Army JAG Corps leader visits JBSA-Fort Sam Houston

17 Pages·2017·3.18 MB·English

2|Friday,February9,2018|JBSALegacy
Leadership in the social media age
By Dayton Ward determined the benefits of this NCOs use resources such as by the U.S. Army Training and
NCO JOURNAL ever-growing method of com- Facebook to hold “virtual town Doctrine Command in March
munication and information halls” online. Such platforms 2017. “It is a way to facilitate
Many people rely on the exchange could be embraced offer an effective means of com- communication, but the most
internet to obtain information, while taking proper steps to munication with Soldiers and effective way to communicate
receive news, shop, conduct mitigate risk. families who may be geographi- with Soldiers is face to face.”
business, play games, watch This cleared the way for mil- cally dispersed. They can also Bolaños’ comments were
films and television, and com- itary personnel to access emerg- be employed to conduct train- made in response to questions
municate. Within this realm, ing social media platforms like ing, conferences or other profes- regarding online activity and
social media has served to per- Facebook and Twitter from sional gatherings when as- conduct. NCOs carry the re-
sonalize experiences and afford DoD computers, and encour- sembling the intended audience sponsibility of ensuring their
individuals the opportunity to aged units and organizations to at a physical location is less Soldiers acquit themselves at all
share them with others. The explore means of leveraging the desirable or unfeasible from a times as professional repre-
ability to instantly connect with power of these venues for im- time or cost perspective. sentatives of the Army. This
anetwork of loved ones and portant activities such as unit At the local/tactical level, obligation includes online activ-
friends, as well as engage with communication, training, family NCOs have at their disposal an ities, where the proliferation of
strangers about similar inter- support, and community out- easy means of staying in direct smartphones and other mobile
ests, is perhaps the platforms’ reach. contact with their Soldiers. For devices within the ranks has
greatest strength. Today, the government and those still learning to embrace made it easy to share inappro-
For military members sta- military’s presence on social social media, this can pose a priate comments or post in-
tioned overseas, deployed to media is entrenched. For the challenge when exploring it as a formation that violates opera-
forward areas, or aboard ships, Army, this effort is spearheaded communications option with tions security.
social media is an invaluable by the official U.S. Army Social subordinates. Even if one does Posters may not even realize
morale tool that provides a Media website. Designed as an not actively participate in social they made an error. On occa-
welcome connection to families information portal, it is the media forums and other activ- sion, mistakes might not be so
back home. From an organiza- primary aid for all Army per- ities, it is still important to un- innocuous. Such missteps can
tional standpoint, employing sonnel to better understand derstand how younger Soldiers range from sharing photo-
social media offers ways to their “role in Army social me- in particular view these plat- graphs of individual Soldiers or
share information with other dia” and provides easy access to forms. unit activities which may violate
units, as well as interact with policies, guidance, education “Facebook is an extension of OPSEC, to engaging in deroga-
neighboring civilian communi- and training in order to “create the barracks,” said 1st Sgt. Aar- tory, inflammatory or harassing
ties. an environment where trusted on R. Leisenring, 1st Battalion, and bullying behavior.
Is social media prone to mis- information is disseminated to 111th Infantry Regiment, Penn- “At the end of the day, it’s
use or abuse? The unfortunate the Army family and the pub- sylvania Army National Guard, about those decisions and ac-
answer to this question is “Yes.” lic.” during the NCO Solarium IIe- tions that our Soldiers make on
Using the internet and social vent at Fort Leavenworth, Kan- and off duty when no one is
media brings risk to individu- Social Media as sas. Many of the event’s partici- watching,” said Bolaños. “How
als, businesses and other public aLeadership Tool pants, including Daniel A. Dai- well do we know our Soldiers?
organizations. It can be a con- The newest generation of ley, Sergeant Major of the Army, How well do we know what
duit for unwanted access to Soldiers have no memory of life made similar observations. they’re doing? It goes back to
private, personal and corporate without the internet or social “We used to go to the bar- the aspect of leadership, which
information, and this, of course, media. Communicating with racks and check on the Sol- sets the credibility and founda-
presents even greater security friends in private or public diers,” said Dailey. “Of course, tion for trust.”
