ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill.–First Army Soldiers, Civilian workers and their Family members will be welcomed to the Quad Cities community with a day of food and fun at the Niabi Zoo on Saturday, Oct 15, 2011 at 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The event, open to the Rock Island Arsenal community and the public, is labeled as a "First Army Welcome." The special day at the zoo will be hosted by the Niabi Zoo, the Rock Island County Commission, the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, and the Rock Island Arsenal Chapter of AUSA.

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LEAVENWORTH, Kan.-Fingers tap away furiously on computer keyboards while friendly and mock enemy maneuver graphics flash across large screens as National Guardsmen from Kansas participate in a 'first-of-its-kind' exercise designed to test the full range of their combat leadership and Soldier skills.


More than 350 Soldiers from the Kansas Army National Guard's 35th Infantry Division headquarters are participating in a newly developed seven-day simulations exercise labeled an FSX, or Full Spectrum Exercise, at the headquarters building here, September 20-26.

Advisors from First Army, headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., are on hand to ensure the exercise remains focused on preparing the 35th ID for potential CEF (Contingency Expeditionary Force) missions.  Over the past few years, the majority of reserve component training was focused exclusively on preparing the units for deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan for Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.

Exercise director and commander of First Army Division East, Maj. Gen. Kevin R. Wendel says the new FSX allows the command to execute the full range of military operations in a realistic, joint, interagency and coalition environment.  "As the exercise director, my job is to help the division
achieve their training objectives and to influence and shape the exercise by working with the team of senior mentors, trainers and support teams."

First Army oversaw the development of the new simulations training exercise as part of its mission to train and validate reserve component forces prior to an overseas deployment.

Preparations for the FSX began in February 2010 with a series of developmental conferences where representatives from First Army, the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., the 35th ID and the National Guard Bureau met to design the scenario, identify personnel requirements and create the simulations facility layout.  More than 1000 Soldiers, Department of Defense civilians and contractors are taking part in the exercise.

The new FSX is intended to train military operations across the full spectrum of potential missions from high intensity conflict and counterinsurgency (COIN) to stability operations using a simulations
environment.  "In the last two years we have been in stability operationsand COIN operations in both theaters of Afghanistan and Iraq," says David Ruggere, First Army's lead project officer for the exercise.  "Though our soldiers are really skilled at that, the one skill that a lot of maneuver. Soldiers and staff have gotten away from is major combat operations-a gunfight-what used to be called a Warfighter Exercise (WFX)."

The WFX is a much older offensive and defensive combat simulation which traditionally pitted a corps or division-sized unit against an opposing force (OPFOR) in an intense force-on-force simulated battle.

Exercise control team chief, Mr. James Dumolt, MCTP, says the FSX is the first of its kind in the Army and has expanded simulations beyond the WFX in terms of functionality, "What we have added on to that is what we call PMESII: political, military, economic, social, infrastructure and information aspects of the operational environment.

According to Dumolt, the Army is transitioning back to a focus on the combat skills trained during the WFX.  "We've been doing a lot of Mission Rehearsal Exercises (MRX) in the last few years oriented towards Southwest Asia, and really doing a rehearsal to get us ready to go down range to Afghanistan and to Iraq.  We are taking what we learned at the rehearsals, where PMNESII was developed, and add that on to the Warfighter Exercise to create an FSX."

Another "first" for this exercise is the addition of an active component unit as a training audience with the 35th ID in a simulations exercise.  The 555th Engineer Brigade from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., is providing unit members to conduct simulated engineer operations in support of the 35th
ID plan.

Lt. Col. Dave Johnson, chief of plans (G-5) for the 35th ID says it's not normal for a National Guard legacy warfighter exercise to have an active component unit participate. "We've broken some new ground in that aspect as well.  We're learning from each other.  They have a really top notch team and they bring a lot to the exercise that we wouldn't have had otherwise."

The Soldiers and leaders associated with the 35th ID exercise see this new full spectrum simulation as a unique challenge and a means of shaping training for future reserve component units.

"This is really the proof of principle test for the Army on the FSX construct as well as the National Guard variant of the FSX.  In the long run, we hope that our lessons learned will help others," says Johnson.  "If we come out of this as a better unit and the Army learns from our actions, and in some cases mistakes, then we've all won and we are all better for it."

Maj. Gen. Wendel echoes those comments and views the new FSX as a critical step forward in First Army's efforts to better prepare reserve component units for a wide variety of future missions and deployments.  "Exercises like these significantly increase readiness and provide opportunities for
leaders at every level to sustain and improve critical warfighting skills."

