Polar bear newsletter 21 nov 13

Polar Bear Tracks 4TH BATTALION, 31ST INFANTRY REGIMENT NEWS

E D I T I O N

V

OCT/NOV 13

Drawing by SPC Michael Stone of A/4-31

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE :

LTC/CSM’s LETTER 1

FRSA NEWS 2

HHC 3

ALPHA COMPANY 6

BRAVO COMPANY 8

CHARLIE COMPANY 10

DELTA COMPANY 12

FOX COMPANY 13

CHAPLAIN 16

F O R T D R U M, N Y

Dear Family and Friends of the Polar Bears,

Since the end of Cadet Summer Training 2013, the Polar Bears have shown great determination and

focus on improving their ability to meet current and future missions. Immediately following our late Summer

Block leave, Alpha and Charlie Company supported 10th Sustainment Brigade during their Muleskinner Peak.

Alpha and Charlie Company Soldiers did a phenomenal job in supporting the Muleskinners on short notice.

The Soldiers provided Observer Control/Trainer teams to coach, teach, and mentor the Muleskinners during

their Convoy live fires and provided safeties and range support to ensure that the training was executed safely

and efficiently. Following this training our Companies conducted several marksmanship ranges in prepara-

tion for team live fires before the Winter Holiday Block leave.

In late October we conducted our 31 mile foot march to honor our Regiment and the veterans who

have served before us. We were honored to have Mr. John Mims, a survivor of the Bataan Death March dur-

ing World War II, Mr. Jack Considine and Mr. Ed Bettis, both served in 4-31 IN during the Korean War, and

Mr. Daniel Wood and Mr. Dennis Walker, both received the Distinguished Service Cross while serving with 6

-31 IN during the Vietnam War. Your Soldiers represented the Battalion well as we honored these living

Legends by completing the 31 mile foot march in the worst conditions imaginable.

As we look ahead to the holiday season here at Fort Drum, we hope that you are able to take advan-

tage of the beautiful winter weather in the North Country. Please remember to take care of each other and

carefully consider the risks involved with all your winter activities.

In closing, we’re an organization that continues to thrive in uncertainty based on our fortitude and

self confidence. I could not be more proud of being a member of such an incredible organization of profes-

sional soldiers, Noncommissioned Officers, and Officers. There’s no doubt that we will continue to succeed,

regardless of the mission. Everyday, we will continue to live by our motto “Pro Patria”. Thank you for all that

you do for the Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, our Families, and the United States of America!

Pro Patria!!!

Stallworth - Polar Bear 7 Dicks - Polar Bear 6

JAMES A. STALLWORTH ROLAND H. DICKS

Command Sergeant Major, USA Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry

Battalion Command Sergeant Major Battalion Commander

FORT DRUM, NY Page 2

FRSA NEWS Dates to Remember

08-11 Nov: Veteran’s Day DONSA 13-15 Nov: 2BCT Reintegration Week 13 Nov: Command-O-Lympics 15 Nov: 2BCT Reintegration Ceremony 0900, Wheeler Sack 15 Nov: 2BCT Ball - Commons 21 Nov: Volunteer of the Month 1100, Commons 22 Nov: Alpha Company Change of Command 22 Nov: Bravo Company Change of Command 26 Nov: Polar Bear Turkey Bowl 28 Nov-01 Dec: Thanksgiving Day Holiday 28 Nov: Single Soldier Thanksgiving at BN HQ 14 Dec: Polar Bear Holiday Party 1100-1400, Monti Gym 18 Dec: HHC Change of Command 21 Dec-05 Jan: Block Leave

Volunteers

Thank you to our volunteers: Peggy Brott, Becky Mortiz, Sheila Planck and Katelyn

Peoples for your dedicated service to the Po-lar Bear Soldiers and Families. They were

recognized at our Steering Committee Meet-ings as Volunteers in the Spotlight.

FRSA CONTACT INFORMATION

Lyndsey Hodkinson 315-772-4811

[email protected]

Located in the 4-31 IN BN S-1 Office on Mondays & Tuesdays from 0800-1630.