concerns for government and online spaces is second nature that’s still true, but there’s also With such concerns in mind,
military entities. Nevertheless, to them, but by no means are Facebook now. You have to be in the Army has issued clear pol-
social media is an integral part they alone. Statistics and com- there.” icies defining expectations for
of everyday life, and its benefits parison of demographics be- online behavior. The most re-
can be appreciated even as we tween the military and the total Social Media as cent reiteration of these policies
work to offset potential risks. U.S. population suggests more aLeadership Challenge is an All Army Activities mes-
For the Army, these are ongoing than 90 percent of the active- While social media makes it sage, ALARACT 075/2017, Pro-
challenges that noncommission- duty force across all service much easier to interact with fessionalism of Online Conduct,
ed officers regularly confront. branches makes regular use of their Soldiers, NCOs must bear which charges commanders and
social networking sites. in mind even this form of con- leaders to “reinforce a climate
Getting in Step For Army leaders, social stant connectivity is not a sub- where ... online misconduct is
with Social Media media represents a unique stitute for true leadership. inconsistent with Army values
In 2007, the Department of means of extending their influ- “(Social media) is not how we and where online-related in-
Defense blocked social net- ence. It allows for the rapid, lead Soldiers,” said Sgt. Maj. cidents are prevented, reported,
working sites, such as MySpace concise exchange of information Boris Bolaños, senior enlisted and where necessary addressed
and YouTube, on military com- and ideas with Soldiers and adviser for the Center for the at the lowest possible level.”
puters. After revisiting the their families, as well as the Army Profession and Ethic, While there is a desire to
prohibition in 2010, the DoD press and the general public. during the “State of NCO Devel-
rescinded the directive, having Unit commanders and senior opment Town Hall 4” presented SOCIAL MEDIAcontinues on 4
JBSALegacy|Friday,February9,2018|3
DOD looks at impact of fitness trackers on opsec
Annual training “We take these matters seri- Manning said.
ously and we are reviewing the Manning didn’t say what the
urges service
situation to determine if any department will do about the
members and DOD additional training or guidance issue at this time.
is required, and if any addition- “We have confidence in com-
civilians to limit
al policy must be developed to manders to employ tactics,
online profiles ensure the continued safety of techniques and procedures that
DOD personnel at home and enhance force protection and
abroad,” Army Col. Robert operational security with the
By Jim Garamone Manning III said during a news least impact to individuals,” the
DOD NEWS, conference at the Pentagon. colonel said.
DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY Wearable electronic fitness All DOD personnel go
trackers upload data to Strava, through annual training on
Department of Defense offi- which then publishes a heat information security. The train-
cials are studying security map of the activity so people ing urges service members and
issues raised by physical condi- can download the maps to find DOD civilians to limit profiles
tioning trackers that also can good running or cycling routes. on the internet, including per-
be used to track service mem- “The rapid development of sonal social media accounts,
bers’ whereabouts, a Pentagon technology requires the rapid Manning said.
spokesman told reporters Jan. refinement of policy and proce- “Furthermore, operational
29. dures to enhance force protec- security requirements provide
The concern comes from a tion and operational security,” further guidance for military
“heat map” posted by Strava, Manning said. “DOD personnel personnel supporting opera-
the makers of a fitness tracking are advised to place strict pri- tions around the world,” he
application that shows the vacy settings on wireless tech- said. The heat map incident
routes service members run or nologies and applications.” re-emphasizes the need for
cycle in their daily exercises. Service members are prohib- service members to be cautious
These maps can show military ited from wearing such wire- about what data to share via JIM GARAMONE
bases and may be used to target less technologies in some areas wearable electronic devices, he The Department of Defense urges service members and DOD civilians with
individuals. and during some operations, added. wearable electronic devices to use the strictest privacy setting.
Redesigned Army uniforms site provides guidance to Soldiers
By Crystal Marshall protect and defend our Consti- changes. It removes several Soldiers approach him with
U.S. ARMY PUBLIC AFFAIRS tution and its ideals. And, it is a hook and loop closures, replac- regarding the proper use of
symbol of the discipline, values, ing them with button and zipper their uniforms and gear.
The U.S. Army’s uniforms are and heritage of the US Army.” closures to enable quicker ac- During winter months,
ubiquitous around the globe for In 2015, the Army announced cess to pockets. While internal Moore pointed out that Soldiers
what they represent: loyalty, achange in the combat uniform knee pads were removed, dou- are still authorized to wear the
duty, respect, selfless service, from the Universal Camouflage ble reinforcement of the fabric UCP Cold Weather Gear with
honor, integrity and profession- Pattern to the Operational Cam- still occurs at the knee and el- the OCP uniform, including the
al courage. Whether a Soldier is ouflage Pattern. The mandatory bow. And extra pen pockets Black and Foliage Green fleece.
wearing the Operational Cam- date for possession for the OCP were removed, while upper Moore also noted that many
ouflage Pattern combat uniform, is Oct. 1, 2019. sleeve pocket length was in- Soldiers erroneously believe
the formal Service Uniform, or For Soldiers — and civilians creased to allow for greater they are allowed to cuff their
the physical fitness uniform, he —who are curious about the utility. Army Combat Uniform Sleeves
or she knows the power of the new look and various compo- Soldiers who have not yet while in garrison. However, this
image that the uniform conveys. nents of the OCP, Army.mil has purchased new uniforms may is only authorized during de-
As the Chief of Public Affairs launched a newly redesigned, do so at their local Army and ployment or in field environ-
for the Army, Brig. Gen. Omar J. interactive uniforms site at Air Force Exchange Service, ment.
