FORT CARSON, Colo. – Fort Carson hosted a three day Recruit the Recruiter briefing from Army recruiters assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, at the Education Center, March 27-29.

The program consisted of a two-recruiter team traveling to Fort Carson to brief what to expect and how to apply to become a recruiter to Department of the Army-selected recruiters, and specialists through sergeant first class, interested in joining the fleet of Army recruiters.

"Our job is to come out and talk to Soldiers and noncommissioned officers about becoming recruiters, and what the benefits and day to day activities of being a recruiter include," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hayes, recruiter, Recruit the Recruiter program, HQ, USAREC.

The program is the only one of its' kind, which means the team travels to every major Army post stateside, as well as Europe, Korea, Alaska and Hawaii, said Hayes.

Department of the Army-selected Army recruiters make up approximately 70 percent of USAREC's recruiter corps.

The Recruit the Recruiter program seeks to boost the number of volunteer recruiters within the career field by putting a face on the recruiting field and answering any questions locally that potential recruiters have, said Sgt. 1st Class David Woodruff, recruiter, Recruit the Recruiter program, HQ, USAREC.

"We're trying to get people who want to be recruiters," said Hayes, a three-year veteran of the program. "If you get someone who wants to do something, they do it better. If we tell them to do it, we will get standard out of it."

The Army recently reorganized recruiters' schedules and duty hours due to feedback received from their staff, explained Hayes.

"The largest portion of what we're trying to get through to them here is what recruiting used to be, which doesn't have a very good name," said Woodruff. "We want recruiting to be an organization people want to come to, not the organization people are trying to get away from."

Recruiting is not a conventional Army job because the audience a recruiter has to captivate is the civilian population.

"You have to use your skills and what you know and sell yourself to somebody that doesn't have to do what you tell them to do," said Staff Sgt. Armando Flores, a motor transport operator assigned to 360th Transportation Company, 43rd Sustainment Brigade.

Flores, slated to attend recruiting school next month, stopped into the class to get some final questions answered about the recruiter process.

"I think, personally, that speaking to Soldiers and listening to them is a gift I have as an NCO, and I think I can best help the Army by becoming a recruiter," said Flores.

Army recruiting requires a Soldier to commit three years of their career to finding qualified civilians and starting them on the path to becoming a part of America's Army.

For more information about the Recruit the Recruiter program, contact Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hayes at Michael.hayes@usarec.army.mil or Sgt. 1st Class David Woodruff at David.woodruff@usarec.army.mil.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Sergeant First Class Michael Hayes, an Army recruiter with the Recruit the Recruiter program, encourages Fort Carson noncommissioned officers to become recruiters at the Fort Carson Education Center, March 27, 2012. "Our job is to come out and talk to Soldiers and noncommissioned officers about becoming recruiters and what the benefits and day to day activities of being a recruiter include," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hayes, recruiter, Recruit the Recruiter program, Headquarters, U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Sergeant First Class Michael Hayes, an Army recruiter with the Recruit the Recruiter program, encourages Fort Carson noncommissioned officers to become recruiters at the Fort Carson Education Center, March 27, 2012. "If you get someone who wants to do something they, do it better. If we tell them to do it we will get standard out of it," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hayes, recruiter, Recruit the Recruiter program, Headquarters, U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – The smell of coolant, transmission fluid and grease permeated the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Maintenance Task Force's motor pool bays as "Warhorse" Soldiers conducted maintenance on M992A2 Carrier-Ammunition Tracked Vehicles and M1A2 System Enhancement Package Abrams tanks.

The mechanics prepare for the return of the "Warhorse" brigade from Afghanistan, and are one of eight pilot programs in the testing phase for the Army.

"We are not reinventing the wheel by any means," said Capt. John Riley, 2nd BCT Maintenance Task Force commander, 4th Infantry Division. "We are going back to doctrinal maintenance that we have gotten away from in the past ten years."

The 2nd BCT Maintenance Task Force leadership built the 2nd BCT Maintenance Task Force program from scratch when the brigade deployed, creating a task force of 27 Soldiers capable of repairing vehicles and filling equipment shortages on vehicles left behind by the Warhorse brigade.

"We had 30 days to complete a full inventory to figure out what the shortages were and order all the parts to bring the 2nd BCT up to 100 percent upon return," said Staff Sgt. Cynthia Drerup, unit supply specialist, 2nd BCT Maintenance Task Force.