HHC “HEADHUNTERS”

Page 3 F O R T D R U M, N Y

Quarter three and four for fiscal year 2013 never al-

lowed Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion,

31st Infantry Regiment a dull moment. Soldiers and leaders

adapted to the evolving environment fostered by the United

States Military Academy, West Point USMA). In late May,

Headhunters began preparing for and deploying to West Point

in support of Cadet Leader Development Training, Cadet

Field Training and Cadet Basic Training. Upon arrival at

Camp Natural Bridge HHC immediately began to Polar-

bearize anything and everything. Upon successful redeployment from West Point,

Headhunter Soldiers will have fostered the military and leadership development of over

3,000 Cadets from West Point, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs and

foreign nations.

Headhunter leaders performed duties as Observer, Coach, Trainers (OC/T) during

the initial phase of Cadet Summer training; Cadet Leader Development Training

(CLDT). Cadets progressing into the fourth year of instruction at West Point were the

target audience for CLDT. The Cadets were evaluated on the application of tactical

doctrine and leadership while acting in various leadership positions encountered in light

Infantry Platoons. Stress was purposefully introduced into the scenarios by OC/Ts and

friction was a constant specter looming over the Cadets as they fought both the enemy

and the environment. Following CLDT Headhunter leaders and Soldiers began prepara-

tions for Cadet Field Training.

Cadet Field Training (CFT) is an annual event for members of the Core of Cadets

who are progressing into their third year of instruction at West Point. Cadets are af-

forded the opportunity to increase their tactical and technical knowledge while also be-

coming familiarized with branch choices (Infantry, Armor, Aviation, Field Artillery. . .).

Cadet Basic Training (CBT) provides the knowledge base for incoming Cadets,

facilitating their success at West Point. Periods of instruction covering Drill and Cere-

monies, Marksmanship, Land Navigation and First Aid were catalysts to their transfor-

mation from civilian to Cadet.



The Battalion Medical Platoon has constantly proven to be a vital asset in maintaining not

only the Battalions medical readiness but also the Core of Cadets. Their successful evaluation, diag-

nosis, and treatment of Soldiers and Cadets allowed the summer training to continue while mitigating

medical risks. The Cadets and Soldiers kept the Medical Platoon busy with injuries and ailments

ranging from benign to serious. When not supporting Cadet training Soldiers had the opportunity to

explore the various forms of outdoor activity surrounding Camp Natural Bridge; venture into New

York City; and complete the 75 foot slide for life into Lake Popolopen. Two medics in particular

stood out while supporting Cadet Air Assault School on June 26th. SPC Dobbs and Saunders

promptly responded to the cries for “medic” as a Cadet succumbed to the intense heat and humidity

that characterize the region during summer training. Their quick response and proficiency in evaluat-

ing and treating a patient promoted a full recovery for the Cadet. For their efforts they were presented

with Army Commendation Medals.

Camp Buckner Troop Medical Center (TMC)

Pictured Left to Right: SPC McCormack, SPC Jimenez, 1LT

Welton, SGT Witrock, SSG Martin, SPC Linder, SFC Case. SPC Dobbs and SPC Saunders

While the mortar platoon’s senior leaders were supporting CLDT training at West Point the

Soldiers and junior leaders were put through an intensive small unit tactics training cycle. They cov-

ered topics ranging from movement formations and techniques to battle drills and ambushes. While

the mortar platoon is comprised of Indirect Fire Infantryman it is still vital for them to be capable of

performing their duties as Infantryman. Following small unit tactics instruction and practical exer-

cises the Soldiers practiced manipulating the mortar systems in preparation for the fire support lane at

West Point.

In late June, the Soldiers in the mortar platoon arrived at Camp Natural Bridge. Soon after

arrival they began preparing the training event they were tasked with executing in support of CFT.

The platoon developed a lane that gave Cadets a thorough understanding of the capabilities of a light

Infantry mortar platoon, weapon systems and ammunition; fire direction center operations; aircraft

deconfliction; and the call for fire process. The training was a joint endeavor with a Field Artillery

element from the 82nd Airborne Division. Additionally, the training was completed with no injuries

being sustained to Cadets or Soldiers.



