Attention! ROTHCO Products Now in the SGAUS Store

SGAUS has partnered with Rothco, the world’s foremost supplier of military, tactical, outdoor clothing and gear.  We have increased our store offerings from 68 to 1,375 items.  Check us out at the SGAUS and/or Rothco store.

Founded in 1953, Rothco has provided the military clothing and outdoor retailer with top quality merchandise.  Today Rothco serves over 10,000 dealers globally.  While Rothco’s heritage is rooted in authentic military apparel and gear, Rothco also serves the Tactical, Public Safety, Survival & Preparedness, Outdoor & Camping, and Government Suppliers.

You must be a member of SGAUS to access the Rothco store though the SGAUS website.  Price compare our products online, and you will see that our sales prices are below the retail prices of others.

Another value added service is provided to you as a member of SGAUS.  Thank you for your support and your service in your State Defense Force.

Board of Directors, State Guard Association of the United States.

CSMR PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN 1/18^th CAV & Honorable Artillery Company 2017 Annual Training

 By: 1LT Joseph Villegas

(Camp Roberts, CA) – In the culminating event of the 2017 Annual Training (AT), the smoke cleared around FOB Echo as elements of the 1/18th CAV and Honorable Artillery Company (HAC) of the British Army conducted an air and ground assault against a determined and motivated opposing force (OPFOR).  The CSMR’s mission, along with attached California Army National Guard (CA ARNG) CBRNE, MP, Medical, and HHT units and personnel, was to provide a realistic and capable OPFOR.

This mission was led by 79th CSMR SPT BDE Charlie Company Commander, CPT Daniel Derkum, with the support of Soldiers from the 79th SPT BDE, 143rd SPT BN, 49th SPT BDE, 224th SPT BDE, 100th SPT CMD, 163rd SPT GRP, 26th CAV SPT REG, CMH, and the AVN SPT BDE.

Members of the 79th CSMR SPT BDE along with attachments, enthusiastically provided added training value to an international AT conducted by the 1/18th CAV and the HAC.  After 6 months of preparation, 3 Field Training Exercises (FTX’s), 26 exceedingly difficult reconnaissance and attack missions, the CSMR delivered the type of OPFOR that was requested by the 1/18th CAV. 

In one of the biggest CA ARNG Annual Training Exercises for 2017 with almost 700 personnel alongside air and UAV assets, elements of the CSMR role-played as the OPFOR Red Force (REDFOR), providing realistic and challenging training for the troops of the 1/18th CAV and HAC.  Involving the coordination of hundreds of troops from the CA ARNG, British Army, and the CSMR, the two-week exercise tested the reconnaissance capabilities and combat readiness of the 1/18th CAV and the HAC.

The CSMR worked closely with the 1/18^th CAV S-2 (CPT Joshua Carlson) in coordinating the OPFOR activities. When briefing the CSMR on his philosophy of OPFOR, CPT Carlson stated, “OPFOR is 50 percent tactics and 50 percent theater.” 

The 79th CSMR SPT BDE with attachments provided just that theater and realism for the 1/18th CAV and HAC.  The CSMR introduced a healthy amount of realism and immediacy to the scenarios.  The OPFOR missions included reconnaissance and combat patrols, target identification and engagement, and unconventional harassment using Battle Field Effects (BFX).  These engagements helped develop and sharpen skills and techniques to ensure victory in future missions and deployments. 

The overall success of this mission validates the CSMR commitment, capability and dedication in meeting the Unit embedment support requirements of the CA ARNG.

This AT provided valuable experience for Soldiers of the 79^th CSMR SPT BDE and attachments, as they became integrated with other units from within the CA ARNG, who together, comprised the OPFOR for this event.  CSMR tasks included mission planning, briefing, troop leading procedures (TLP), and mission execution.  In addition to all enjoying the FTX, it provided a fantastic opportunity to develop cohesiveness, adaptability, capabilities, and esprit de corps.