The Task Force services and maintains approximately 430 pieces of equipment, including Bradley Fighting Vehicles; M1A2 System Enhancement Package Abrams tank; M109A6 Paladins; and M992A2 Carrier-Ammunition Tracked Vehicles.

"We're doing services, pulling out the engines and transmissions, looking the equipment over, finding any damage, swapping out fluids and filters," said Pfc. William Weir, wheeled vehicle mechanic, 2nd BCT Maintenance Task Force, 4th Inf. Div.

The 2nd BCT, traditionally a Heavy Brigade Combat Team equipped with armored vehicles, re-designated as an Infantry Brigade Combat Team prior to deployment; leaving all armored vehicles behind.

"We trained as a heavy BDE, then parked our Tanks and Bradley's and went back to war as a light unit," said Riley.

Units traditionally leave the vehicles behind to be repaired by a fleet of civilian contractors, but now with the pilot program the maintenance is left to Army trained mechanics to get the job done, said Riley.

"The objective of the maintenance task force is to take back ownership of military vehicles and to improve skill sets of Soldiers," said Riley.

"The task force prioritizes maintenance on vehicles, allowing an hour for lunch, a 15-minute break in the afternoon, and end the workday at 5:30 p.m. to attain maximum productivity," said Coderre. "A typical Army unit gets 50 percent production out of a normal Soldier, here we get 90 percent production time."

The 2nd BCT is scheduled to return from Afghanistan in the coming months. Following their reintegrating they will be issued their armored vehicles and begin to train again as a Heavy BCT.

"I would like to see a successful first gunnery where maintenance is not a factor in planning," said Riley. "After that I would like to see units picking up where we left off."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Private First Class William Weir, wheeled vehicle mechanic, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Maintenance Task Force, 4th Infantry Division, refills the radiator of an M992A2 Carrier-Ammunition Tracked Vehicle in a maintenance bay at the unit motorpool on Fort Carson, March 19, 2012. "We're doing services, pulling out the engines and transmissions, looking the equipment over, finding any damage, swapping out fluids and filters," said Weir

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Private First Class Gary Heafey, wheeled vehicle mechanic, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Maintenance Task Force, 4th Infantry Division, checks a speedometer cable recently replaced on an M992A2 Carrier-Ammunition Tracked Vehicle engine in a maintenance bay at the unit motorpool on Fort Carson, March 19, 2012. The Maintenance Task Force is one of eight Army-wide pilot programs being tested.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Private First Class Shaun Paxton, M1 Abrams system maintainer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Maintenance Task Force, 4th Infantry Division, applies adhesive to a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hatch of an M1A2 System Enhancement Package Abrams tank in a maintenance bay at the unit motorpool on Fort Carson, March 19, 2012.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division showed off their skills, engaging in a little friendly competition to see who deserved the titles of NCO and Soldier of the Quarter, March 14-15.

Nine noncommissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers competed in a multitude of Soldier skills including rifle marksmanship, combat life-saving, and land navigation.

"We are looking for the absolute best Soldier and NCO in the brigade," said Master Sgt. Gregory Brobst, 3rd BCT operations senior noncommissioned officer.

Soldiers take part in the quarterly competition to set themselves apart from their peers, said Brobst. He explained that the competitive atmosphere is designed to push Soldiers to excel to the best of their ability.

For two days, 3rd BCT Soldiers were expected to perform at a superior level. Every task, from the physical fitness test to a detailed uniform inspection, pitted Soldiers against each other in a way that left little room for error in order to come out on top.

"I'm pretty motivated to make myself better whenever I can," said Sgt. Justin Hall, cavalry scout, Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT. "Competition is one of the main ways, in any workplace, to make a person better. And in the Army, when a Soldier becomes better, it makes the organization better."

Hall earned recognition as the NCO of the Quarter. Specialist Adam Bardwell, also a cavalry scout with Troop A, 4th Sqdrn., 10th Cav. Regt., earned the title of Soldier of the Quarter.

Both Soldiers will move on and compete in the division-level competition, representing the Iron Brigade.