Jones deeply understands the www.army.mil/uniforms. The using their yearly clothing sti- And when headed to the gym
image that the uniform pre- site also features full-body pend. for physical fitness, Soldiers are
sents. photos and information on the Even with the uniform guid- not authorized to drape a gym
“Our uniform represents all Service Uniform and Physical ance released by the Army over bag across their body. The bag
Americans who have served in Fitness Uniform, various com- the past few years, Anthony must be either hand-carried, or
U.S. ARMY PHOTO our great Army since 1775 and bat badges, and a helpful FAQ Moore, sergeant major of the carried using both shoulders.
For Soldiers who are curious about those serving around the world page for the most commonly Uniform Policy Branch within Soldiers can take a further
the new look and various components
of the OCP, Army.mil has launched a today,” he said. “It represents asked uniform questions. the Deputy Chief of Staff’s G-1 look at commonly asked uni-
newly redesigned uniforms site our commitment to this Nation The new OCP pattern design office, highlighted a few of the form questions on the new web-
at www.army.mil/uniforms. and to the American people to includes several functional most common questions that site at www.army.mil/uniforms.
4|Friday,February9,2018|JBSALegacy
SOCIAL MEDIA photos that include this data are no dif-
ferent from supplying a 10-digit grid
From page2 coordinate to indicate where it was tak-
en. The potential to unintentionally dis-
strike a balance between Soldier’s pri- close sensitive information is a very real
vate lives and professional responsibili- danger.
ties, it is important to remember that NCOs, as the first line of Army leader-
upholding the Army ethic is not a part- ship, must recognize issues like these as
time or situational undertaking. ongoing concerns, and develop planning
“I don’t think we’re saying not to go to and training in order to teach their Sol-
(certain websites), but we’re asking peo- diers how to better extend their situa-
ple to remember that they’re profession- tional awareness into the online space.
al Soldiers, 24 hours a day, seven days a
week,” said TRADOC Command Sgt. Conclusion
Maj. David Davenport while speaking at Properly utilized, social media is a
the NCO Solarium II. “You can’t just formidable tool which allows the Army
turn your values on and off just because to connect with a global audience. NCOs
you’re on one of these social media sites.” must recognize that it is also an impor-
Risk to operations security is another tant part of their Soldiers’ lives, as well
obvious concern social media presents. as those of their families.
Addressing this ongoing threat requires While there are risks that must be
planning and training not just for Sol- acknowledged and challenged, they can
diers but also their families and friends. be reduced through proper training and
Everything from a spouse or parent’s education. Resources such as the Army’s
post announcing their loved one’s pend- social media site are available to assist
ing deployment, to photos of a Soldier or NCOs.
aunit’s location with attached geographi-
cal location data, are examples of dis- Read more on this subject in the Military
closing sensitive information. Review’s “Soldier, Are You on My Friends
“Geotagging” is often an automatic List? An Examination and
feature available on smartphones and Recommendations for the Military
digital cameras. Once uploaded to a Leader-Subordinate Relationship on Social
publicly viewable social media site, Media.”
6|Friday,February9,2018|JBSALegacy
Take command: Urgent care now easier to access
Urgent care is scheduling an appointment.
If you need care after hours, while
needed for a traveling, or if your primary care man-
ager is unavailable, urgent care is a
non-emergency great option. Contact your regional
contractor to help you find an appro-
illness or injury priate urgent care facility or provider.