 

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Disaster Preparedness Training

By Pfc. Andreas Alsdorf 

GUARDIAN CENTERS, Perry, Ga., March 29, 2017 – It is the aftermath of a Category 3 hurricane, a dreadful scenario. Hurricane Alan made landfall on the Georgia coast and is making its way into Tennessee. In its wake, Hurricane Alan leaves behind disaster, trauma, and suffering. In the path of the storm, all that can be seen are collapsed buildings, crushed cars, and an overturned school bus laying on its roof. In the air, the sound of people crying for help from nearly every direction as they are trapped in manholes, vehicles, and burning homes.

Fortunately, this is only a simulation. As part of Vigilant Guard 2017, a true-to-life simulation has been created at the Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia. Guardian Centers is an 830 acre disaster preparedness and tactical training center located approximately 100 miles south of Atlanta.

“This is an inter-agency, multi-regional exercise that exercises the Georgia Department of Defense, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, and a host of other state and local agencies, to work as multi-agency partners in response to a natural disaster,” said Col. Wallace Steinbrecher, commander of the 201st Regional Support Group, Georgia Army National Guard. 

As the simulated catastrophe unfolds in dramatic fashion, many action-laden scenarios can be witnessed: The Georgia Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force and local first responders team up to evacuate a casualty from a manhole, Valdosta firefighters preparing to enter smoke-filled buildings, facing gas and fire hazards. Swiftly clearing buildings, multiple Search and Rescue Teams rush in, evaluate medical conditions, and immediately evacuate and transport casualties. During the exercise, multiple agencies worked together to provide medical attention to a seemingly endless stream of simulated casualties. “A simulated exercise this scale, different agencies working together as they would during an actual emergency is a priceless opportunity to learn how partners work- and how we all best fit with each other,” says Col. Steinbrecher, explicitly mentioning the support the Georgia State Defense Force provides to the Georgia Army National Guard.

Nothing can stop the overwhelming power of a hurricane, therefore, first responders must practice and be ready when called to respond.

Indiana Guard Reserve demonstrates readiness to act during medical emergencies or natural disasters

By: Maj. Terry Heifetz 

Guard Reservists demonstrated the capabilities of the

Indiana State Department of Health mobile hospital to state officials on July 12  

 

 

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The secret is out.  Several Indiana state departments now know, first hand, that the Indiana Guard Reserve (IGR) is ready to set up and staff the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) mobile hospital.  

The week of July 9, dozens of IGR Soldiers volunteered to build, demonstrate, and tear-down the medical tent.  The event was part of a Counter Terrorism and Security Council meeting, which was attended by numerous state agency heads, members of District 5 of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and federal partners.  IDHS asked the IGR to set-up the field hospital tent as part of this display.   

In just a few hours, Guard Reservists unloaded the tent and medical equipment, box by box, built it from the ground up, wired the electricity and air conditioning, and staffed it.  

Maj. Gen. Bruce Bowers says this is one more way the IGR has proven it is ready to act during a disaster.  

“The Indiana Guard Reserve is here to assist the citizens of Indiana, through the Indiana National Guard, in both civil events and during time of emergencies,” Bowers said.  “Our Soldiers and Medical Command are able to set up, staff and operate the mobile hospital anywhere in the state that it is needed within four hours of arriving at the appointed site of operation.   We train for such emergencies several times a year and are willing and able to get the job done if the need arises.” 

Since the IGR first unpacked the ISDH mobile hospital more than two years ago, its members have held numerous training sessions to become proficient setting it up and operating it. During these exercises, which took place across the state, from Warsaw to Edinburgh, dozens of Soldiers have learned the most efficient way get the hospital running.  

During the Indiana Department of Homeland Security event, Guard Reservists also showed some of their other capabilities.  They escorted VIPs through the facilities and provided other logistical support during the two-day event.