 

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Specialist Adam Bardwell, cavalry scout, Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provides aid to Spc. Mike Tipps, cavalry scout, Troop C, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., who is role playing as an injured Soldier during the Iron Brigade's NCO and Soldier of the Quarter competition. During the event, Sgt. Robert Croft, health care specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., evaluated Bardwell on his performance. Nine noncommissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers of 3rd BCT competed in various of areas of Soldier proficiency, including rifle marksmanship, combat life saving, and land navigation, March 14-15. Bardwell earned recognition as the Soldier of the Quarter.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Sergeant Justin Hall, cavalry scout, Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, answers questions presented by a board comprised of 3rd BCT senior noncommissioned officers during the Iron Brigade's NCO and Soldier of the Quarter competition. Nine noncommissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers of 3rd BCT competed in various of areas of Soldier proficiency, including rifle marksmanship, combat life saving, and land navigation, March 14-15. Hall earned recognition as the NCO of the Quarter.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Sergeant Justin Hall, cavalry scout, Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires down-range in a kneeling position during a portion of the Iron Brigade's NCO and Soldier of the Quarter competition. Nine noncommissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers of 3rd BCT competed in various of areas of Soldier proficiency, including rifle marksmanship, combat life saving, and land navigation, March 14-15. Hall earned recognition as the NCO of the Quarter.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – As the deployment begins to come to an end there is an ongoing campaign to fight complacency. When Soldiers get too comfortable or complacent accidents can happen and people could get hurt. As a way to improve morale and counteract complacency an M9 competition was held at Camp Nathan Smith, March 9.

"We shot three courses of fire," said Maj. Darren LoRé, the chief of operations for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, who organized the event. "The first two stages were standing so everyone had to work all their pistol skills. They had to come from the holster, change magazines, engage targets, reload and engage targets. In the third stage, shooters had to do everything: present their pistol, reload and maneuver while shooting targets."

The competition was open to anyone willing to participate.

"We had 21 shooters from across the Combined Task Force Warhorse and eight units were represented here," said Lt. Col. Dana Stowell, the brigade executive officer. "This was a really good opportunity for Soldiers to get together and have some competition while enhancing our war fighting skills."

"The participants ranged from beginners to advanced shooters," said 1st Lt. Lee Robinson, the fire support officer for 561st Military Police Company attached to 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., who was the overall winner of the competition. "Regardless of Soldiers' shooting backgrounds I think everyone had a good time."

"I wanted to make sure everyone was very comfortable with what they were doing," LoRé said.

The competition had a relaxed atmosphere with a heavy emphasis on safety.

"We laid out a good safety brief and, with a course like this, you have an NCO range safety officer walking with you," LoRé said. "So, if you have an issue they just stop you right there."

The event was meant to bring Soldiers together as well as train in the form of friendly competition.

"I really enjoyed the CNS pistol competition," Robinson said. "Major LoRé set up a fun and realistic course. The competition was a good break in the weekly routine."

"I had a great time," said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Agustin, a medical operations NCO with the 445th Civil Affairs Detachment attached to 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., who won second place in the competition. "Morale events like this make a difference to Soldiers who need a break."

"Getting a chance to practice those perishable skills, to rehearse and do the things we would be called upon in combat, the better we are," Stowell said.

"It's a lot of fun," said Sgt. Margaret Stokes, a geo spatial analyst with Company A, Cryptology Support Team 26 attached to 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. "I think even state side we should do competitions like this, especially since it gets Soldiers acclimated to weapons they don't normally use."

"It really was counter complacency," said LoRe. "It is important for us to be proficient with our side arm. When you're in a gun fight, time is critical so you need to be very quick with your pistol. If you practice you will get faster."

