By the Soldiers for the Soldiersin the service

VOL. 1, NO. 3

APRIL 2014

A 6-1 Scout reports on his travels in TexasOriginal YANK cover photo, published August 27, 1943.

Cover photo:Spc. Steven Campbell, Jr., recreates the original YANK cover photo from August 27, 1943. Campbell earned the title of READY Scout in the READY Stakes competition.

Photo by:Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, 1/1 AD PAO

No Soldiers were harmed in the recreation of this photo.

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Table of Contents:

P. 3 ~ Memo from R6P. 4 ~ 1-36 INP. 5 ~ 3-41 INP. 6 ~ 4-17 INP. 7 ~ 6-1 CAVP. 8 ~ 2-3 FAP. 9 ~ 16 ENP. 10 ~ 501 BSBP. 11 ~ Memo from R7

How we fight today, 6-1 CAV, Fort Bliss

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The new Spartans: Rise of an Empire1st Lt. Andrew Alcocer, 1-36 IN UPAR

Big things and big changes have been happening re-cently for the Spartans of 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division. Since return-ing home from Operation: Enduring Freedom 12-13 last fall, the Spartans have seen a mass turnover of manpower and are eagerly welcoming new Soldiers and leaders to the ranks. In addition to the fresh faces in formation, a total of three company change of command ceremonies occurred between Feb-ruary 26 and April 2. Ournewcommandersfindthem-selves at the helm of new orga-nizations ready to train and exe-cute any mission, at any time, in any place. This certainly is for the best as the Spartans have no plans for remaining idle in the future. Whether supporting Cadet Summer Training to shape the fu-ture leaders of the Army, or tak-ing part in worldwide contingency operations as a part of the Ar-my’s 21st century Global Response Force (GRF), the Spartans are at the front of the Ready First for-mation with shields held high. “It’s pretty exciting right now to be a Spartan,” said Pfc. Brooks Maxedon, an infantryman with Headquarters Headquarters Company, 1-36 IN, and a na-tive of Tracy, California. “I’m really looking forward to trainingwithmyteamforupcominglivefiretrainingthissummer.” Maxedon was also recently recognized at the new end- of-the-month ‘Spartan Hero’ formation, which aims to rec-ognize the most outstanding performers from each of the threecompanies,withacommander’scoinandCertificateofAchievement. Maxedon found himself acknowledged for stren-uous ammunition support for up to four battalion ranges in February in addition to keeping both Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicles he maintains as a driver serviceable to the high-est standard. “It was an honor to be recognized by my peers,” said

Maxedon. “However, more importantly, it was a reminder to continue striving for excellence in everything I do to bet-ter serve my unit.” Another of those Soldiers serving his unit is Pfc. Damian Reed a mechanic and native of Douglasville, Georgia.“I am proud to be part of a new company and having a role in standing it up,” said Reed. The newest formation to join the battalion since the departure of the 29th Engineers, Spartans will soon be see-ing the Forward Support Company (FSC) lined up next to its

three existing companies. “As an NCO in a FSC I will have more opportunity to demon-strate my skills as a mechanic as well as a leader,” said Sgt. Mar-quis Kornegay, a native of Grif-ton, North Carolina. Golf Company will add a whole new level of support and internal sustainment for the Spartan Bat-talion. “I’m excited to stand up the FSC because the new unit orga-nization will allow for greater flexibility for the sustainmentof the battalion than previous-ly,” said Capt. John Hallet, the newest company commander in the

Spartan family. “It is an amazing opportunity to be the one selected to do it.” As the weeks and training events begin to pass, it is with great excitement that the Soldiers and leaders of 1-36 IN watch the unit continue to build cohesion and looks toward the future. Although the Spartans now have every-thingfrominfantrymantomechanics;firesupportofficerstocooks, everyone knows there is a role for every Soldier to perform. There is no doubt there will be tests up ahead with upcomingsituationaltrainingexercises,livefiresexercis-es,andnightsinthefieldtoreachthestatusof‘T’fortrained. But with all the new changes and the challenges to come, the Spartans are once more ready to cement their reputation as the Ready First’s premiere maneuver battal-ion!