You may also use the TRICARE pro-
requiring treatment vider search tool at https://tricare.mil/
FindDoctor.
within 24 hours Any TRICARE Overseas Program
Prime enrollees requiring urgent care
while on temporary duty or on leave
From TRICARE Communications TRICARE COMMUNICATIONS status in the 50 United States and the
when seeking an urgent care visit. Urgent care is care you need for a District of Columbia, may access ur-
As of Jan. 1, most TRICARE Prime “We wanted our service members’ non-emergency illness or injury re- gent care without a referral or an au-
enrollees no longer need a referral for families and others to have easier ac- quiring treatment within 24 hours. thorization.
urgent care visits and point-of-service cess to urgent care,” said Ken Can- Examples of urgent care conditions However, the active duty service
charges no longer apply for urgent care estrini, acting director, TRICARE include a sprain, rising temperature or members must follow up with their
claims. This change replaces the previ- Health Plan, within the Defense Health sore throat. It isn’t an emergency and primary care manager in accordance
ous policy, which waived referrals for Agency. “Beneficiaries can go visit an doesn’t threaten life, limb or eyesight. with applicable Department of Defense
the first two urgent care visits per year. urgent care center right away anytime If you’re unsure whether to seek and Service regulations concerning
Active-duty service members should they have a need.” urgent care, call the 24/7 Nurse Advice active duty service member care out-
continue to visit military hospitals and If you use TRICARE Select or any Line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273, Op- side military hospitals and clinics.
clinics for care. Active-duty service other TRICARE plan, you may visit tion 1). You can speak with a registered This is your benefit. Learn more
members enrolled in TRICARE Prime any TRICARE-authorized provider, nurse who can answer your questions about TRICARE changes (https://
Remote who don’t live near a military network or non-network, for urgent and give advice. The nurse can also www.tricare.mil/changes) and take
hospital or clinic don’t need a referral care. assist you with finding a provider and command of your health.
JBSALegacy|Friday,February9,2018|7
Sisters serve together in different services at METC
By David DeKunder
502ND AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
When Airman 1st Class Gisella Panchana graduates
from the Medical Education and Training Campus at
Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Jan. 30, she
will go through conflicting emotions about the occa-
sion.
The graduation will start the next phase of Airman
Panchana’s service in the Air Force, continuing her
training as a radiology technician at Travis Air Force
Base, Calif.
Even though Airman Panchana, 26, is excited about
continuing her military career, her graduation means
she will no longer be able to be around her younger
sister, Seaman Michelle Panchana, 21, a Navy hospital-
man who is also a student at METC.
While the two sisters will be separated from each
other, Airman Panchana said they will still keep in
touch.
“It’s another chapter in my life,” Airman Panchana
said. “Even though I won’t see her as much, I can still DAVID DEKUNDER
talk to her on the phone. It will definitely be a different Air Force Airman 1st Class Gisella Panchana works in the Navy Seaman Michelle Panchana works in the pharmacy
radiology laboratory at the Medical Education and Training laboratory at the Medical Education and Training Campus at
experience without her.” Campus at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. She Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. She is training to
The two sisters appreciated the time they were stu- graduated from the METC radiology program Jan. 30 and will become a pharmacy technician in the METC Pharmacy Program.
dents together at METC for six months, from August continue her training as a radiology technician at Travis Air
2017 to January 2018. Seaman Panchana was the first Force Base, Calif. apoint in my life and I thought, ‘Why not?’ They have
sister to arrive at METC in June 2017, beginning her great opportunities, so I decided to join.”
classes in the pharmacy program. Two months later, Seaman Panchana said being with her older sister Seaman Panchana said her older sister inspired her
Airman Panchana arrived at the campus to start her allowed her to de-stress from classes and go out on to join the service.
training in the METC radiology program. weekends, including seeing the sights in San Antonio, “She started talking about joining the military way
Seaman Panchana found out that her older sister shopping and eating out. before I even thought about joining it as well,” she said.
would be joining her at METC during a phone call with The sisters, who were born in the Bronx, N.Y., and “We talked about it amongst ourselves for quite a time.”
Airman Panchana, who was finishing up basic training grew up in New Jersey, were raised in a close-knit fami- Seaman Panchana decided to enlist in the Navy after
at JBSA-Lackland. ly of four children by their parents, Rita and Jorge Pan- going to nursing school for two semesters. She said the
“I was pretty excited,” Seaman Panchana said. chana, who came from Ecuador. Navy offers more medical programs and opportunities
“When she told me, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think it “Having her here at METC has just brought us even for her. Seaman Panchana is training to become a phar-
would happen at all.” closer together,” Seaman Panchana said. macy technician.
Even though they lived in separate dorms, being on Since they are close, the sisters seek advice from each Both sisters look up to each other.
the same campus gave the sisters the opportunity to other at times. “I definitely look up to her because she is a charac-
visit, whether it was during class breaks, lunch or din- “I usually tell her everything that goes on,” Seaman ter,” said Airman Panchana about her younger sister.
ner, and talk about things that were going on in their Panchana said. “If I have any problems, I will go to her “She puts herself out there and that’s what I’ve always
lives, including their classes. and she does the same thing with me as well.” wanted to do. She’s not afraid of anything.”