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan—Staff Sgt. Christopher Zimbalatti, a 385th Military Police liaison officer to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, holds a time buzzer while Sgt. Joshua Crow, a team leader for the 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Personal Security Detail, prepares his weapon to fire during a M9 shooting competition at Camp Nathan Smith, March 9. The competition was held as a morale booster and helped with counter complacency. The competition was open to anyone wanting to participate.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan—Sgt. Ray Talbott, a team leader with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Personal Security Detail, counts the number of times Sgt. Jarrod Dillon, a team leader with 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. PSD, hit the target during a M9 competition at Camp Nathan Smith, March 9. Each area on the target was worth a certain amount of points. Once those points were added up they were divided by the amount of time it took to fire, thus equaling a contestant's score.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan—Spc. James Salyers, the squadron commander's driver with 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires his weapon during a M9 competition at Camp Nathan Smith, March 9. The competition consisted of three stages where the shooters were timed on how fast they could hit the targets. A shooters final score was the number of points divided by time.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan—Maj. Darren LoRé, the chief of operations for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, calls on Sgt. Joshua Crow, a team leader with 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Personal Security Detail, as he raises his hand to ask a question during a safety brief for the M9 completion held at Camp Nathan Smith, March 9. During the friendly competition safety was the top priority for everyone. Two safety briefs were held and each shooter had a safety who watched their every move to make sure no unsafe acts were committed.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan— Sgt. Joshua Crow, a team leader for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Personal Security Detail, runs to his next target while grabbing for a new magazine while Staff Sgt. Christopher Zimbalatti, a 385th Military Police liaison officer to 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., runs alongside him with the timer during a M9 competition at Camp Nathan Smith, March 9. The competition consisted of three firing stations. The first two stations were immobile but at the third station the shooter had to move from one area of targets to the next, about 10 feet away, safely.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan— Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Agustin, a medical operations noncommissioned officer with the 445th Civil Affairs Detachment attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, shoots at his target during a M9 competition held at Camp Nathan Smith, March 9. Agustin won second place for his quick reaction to targets and his accuracy. The competition was held to boost morale and was open to anyone willing to participate.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – The Rocky Mountains echoed with the sounds of helicopters turning, diving and maneuvering around jagged ridges and craggy summits. The sounds resonated from aircraft manned by aviators of the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

The pilots of 101st Combat Aviation Brigade traveled to Fort Carson to conduct High Altitude Mountain Environmental Training in the Rocky Mountains west of Fort Carson in preparation for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

HAMET enables Army aviators to experience the rigors of high altitude and mountainous flying, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Bigelow, UH-60M Blackhawk instructor pilot, Company A, 5th Battalion, 101st CAB.

During the high altitude training, pilots of the 101st CAB complete one week of individual pilot training, followed by a week of collective training in their aircraft.

"We train the pilots to fly in high-density altitude and low power conditions, so when we get into Afghanistan, we don't have to worry about coming into a landing zone with low power and crashing an aircraft," Bigelow said.

The aviation unit began arriving at Fort Carson in February to conduct the training specific to the high altitude setting, learning how elevation and terrain affect the aircraft. The brigade will conduct HAMET through mid-May, rotating battalions through the course.

The high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains restrict the average 2,000 horsepower capability of the UH-60M Blackhawk to approximately 90 percent of the aircraft's capability, said Capt. Andrew Schwilk, acting operations officer, 1st Battalion.

Accustomed to flying at Fort Campbell, which is close to sea-level in its elevation, the pilots learn to compensate for the variables caused by the environmental differences.

"The training forces the pilots to adjust their techniques; but overall, it forces them to use better planning when selecting landing zones, and teaches them to evalutate the effects of winds and how the terrain is going affect their approaches," said Schwilk.

Throughout the training, pilots accounted for differences in winds, weather patterns, aerodynamics and aircraft maneuverability specific to mountainous terrain.

"Training in a mountainous environment, where wind and turbulence affect your mode of flight, is imperative before you fly in Afghanistan," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Landers, pilot, Company A, 5th Battalion.

The wind conditions, altitudes, and hazards of flying in the Rocky Mountains are very similar to flying in Afghanistan, said Bigelow, an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran pilot.

"We don't want an aviator to experience these conditions for the first time in combat," said Schwilk. "It helps them to experience these conditions here in a controlled environment."

Upon completing their two-week training course, the unit will return to Fort Campbell with the experiences taken from HAMET and continue their preperation for deployment.

"Fort Carson and the 4th Infantry Division have been absolutely excellent to us," said Schwilk. "Our aviators are progressing at a much faster rate than we anticipated, due to the help we've gotten from 4th Inf. Div. It's helped our preperations for deployment be much smoother."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Landers, UH-60M Blackhawk pilot, Company A, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, performs preflight checks of his helicopter before conducting High Altitude Mountain Environmental Training in the Rocky Mountains west of Fort Carson, March 12, 2012. "Training in a mountainous environment where wind and turbulence affect your mode of flight is imperative before you fly in Afghanistan," said Landers.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Bigelow, instructor pilot, Company A, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division performs preflight checks on his UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter before conducting High Altitude Mountain Environmental Training in the Rocky Mountains west of Fort Carson, March 12, 2012. Chosen by his battalion to teach pilots who have not experienced the rigors of flying in high altitudes, Bigleow flew aircraft in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan during a prior deployment.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers assigned to Company A, 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, conduct High Altitude Mountain Environmental Training in the Rocky Mountains west of Fort Carson, March, 12, 2012. "We train the pilots to fly in high density altitude (and) low power conditions, so when we get into Afghanistan we don't have to worry about coming into a landing zone with low power and crashing an aircraft," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Bigelow, UH-60M Blackhawk instructor pilot, Company A, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Leaders and human resources experts from Army Human Resources Command, stationed at Fort Knox, Ky., visited Fort Carson March 12-16.