After redeployment to Fort Drum, the Battalion Mortar Platoon will begin an intensive training cycle

involving basic and advanced marksmanship, claymore mine employment, fire direction center operations,

drivers training, and small unit tactics; culminating in an urban fire team live fire exercise and 31 mile road

march.

The Scout Platoon has a new face in their midst. SFC Kenworthy has taken over as Platoon Sergeant

for SFC Mendez. SFC Kenworthy is coming from Alpha Company, where he was also a Platoon Sergeant.

SFC Mendez will be moving to the 5th Ranger Training Brigade at Dahlonega, GA.

The Scout Platoon has also been busy while their senior leaders were away supporting Cadet Summer training.

They assisted the Mortar Platoon with small unit tactics training in addition to teaching and refreshing some of

the newer Scouts. When not training, the Scout Platoon has been helping the beautification process within and

surrounding the Company area.

Select members of the Scout Platoon have been afforded the opportunity to attend Army schools.

Some Scouts are currently undergoing the grueling 61 day Ranger Course at Ft. Benning, GA. SSG Fish, the

Sniper Squad Leader, has successfully completed Sapper School at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Following taskings at West Point, the Scout Platoon will also be undertaking a grueling train-up in preparation

for an urban fire team live fire exercise and a 31 mile road march.

PFC Coleman (top) and PFC Lopez – Mortar Platoon Combatives

Battalion Mortars

Slide for life – Lake Popolopen

Are you an A-CO Family

member or spouse, who has

not yet connected with us,

and would like to stay in-

formed?

Join our email distro:

[email protected]

& Connect with us on Face-

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Search for Aco Immortals.

ALPHA COMPANY “IMMORTALS”


The year 2013 has so far been an exciting and challenging one

for Soldiers of Alpha Company (Immortals), 4th Battalion, 31st Infan-

try Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

(LI).

During the summer of 2013, A Company sent over half of the

company to the United State Military Academy to train the future offi-

cers of the Army. Over a period of three months, A Company leaders

and Soldiers supported field training, rifle marksmanship, dismounted

movements, tactical exercises and all the logistical support necessary

to accomplish such a feat. The Company redeployed to Fort Drum in

August where we quickly picked the pace back up and continued to

train hard.

After being back for only a few weeks, A Company hosted the

2nd Annual Immortal mile, a Full and half-marathon that took runners

throughout the scenic Fort Drum terrain. It was a great event that

brought the Immortal Nation together and in the end we had almost

seventy-five competitors complete the arduous 13.1 and 26.2 mile

event!

Following the Immortal Mile, A Company, along with the rest

of the Polar Bear Nation took a much needed and well deserved rest.

Soldiers and families spread across the country to recuperate and re-

cover from a tough training period. The Soldiers returned in early

September ready to continue to get after tough training.

As the company returned from leave, they were immediately

thrust in a new direction as the Company was given a difficult task of

resourcing and supporting a Platoon level live fire exercise the 10th

Sustainment Brigade. Over a period of two weeks, A Company along

with elements from the Battalion and Brigade planned, validated, and

executed a complex and demanding live fire exercise. In the end A

Company was able to train thirteen convoys and ensure they were

ready to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Free-

dom. The Immortals also received some great training from 6-6 CAV

“Six Shooters”, a Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter Battalion.

The Immortals were able to talk to helicopters and call in targets for

the pilots to conduct live gun runs on. The Immortals walked away

from the event better than when they arrived.

ALPHA COMPANY “IMMORTALS”


Alpha Company has continued to perform admirably, going above and beyond to routinely

achieve what others have insisted impossible. Over the next 45 days, A Company will be going

through a leadership change over. While Laura and I have enjoyed working with and the pleasure

of serving with the Soldiers of A Company, we will be leaving the Company. We will be handing

over the reins of A Company to Team Scott, CPT Brandon Scott and his wife Caitlin. I have no

doubt the Company will continue to exceed the standard and set the pace!

Immortals! Pro Patria!