“I usually see her at least once a day during break The two sisters and their younger brother, George, “I’ve learned how strong she can be whenever she is
time,” Seaman Panchana said. “If not, we usually hang are the first members in their family to join the military. in a tough situation,” said Seaman Panchana about her
out after school and we get lunch or dinner together. Their younger brother joined the Navy in early January. older sister. “Seeing her overcome obstacles in her life,
We just talk basically about everything. We’re sisters, Before each of the sisters joined the military, they it has made me want to be a stronger person as well.”
there’s really no limits to our conversations.” discussed the idea with each other. Seaman Panchana is set to graduate from the METC
Airman Panchana said her younger sister was able to Airman Panchana was the first one to explore the pharmacy program in April. She said it will be hard to
provide emotional support for her when she needed it. option of joining the service after going to college and see her older sister leave and not have her around at
“It’s been a relief not being alone, just having a family earning a degree in graphic design. METC.
member close by and talk to whenever you want to,” “I actually researched all the military branches and “I’m very sad she is going to leave first because we
Airman Panchana said. “To actually have her here has chose what I thought was the best for me,” she said. “I are just so use to having each other here,” Seaman Pan-
been really great.” just wanted something new in life. I kind of felt stuck at chana said. “It’s going to be a little different now.”
8|Friday,February9,2018|JBSALegacy
Basura Bash looks to clean out waterways around JBSA-FSH
By Steve Elliott “Kayaks will be available thanks to outdoor
502ND AIR BASE WING
recreation to those adventurous volunteers
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
who wish to clean up from the source on
The Basura Bash is a one-day,
all-volunteer event to clean the the creek itself.”
San Antonio Watershed. Joint
Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Mike Tillema, 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron
Houston will be hosting an
event from 8 a.m. to noon Feb.
17 at the Salado Creek Park. volunteers, from JBSA’s own “Kayaks will be available
The effects of storm water Girl and Boy Scouts and Ran- thanks to outdoor recreation to
runoff are one reason the Bas- dolph and Cole High Schools’ those adventurous volunteers
ura Bash creek clean-up is nec- students, to active duty mem- who wish to clean up from the
essary. Storm water runoff COURTESY GRAPHIC bers and veterans,” said Mike source on the creek itself,” Tille-
occurs when precipitation that enters a storm sewer sys- and can destroy aquatic habi- Tillema, 502nd CES environ- ma said. “Gloves and bags will
comes down faster than our tem is discharged, untreated, tats. mental engineering and this be provided.”
soils can soak it up and this rain into the bodies of water we use Last year, hundreds of volun- year’s event organizer. “We are The JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
flows over the ground. Impervi- for swimming, fishing and pro- teers pulled more than two tons anticipating a significant turn- Basura Bash is a part of a larger
ous surfaces like driveways, viding drinking water. of various kinds of rubbish out out.” effort throughout San Antonio
sidewalks and streets prevent Polluted storm water runoff of the creek and from through- Alight breakfast will be pro- where local residents, commu-
stormwater runoff from natu- can have many adverse effects out the park area, almost filling vided by the City of San Anto- nity groups and organizations
rally soaking into the ground. on plants, fish, animals and a40-yard-long dumpster to the nio for those who register on- collect trash at 20 different
Storm water can pick up people. top. line. Due to the lengthy stretch locations connected to San An-
debris, chemicals, dirt and other Sediment can cloud the water “We at the 502nd Civil Engi- of creek to be cleaned up, in- tonio’s watershed.
pollutants before it flows into a and make it difficult or impos- neer Squadron environmental cluding denser brush, it is rec- For more information and
storm sewer system or directly sible for aquatic plants to grow. section are spearheading JBSA’s ommended that volunteers wear registration, go to http://
to a lake, stream, river, wetland Sediments also fill up the stor- participation. The event brings long pants, sturdy shoes or www.basurabash.org/ or call
or coastal waterway. Anything age capacity of our reservoirs together a diverse group of boots, and bring bug repellent. 210-221-4967 or 210-671-0396.
JBSALegacy|Friday,February9,2018|9
Army JAG Corps leader visits JBSA-Fort Sam Houston
By Staff Sgt. Tomora Nance they are civilian or military, and regulations,” Risch said.
ARNORTH PUBLIC AFFAIRS and thank them for all that One of the changes to the
they do while listening to their regulation was in 2016’s Mil-
Army Maj. Gen. Stuart W. questions and concerns.” itary Justice Act.