During their stay, the HRC Soldiers provided information to Fort Carson leaders regarding the future of the Army, and mentored troops about changes to human resources policy and the importance of following proper procedures when looking at reassignment or promotion.

Sergeant Major Ken Jackson, senior enlisted leader for the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, spoke to enlisted Soldiers about many of the new requirements troops must understand and complete to further their military careers.

"With the advent of technology, the Soldier has a lot more responsibility for his or her own career," Jackson said. "They have a lot more resources available to them to become an integral part in decision making when it comes to their careers"

During his visit, Jackson focused on showing Fort Carson Soldiers the importance of keeping their professional records organized, utilizing online Army career assistance programs, and remaining proactively engaged with unit human resources professionals to ensure paperwork is processed correctly.

"The enlisted leaders here at Fort Carson are willing and eager to take care of Soldiers," Jackson said. "Once we started giving them the knowledge we brought to the table and showing them things going on across the Army, light bulbs started going on in their heads."

Educating Soldiers about changes in Army policy is imperative to ensuring they make the best choices to further their career, said Sgt. Maj. Rodney Allen, senior enlisted leader, Enlisted Personnel Management Directorate, HRC.

"We want to share with the Soldiers out here why we do our business, how we do our business, and an idea of the nuances it takes to get Soldiers where they want to be and maintain a balance in the Army," Allen said.

Allen spoke to enlisted Soldiers about assignments and highlighted the Qualitative Selection Program, an initiative implemented by the Army to identify Soldiers' productivity levels and gauge whether they are maintaining standards. "What the Army is trying to do is maintain the right quality of Soldiers," Allen said. "We do not want to keep Soldiers who are not bringing anything to the table with them. It is a privilege rather than a right to be in the Army."

By visiting Soldiers in person and putting out information first hand, the HRC leaders highlighted the importance of the topics they discussed, said Staff Sgt. Latoya Sewell, information systems operator, North American Aerospace Defense Command.

While the senior noncommissioned officers spoke to enlisted Soldiers, human resources officers briefed Fort Carson leaders about the Army's personnel distribution plans, and met with unit leaders throughout the week to discuss manning concerns, helping leaders better understand the needs of Fort Carson units.

Spending time face-to-face with leaders is imperative to understanding what units need, said Maj. Brian Witcher, chief of the III Corps Enlisted Readiness Branch, Enlisted Personnel Management Directorate, HRC.

"What I've learned here is that maintaining communication is imperative in the Army," Witcher said. "We are hearing a lot from the units here this week. My unit usually keeps in pretty good contact with Fort Carson units, but it is important to get face time with these leaders and see for ourselves what they need and how we can provide for those needs."

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FORT CARSON Colo. – Sergeant Major Ken Jackson, senior enlisted leader for the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, speaks to enlisted Soldiers about the importance of ensuring their personnel documents are correct during a visit to Fort Carson March 13, 2012. Representatives from HRC visited the home of the 4th Infantry Division to discuss human resources concerns with Fort Carson leaders and inform Soldiers about important changes in Army policy.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Captain Jake Turner, officer account manager, III Corps Readiness Branch, Personnel Management Directorate, Human Resources Command, gives a brief on manning to Fort Carson leaders at the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters, March 13, 2012. Representatives from HRC visited the home of the 4th Infantry Division to discuss human resources concerns with Fort Carson leaders and inform Soldiers about important changes in Army policy.

FORT CARSON Colo. – Sergeant Major Rodney Allen, senior enlisted leader, Enlisted Personnel Management Directorate, Human Resources Command., speaks to enlisted Soldiers about the Army assignment process during a visit to Fort Carson, March 13, 2012. "What the Army is trying to do is maintain the right quality of Soldiers," Allen said. "We do not want to keep Soldiers who are not bringing anything to the table with them. It is a privilege rather than a right to be in the Army." Representatives from HRC visited the home of the 4th Infantry Division to discuss human resources concerns with Fort Carson leaders and inform Soldiers about important changes in Army policy.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Teams of Soldiers quickly donned their gear, loading one-by-one into the back of their new tank. All in, the crew of new recruits closed the rear door of the M1A2 System Enhancement Package Abrams tank and M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, ready to move out.