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Top: Capt. Matthew Burton ofers a farewell address to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, prior to his change of command ceremony, Feb. 26.Above Left: Soldiers and leaders of Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, line up to bid farewell to outgoing commander, Capt. Matthew Burton, after his change of command ceremony, Feb. 26.Above Right: 1st Sgt. Carl Pratt stands in front of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, during a company change of command, Feb. 26. (Photos by 1st Lt. Andrew Alcocer, 1-36 IN UPAR.)

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1st Lt. Charles Rowell, 3-41 IN UPAR In early 2014, 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, focused on the training ofitsindirectfirescapabilities,equipment,andindirectMOS-specificpersonnel.Allofthemortarsections,forwardobservers, and the mortar platoon from the 3-41 “Rifles”participatedinthebattalionconsolidatedmortarlivefireexercise. This consisted of utilizing the Mortar Carrier Ve-hicle Stryker Variant with a mounted 120mm mortar weapon system, the 81mm mortar weapon system, and the 60mm mortar weapon system. “There were different missions that allowed us totrain on bracket adjustments, radio etiquette, and devel-oping Forward Observer Team to Mortar Section cohesion,” said Spc. Jonathan Bradley, a forward observer and native of Redford Township, Michigan. Training was conducted during daytime and nighttime hours. Hands-on training is a must in order for these Iron Soldierstogobeyondfamiliarizationandreachqualifica-tion standards. To truncate their tasks, each element must beabletoemplacegiventheirspecificequipmentset,es-tablish proper communication, positively identify targets, engage targets with the proper munitions and conclude with a Battle Damage Assessment. The training facilitate an en-vironment with several moving pieces, collaborative team working atmosphere, and an eye opening experience for new-ly in-processed Iron Soldiers that did not deploy with the Battalion to Afghanistan in 2013. “Iamnewtotheunitandthiswasmyfirstlivefireexercise since AIT,” said Pfc. Matthew Ezzell, an ammo bearer and assistant gunner. “I found it to be really use-ful because there were other Soldiers nearby that the expe-rience already.” Ezzell is a native of Willingham, North Carolina. Mortar teams and forward observer teams trained it-eration after iteration and worked out the kinks and fric-tionspointsinvolvedwiththedifferentprocessesinthetraining. A variety of missions forced the Iron Soldiers to quickly adapt and apply lessons learned. “Since moving from HHC to Bravo Company, 3-41 IN, I’vehadtolearnaboutthemortarfirecontrolsystemindepth,” said Spc. Conor McGowan, an assistant gunner from Omaha, Nebraska. “After applying what I learned during the live fire exercise, I was able to troubleshoot more effi-

ciently. Also, my section conducted a direct lay engagement with a 60mm mortar and that was really exciting.” Nonetheless,afterafourdaymortarlivefireexer-cise, it resulted in success through confidence buildingand forging unit cohesion at the team level. The readiness of the battalion was greatly improved as Iron Soldiers en-hanced their accuracy, speed, and lethality, all while con-ductingthetrainingsafelyandeffectively. “The Battalion Consolidated Live Fire Training simu-lated combat scenarios,” said Pfc. Apollo Perono, a driver and assistant gunner from Kauai, Hawaii. “Fire mission af-terfiremissionwaskindofstressful,butthespeedofitall kept it interesting. As a driver for my mortar section, this exercise helped me to learn to quickly position the mortar carrier vehicle into an advantageous spot during the night and daytime so that the crew can get on target faster. I really felt like I was part of the team while learning

allthedifferentpositions.”

Rifle Soldiers take to Live Fire Exercise

Top: Sgt. Ronald Hughes, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, orients mortar gunner Spc. Sean Todd onto target while Spc. Demond Thomas assists in adjusting the 81mm mortar sys-tems.Left: Sgt. Jessie Sanchez and Spc. Jonathan Bradley, forward observers for Alpha Com-pany, 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, observe 120mm rounds from a Stryker during an ex-ercise earlier this year.(Photos by 1st Lt. Charles Rowell, 3-41 IN UPAR.)