Risch, U.S. Army deputy Judge “As a senior member of JAG “The military justice Act of
Advocate General, visited Joint corps, I see these Article 6 2016 was enacted, which was
Base San Antonio-Fort Sam visits as being extremely bene- one of the most comprehensive
Houston for an Article 6 in- ficial for civilian personnel changes to the UCMJ in about
spection Jan. 9. because they don’t always get to 50 years. That is our seminal
According to the Uniform STAFF SGT. TOMORA NANCE interact with the leadership,” document and what governs
Code of Military Justice, Article Soldiers and civilians gather for a photo before Maj. Gen. Stuart W. Risch, the Hamilton said. “I also see it as a good order and discipline in the
6 states that the Judge Advocate deputy Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Army, delivers his State of Corps significant benefit for the youn- military,” Risch said. “We
General or senior members of address Jan. 9 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. ger judge advocates and parale- wanted to talk about any issues
his staff shall make frequent was twofold: to inspect and opportunity for your office as a gals to see their leadership or concerns.”
inspection in the field in su- ensure that all policy and pro- staff judge advocate to hear team in person to engage with “The visit reconfirms one of
pervision of the administration cedures are being followed, and from the JAG Corps leadership them in formal and informal the tenants of the JAG Corp
of military justice. to serve as a morale visit to it’s always beneficial,” said Col. settings. It allows everyone to that I always find advanta-
“We are statutorily required check-in on our folks and to Lance Hamilton, staff judge understand that our JAG corps geous; we are one family, which
to inspect our field on a fre- ensure they have the resources advocate for U.S. Army North leadership is approachable.” espouses the ‘one team, one
quent basis; we look at the full they need to accomplish the (Fifth Army) and Army Sup- Throughout the Article 6 fight’ philosophy,” Hamilton
spectrum of the services we mission.” Risch said. “This is port Activity. “It serves as a visit, one of the top priorities said.
provided from legal assistance the best part of my job because morale booster and it generates was to communicate strategic During fiscal year 2018,
and environmental law to con- I get to visit with the personnel excitement amongst your team priorities of the JAG Corps. members of the JAG staff lead-
tracting law and international we have in this career field.” to go out and continue the JAG “We do a State of the Corps ership are slated to participate
operational law,” Risch said. One of the stops made dur- Corps mission.” with the JAG personnel to let in 17 Article 6 visits. And, as for
However, the visit wasn’t just ing the Article 6 visit was to the Although this was Risch’s them know what’s new in the Risch, his next Article 6 visit is
to inspect the offices in the JAG U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) first Article 6 visit, he said, career field, what the Judge to United States Army Pacific
Corps — it also served as a Staff Judge Advocate office. “My goal for this trip was to Advocate General’s expecta- area in February. USARPAC
morale booster. “The visit was a great oppor- speak with as many JAG per- tions are, and to inform them of has jurisdiction over Hawaii,
“The purpose for this visit tunity. Whenever you have the sonnel as possible whether any changes or updates to laws Alaska, South Korea and Japan.
10|Friday,February9,2018|JBSALegacy
BAMC reverified as Level I trauma center
By Elaine Sanchez “We are fortunate to
BAMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS
have incredible teams
Brooke Army Medical Center of trauma surgeons
has again been verified as a
Level I trauma center by the and supporting spe-
American College of Surgeons
cialists at BAMC.”
for its dedication to providing
top-quality care for critically
Army Col. Bret Ackermann,
injured patients.
Deputy Commander for
“This accomplishment reaf-
Surgical Services
firms our ongoing commitment
to providing the highest quality
trauma care for our civilian and
military patients,” said BAMC an asset within the community,
Commanding General Brig. but is “absolutely critical” to
Gen. Jeffrey Johnson. “It’s also a military medical readiness,
testament to our trauma staff’s Johnson said. “There is no other
teamwork, professionalism and place within the DoD that has
expertise.” the volume of trauma in their
Hospitals seeking verification hospital to accomplish our war-
must undergo intense scrutiny time training and sustainment
ROBERT WHETSTONE
by reviewers from the Amer- Atrauma team examines a patient in the emergency department at Brooke Army Medical Center. BAMC has again been of health professionals’ mis-
ican College of Surgeons Com- verified as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons. sion,” he said.
