3rd or 4th
deployment, like Iraq or
place the entire competition.”
Afghanistan.”
The team lost 100 points on the
last event. The object of the last
event was to evaluate a target and
decide not to take the shot. Both Pvt. L in dse y
snipers debated but agreed that it Romano
was a sniper compaction and they
A Co 55th BSTB
should take the shot. Eleven other
teams made the same mistake.
“I think there will be a lot of
“I am confident of their abilities
and with this competition under excitement and anxiety,
their belt, they will place much especially for those of us who
higher in future events,” said have not deployed or been to
Ornoski. that part of the world before.”

7. MISSING FAMILIES IN READINESS GROUPS
Capt Keith Hickox mean something to the Soldier, you
FRG CAN PROVIDE
It has been said many times before should belong to the FRG,” said
that behind every great man is a great Ranaudo. 1. INFORMATION
woman. Often it is turned around to
For many, the ‘family’ aspect refers to
say behind every great woman is a great the ‘Army family’. Christina Salisbury is 2. CAMARADERIE
man. I am going to take it two steps the president of B Company, 55th
3. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
further and say, behind every great Brigade Support Battalion’s FRG. It is a
Soldier is a great family — parents, relatively new but thriving FRG within 4. CONNECTIONS
spouses, kids, the whole nine yards. our brigade. She said FRG is a very
5. SOCIAL OUTINGS
Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) diverse community and everyone brings
have existed for many years in the Army to the table their needs, abilities, talents 6. FINANCIAL SUPPORT
National Guard. By regulation, there and contacts.
7. EXTENDED FAMILY
should be one for every company.
“If you are immediate family, distant
However, you can always find units with relatives, friends, or neighbors with a 8. UNIT SUPPORT
FRGs that are barely attended or even Soldier we welcome you to join the
non-existent. 9. HOLIDAY PARTIES
FRG,” said Salisbury. “The company
Why is this? The companies are full Soldiers are just as vital. They are the 10. PIECE OF MIND
of Soldiers. I’m certain most, if not all, of ones who encourage their families and
the Soldiers have family members of friends to join the FRG and become
involved.” interested in. Another reason to be a
some sort. In my opinion, FRGs can get
member is to have input and a voice in
everything they need to help families,
One turn-off for some who have had what goes on,” said Salisbury. “Our
except families. past experience in an FRG are the stiff
plans for the future also include a
There are several popular theories regulations that you find in every
formal dinner and events focused on
that may explain why family members military organization. Is it possible to the kids. Other ideas, particularly during
don’t participate in their FRG. By far the complete the mission of the FRG deployment, are a ‘Pamper Yourself’
greatest misconception is that the FRG without its volunteers feeling
day, and play-dates at local parks.”
is designed for Soldiers’ spouses and overwhelmed?
And what about the volunteer
more specifically wives.
“Yes, I’m sure the regulations can be officers that run the FRGs? Historically,
Kevin George is a Family Readiness challenging at times, and that is why we they seem to always be the wife of the
Support Assistant (FRSA) who covers h ave F a m i ly R e a d i n e s s S u p p o r t company commander or one of the
the western part of our brigade area. Assistants assigned to each of the major other officers or senior non-
He disagrees with this assumption. Not c o m m a n d s a n d j o i n t f o r c e commissioned officers. Does the high
all Soldiers have a spouse. Soldiers’ headquarters,” said George. “The FRSA rank of the Soldier really translate into
families stretch far beyond spouses and supports and trains the FRG leadership, a high FRG position for the spouse?
so should their FRG. unit’s commander and the family liaison
assistant.”
An FRG leader should want the
“The FRG and leadership positions position and must be elected into the
are available to all associated with the
Some FRGs, like in B Company 55th position, not just be put in the position.
Soldier and their unit. FRG leaders can Brigade Special Troops Battalion, are “The best person for any job is the one
be spouses, parents, siblings, and newly established and are still trying to who really wants it,” said Ranaudo.
grandparents of the Soldier, and also develop more fun events along with
“Any individual that is positive,
retirees of the PA Guard,” said George. their support activities.
outgoing, has leadership skills and loves
Sherry Ranaudo is another FRSA
“We have annual picnics and
their Soldier, Guard and country makes
covering the eastern part of our brigade Christmas parties. We also have
a fine FRG president,” said George.
area, and feels that FRGs are for anyone meetings with professional consultants
discussing topics members are
see FAMILY page 5...
in the circle of the Soldier’s life. “If you

8. www.facebook.com/55HBCT
ALCOHOL, A POOR DECISION MULTIPLIER
Beware of the Slippery Slope
Command Sgt. Maj. Wade Heilman
FOLLOW 55th HBCT
Sharing a few drinks can be a driving, they also decided not to
ON FACEBOOK great social activity. However, each obey the speed limit. The driver lost
drink can make you more control of the car and rolled it. Two
vulnerable to making poor occupants ended up in the hospital
www.facebook.com/55HBCT decisions. and the other two ended up in jail.
One bad decision could cost Too many times I have heard an
someone their career or even their excuse that sounded like, “Its not
life. Often, poor decisions don’t my fault, I was drunk.” I don’t
FAMILY... cont, page 4 stop with one, but continue know about you, but I would not
“If you live in Pennsylvania and your spiraling downward to a very accept that excuse from my spouse,
Soldier's unit is in Arizona, find a local sobering and sometimes tragic a friend or a coworker. I would also
thud at the bottom. never use that as an excuse for my
FRG to join for support and
own actions.
information,” said Salisbury. While a brigade unit was
Still, there are some who believe the conducting annual training an It is really this simple: before
reason why people don’t join their FRG unfortunate example of this point you drink, make a plan. Decide
was made. what you are doing to do and what
is much simpler. “Probably the number
one reason why people do not you are not going to do. Don’t let
While the battalion granted
volunteer or participate in the FRG is friends pull you away from the plan
Soldiers permission to drink, they
that you know it right. Lastly,
that they are too busy with the restricted the Soldiers’ activities to
demands of job and family. Also, it could police your buddies. If you see
post. Four Soldiers, who were
be the perception that the FRG is just a someone who may be sliding down
drinking heavily, decided to not
that bad slope, stop them before
ladies club for fund raising, or maybe — only violate one policy but two.
something worse does.
commanders, pay attention — no one They drove off post while all
asked them to join or become a leader,” four were intoxicated. While
said George.
The biggest advantage to having a Where will it lead you?
strong FRG is keeping families ready at
all times throughout the deployment
cycle. A family that is ready and
supported allows their Soldier to focus Excessive drinking
on the mission at hand, thereby making
their unit’s overall mission a success. ! Violating policy
Support, education, understanding and ! ! Driving drunk
strength. Your FRG is out there with a ! ! ! Excessive Speed
great purpose and a great support staff.
! ! ! ! Serious Injury
As many of our Soldiers are preparing
! ! ! ! ! Incarceration
to deploy to Kuwait, I call for all
Soldiers and those who hold them dear ! ! ! ! ! ! Reduction
to reach out and participate in your ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Discharge
FRG.