- CPT Ryan David, Immortal 6

G.I. Kids Day

The Immortal Mile

BRAVO COMPANY “BLACKHAWKS”

Bravo Company has been very busy since our redeploy-

ment from the US Military Academy at West Point, New York.

As well as jumping back into our infantry skills training, we

have been testing our physical and mental strength in preparation

for the 31 mile foot march at the end of the month. In addition to

conducting weekly foot marches, Bravo Company completed a

12 and 20 mile foot march within the past month. Both of these

events provided the Blackhawks the opportunity to showcase our

physical toughness and mental stamina.

As infantrymen, it is imperative that we know how to effectively utilize our personal

weapons. In order to meet this critical training requirement, Bravo Company conducted Basic

Rifle Marksmanship, BRM, during the last week of September. BRM ensures that soldiers are

familiar with their weapons and are able to adjust them in order to effectively engage targets at

various distances. Our BRM training culminated with a trip to Range 41C to qualify each sol-

dier on their assigned weapon and provide them with a chance to earn the coveted Expert

Marksmanship Badge. This past week, the company conducted more advanced marksmanship

by engaging targets at close quarters and practicing the art of entering and clearing rooms at

Range 20A. During this trip to the field, the Blackhawks also began training once again as

members of Infantry teams and squads. The soldiers conducted Squad Tactical Exercises, fo-

cusing on Squad Attacks, Ambushes, and React to Contact. Additionally, the Fires Section and

newly reacquired Mortar Section deployed to the field in order to conduct live fire exercises

during both day and night. They also supported 2-15 Artillery in their Live Fire certification

process. Lastly, the company also had two soldiers compete in the Division-wide William O.

Darby competition. 1LT Bruner and SFC Brear competed and won the event and were recog-

nized by Major General Townsend as the best PL/PSG team in the entire 10th MTN Division.


1LT Bruner, MG Townsend, SFC Brear

BRAVO COMPANY “BLACKHAWKS”

In the coming months we will conduct more ad-

vanced marksmanship training, as well as M240B,

M249, M320, and M9 ranges. We will also continue to

hone our room clearing skills by conducting a UTM

shoot house utilizing our assigned weapon systems with

paint rounds. During this time Bravo Company will con-

tinue to ensure that Soldiers’ feet and minds stay tough

as we continue to train for the 31 mile foot march. All of

this training is designed to enable the Blackhawks to

reacquire their skills in small unit tactics, prepare them

for the culminating event of the quarter, a Team Live

Fire during the second week of December, and to maintain mission readiness for any world-

wide contingency deployment

Blackhawks! Pro Patria!

-1LT John Steger, Blackhawk 6


Members of 2nd PLT, Bravo Company conduct Short Range Marksmanship, SRM, training at Range 20A.

CHARLIE COMPANY “ROCK”

Page F O R T D R U M, N Y

This summer Charlie Company deployed to West Point with the rest of the Battalion in order to mentor and develop the Army’s future leaders. On 16 May the leadership of Charlie Company oc-cupied Camp Natural Bridge in the West Point training area and began to train up on the stan-dards and expectations that West Point has of its Cadets. In the beginning of June, Cadet Leadership Devel-opment Training (CLDT) began for the upcoming Seniors of West Point. The leaders of Charlie Company were assigned to platoons of Cadets

and went with them as they executed their platoon leadership lanes. Leaders of the Battalion were put into teams that complimented their skills and branches of service. The Cadets were instructed and mentored on defensive operations, offensive operations, movement to contact, and graded on a myriad of warrior tasks and leadership qualities. After three weeks of tireless efforts and mentor-ship by leaders of the Battalion, the Cadets have come one step closer to being well rounded Army leaders.

Early July, the rest of Charlie Company joined the leaders down at West

Point. The Soldiers of Charlie Company served as the Opposing Force to the Cadets during the second iteration of field training, turning in an exemplary per-formance. All of Charlie Company took part in the upcoming Juniors’ culminat-ing field exercise that further developed the professionalism and competencies of the Cadets. When not training Cadets, the men of Charlie Company kept busy with ruck marches in the mountains downstate and recreational activities in the lake located at Camp Natural Bridge.

