Jan 31, 2013

His uniform was ready. The script he needed to recite was committed to memory. The training he had received was reviewed and fresh in his mind. But as hard as he tried, Sgt. 1st Class Isaac Diaz could not stop his heart from racing. The duty he was preparing to perform shook him more deeply than anything he had done during 12 years in the Army.

Jan 31, 2013

Last week, our commanding general wrote about the many positive changes occurring across the installation. Sometimes I think it is very easy, particularly for those of us who have been here for a while, to take a very cynical approach to what we see. We base our attitudes on a time when there was little growth, when our construction highlight was relocatable trailers on Tank Hill and when driving through our housing area could leave you downright depressed.

Jan 31, 2013

Three armed men surrounded John DeMarco, a former Soldier who spent four years of his career stationed on Fort Jackson. The sun was shining, the weather was mild and none of the drivers passing by the Fort Jackson Directorate of Emergency Services building on Jackson Boulevard seemed to notice the scenario playing out behind the building.

Jan 31, 2013

Jan 31, 2013

The Warrior Transition Unit conducted a "Health and Wellness" town hall meeting Jan. 17 at Vanguard Gym to weigh in and start the unit's "Biggest Loser" contest which continues through March.

Jan 29, 2013

For our countries leaders, the road to Washington is paved with politics. For eight Soldiers of the 81st Regional Support Command, their path to the nation's capitol was carved out of history via the lineage of service and sacrifice of 81st Infantry Division Wildcats from World Wars One and Two and various conflicts up to the present day.

Jan 24, 2013

Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno announced Jan. 24, 2013, that the Army is eliminating the Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule, which limited the assignment of women Soldiers in various jobs and job assignments.

Jan 24, 2013

Visual Signs of Change ... no matter where you look around Fort Jackson nowadays you see construction, renovation and general improvements. I'm sure you've noticed the many projects ongoing across the installation. Most of these projects are badly needed as they have been in the works for years. Others are "special projects" designed to make Fort Jackson look better, instilling passion and pride, allowing us to better represent the Army to the thousands of visitors we host almost every week of the year.

Jan 24, 2013

The Fort Jackson Tax Center will open for business at the end of the month.

Jan 24, 2013

Not many people can find poetry in a bottle of pop.

Jan 22, 2013

Army units led the Inaugural Parade for President Obama Jan. 21, 2013 and more than 2,100 service members marched in the parade. About 5,000 troops in all supported the 57th Presidential Inauguration.

Jan 18, 2013

The Department of the Army has completed a final Programmatic Environmental Assessment and draft Finding of No Significant Impact (for Army force structure reductions and realignments that may occur from Fiscal Years 2013-2020. Public comment period is open until Feb. 19.

Jan 18, 2013

How can the Army become more Ready and Resilient? AKO users can take a survey to provide valuable feedback on how the Army communicates about Readiness and Resiliency.

Jan 17, 2013

Pvt. Cicely Verstein, 21, did not give much thought to her place in history when she enlisted in the Army. The Pennsylvania native said she was looking for a job she thought was interesting, but will soon become the first woman in the Army to repair the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Jan 17, 2013

This year marks 50 years since the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the historic and immortal "I Have a Dream" speech. Today, we remember Martin Luther King Jr. in the pantheon of our greatest heroes -- a pioneer, visionary and activist. His actions of selfless service are unparalleled in our nation's history. We celebrate his birthday and legacy, because his dream, his vision and his commitment made our country a place in which we all can take pride.

Jan 17, 2013

For Fort Jackson, the national holiday honoring prominent civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. is a time to reflect on the principles of racial equality and non-violent social change he championed. The post will honor these values Jan. 25 with a special ceremony beginning at 11:30 at the Solomon Center.

Jan 17, 2013

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Military Mentoring Program, which was implemented in Columbia in January 2012, engages active duty, Reserve, or retired military personnel as volunteer mentors to children of military parents.

Jan 17, 2013

In advance of possible extreme budget cuts that could arrive in March, Army leadership has called for an immediate hiring freeze and spelled out other pre-emptive measures meant to help the service prepare for a fiscal cliff.

Jan 14, 2013

Only 50 slots remain open for the 2013 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships to be held from Jan. 28 to Feb. 8, 2013.

Jan 10, 2013

The Army recently announced the expansion of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to include 24 Wounded Warriors as members of its new Paralympic and Instructor sections.

Jan 10, 2013

The Joint Task Force - National Capital Region will hold a media day during the planned Department of Defense dress rehearsal for military participation in the 57th Presidential Inaugural ceremonies and parade, Sunday.

Jan 10, 2013

Researchers from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory Human Research and Engineering Directorate are developing robot intelligence that will enable robots to successfully navigate (move around) in their environment when given a voice command (instruction) by a human.