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1st Lt. Charles Schroeder, 4-17 IN UPAR

The weather was blustery, the temperature was dropping fastandtheSoldiersoftheBuffaloBattalionwerestagedontheir pickup zone awaiting the CH-47 “Chinook” helicopters thatwouldtakethemtoOperationBuffaloStompinthemoun-tainous training areas of south eastern Fort Bliss. The“Buffalos”of4thBattalion,17thInfantryRegi-ment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, at Fort Bliss, Tex-as, conducted platoon and company exercise and evaluation in March. In total, 652 Soldiers participated in the exercise. Six sling loads were conducted to include palettes of forti-ficationsupplies,suchassandbagsandconcertinawire,awaterbuffalo,aHumveeandfourtrainingairmedicalevacu-ations were conducted, including one using a hoist. Each company within the battalion cycled through one training rotation and one rotation as opposing forces during the exercise. The company training began with the company air assaulting by Chinook helicopter onto a landing zone within three kilometers of known enemy positions. The pla-toonsofeachcompanythenbrokeoffintothreedifferentdi-rections to clear two known enemy locations each. Once all enemy was cleared, the company reconsolidated to prepare for a deliberate attack the next morning, followed by a company defense. The training was concluded with after action re-views at the platoon and company level. The battalion medical platoon provided medical support and conducted medevac training in conjunction with the ex-ercise. This platoon provided the link between the compa-nies and the medevac helicopters, enabling the companies to quickly move their simulated casualties from the location of injury rearward. The medical platoon conducted two link-ups with “Blackhawk” medevac helicopters.The battalion recon platoon supported the exercise by pro-viding early intelligence information of opposing force lo-cations and activities. The recon platoon air assaulted small teams by helicopter to mountain tops within the train-ing area to observe oppositional activities a day before each company air assaulted. The battalion mortar platoon provided simulated long-range fire support for each company during training withtheir 120mm mortars. The exercise provided J. Company, 501st Brigade Sup-port Battalion 1/1 AD, the battalion’s newly formed Forward SupportCompany,itsfirstopportunitytoconductlogisticaloperationsinafieldenvironment. “Being light infantry takes a little getting used to,” said Pfc. Micah Salas. “Tactics change when you are dis-mounted and [not using vehicles] was more physically demand-ing.” “It was so cold it made it harder to do everything,” said Pvt. Jonathon Simon, “Especially pulling security.” Overall,OperationBuffaloStompwasviewedasasuc-cessbytheBuffalobattalionleadershipwithvaluableles-sons learned across the 4-17 IN.

Operation Buffalo Stomp

Top: Spc. Jason Douglas of Warner Robins, Ga. evacuates a simulated ca-sualty, Pvt. Jesus Arellano of Sanford, N.C. during Operation Buffalo Stomp at Fort Bliss, Texas. Both are Soldiers assigned to assigned to 2nd Platoon, Baker Company, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment.Center: Staff Sgt. Eric Walsh of Danielson, Conn., a Rifle Squad Lead-er assigned to 1st Platoon, Baker Company, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, maneuvers toward an enemy position while a Stryker from his platoon pulls security during Operation Buffalo Stomp at Fort Bliss, Texas. Bottom: Lt. Col. James Van Atta of Denver, Colo., Buffalo battalion com-mander, receives a situation report from the leadership of 1st Platoon, Baker Company, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, during Operation Buffalo Stomp at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photos by 1st Lt. Charles Schroeder, 4-17 IN UPAR.)

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Operation Buffalo Stomp 6-1 CAV Soldier out-scouts competitionStaff Sgt. Kristen Duus, 1/1 AD Public Affairs

Out of an entire squadron, an entire brigade, even, there could be only one. Only one who could earn the title of First Scout. During the weeklong Ready Stakes event the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division held, a Soldier from 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1/1 AD, earned that name. Spc. Steven Campbell, Jr., a native of Jacksonville, Florida, has been in the Army for just over three years. He deployed with the brigade to Afghanistan in 2013, and spent most of that time as a gunner. “It was tougher than I expected,” said Campbell. “The most difficult part was theruck. I just kept telling myself that I’ve done worse.” Tests of the scout competition includ-ed a call-for-fire, commo training, weaponstraining, a six-mile run, a route reconnais-sance test, general scout tests, a nine-line medevac and a 12-mile ruck march. “I knew I was strong on the physical as-pect of it,” said Campbell. “I also did well on the First Scout test we did. Once they told me I was in the running for it, I made sure I did my best.” Though Campbell had to compete in each event individually, he wasn’t alone. His pla-toonsergeant,StaffSgt.JamisonHall,ofDu-bois, Indiana, provided the support that Camp-bell needed throughout the week. “Even though it was an individual award given to me, I feel like I couldn’t have done it without the training that my NCOs gave me,” said Campbell. “We went over the events with him, but he really took it on his own,” countered Hall. “It was really motivating to see him shine above his peers.” Thisisthefirsteventofitskindthatthe brigade has held, but likely will not be the last. Campbell plans on defending his title next year, and knows what he needs to improve on. Even so, he brought his game to the competition and rose above the rest. “I’m really proud of him,” said Hall. “To see him grow and see him accomplish the best scout in the brigade is a pretty big deal.”