More than 40 Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, familiarized themselves on the new heavy combat vehicles during live-fire training at Fort Carson Range 105 March 7.

The "Regulars" Soldiers of 1st BCT recently began training on the new M1A2 SEP Abrams tanks and M2A2 BFV to develop their combat skills and build cohesion as a team in preparation for future missions.

"We're conducting this training to get our Soldiers familiar with the new Bradley and tank," said Sgt. 1st Class Ross Carlson, tank commander assigned to Company D. "The unit has received a handful of new Soldiers that have never worked with these vehicles, so this is necessary training for them."

Before Soldiers practiced movement and firing drills, they checked to see if their vehicles were operable.

The crewmembers covered each piece of equipment in the vehicles, ensuring the new systems worked correctly and using bore sights to align the weapons systems.

Bore sight refers to adjustments made to an optical sight, to align the barrel of a weapon with the sights, said Carlson, a native of Sharpsbury, Ga.

"A handful of Soldiers came to this unit straight from (advanced individual training)," said Pvt. Joshua Debrum, armor crewman assigned to Company D. "This training is important, because (we) are learning skills and tactics (we) will utilize downrange."

Operating and maintaining a Bradley or tank is a crew task, said Debrum, a native of Honolulu.

Crews must learn to work together to ensure they are combat ready, he said.

After Soldiers finished preparing their vehicles, they drove to the firing range to demonstrate their skills, performing movement drills and dry-fire exercises.

"It's our responsibility to ensure our vehicles are properly maintained," said Spc. Mason Snyder, infantryman assigned to Company A. "It may seem difficult at first, but with a good crew and the right training, the vehicles become easier to figure out."

Snyder added he had little experience with the Bradley, so when he trained on it daily, it became easier to understand.

During their training at the gunnery ranges, Soldiers took time to build camaraderie within their crew.

"Training exercises have brought our crew closer together," said Snyder, a native of Eaton, Ohio. "We spend a lot of time together in our vehicles when we are at ranges, so we learn things about each other."

Highly trained, integrated crews and the firepower of their new vehicles make the unit a powerful force, said Carlson.

"Every day we are out in the field, our Soldiers are getting better and better at their maneuvering and firing drills," said Carlson. "When we are done with our training, the unit will be an unstoppable force, able to destroy the enemy wherever it may be."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Sergeant First Class Ross Carlson, tank commander assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, inserts a bore sight into the barrel of an M1A2 System Enhancement Package Abrams tank to check if its sights are aligned, March 7, 2012, at Fort Carson Range 105. Bore sight refers to adjustments made to an optical sight to align the barrel of a weapon with the sights. Carlson, a native of Sharpsbury, Ga., helps his Soldiers to maintain and operate their vehicles. The "Regulars" Soldiers of 1st BCT recently began training on the new M1A2 SEP Abrams tanks and M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to develop their combat skills and build cohesion as a team in preparation for future missions.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers from, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conduct movement drills in an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, March 7, 2012, at Fort Carson Range 105. The "Regulars" Soldiers of 1st BCT recently began training on the new M1A2 SEP Abrams tanks and M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to develop their combat skills and build cohesion as a team in preparation for future missions.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Major General Joseph Anderson, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, recognized retention professionals for surpassing the Army's reenlistment goals during a breakfast at the Elkhorn Conference Center, March 9.

During the event, Anderson presented plaques to Fort Carson units for maintaining the best retention record in U.S. Army Forces Command at the Commanding General's Fiscal Year 2012 Phase One Annual Retention Awards Breakfast.

"Thank you for what you have been doing," Anderson told the recipients. "This division has led the way for FORSCOM, and this is a huge testament to the environment you have created here – how you train, how you lead, and how you take care of your Soldiers and their Families."

The 4th Inf. Div. and tenant Fort Carson units have an exemplary history of achieving and surpassing retention goals, leading FORSCOM reenlistments for three consecutive years, said Sgt. Maj. Mike Harris, command career counselor, 4th Inf. Div.

Second Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., and 43rd Sustainment Brigade completed 134 percent and 148 percent of their retention mission, respectively, earning recognitions as the post's top reenlistment brigades.