mittee on Trauma every three This readiness enables
years. To be verified, the hospi- racic, vascular, otolaryngology, in San Antonio. Alongside Uni- Sutherland Springs church BAMC professionals to respond
tal must demonstrate its ability oral and maxillofacial, plastic, versity Health System, BAMC shooting as an example of quickly and efficiently when
to provide a broad spectrum of and neurologic surgeons, in administers lifesaving care to BAMC’s readiness to provide called upon, whether here in
trauma care resources to ad- addition to anesthesia, emer- more than 4,000 trauma pa- care. Eight patients from the San Antonio or deployed over-
dress the needs of all injured gency medicine, internal medi- tients each year, including 750 shooting were cared for at seas, he said.
patients. cine, infectious disease, critical burn patients, from an area that BAMC with wounds similar to “What we do here ensures
“We are fortunate to have care, pulmonology, physical stretches across 22 counties in those sustained in war. our medical personnel are
incredible teams of trauma therapy, neurology, rehabilita- Southwest Texas and encom- “Due to our daily trauma ready to do what’s needed to
surgeons and supporting spe- tion, radiology, nursing and passes 2.2 million people. mission and the experience save a life whether stateside or
cialists at BAMC,” said Army operative technician teams. Of the more than 4,000 trau- we’ve garnered downrange, we downrange for full scale mil-
Col. Bret Ackermann, Deputy BAMC is the only Level I ma patients admitted each year, were ready when needed and itary operations or humanitari-
Commander for Surgical Ser- trauma center within the De- 85 percent are community honored to provide care,” the an assistance,” Johnson said.
vices. BAMC’s “team of teams” partment of Defense and one of members without military affili- commander said. “This is who we are and what
includes orthopedic, cardiotho- two Level 1 trauma centers with- ation. Johnson cited the recent The trauma center is not only we do.”
ARSOUTH welcomes new command sergeant major
By Maj. Jamelle A. Garner Olvera had served as Army South can Republic and facilitating the devel-
ARSOUTH PUBLIC AFFAIRS CSM for 32 months, and in that time, has opment of a sergeant major of the army
accomplished several advances for non- position for the Chilean army.
Command Sgt. Maj. William Rinehart commissioned officers with the unit’s “Serving as the command sergeant
took over for outgoing Command Sgt. partner nation allies. As the mantle of major for the last 32 months has been a
Maj. Carlos Olvera at a U.S. Army South authority passed, the regimental colors tremendous experience, truly humbling
change of responsibility ceremony pre- transferred from the outgoing command and rewarding,” Olvera said.
sided over by Maj. Gen. Mark Stammer, sergeant major’s hands as final deference “The strength of our nation is our
Army South commanding general, Jan. 5 to his authority and leadership. Army, the strength of our Army is our
at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam During the ceremony, Stammer ac- Soldiers and the strength of our Soldiers
Houston. knowledged a few of Olvera’s accom- is in our families,” Olvera said in reciting
“The constant in our lives has been plishments, such as his direct engage- aquote from retired Army Chief of Staff
Command Sgt. Maj. Olvera,” Stammer ment with senior enlisted leaders from Gen. Raymond Odierno.
said during the change of responsibility. Central and South America and the Rinehart comes to Army South from KAYE RICHEY
Incoming Army South Command Sgt. Maj.
“He is the glue that has bound our orga- Caribbean, his oversight and involve- the U.S. Army Cyber School, Cyber Cen- William Rinehart gives remarks during a
nization together and he’s expertly led us ment of the creation of a noncommis- ter of Excellence at Fort Gordon, Geor- change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 5 at
to new heights.” sioned officer academy for the Domini- gia. Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
JBSALegacy|Friday,February9,2018|11
Cole Junior ROTC earns high score on inspection
From Fort Sam Houston Independent Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and
School District School Improvement accreditation standards and desig-
nation as Honor Unit with Distinction.
The Robert G. Cole High School Junior ROTC cadets Unlike previous military disciplined focused inspec-
have earned the highest score ever on their recent ac- tion programs, the new accreditation program is a rigor-
creditation inspection. ous academic evaluation at both unit and individual
The cadets scored 199 points out of a possible 200, levels.
earning them an unprecedented 99.5 percent. The cadets The cadet staff delivered a service learning project
worked extremely hard and their level of execution was briefing and a continuous improvement plan brief each
simply beyond exceptional in all aspects. COURTESY PHOTO approximately an hour in length to evaluators. The
As part of the inspections, the cadets presented two The Robert G. Cole High School Junior ROTC cadets have earned evaluators then selected eight cadets from across the
one-hour briefings and both briefings attained a perfect the highest score ever on their recent accreditation inspection. corps to undergo inspection of their individual academic
score. One of the evaluators noted that this is the first our efforts,” LaChance said. “Whether it was allowing portfolio.