Top: Spc. Steven Campbell, Jr., a scout in 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, and a native of Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a medal by Col. Ross Coffman during the Ready Stakes event at Fort Bliss, April 11. Campbell earned the title of Ready Scout from the weeklong competition. Left: Spc. Steven Campbell, Jr., the winner of the Ready Scout, recreates the cover photo of this month’s YANK issue in the training area of Fort Bliss, Texas, April 28. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, 1/1 AD PAO.)

The Ready Stakes event was a weeklong brigade competition where Soldiers competedintheirMOSspecificskillsets,aswellasphysicalendurances.Events were both individual and team-based. At the end of the week, an award cermeony was held for the winners, with more than 90 medals and trophies presented. Check back in next month’s YANK for more from the battalions on this event!

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Artillery Basics Training: Gunner StyleSpc. Victor Mercado, 1-36 IN

Through early 2014, the Gunners of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, have con-ducted Artillery Basics Training to refresh leaders on essential artillerytasks.EachTuesdaywasdedicatedtoadifferentskillset, with the emphasis being on cannon crew procedures and the manualcomputationoffiringdata.Themajorityofthetrainingwas given by the battalion master gunner, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Medrano, with Soldiers and leaders throughout the battalion as-sisting in training. ForlieutenantswhorecentlytransitionedfromfiresupportofficersbacktorolesintheGunnerbattalion,thetraininghasbeen a chance to refresh on the skills learned in Field Artillery BasicOfficerLeadershipCourse. “Artillery Basics Training provides hands on learning exer-ciseswhichgivefiredirectionofficerss,platoonleaders,chiefsand gunneys invaluable refreshing on basic required functions of thefiringbattery,”said1stLt.CoryLivingston,FDOforCharlieBattery, 2-3 FA. StaffSgt.MichaelDardenandhissectionassistedMedranoin instructing soldiers and leaders on skill level one and other common task on the M777A2 Howitzer during Artillery Basics Train-ing. “Artillery Basics Training has been very rewarding,” said Darden. “It has given me an opportunity to share my knowledge with the battalion leadership on the triple-seven.” Not only was the Artillery Basics Training a great opportu-nityforleaderstorefinetheirskills,buttheSoldiershelpingwith the demonstrations also took a lot out of the training. Spc. Nathan Barth, an assistant gunner for Alpha Battery, 2-3 FA, said, “Artillery Basics Training gave me an opportunity to refresh and catch up on my basic artillery skills as an assis-tant gunner. We’ve been practicing regularly to get up to speed on our jobs.” “Artillery Basics Training was second-to-none in helping my confidencetopursuethegunnerpositionafterfulfillingmyposi-tion as assistant gunner,” said Spc. Francisco Chavez, a cannon-eer in A. Battery, 2-3 FA, who assisted with the training. “I learnedthetaskandresponsibilitiesusedinlayingandfiringthe M777A2 Howitzer.” Sgt.1stClassHarveyCornelius,theGunner’sfiredirectionNCOIC, rotated training demonstrations between Battery Fire Di-rection Centers in order to provide opportunities for Soldiers to learn as well as the leaders. “Artillery Basics Training has been a great opportunity for the younger Soldiers who have been away from doing their job since AIT, to experience and learn what it takes to be a true Cannon Fire Direction Specialist,” said Cornelius. “They are starting to grasp the artillery concepts and grow in competence which in turn,buildstheirconfidence.” Overall, the last month of training has been an excellent opportunity for Soldiers and leaders of the Gunner battalion to brush up on core Artillery skills. The Artillery Basics Training covered a wide variety of skills-sets that are essential for any FieldArtillerybattalion.WithlivefirescheduledforMay,theGunners have no time to spare and training like this is essential for unit readiness.