Third Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., and 68th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, 43rd SB, earned recognition as the post's top battalions by achieving 200 and 151 percent of their retention goals, respectively.

Division leadership also presented plaques to 4th Inf. Div.'s 214th Fires Brigade, out of Fort Sill, Okla.; 1st and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams, and Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, for completing 100 percent or more of their retention mission.

The 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson reenlistment numbers set the standard for the rest of the Army, said Harris.

"I think that's the case, because leaders at every level care about the Soldiers and the Soldier's Family," Harris said. "When you have a strong leadership team that is taking care of Soldiers and their Families, Soldiers will reenlist, because they know their leaders will look out for them."

Strong leaders also instill pride in their troops and inspire Soldiers to continue serving their nation, said Sgt. 1st Class John Day, career counselor, 68th CSSB.

"Whenever you have great leaders, you have a great retention rate," said Day. "In my battalion, we have leaders who love to train, who love to lead and who love to take care of Soldiers. At the end of the day, Soldiers are going to stay in because their unit is looking out for them."

Soldiers interested in reenlisting can speak to their unit career counselor for information about career and assignment possibilities.

Harris said he urges Soldiers who are within their reenlistment window to act decisively and contact their career counselors with any questions.

"Soldiers who are thinking about reenlistment should not wait," he said. "The Army is down-sizing, and an option that is available today may not be there tomorrow. If you know you are going to reenlist, reenlist now."

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Fort Carson leaders and unit career counselors dine together during the Commanding General's Fiscal Year 2012 Phase One Annual Retention Awards Breakfast at the Elkhorn Conference Center, March 9, 2012. Following the meal, Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, presented plaques to unit representatives, recognizing them for exceeding the standard by exceeding their unit's retention goals.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Sergeant Major Mike Harris, command career counselor, 4th Infantry Division, addresses Fort Carson leaders and unit career counselors about the future of retention during the Commanding General's Fiscal Year 2012 Phase One Annual Retention Awards Breakfast at the Elkhorn Conference Center, March 9, 2012. The 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson led U.S. Army Forces Command in accomplishing the retention mission for the 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2012.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Major General Joseph Anderson, center, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, with Brig. Gen. Darsie Rogers, left, the division's deputy commanding general for support, and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Stall, right, the division's senior enlisted leader, speaks to Fort Carson leaders and unit career counselors about the future of retention during the Commanding General's Fiscal Year 2012 Phase One Annual Retention Awards Breakfast at the Elkhorn Conference Center, March 9, 2012. The 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson led U.S. Army Forces Command in accomplishing their retention mission for the 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2012.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Sniffing out explosives, subduing potential threats and protecting the lives of his comrades encompassed a day's work for Bronco, a nine-year veteran of the Department of Defense's Military Working Dog program.

The Belgian Malinois' handler, Staff Sgt. John Mariana, had just arrived to the 148th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, where he was teamed up with Bronco in October of 2010, deploying a month later in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"When we linked up as a team, it was an instant connection," said Mariana. "We were a tough team to compare to, because we were so good together. It made us the team to beat."

Dog and handler teams are typically allowed 90 days to bond and build a rapport before conducting missions, explained Mariana, a New York native. The teams learn to patrol together, detect drugs or explosives, and conduct MWD functions specialized to their mission.

"The training a military working dog handler has to conduct every month is almost overwhelming," explained Capt. James Bloom, Mariana's former company commander, 148th MP Det.

With the deployment rapidly approaching, the unit chose to pair Bronco, a veteran of OEF, with Mariana, a veteran of three previous deployments, taking advantage of their experiences in a combat zone, he explained.

Upon completing 30 days of training, the MWD team deployed to Afghanistan.

"You deploy as an individual with your dog and get assigned to a unit of strangers," explained acting Fort Carson Kennel Master, Staff Sgt. Matthew Clayton, 148th MP. "You have to be able to mesh in with that unit quick to do your mission."

Upon arrival in Afghanistan, Mariana and Bronco were assigned to a Special Forces Group team.

Mariana said the work ethic and mutual respect he and his working dog had for each other immediately gained the respect of the Soldiers they were assigned to support.

"We try and get mature noncommissioned officers to do this, because they have to sell their capabilities to a commander on the ground," said Bloom.

Mariana and Bronco's mission entailed clearing dusty foot patrol routes of Improvised Explosive Devices and entering buildings ahead of the team to "sniff" out any explosives or combatants waiting to ambush U.S. and Afghan forces.

