Volunteers learn new way to CARE

By Staff Sgt. Timothy Hughes, 75th Fires BrigadeSeptember 25, 2014

CARE team
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. -- As normal duty hours for most Fort Sill Soldiers wound down, 15 75th Field Artillery Brigade members received training Sept. 17, on what might be the toughest job supporting their unit deployed to a hazardous duty zone.

The group, which consisted mostly of spouses of Soldiers, took one step toward becoming casualty response (CARE) team members by attending an hourlong course, facilitated by a member of the Army Community Service's (ACS) mobilization and deployment manager office.

"It is important for family members to know what their duties and responsibilities are as an Army to take care of the loved ones who were lost and their families," said Willie Byrd, ACS instructor.

The attendees were taught the key components of what is required of a CARE team member and the proper procedures to care for bereaving family members.

"Every situation is different," said Kimberly Pittman, a CARE team member candidate and spouse of Sgt. Maj. Adrian Pittman, operations sergeant major, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery. "You just have to listen there is no one set way to handle it."

The Department of Defense and the military community have continued to adapt its notification and care program procedures to adapt to new situations and today's technology. In comparison to the first Gulf War, concepts such as the Worldwide Web and social media platforms are now available to a virtually global audience. News cycles are now 24 hours and information can be dispersed at the push of a button.

According to Byrd, during the second phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a downed helicopter incident that resulted in the deaths of Soldiers assigned to Fort Sill tested a previously unchallenged family notification and care process.

He further explained local and global news outlets received information about the incident and reported it prior to the Soldiers being notified.

Byrd also said during the initial phases of the Global War on Terrorism, which consisted of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the concept of a CARE team had not been developed.

"We didn't have CARE teams, we just had committee groups," he said.

The Department of the Army has continually built upon its notification procedures by using feedback given to it from units that submit after action reviews.

Like the Army, Pittman, who previously served as a CARE team member with 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery, said she plans to draw on her past experience in her potentially new role within the 'Tough As Diamonds' Brigade.

The Corvias Military Living clerk said it is important, while working as a CARE team member, to know the potential mindset of the individuals that you will help assist.

The initial course will be followed by a screening of the CARE team candidates by the unit's commander.

"Completing this course does not mean that you will be selected," said Byrd. "Your commander will thoroughly screen you prior to you being selected."