time that has happened in his more than 18 years doing cadets to practice during class time, prepping our facil- Not only were the contents of the portfolio evaluated,
the evaluations. ities, providing refreshments or simply lending a word the cadets were interviewed to ensure understanding of
JROTC instructors retired Col. William LaChance of support. This will be a great lead in to our upcoming the curriculum. The entire corps underwent a uniform
and retired Master Sgt. Kalvin Ross said they were ex- military ball … a time to celebrate" inspection, as well as drill and color guard evaluations.
tremely proud of them for their historic accomplish- Every three years, the 5th Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet The evaluation also assessed the instructors’ academ-
ment. Command, conducts an accreditation inspection to ic qualification and proficiency with an inspection of
“We would like to thank all of those who supported ensure compliance with the Southern Association of instructor portfolios and interview.
Army’s virtual technology improves readiness
By David Vergun Already, Soldiers are operat- delicate operation, she said,
ARMY NEWS SERVICE ing in remote places like Africa noting that the hand is partic-
and South America, he added. ularly difficult to operate on
In 2017, there were approxi- By the end of 2018, virtual health because of the many nerves in
mately 40,000 virtual health will be more widely available to close proximity to one another.
encounters across the Army in these dispersed units in those The result of that virtual
both deployed and garrison two continents. health engagement was that the
settings, said Dr. Colleen Rye, Since 2017, virtual health has Soldier’s hand was saved and
chief of Army Virtual Health. been available to Strong Europe today is 100 percent functional,
That’s a big increase over Soldiers in rotational units sup- she said.
previous years and the increases porting NATO missions, he In a home-station or combat
are expected to continue, she said. Many of the specialists for training center setting, virtual
said. these Soldiers are at Landstuhl health has delivered results that
That 40,000 does not include Regional Medical Center in put hours or even days back into
telepharmacies, teleradiology or Germany, “keeping folks in the training, she said, meaning the
secure messaging, she added, DAVID E. GILLESPIE fight, not having to bring them injured Soldier doesn’t necessar-
explaining that virtual health At Fort Campbell’s Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, clinical staff nurse back for every medical need.” ily have to be evacuated to a
Lt. Maxx P. Mamula examines Master Sgt. Jason H. Alexander using a digital
means having a doctor who Rye said the Army has been medical treatment facility.
external ocular camera. The image is immediately available to Lt. Col. Kevin A.
specializes in something like Horde, a provider at Fort Gordon’s Eisenhower Medical Center, offering remote providing virtual health to Navy Rye said the Army has been
pulmonology, hematology and consultation. and Air Force units across the using some form of virtual
psychiatry reaching out in real Pacificsince early 2017. health since 1992. However, that
time to medics or other doctors injured patient through emer- The reason it could be so She provided details of a effort was relatively small and
or caregivers at the point of gency surgery, Rye said. Special- important, he said, is because Special Operations Soldier in involved a lot of pilot studies.
injury. ists in Germany, Washington Soldiers will increasingly be the Pacific who recently had a One notable example of that
Virtual health involves use of state and Texas, for instance, operating in remote areas of the hand injury severe enough to effort took place in 2009, in the
medical devices that can send could simultaneously provide world, and will be dispersed in require surgery, with only a wake of the mass shooting at
information to healthcare pro- healthcare assistance to a medic small units, which may only medic at the point of need. De- Fort Hood, Texas, she said.
viders over the Internet, along treating an injured Soldier in have access to a medic. tails of the location in the Pacific Psychologists and psychiatrists
with high-resolution video Afghanistan. Furthermore, these small where the Soldier was operating in Hawaii, Texas and in the
showing the patient in great Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson, units may be many hours or are classified, so even the sur- Washington, D.C. region partici-
detail, Rye said. commander of Brooke Army even days away from a medevac geon at Eisenhower Army Medi- pated in virtual health consulta-
Virtual health allows special- Medical Center at Joint Base San opportunity, particularly in cal Center at Fort Gordon, Ga., tions with some of the survivors.
ists to diagnose disease or injury Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, said combat against a near-peer and the nurse at Fort Campbell, Expansion of virtual health,
and prescribe medication or virtual health could be as im- adversary who dominates the Ky., did not know where the she said, took off in 2010. That’s
treatment from a distance. It portant of a medical advance- air domain, or if helicopters are patient was. also the year her office was
even allows providers to walk ment for Soldiers as was the needed elsewhere for assault The surgeon and nurse stood up and virtual health
medics who are on-site with an invention of the tourniquet. missions, he offered. walked the medic through the became institutionalized.