The MWD team found three explosive devices on their first mission within hours of stepping off a CH-47 Chinook in November.

"We would clear up to our objective, and when we got there, he would go in and search the objective," said Mariana.

The duo discovered approximately 30 explosive devices while on patrols, keeping the rest of their team safe and able to complete their missions.

"Bronco would go up to 300 meters on his own, searching the roadway where we would be walking," said Mariana. "That gave us a good amount of standoff distance from us and any type of threat."

During a mission in June 2011, a single event changed the lives of both team members.

"It's one of those nights I will never forget," said Mariana.

While on patrol, an enemy combatant drew an AK-47, aligning his sites on Mariana and prepared to fire. Mariana instinctively commanded Bronco to engage the combatant the way they practiced bite training many times before. Bronco attacked the combatant, sinking his teeth into the enemy in an effort to protect his handler from harm. The combatant fired a 7.62mm round from the assault rifle, which entered the left side of Bronco's muzzle and disintegrated the right side of his muzzle. Bronco ran away in pain.

Mariana's instincts as a dog handler kicked in, and he began to pursue his dog, following the blood trail left by the wounded animal. He found his partner and began to apply first aid to stop the bleeding coming from Bronco's muzzle while they waited for help.

A medical evacuation transport flew the dog team to Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan, where Bronco underwent life-saving surgery.

Following surgery, Bronco began the healing process, recovering in his kennel on Bagram Airfield.

Mariana slept in Bronco's concrete kennel for two weeks, holding the dog's mouth open to ensure he could breathe throughout the night.

When Bronco became stable enough for transport, the pair boarded a military aircraft and headed back to the U.S. where Bronco would undergo four more surgeries to repair his muzzle.

Mariana explained that while the dog's muzzle appears functional, the attack permanently damaged his sense of smell, resulting in his inability to function as a MWD.

Bronco can no longer detect as well as he used to; his sense of smell is about 20 percent of what it used to be, he said.

"Once Bronco found an IED with a pressure plate buried four feet underground; now, I put something out and he has trouble finding it if it just has dirt pushed over it," said Mariana.

The task of proving the dog could no longer perform his duties as an MWD fell on Mariana. He spent two months observing and analyzing Bronco before convincing his superiors the dog was not fit for duty.

"He busted his nose open several times, slamming it into the ground and trying to find a scent," explained Mariana.

Once a military dog handler feels an MWD can no longer perform its duties, a packet must be submitted to the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where a board convenes quarterly to determine if dogs are capable of working, or if they must be medically retired and adopted out.

Once a dog is found to be unfit for duty, it is considered to be excess to the unit, allowing the unit to release the dog for adoption, said Mariana.

A veterinarian must then examine the dog a final time to ensure the animal is fit to become a house pet, before allowing the MWD to be put up for adoption.

After the dog and the handler passed the screening process, Mariana adopted Bronco and retired him to his home.

"I knew Bronco was not going to make it in the MWD program due to his medical condition, and there was no question that Staff Sgt. Mariana would be adopting him," said Clayton.

Mariana said the bond he shares with Bronco has never been stronger, and the respect that he has for his once partner, now a companion, is nothing short of love.

"He saved my life that night without a doubt," said Mariana. "He saved a lot of lives."

Mariana is now assigned to the 59th Military Police Company, 759th MP Bn., where he serves as a squad leader, and Bronco gets to stay home.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Staff Sergeant John Mariana, a military working dog handler, and his K-9, Bronco, who were assigned to the 148th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, from Fort Carson, Colo., take a break from conducting security patrols during a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Department of Defense employs trained military working dogs to conduct military patrols, seek and detect drugs and explosives, and conduct specialized mission functions. "Without Bronco being that asset, people would have definitely gotten hurt or killed, because we can't smell the devices … the dogs can," said Mariana.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Staff Sgt. John Mariana, a military working dog handler, and his K-9, Bronco, who were then assigned to 148th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, from Fort Carson, Colo., take a break from conducting security patrols during a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Staff Sgt. John Mariana, a military working dog handler, assigned to 148th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, from Fort Carson, Colo., plays with his K-9, Bronco, during a 2011 deployment to Afghanistan. Mariana and Bronco partnered with security patrols, searching for Improvised Explosive Devices and ordnance during their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Conducting daily missions the pair found and neutralized approximately 30 IEDs and land mines during their eight-month deployment.