 Lt. Gen. (Ret.) H. Steven Blum Keynotes 2017 MDDF Annual Muster

By: Maj. Stephen Rice

On April 22, 2017 the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) held its Annual Muster at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore.  The Annual Muster is a mandatory all day training activity for all Maryland Defense Force personnel.  Company formation and ceremonies commenced at 9 a.m.  The keynote speaker for this year’s muster was retired Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, the former deputy commander, U.S. Northern Command.    

Lt. Gen. Blum in his remarks illuminated the historical spirit of the MDDF and shared, “the MDDF is today’s version of the men and women going back to the colonies who volunteered to serve their state in a time of need.”  He continued, “In 1814 when citizen soldiers left farms, churches and shops to repel the British invasion of Baltimore, it was people like you who beat the same British soldiers who had defeated Napoleon.  It is because of people like you that we are not British citizens and subjugated to a foreign king.”    

The general also highlighted the current relevance of the MDDF and stated that, “the MDDF completes the Maryland National Guard.  You provide them with capabilities that they do not have which makes you very valuable.  This system works well because the state does not have unlimited resources.”  In conclusion he shared that, “our citizen-soldier system is the envy of the world.  It’s the glue that keeps our nation together.  I offer my many thanks for what you do, what you’ve done and what you will do for my grandchildren and their grandchildren in the future.”      

Brig. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, the assistant adjutant general – army also spoke and brought greetings on behalf of Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, the adjutant general of Maryland.  He remarked, “The Maryland Military Department appreciates your service and your willingness to change and evolve as an organization in order to continue to support our needs.  Let’s continue on this path to better work together and support the State of Maryland.  

In his speech, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Lorenza Cooper, commanding general of the MDDF, referenced the past but focused on the future.  “Although the MDDF has a distinguished history, we are and will continue to go through necessary change.  Change brings about chaos, which leads to disruption.  However, out of disruption there is opportunity.”  He continued, “There is an opportunity for the MDDF to move forward to better align with the Maryland Military Department.  There is also an opportunity for MDDF volunteers to seek new positions of responsibility and challenge themselves.  Let us all embrace this opportunity and rise up to the challenge.”  

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 250 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland.

For more information click here ->  Maryland Defense Forces

NY Guard’s 88th Brigade Conducts Soldier Readiness Processing Drill

by SPC Ed Shevlin, New York Guard  

QUEENS, NY – On 22 January 2017, the New York

Guard 88th Brigade held a Consolidated Drill at JFK Airport. The drill centered on the Brigade’s annual Soldier Readiness Processing (SPR) which fundamentally supports the concept of the quick responding citizen soldier.

The morning began with an address by the Brigade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Lamboy who detailed the objectives of the day for each solider. Following LTC Lamboy’s address, Chaplain (CPT) John Muniz, the Brigade Chaplain, gave an invocation, after which the business of the SRP drill began.

The format of this drill was unique to SRP, with numerous stations located around Classroom One at the Joint Task Force Empire Shield facility at JFK Airport. The SRP began with Recruiting and Retention, where soldiers updated their mobilization forms, a critical task which helps to insure a timely muster in the face of an emergency, followed by the next station where ID were checked to be updated if necessary.

In addition to the “on the spot” advice, each soldier was informed of the Free Legal Clinic which was conducted and provided by the New York Guard Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corp at Fort Hamilton and is available to NYG Soldiers on the first Saturday of each month.

The health and safety of soldiers is a primary concern of the New York Guard, and at the SRP drill the 88th Brigade’s Medical Corps, updated records, conducted medical examinations and updated the Soldier’s medical records or information as needed.

The 88th Brigade’s Consolidated SRP Drill was a resounding success. As the New York Guard prepares to meet the challenges of the future, events such as this SRP Drill are critical to maintaining readiness to perform State missions.

Soldiers of the 88th Brigade update medical records during the SRP Drill on 22 January 2017, in Queens, NY. 

Tennessee State Guard Supports the Tennessee National Guard in Statewide Cyber Security Exercise

by, 1LT Steven Estes, PAO, TNSG

The Tennessee State Guard (TNSG) participated in the annual Tennessee Maneuvers (TNMAN) Cyber Security Exercise in support of the Tennessee National Guard.  TNMAN was conducted during the week of 12 June 2017 throughout Tennessee, and TNSG’s support focused on the Communications Exercise component. 