Top: Staff Sgt. Michael Darden (center,) section chief, 1st Section, 1st Platoon, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, instructs his gunner, Spc. Eric Skiles (right) on digital communications setup for the M777 Howitzer, Feb. 19.Center: Spc. Eric Skiles, a gunner with Alpha Battery, 2-3 FA, emplaces the M777 for training at Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 19.Bottom: Staff Sgt. Israel Martinez, Pfc. Devante Brown, PV2 Mark Billings, Spc. Nathan Barth and PV2 Holden Cooley, Alpha Battery, 2-3 FA, attach the section’s M777 Howitzer to the back of their vehicle after completing training at Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 19.(Photos by 1st Lt. Tobias Duncan, 2-3 FA UPAR.)

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Sgt. Cody Autrey, 16th EN BN

For 60 years, the German Armed Forces have shared theirbadgeforweaponsproficiency,knownastheSchützen-schnur,qualification,andwearwiththeUnitedStatesArmedForces. The Schützenschnur became an official militaryaward during the Command of Gerhard von Scharnhorst, Chief of the Prussian General Staff, whichdates back to the 18th Century. At its conceptiontheSchützenschnurconsistedof12differentawardlevelsanddiffer-ent variations for infantry and armored personnel. Now the German Armed Forc-es only recognize three levels of the award which include the bronze, silver, and gold medals accompanied by a silver colored rope. The award, a round metal badge on theflatend,nearthetopoftherope,displays the German eagle surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves on its center. The Schützenschnur is awarded to Ger-man military personnel of all grades, however, is only authorized to be worn by enlisted personnel. The German ArmedForcesregulationsfurtherarticulates,“theSchüt-zenschnurisadecorationforweaponsproficiencyforen-listed soldiers.” Officers can receive the award, but itis not authorized to be worn on their uniforms. Foreign military personnel also may be awarded the badge; however, theGermanmilitaryregulationregardingthewearonofficeruniforms still applies. IntheUnitedStatesmilitary,theGermanArmedForc-esBadgeforWeaponsProficiency(Schützenschnur)isoneofthe few approved foreign award requiring no individual ap-

proval request to be forwarded through the Soldiers chain ofcommandtotheUnitedStatesSenateforacceptance. There are a total of three weapon systems required forthebadgequalification.AllthreeweaponsystemsusethemostcommonNATOrounds.WeaponsfortheSchützenschnurincludepistol,rifleandmachinegun. Forthepistoleventtherearetwodifferentqualifica-

tions a Soldier must complete, followed byonefiringeventfortherifleandthemachine gun. If a Soldier successfully completesallqualificationeventstheyare eligible to receive one of three Schützenschnurbadges,whicharebronze(lowest), silver, and gold (highest). Out of all the shooting events the Soldier is awarded the lowest score to what was earned. For example if a Sol-dierfiredasilverqualifyingscoreinthepistolevent,butrifleandmachine-gun events were bronze the Soldier would receive a Bronze Medal for the entire competition. Since the 18th Century

thetraditionoftheSchützenschnurhascarriedon. The2014FortBlissSchützenschnurCompetitionpro-vided 16th Engineer Battalion, Catamount Soldiers, one of their first opportunities to showcase their marksmanshiptalents against other units in the Fort Bliss and 1st Ar-mored Division community. Four Catamount Soldiers partic-ipated in this year’s competition which resulted in one goldandthreesilverSchützenschnurbadgesbeingawarded.Catamount Soldiers were honored to compete in this year’s competitionrecognizingthesignificanceoftheawardasasymbol of marksmanship, discipline, honor, and respect to the country of Germany.

History of the German Military Badge for Weapons

Catamounts take to testing foreign badge

Photos: Soldiers from 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, earn their badge for German weaponry, the Schützenschnur. Soldiers could earn the bronze, silver or gold badge, depending on their skill on the pistol, rifle and machine gun. (Photos by Sgt. Cody Autrey, 16th EN BN.)

