CRANE, Ind. — Department of the Army civilians and other Department of Defense civilian employees across the globe contribute to the total force and help ensure the readiness, capability and capacity of our military forces. Civilian employees at Crane Army Ammunition Activity are no exception — in addition to safely producing, storing, distributing and demilitarizing munitions in south-central Indiana, Crane Army employees routinely volunteer and deploy as members of the Army Expeditionary Civilian Workforce in support of U.S. operations around the world.

Fort Belvoir held a Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony Jan. 20 for the post’s Garrison Command Sergeant Major (CSM), the senior noncommissioned officer (NCO) who advises the garrison commander on all personnel matters.

Through continuous leadership training and education, the Army encourages every Soldier to “Be All You Can Be,” and that includes giving them a way to bridge their leadership and technical skills as they look for civilian employment, according to Charles Freeman, Fort Belvoir’s transition services manager with the Fort Belvoir Transition Assistance program (TAP). Freeman said after decades in Army life, it can take assistance to ease into civilian employment.

On Dec. 15, in a joint press release, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Army announced a new partnership to temporarily house and pasture the renowned Caisson Platoon horses, of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, public lands managed by the BLM in Lorton, Virginia These horses are critical to the tradition of honoring the nation’s military heroes, carrying them to their final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery.

As the holiday season gains momentum, so does the accident rate for drivers and pedestrians, which is why December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. At this time of year, it is important to get behind the wheel only while in a sober, proper state of mind. According to the National Safety Council, over 40,000 people died in alcohol-related traffic accidents last year.