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First Army:

Sharpening The Blade, BlackAnthem.com - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/oDtoR
Scott Curtis, First Army Public Affairs, reports on First Army's 93rd
Birthday celebration. Highlights include historical synopsis and a look at
the future for First Army.
Outlook: positive
Next Step: none
Splash: 8.6K

1st Cav. Div. enlisted leader makes tour of southern Iraq, BlackAnthem.com -
Aug 17, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/t6ey1
Spc. Sharla Lewis, 3rd AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., reports on 1st Cavalry
Division's Command Sgt. Maj. Isaia Vimoto and his trip to Iraq to tour
brigade areas of responsibility, build morale and familiarize himself with
the troops and their mission in support of Operation New Dawn.  Vimoto spent
his entire career with light infantry units, most recently as the command
sergeant major for First Army Division West at Fort Hood.
Outlook: positive
Next Step: none
Splash: 8.6K

It's Friday! Time to goof off!, The Quad-City Times - Aug 19, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/pfXxi
Columnist Bill Wundram posted an editorial regarding the kindness shown to
Maj. Leah Kenfield, Army Sustainment Command at Rock Island Arsenal, when an
unknown individual paid for her items while in the checkout line at
Davenport's SuperTarget because they noticed she was wearing a Soldier
uniform and wanted to show their support and appreciation. Her husband, Lt.
Col. Mike Kenfield, is director of public affairs for First Army at the
Arsenal
Outlook: positive
Next Step: none
Splash: 46K

Rock Island Arsenal, IL:

No Rock Arsenal specific articles/events found.

Reserve Component Mob/Demob/News:

Congressional staffers 'taste' life of Soldiers, Army.mil - Aug 17, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/PasjS

200th MP leads readiness training conference, FortMeadesoundoff.com - Aug
18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/uCkzo

'I couldn't be more proud:' Commanders leads 185 3rd ACR troops home from
Iraq, Killeen Daily Herald - Aug 17, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/a0S9y

Support for troops struggling with ptsd, WHBF.com - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/SG6s6

North Carolina Army Guard helicopter crew rescue teen after 50 foot fall,
National Guard News - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/qmjqs

Community Sends Off Local Soldiers, KAAL.com - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/hpzkv

Sumrall Vietnam vet receives Silver Star, WLOX.com - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/VR4r8

Service members respond to worst-case scenario during Vibrant Response 12
exercise, Global Secutrity.org - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/0WDOu

Officials: National Guard's role in Eastern Europe vital, Stars and Stripes
- Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/etMXT

U.S. Army/DoD:

Army vet with PTSD sought the treatment he needed by taking hostages - but
got jail instead, Stars and Stripes - Aug 18, 2011
Link: http://goo.gl/JroVB

Senator slams DoD on suicide prevention efforts Army Times - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/1VDvL

New Fort Belvoir military hospital primed and ready, officials say The
Washington Post - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/8ecZk

After trauma, teaching hope
CNN - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/17JwI

CA Assembly approves limits to funeral protests Army Times (AP) - Aug 18,
2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/1i9kb

What a deal: Work 20 years, get lifetime pension pay; still, military career
not for everyone The Washington Post (AP) - Aug 19, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/LjsiH

Judge bars comments in Killeen plot case San Antonio Express-News - Aug 18,
2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/2UlsB

US Army: No known case of body armor failing AP - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/zqrS0

MTSU, U.S. Army enter unique partnership The Daily News Journal - Aug 18,
2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/siEFx

GCV moves ahead, but more studies ordered Army Times - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/cJZ4N

U.S. Army Official Rips 'Glacial' Acquisition Process Defense News - Aug 18,
2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/fx6Wp

America's Robot Army: Technology to Save Lives in Afghanistan ABC News - Aug
18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/4h4If

BAE, General Dynamics in U.S. Army development deals Reuters - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/jNSEy

U.S. military says 'green' means security UPI - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/sFyPI

US troops weather rockets, recoilless rifles, and grenades in Sabari The
Long War Journal - Aug 19, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/f0nWc

Elmendorf-Richardson gate standoff ends
Army Times (AP) - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/6vNZ7

Identity of Arlington Cemetery remains might rest on Army search for girl in
photo The Washington Post - Aug 18, 2011
Link:  http://goo.gl/1AXo2
MOLINE, Ill - Lt. Gen. Bednarek, First Army commanding general believes business and Army leaders share some of the same goals and ideals, and this was the focus of his presentation to a group of community leaders at the Quad City chamber's Executive Club meeting at the i Wireless Center Aug 5.

"We are in the same business in developing and shaping our community and the Nation's future leaders, regardless of profession" Bednarek explained. "Grounded in the strength of our core values with dignity and respect; a strong work ethic and a belief in what we stand for. We build coach, train and educate teams to do a job and accomplish a mission."

"You and I know that as we train, build and strengthen the core of our workforce," Bednarek continued. "Whether it's a Soldier in the Army or a worker in a warehouse downtown, we are building stronger citizens, and ultimately a stronger America."

Recently, members of Iowa's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, were demobilized after returning from Afghanistan. "Great Americans, such as the Red Bulls served nine tough months serving the nation and protecting its national interests," said Bednarek. "Hiring vets is a good will act and good business."

Recalling a recent visit to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, Lt. Gen. Bednarek asked a Soldier what he did while he was participating in a training exercise. "Sir, I work at Lowes," he responded.

The First Army welcome event was hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce to provide the area the opportunity to learn about their mission and how they will tie to their new community.