As of mid August all of Charlie Company has returned safely and has

already planned and executed various training events. Recently the company has gone on a land navigation course and the Fire Support Team has observed for the Brigade’s Field Artillery asset. Upcoming events include day and night land navigation, a Battalion mortar shoot and weapons qualification.

Charlie Rock! Pro Patria! - CPT Jonathan Roselle, Rock 6

CHARLIE COMPANY “ROCK”


2nd Platoon Leader 1LT R.J. Carbone and 2nd Platoon Sergeant SFC Alexis Rodriguez after completing an endur-a-thon

2nd Platoon after a night foot march

DELTA COMPANY “Punishers”


After returning from a 3 month mission from West Point, Delta Co

(Heavy Weapons Company) received new soldiers to renew their combat

strength and has initiated the focus on combat readiness which includes

Marksmanship, Driver’s training, and Gunner Trials. With newly assigned

Soldiers, they were quickly integrated into the Platoons and tested how well

they were able to retain the information on the day to day operations of a

Heavy Weapons Platoon. The incoming Soldiers were to compete against

each other to earn the gunner position of a HMMWV in each of the Platoons.

These tasks included an assembly and disassembly of weapon systems within

the Heavy Weapons Company such as the M240B Machine Gun, M2 .50

Caliber Machine Gun, the MK19 Grenade Launcher, and the ITAS

(Improved Target Acquisition System) which shoots the TOW Missile that

also serves as an excellent observation platform.

Using the crawl, walk, run training method; Soldiers were first familiarized with each weapon systems by

given time for hands-on training. Afterwards, complexity was introduced to the training when Soldiers were timed by

trainers to prepare them for the last event. The culminating event, dubbed as “Gunner Trials” lead to mounting the

ITAS on a HMMWV for a mission as quickly as possible after conducting PT to simulate fatigue in combat. The event

reinforces the skills gained as well as the techniques needed to be used to gain an advantage over someone who is sim-

ply familiar with the weapon system. Reaching this event indicates the Soldier is proficient to execute the task in an

expeditious manner leaving only physical ability as well as luck to determine the winner.

Winners earned the gunner position on each of the trucks. Gunner trials will be planned for gunner candidates

to have an opportunity to redeem themselves a position as a gunner in one of Delta Company’s HMMWV.

Punishers! Pro Patria!

- 1LT Christopher Frantz, Punisher 6

4th Platoon Delta Company Soldiers conducting the early portion of the Gunner Trials.

FOX COMPANY “Polar Fox”


Distribution Platoon 4th QTR 2013:

The Distro Platoon was very busy during the final quarter of 2013. The platoon spent the ma-

jority of it at Camp Natural Bridge, West Point, NY in support of the United States Military Academy

Summer Training. The platoon was battalion Task Force’s main effort for the entire summer, respon-

sible for transporting 4,000 cadets and various types of sustainment for the duration of the training

cycle. The platoon conducted over 600 missions in three months and did an outstanding job!

Seven Soldiers were promoted during this time period. PFC Litfin earned the rank of Private First

Class. Four Soldiers were promoted from PFC to SPC: SPC Renaud, SPC Lidstrom, SPC Waller,

SPC Kleinschmidt, and SPC Sherman. SSG Koerner earned his rank on 1 OCT 2013.

The platoon said farewell to five Soldiers as well. SSG Crisp, SPC Li, PVT Deleon, PV2 Morris, and

PVT Lopez.

We were glad to welcome three new Soldiers: SGT McCollet, SPC Lopez, and SPC Marks

have all joined the unit and will help us continue to support the Polar Bears.

The platoon has recently completed some great training: All Soldiers have qualified on their assigned

weapons, as well as the machine gunners. The platoon used the deployment to West Point to train

over one thousand combined miles of drivers training. In order to train for the 1st annual 4-31 IN Bat-

talion 31 mile foot march, the platoon has achieved foot marches of 12 and 20 miles.

We would like to congratulate SPC tuner, SPC Lidstrom, SPC Renaud, and PFC Yeager on the birth

of their newborn babies! We wish them nothing but happiness and health.

