Combat Power
Combat Power
Combat Power

NCNG fields new Paladin Artillery on Bragg with hands-on training, classroom study

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan | North Carolina National Guard

North Carolina National Guard Soldiers trained on the new M109A7 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer System at Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES) at Fort Bragg in March.
Experts from Program Manager Self Propelled Howitzers Systems New Equipment Training Team from Tank Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM) showed maintainers of F Company, 230th Brigade Support Battalion,
1-113th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored brigade Combat Team (ABCT), the improvements in survivability, mobility and firing upgrades that makes the system more lethal on the modern battlefield.
“It is a lot of combat power,” said Joseph Bethel, TACOM Field Maintenance New Equipment training team lead.
The instructors and students met at the huge service section at MATES. It housed four new paladins and two M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked, a design similar to the paladin, but without the 155mm howitzer and built to carry extra rounds as an ammunition resupply vehicle in combat.
The instruction blended classroom study and testing with hands-on training with one of the newest weapon systems in the Army. The NCNG’s 30th ABCT is the first National Guard brigade to receive the M109A7 which was first fielded in 2017.
“We are very proud to be the first National Guard unit to get these,” said Col. Wes Morrison, commander of the 30th ABCT.
Students strained against torque wrenches securing the bolts that keep the long dual-pin tracks, similar to bulldozer treads, tight. Each and every hose and belt in the 675 horse-power V-8 diesel engine was inspected by hand. Students used ruggedized diagnostic computers to interface with the paladins onboard computer system to solve problems before they start.
While new to the paladin, many of the engine, transmission, electrical and other mechanical systems are compatible or identical with the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
“Interoperability saves money in the long run,” Bethel said.
The students will complete 23 days of training and then return to their home units in the 30th ABCT to prepare the brigade to deploy the guns later this year.
“Students will be able to properly diagnose and repair electrical and mechanical systems at the end of this training," said Staff Sgt. Richard Shell, a NCNG MATES artillery repair technician.

Sgt. 1st Class Kristen Bell, Civil Affairs Team Sergeant, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), smiles with pride at the end of the Fort Bragg Norwegian Foot March qualification march on March 26. Bell completed the 18.6 mile course 22 minutes under the time allotted for her age, while carrying a military-style ruck weighing in at 31 pounds. Her accomplishment earned her the coveted foreign badge for wear on her Army Service Uniform.

Civil Affairs Soldier inspired to inspire

Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Litchfield |
U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Ops. Cmd.

Usually, a conversation that begins with “what are you doing at 3 a.m. Friday morning?” sounds suspiciously like trouble, but when it is asked by Sgt. 1st Class Kristen Bell, Civil Affairs Team Sergeant, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), it’s advance notice that she is about to add one more accomplishment to an already impressive resume.
This time, it turned out Bell had set her sights on completing the Norwegian Foot March Badge Qualification Ruck March that took place here, March 25, just as Women’s History month was coming to a close.
Bell stumbled on the opportunity almost by accident. An Afghanistan deployment from June 2019 to May 2020 bonded Bell with Soldiers from the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
With Bell currently working as a Miltech for the 1st Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Training Brigade, the friendships formed during deployment were easy to maintain, and weekends found the Soldiers running, rucking and just supporting each other in their day-to- day lives. When Sgt. 1st Class Ross Dumlao called and invited Bell to participate in the Norwegian foot march she responded “it’s a no brainer, LET’S DO IT!” INSPIRE

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News

Preventing sexual assault is everyone's responsiblity

Story by Devon L. Suits | Army News Service
WASHINGTON — Building a culture of prevention, awareness, trust and support continue to drive efforts within the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, as it works toward rolling out new changes. RESPONSIBILITY

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Preservation experts conserve statues at ASOM

Photo by Renee Lane | Executive Dir., ASOM Museum Foundation
Preservation experts repaired and patched three statues at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. The foundation projects included: Gen. Hugh Shelton, Iron Mike and the SOF K9 memorial. Projects like these are done every three to five years.

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Army announces update to AGSU Class B

Article by Army Public Affairs
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army released ALARACT 029/2021 providing an update allowing the optional wear of insignia and accoutrements on the Class B Army Green Service Uniform and Tropical Dress Variations. AGSU

Community

Retirees, DOD Civilians can live on installation

Courtesy of Corvias Property Management
On-post military housing offers a unique, gated community, not only for military personnel and their Families, but also for retirees and DOD civilians. Providing a superior level of customer service is part of the mission of Corvias Property Management. LIVING

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Run All American Marathon virtually until May 31

Courtesy of Fort Bragg Family and MWR
The 8th annual All American Marathon, Mike to Mike Half Marathon and All American 5K will be hosted virtually. Racers will be able to run their race anytime up until May 31. For this virtual race, runners may choose to run their route of choice. MARATHON

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Stay financially fit with assistance, counseling

Article by Military OneSource
If your service member has seen a drop in Family income due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, is struggling with managing a paycheck for the first time, or is facing money troubles for other reasons, help is available. FINANCIALLY

Health and Wellness

DHA improves TRICARE Autism Care program

Article by TRICARE Communications
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Do you have a Family member with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? If so, they’ll soon have expanded access to health and support services. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) has authorized policy changes. AUTISM

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Gardening can lead to healthier lives for all ages

Courtesy of Melanie Clemmer | VA North Health Care System
National Garden Month is here, and while the word “gardening” might bring up wholesome images of elderly-grandparent types puttering around in their backyards, it can also be an enjoyable activity for all ages and abilities. GARDENING

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Learn CDC guidelines before visiting lakes, rivers

Article by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Visiting beaches, lakes, and rivers is a good way to stay physically active and keep your mind and body healthy. However, it is important to learn and follow CDC’s recommendations for how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. RIVERS

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Combat Power

Combat Power

Combat Power

NCNG fields new Paladin Artillery on Bragg with hands-on training, classroom study

Civil Affairs Soldier inspired to inspire

News

Preventing sexual assault is everyone's responsiblity

Preservation experts conserve statues at ASOM

Army announces update to AGSU Class B

Community

Retirees, DOD Civilians can live on installation

Run All American Marathon virtually until May 31

Stay financially fit with assistance, counseling

Health and Wellness

DHA improves TRICARE Autism Care program

Gardening can lead to healthier lives for all ages

Learn CDC guidelines before visiting lakes, rivers

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