Jan 10, 2013

Welcome back to Fort Jackson. I hope each of you had a safe and enjoyable time during the holiday season. Happy New Year!

Jan 10, 2013

Tina Barnes, an administrative assistant with the Housing Division, Directorate of Public Works, has been named "Housing Professional of the Year" by the Professional Housing Management Association.

Jan 10, 2013

Fort Jackson is committed to sustaining the environment for current and future generations. In order to recognize those Soldiers and civilians who make an effort to be "green" and exemplify the installation's sustainability policy, Fort Jackson's Sustainability Management System is launching its "Sustainable Soldier" campaign.

Jan 10, 2013

Activities on Fort Jackson slowed to a crawl during the final weeks of 2012. Victory Block Leave began Dec. 19, sending thousands of Soldiers home for the holidays for two weeks. But, a few hundred Soldiers opted to stay behind. For some, the time and expense involved with going home for the holidays made the idea counterproductive.

Jan 10, 2013

Typically weight-loss programs last about three months. This is how long it can take to make a habit stick. If we are lucky, we end up with including exercise and healthier eating into our lifestyle. At the same time, three months can be a bit overwhelming and many abandon the effort before they even get started. People not only want, but love a shortcut, especially if it ends with results.

Jan 9, 2013

President Barack Obama announced his nominations to serve as the next leaders of the Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency, Jan. 7, 2013, in Washington.

Jan 8, 2013

A new Location of Miss and Hit (LOMAH) electronic shot detection and location system recently passed its Government Acceptance Test (GAT).

Jan 8, 2013

The U.S. Army CID's Computer Crimes Investigative Unit is turning the tables on would-be predators online to where the hunters now have become the hunted.

Dec 21, 2012

More than 2,500 people helped to place 2,000 wreaths on gravesites at Fort Jackson National Cemetery Saturday.

Dec 20, 2012

We have so much to celebrate this holiday season. I, for one, will celebrate having the opportunity to work with each of you as we continue to make the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson the preeminent training center for the Department of Defense.

Dec 20, 2012

Fort Jackson is going to be a quiet place for the next two weeks.

Dec 20, 2012

Whether it is a military family's first or fifth move, relocating to a new place can be challenging. Fort Jackson's Sponsor-a-Spouse program aims to ease that process by providing information and resources that address each participating family's unique needs and questions.

Dec 20, 2012

The 282nd U.S. Army Band paid a visit to Moncrief Army Community Hospital Friday to play music and carols for the holiday season.

Dec 20, 2012

The Emergency Management Institute, a department of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is conducting a series of virtual tabletop exercises, in which key members of the Fort Jackson community took part by video teleconference Friday at Moncrief Army Community Hospital.

Dec 20, 2012

It's the number one question that everyone wants answered on Christmas Eve -- where is Santa and when is he getting to my house?

Dec 20, 2012

Military OneSource provides free access to the H&R Block At HomeR Basic online tax filing service. The service allows you to complete and electronically file your federal and up to three state tax returns or filings.

Dec 13, 2012

A Fort Jackson Soldier was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor last week for his courage and efforts to save the lives of his fellow Soldiers in 2010.

Dec 13, 2012

Regardless of the type of activities you may have planned for the holidays, remember to watch out for yourself and others. A simple way to do so is by applying the same risk-management techniques during your holiday activities as you do when you are on duty -- The Composite Risk Management Process.

Dec 13, 2012

Members of the Fort Jackson Homeschool Group like getting their hands dirty -- if it means helping local pets. The group meets regularly to support the Palmetto Life Line's Pet Soup project, which provides pet food to Columbia pet owners who might not otherwise be able to feed their furry friends.

Dec 13, 2012

Federal employees and service members from around the Midlands got together Monday at the Fort Jackson Officers' Club to recognize the area's contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign.

Dec 13, 2012

Fort Jackson and the Lake Carolina Development have partnered to launch the Lake Carolina Military Ambassador Program, an initiative that will reach out to military families who live in Lake Carolina and Northeast Columbia.

Dec 13, 2012

The 1st Battalion 61st Infantry Regiment "Roadrunners" became the first Basic Combat Training unit on Fort Jackson to win the coveted Commander's Cup, which is presented each year to the unit that accumulates the most points during the sports season.

Dec 11, 2012

Each individual grave inside the walls of Arlington National Cemetery has its own history, and in late November, some of the Pentagram newspaper staff initiated an effort to remember the American servicemen who were killed in action at Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.

Dec 11, 2012

When implemented Army-wide in January, the Warrior Leader Course will be a little bit longer and a little bit better, said the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Commandant Command Sgt. Maj. Rory L. Malloy.