First Army is a multi-component command that serves as U.S. Forces Command's executive agent for providing training support to reserve component forces. The First Army mission is to mobilize, train, deploy and demobilize Reserve Component units at installations throughout the continental United States. 

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ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. - Victory on the battlefield depends principally
on swift and coordinated troop movement. In the past, Soldiers followed the
cadence and instruction of the color guard, led by the color sergeant.

With hundreds or thousands of men involved in the heat of battle, the
significance of the color sergeant and his ability to carry the flag, rally
the troops and fearlessly face death cannot be exaggerated.

This was especially true during the Civil War. Because of their strategic
value (and their visibility), the color sergeant was a ready target.
Although normally protected by six corporals, it remained a very dangerous
assignment. Yet the position and title held special significance amongst the
troops, and it was considered a high honor usually reserved for the bravest
and strongest soldiers. The flags they carried represented the reputation of
the unit, and were not to be surrendered.

During the Battle of the Wilderness (fought between Ulysses S. Grant and
Robert E. Lee) in Virginia, both sides suffered heavy casualties, including
a Union color sergeant during the close, intense fighting. Sgt. Charles E.
Morse saw his color sergeant perish, virtually surrounded by the enemy.
Morse rushed to the fallen Soldier, grabbed the colors and raised them into
the air. He continued the rallying cry through the entire battle, earning
him the Medal of Honor. Many other Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor
for similar action during the Civil War.

Because of the extreme danger and improvements in firearm accuracy, the Army
abolished the rank of color sergeant. However, the need for a color guard
did not diminish, as the drills and ceremonies Soldiers participate in today
share the values of the past. Each regiment had two flags, the U.S. and
organizational colors.  To ensure the men knew the flag of their regiment,
both flags were carried before them during drills and ceremonies.  From this
practice developed the modern color guard.

Now the honor of color sergeant belongs to the unit's senior enlisted
member, the "keeper of the colors." In garrison, the colors are normally
kept at the headquarters. Down range, the colors are normally displayed from
reveille to retreat in front of the commanding officer's tent or command
post. As units deploy their colors are "cased" before they move, and
subsequently "uncased" once in the field, signifying readiness to conduct
combat operations.

The same ceremony takes place when headquarters move. The Pentagon's 2005
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process directed First Army to close its
headquarters at Fort Gillem, Ga., and move to the Rock Island Arsenal.
"Right now our colors are not flying in front of First Army headquarters;
they are not on display in the building." said Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L.
Andrews, Jr. "When we uncase the colors and put them on display, that means
the move is complete and First Army is officially conducting business on
Rock Island."

Andrews is First Army's keeper of the colors, a responsibility he takes very
seriously. "Our colors serve as a rallying point for all of the soldiers of
the unit; it is the heart and soul of our soldiers. I make sure that
wherever the commander is, the colors are always carried, presented and
displayed properly."

Andrews will uncase the organizational colors with the commander, Lt. Gen.
Mick Bednarek, July 21. The ceremony will highlight almost 100 years of rich
history, including

General John J. Pershing leading First Army troops into France in World War
I, to General Omar N. Bradley commanding First Army Soldiers on Normandy
Beach in WWII. That historical lineage continues today, training reserve and
active duty Soldiers for worldwide deployment.

During the uncasing ceremony the organizational color is unfurled, revealing
its battle streamers. The concept of battle streamers came to prominence
during the Civil War, when individual units embroidered the names of battles
in which they fought on their flag. An official system was adopted by the
Army in 1921.

"The battle streamers signify a historical representation of a unit's
participation in the battles and campaigns of American history and represent
the blood, sweat and tears of those who fought alongside the flag; it is
emblematic of the Esprit de Corps in the unit," Andrews said.

The ceremony itself is rather quick, but the historical importance is
evident. "As the commander and myself uncase the colors," Andrews continued,
"the message is of First Army Headquarters acknowledging responsibility as
the senior command team here, and we're ready to go to work, not only on
Rock Island, but to do our nation's will, which is continuing to train all
of our guard and reserve forces throughout the Army."

The "keeper of the colors" looks forward to working for First Army in a new
location.

"I am very impressed with the level of community support our Soldiers, their
families and the headquarters has received," said Andrews. "I have seen
nothing but the potential for greatness in building a strong, positive
relationship between the communities in the Quad Cities and the First Army
team, and the warm reception our Soldiers and families received from the
Quad Cities has been unbelievable. We all look forward to working with them
in the future to make it even better."

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Sgt. 1st Class Evadne Benson, center, First Army Equal Opportunity Advisor, meets with two squads of Military Explorers, from Post 9044 in Davenport, Iowa, and Post 120 from Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. The cadets, ranging from 11 to 21 years of age, are learning about the military ways of life prior to their potential future affiliation with the service of their choosing. The "Nighthawk" and "Green Dragon" squads took a guided tour of the new First Army headquarters building on Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. The group is conducting a four-day Explorer Challenge on "The Rock", consisting of military training and orientation events.   (Photo by Master Sgt. Danette Rodesky-Flores, First Army Public Affairs)