The platoon is looking forward to the next quarter, which will include increased support missions, the

31 mile foot march, and many heavy weapons training events. Sadly, we said goodbye to our fearless

leader CPT Galneau on 30 October. We would all like to thank him and wish him the best of luck in

his future assignments!

Distro Soldiers are staging 15 trucks for a con-

voy to transport 180 Cadets to the range for

training.

2LT Lucid leads a convoy of 15 trucks at West

Point in order to transport Cadets to training sites.



Maintenance Platoon 4th QTR 2013:

From 16 May to 15 August 2013 the majority of the Maintenance Platoon deployed to West

Point, NY to support the mission of training cadets from the United States Military Academy. These

cadets will one day become Army officers and lead the very Soldiers helping with their training.

While at West Point the Maintenance Platoon repaired 100s of vehicles, weapons and

radios. Their actions ensured that over 4,000 cadets were trained.

The Maintenance Platoon celebrated four promotions while deployed; Jorge Orozco was pro-

moted to Sergeant First Class, Michael O'Bryan was promoted to Sergeant, Casey Chenoweth was

promoted to Specialist, and Thomas Rikala was promoted to Private First Class. PFC Rikala also re-

ceived a Battalion coin from LTC Dicks for his superior skill at weapons repair.

During the last few months the Maintenance platoon added several new faces; SGT Hamel,

SGT Smith, SGT Quinata and SPC Prat. SGT Hamel will serve as head of the PLL section. SGT

Quinata will be the Platoon's new shop foreman. SGT Smith will be taking over first squad. SPC Prat

will be serving as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.

Recovery assets from Maintenance Platoon demonstrated their skills as they ensured all

vehicles made it back over the 250 mile trip to and from West Point



Head Quarters Platoon -4th QTR 2013:

Headquarters platoon turns the page on a hectic and successful third quarter of 2013. De-

ployed as the advance party for the 4-31 Taskforce the cooks from Fox Headquarters set up a field

dining facility in support of the entire taskforce. The cooks worked around the clock getting the facil-

ity cleaned and prepped for their supporting role. Their work established a first rate field dining facil-

ity that served upwards of 800 soldiers daily over the 3 month mission. The cooks would go on to

serve over 90,000 meals for Taskforce Polar Bear.

In the past few months Headquarters platoon welcomed two new soldiers to the DFAC section

PFC Wengert, and SPC Rivera. Both soldiers performed at a very high level all summer and were

awarded with the Army Achievement Medal. We would also like to congratulate PFC Wengert on his

recent promotion from PV2 to PFC. Along with gaining new soldiers Head Quarters reluctantly says

goodbye to SPC Clark. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

SSG Blade inspects the preparation of one of many meals

SPC Lavin prepares apples for a delicious dessert

SPC Smith decides his next ingredient

CHAPLAIN


As we approach the Holiday season, I am reminded that no matter what season it is, in the Army, it

is always the season for change. In the near future, our unit will experience four company changes

of command, several changes of responsibility, and many other significant personnel changes. One

of these changes will also include the office of the Chaplain.

It is with great fondness that I will recall my time with the Polar Bears, but also with a sense of ac-

complishment. Memories were made that will last a lifetime, to include; JRTC, Mountain Peak,

NTC, West Point, the 31-Mile Foot March, over a dozen Polar Bear Weddings, a dozen more bap-

tisms, and well over twenty retreats. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives, even if it

was only for a season.

As I prepare to sign off the net as your Battalion Chaplain, I would like to leave you with a brief

meditation on the topic of change. The book of James states, “Every good and perfect gift is from

above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shad-

ows.” – [James 1:17 NIV] Though we face change on all sides, whether it be rank, position, person-

nel, or even duty station, one thing does not change and that is our God! Every good gift is from

him, even life itself. This holiday season, we pray that you would experience the good gifts of faith,

family, and friendship.

If I can ever be of future serve to any of you as a Chaplain, please do not hesitate to call on me.

Pro Deo Et Patria!

Pro Patria!

JOSHUA A. METZ

Chaplain (CPT) USA

4-31 IN Battalion Chaplain

Documents

Polar bear newsletter 21 nov 13