Dec 10, 2012

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT - Some South Carolina Army National Guard soldiers got a chance to focus on something more in their line recently - blowing up targets with TOW missiles. Soldiers of Delta Company, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, fired 16 wire-guided TOW missiles at the Udairi Range near here, Nov. 27, scoring hits on targets like junked cars over 3,500 meters away. Cpl. Shaun Doane, of Myrtle Beach. S.C. made the hardest shot, hitting a metal storage container at about 3,660 meters. It was a rare opportunity for the troops, made more precious by the fact that Delta Company, like other battalion units, has been performing security-force operations in northern Kuwait since deploying here in April.

Dec 10, 2012

There wasn't much color in the building to begin with, but the gunsmoke coated everything in a cataract haze. Specks of gunpowder floated in the air and screams echoed through the halls. A woman's voice on the public address system warned that an active shooter was on the premises. The sounds of gunfire punctuated her warnings.

Dec 10, 2012

The Fort Jackson Officers' Club is remodeling its courtyard to create a permanent location for future change of command ceremonies.

Dec 10, 2012

In exercise, like in many things, one size does not fit all. Some of us need more of this and less of that. When you go to a gym and you see all this equipment, how do you know which pieces will help you reach the goals you want for your body?

Dec 10, 2012

One of the biggest challenges Soldiers face is transitioning to civilian life. That transition got a boost Nov. 21, 2012, when the Veterans Opportunity to Work, or VOW, to Hire Heroes Act went into effect.

Dec 6, 2012

Contrary to pop-culture portrayals of noncommissioned officers in our Army, their role is not to invoke fear in young Soldiers, but rather to invigorate future leaders.

Nov 29, 2012

The education center at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial "Wall" will be a place to join the past to the future, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said at the center's groundbreaking ceremony today.

Nov 29, 2012

The Army has always embraced the philosophy that the strength of our nation comes from the diversity of its people. That's why it's important for Soldiers of all backgrounds to take time to note the contributions of others.

Nov 29, 2012

The first few weeks of Basic Combat Training can be disorienting for new Soldiers. If changes in environment and responsibilities weren't confusing enough, there's also a battery of new skills and disciplines to be learned in a short amount of time.

Nov 29, 2012

When Pam Jacobs learned that her husband had received orders to report to Korea in December, she was devastated. After weathering two deployments and other absences in their five-year marriage, she had hoped to avoid more time apart.

Nov 29, 2012

Nov 28, 2012

Traumatic brain injuries can result in many visual problems such as binocular vision dysfunction, light sensitivity, and visual field defects. Although progress has been made in recent years, the pathophysiology of these injuries is not well understood and continues to affect soldiers in their activities of daily living.

Nov 28, 2012

The Defense Department continues its assistance with Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, Pentagon Press Secretary George E. Little said.

Nov 28, 2012

Officials believe that a large number of Soldiers and their families who filed state taxes in South Carolina may be victims of identity theft.

Nov 27, 2012

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, in conjunction with the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, Ga., will host the 2013 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships, Jan 28 - Feb. 8, 2013.

Nov 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Day is a special time to pause and give thanks for what you have and to express your gratitude and appreciation to those people whom you hold dear. All of us have a tremendous amount for which to be thankful.

Nov 21, 2012

Nov 21, 2012

Fort Jackson named its Family of the Year during a ceremony Friday at the Solomon Center.

Nov 21, 2012

On Nov. 15, Fort Jackson celebrated America Recycles Day with an art contest, recycling drive and educational displays. Soldiers, families and post employees were invited to bring 'e-waste' such as old computers, telephones and other electronic equipment to be disposed in bins at the Officer's Club, while vendors display crafts made from recycled materials.

Nov 21, 2012

Fort Jackson hosted an adaptive sports equipment exhibit in honor of Warrior Care Month.

Nov 21, 2012

When Sgt. Marshall Pampkin arrives at a new installation, one of the first things he does is get involved with its Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program.

Nov 21, 2012

Fort Jackson Soldiers honored during University of South Carolina football game.

Nov 20, 2012

Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, wife Deanie Dempsey and Gen. Raymond Odierno unveil the portrait of the 37th Chief of Staff of the Army during a ceremony in the Pentagon Oct. 20, 2012. Secretary McHugh told the audience that as chief, we watched Gen. Dempsey bring his straight-forward leadership and his unyielding resolve to bear on the mission and to keep our Army focused forward during what we all know has been an extraordinarily difficult decade.

Nov 16, 2012

More than 400 Fort Jackson Soldiers, the parade included participation from veterans groups, local schools and other organizations supportive of service members.

Nov 15, 2012

The strength of our Nation is our Army. The strength of our Army is our Soldiers. The strength of our Soldiers is our Families. This is what makes us Army Strong!

Nov 15, 2012

New Soldiers are expected to be training with new weapons in 2013.