According to MSgt Robin Brown, Tennessee National Guard Public Affairs officer, the TNMAN exercise is conducted in conjunction with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and other state agencies, and took place in June and July of this year.  Details of the TNMAN exercise can be found at the TNNG DVIDS site at https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3486425/tn-national-guard-joins-statewide-cyber-security-exercise

TNSG’s part of the exercise focused on supporting TN National Guard communications.  TNSG personnel served as embedded communicators at armories that were staffed for TNMAN, and passed traffic as directed by TNNG.  All units participating in the COMMEX passed communications traffic over WINLINK and HF voice/digital circuits in support of maintaining statewide communications.   

TNSG soldiers from 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Regiments and 2^nd Battalion Support Team participated in the statewide TNMAN exercise, making this an excellent exercise for the entire Tennessee State Guard.

Washington State Guard Soldiers are the Tip of the Spear in Cyber Warfare

by PFC John Sauer

“Cyber Shield is an opportunity for our Guardsmen to work with professionals from other states,” said Col. Curt Simonson, commander, 56th Theater Information Operations Group. “These cyber experts are the tip of the spear in the new front of cyber warfare.”

 By working closely with interagency partners and the private sector, the National Guard seeks to strengthen network cybersecurity and the capability to support local responses to cyber incidents. Cyber Shield 17 is part of the National Guard’s ongoing effort to improve their ability to respond to real-world cyber incidents. This is the sixth iteration of this training exercise.

Washington participants included members from Joint Force Headquarters, the 56th Theater Information Operations Group and the Washington State Guard.

 “Cyber Shield 2017 has been an amazing opportunity for our Washington guardsmen,” said Lt. Col. Charles Randolph, commander, 156th Information Operations Battalion. “This year’s exercise had particular focus around issues such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Our cyber soldiers were able to gain exposure to and mitigate risks involving these issues, which could have severe effects to any state and the country.”

 In cooperation with the U.S. Army Reserve, Cyber Shield is designed to conduct Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), training, and assessment for Defensive Cyber Operations Elements (DCO-Es), Cybersecurity detachments or cells, and Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs).

 Divided into two phases, the first week offers participants the opportunity to hone their skills through academic instruction covering everything from the legal aspects of cyber operations to the nature of cyber threats to hands-on technical training. Equally important, the soldiers and airmen are learning their roles as part of the larger cyberspace defense community.

 During the second phase of Cyber Shield, exercise participants from cyber protection teams face off against trained antagonists, who simulate online adversaries. The teams try to defend their networks and mitigate the effects of attacks in a free-wheeling clash of cyberspace acumen.

 The National Guard’s dual state-federal character makes it uniquely positioned to help civilian agencies and critical nongovernmental entities, such as public utilities, if an incident occurs. Because of their status as a state military force when not under federal mobilization orders, Guard units are available to respond to state-level emergencies at their governor’s discretion. The Washington State Guard fills a similar role with their status as a state military force.

 “I’m extremely proud of the efforts from a combined force of both army and state guard personnel,” said Randolph. “Their skillsets, teamwork and professionalism were second to none.”

 

Washington State Guard Soldiers: 1LT Russ McRee and SGT

Andrew Baze with 156 IO BN CDR LTC Charles Randolph. LTC Randolph, 1LT McRee and SGT Baze work for Microsoft. The team brings the Industry partner expertise to Cyber Shield.

[Camp Murray, Washington] Recently two soldiers from the Washington State Guard’s Cyber Unit joined more than 800 other cyber experts at Camp Williams, Utah, for the National Guard’s premier cyber defense training event: Exercise Cyber Shield 17..

Cyber Shield is designed to assess participants’ ability to respond to cyber incidents. The yearly exercise includes members of the National Guard from 44 states, the Army Reserve, state and federal