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C. Co., 501st BSB coordinates Fort Bliss’EFMB testing

Top Left: Spc. Allan Puls, Pfc. Nicholas Karcher and Sgt. Michael Santiago, all Soldiers with Charlie Company 501st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, pose during the Expert Field Medical Badge competition in February. Only 46 Soldiers earned the EFMB. (Photo by Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB UPAR.)Top Right: The 46 recipients of the Expert Field Medical Badge march to their pinning ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 28. (Photo by Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB UPAR.)Bottom Left: Command Sgt. Maj. David Lee, 501st BSB command sergeant major, pins the EFMB on Spc. Nicholas Karcher during the pinning ceremony, Feb. 28. Karcher was one of 46 Soldiers to earn their EFMB. (Photo by Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB UPAR.)Bottom Right: A Soldier with 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, checks his azimuth during the land navigation training for the Expert Field Medical Badge in February. Only 46 Soldiers earned the EFMB. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, 1/1 AD Public Affairs.)

Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB UPAR

The completion of Fort Bliss’ Expert Field Medical Badge wasthefirsttestingofitskindthisyear.TheEFMBisthe“por-trait of excellence,” and increases any units’ survivability on thebattlefield.Today,aSoldierwoundedonthebattlefieldnowhas over a 90% survival rate, when properly treated by medical personnel. The training and testing took place at Forward Operating Base Freedom, a training site on Fort Bliss. Testing events in-cluded: Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Medical and Casualty evacu-ation, communications/transmitting a 9-line MEDEVAC request, war-rior skills, day and night land navigation, a 12-mile road march and a written examination. The days of training and testing were long, with mandatory study hall hours implemented. More than 230 medical personnel competed to earn their Ex-pert Field Medical Badge. The EFMB testing is broken down into two weeks,thefirstweekconsistingoftrain-upandstandardization,and the following week is comprised of the actual testing of the candidates’ knowledge and skills. Standardization week is where the evaluators explain to the candidates the proper techniques to successfully complete a medical lane, without getting a “no-go.” All evaluators and graders involved have already earned their

EFMB, and are seen as the “mentors” to the new EFMB candidates competing this cycle. This years’ testing resulted in 46 soldiers earning their EFMB. These soldiers included Army Reservists and non-medics. It is believed by most that only medics can receive the EFMB, but candidates need only to have a medical profession to participate. This year, Capt. Garth Evers from 123rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, earned his EFMB. Evers works as a physical therapist for 4/1 AD and states that competing for the EFMB was a challenge, but worthwhile. Of this year’s 46 badge recipients, four were females. The fastest candidate completed the road march in two hours and twen-ty-eightminutes,andthequalificationpassingratewas19%. Supplies,timeandeffortwereallputintohelpthetest-ing Soldiers earn their EFMB. Soldiers from 501st Brigade Sup-port Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, worked 12 hour shifts, ensuring all candidates had a suitable stay at FOB Free-dom. “The role we provided was an oversight on command and control for all EFMB candidates,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Stevens,medicaloperationsnoncommissionedofficerinchargeforCharlie Company, 501st BSB.

C. Co., 501st BSB coordinates Fort Bliss’EFMB testing

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Have a voice in the YANK!Send all questions, comments

or suggestions to our editors. We want to hear

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Contact the editors.

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editors!

YANK, the Army Weekly, was a magazine published by the United States military

during World War II. The first issue was published

with the cover date of June 17, 1942. The magazine was written by enlisted rank Soldiers only for service

members stationed overseas. YANK was published at

facilities around the world, for a total of 21 editions

in 17 countries. It was the most widely read magazine in

the history of the U.S. military, achieving world-wide circulation of more than 2.6 million readers.

Staff:Layout/design, editor: Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus

Contributing writers:1st Lt. Andrew Alcocer, 1-36 IN1st Lt. Charles Rowell, 3-41 IN1st Lt. Charles Schroeder, 4-17 INSpc. Victor Mercado, 2-3 FASgt. Cody Autrey, 16th ENSgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB

Contact the editors:kristen.l.duus.mil@mail.mil

Facebook:1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division

Ready FirstCOL Ross Coffman

Twitter:@ReadyFirst6