Nov 15, 2012

Nov 15, 2012

This Thanksgiving, our Army has many blessings to count. But you -- our Soldiers, Family members and Army Civilians -- are the most precious blessings of all. Whether you celebrate the holiday with loved ones at home or with your battle buddies in the fight overseas, please know you and yours are in our thoughts. Thank you for your dedication to our nation and our way of life, and for the sacrifices youmake every day!

Nov 15, 2012

Garrison commanders are recruiting for about 2,000 job openings, and while the competitive process can be time-consuming, exceptions to the process allow for noncompetitive selection of current U.S. Army Installation Management Command employees, transitioning Soldiers, disabled veterans, and certain others.

Nov 15, 2012

The Warrior Transition Command and Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center want to make sure that wounded warriors and their caregivers have all the knowledge they need before leaving the military. To do so, the organizations hosted a conference for caregivers Nov. 5 at the Solomon Center.

Nov 15, 2012

Nov 14, 2012

Fort Jackson VICTORY BLOCK LEAVE is from Dec. 20, 2012 until Jan. 3, 2013. Soldiers may travel by bus, rail, air, or with family members if traveling in a privately owned vehicle (POV).

Nov 13, 2012

The Enterprise Management Decision Support system has helped leaders know the readiness status of all units and more improvements are coming to the system.

Nov 8, 2012

For the last century, we have celebrated our Veterans on this Veterans Day. When the cannons of World War I were silenced, we thought we had fought the "war to end all wars," but as history proved, we still needed our Soldiers.

Nov 8, 2012

On Nov. 15, Fort Jackson will celebrate America Recycles Day with an art contest, recycling drive, education displays, music vendors and more.

Nov 8, 2012

Columbia's 34th annual Veterans Day parade is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. The parade will honor all veterans for their service and commitment to the nation.

Nov 8, 2012

Striking the perfect balance between career and family obligations is tough enough for many couples, but when one spouse is a recruiter and the other a drill sergeant, the challenges increase.

Nov 8, 2012

Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve could lose their coverage if they don't take steps to switch from their monthly premiums by check to an electronic form of payment before Jan. 1.

Nov 8, 2012

More and more agencies are adopting fitness and wellness programs in the work environment to show support for employees.

Nov 7, 2012

Soldiers of the 249th Engineer Battalion, from Fort Bragg, N.C., are assessing facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy and are coordinating generators to temporarily restore power.

Nov 5, 2012

The National Science Center is now training kids to stay safe from cyber attack malware. A new online game called Cyber Swarm Defenders is targeted to 6th-8th grade students.

Nov 5, 2012

Army civilians serve alongside soldiers every day, in every theater. From state-side garrisons to forward operating bases in Afghanistan, Army civilians write contracts, deliver goods, manage networks, operate ranges, manage business operations and provide support functions that would otherwise present distractions to training and wartime operations. From the sound of reveille to when a soldier turns out the lights at the end the day, soldiers are supported by their civilian counterparts.

Nov 5, 2012

Nov 1, 2012

I voted absentee, have you? If not, this Tuesday, Nov. 6, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote for the next President of the United States.

Nov 1, 2012

Election Day is Tuesday, and employees are encouraged to exercise their right to vote. Tuesday is also a work day for most people.

Nov 1, 2012

The 902nd Military Intelligence Detachment at Fort Jackson conducts operations and investigations throughout South Carolina to detect, identify, neutralize and defeat foreign intelligence and terrorism threats to U.S. Army and selected Department of Defense forces, technologies and critical information.

Nov 1, 2012

Elections for the Fort Jackson School Board are scheduled for Nov. 5 through 9 during school hours. The elections will be at C.C. Pinckney and Pierce Terrace elementary school.

Nov 1, 2012

The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families visited Fort Jackson Monday and Tuesday for four shows at the Solomon Center.

Nov 1, 2012

Moncrief Army Community Hospital will celebrate "The Great American Smokeout" Nov. 15 at the Post Exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the hospital lobby from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to quit smoking for 24 hours.

Nov 1, 2012

Military Family Appreciation Month will kick off with a free brunch for military families Sunday at the Officers' Club, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is limited to the first 600 customers (active duty military and their immediate family members).

Nov 1, 2012

Soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) remained dedicated to their missions in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., despite the onset of Hurricane Sandy.

Oct 25, 2012

As we begin the drawdown in Afghanistan, the Army is approaching a critical transition point. As an institution, we must succeed in the current fight while simultaneously preparing for the future. As we look to the future, we must continue supporting our Soldiers and their families while defending our nation.

Oct 25, 2012

"Don't turn your back on Domestic Violence!" is this year's theme for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Oct 25, 2012

Army graders are on post today to evaluate the dining facility at the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School for the ongoing Philip A. Connelly Awards.