May 11, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Sailors and Soldiers deploying after training with Task Force Marshall now have a new tool at their disposal to help them prepare for their time overseas. The Navy has purchased a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected Egress Trainer to prepare service members on how to react in case their MRAP, an up-armored vehicle widely used in combat, rolls over.

May 11, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- "Thank you." Those are the two words that Paula Darrow, operations assistant with the post's Directorate of Plans, Training and Mobilization, says she hopes that active duty service members, veterans and retirees will take with them after leaving Fort Jackson next weekend.

May 11, 2011

May 11, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A former Fort Jackson officer and a Richland County Sheriff's Department undercover deputy were reunited during an award ceremony Friday - eight months after the Soldier saved the deputy's life - and discovered a special bond that put a "special" twist on their story.

May 11, 2011

Despite their propaganda, the Taliban have not launched a spring offensive in eastern Afghanistan, the commander of International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command East said today.

May 10, 2011

With more than 1 million servicemembers on active duty in the United States, the military services, and especially the Army, are running short of a critical commodity -- training grounds.

May 10, 2011

The 81st Regional Support Command's Child, Youth & School Services team participated in its first Month of the Military Child Fun Fair recently here.

May 5, 2011

Drill sergeant, cadre and officer spouses got the chance to see what their loved ones go through in a 10-week Basic Combat Training cycle last weekend during the 165th Infantry BrigadeAca,!a,,cs John and Jane Wayne Day event. More than 50 spouses took part in the April 30 event that included such activities as a taste of what reception is like, conquering Victory Tower, running the Fit to Win course, basic rifle marksmanship at Range 4 and physical readiness training.

May 5, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Children and parents flocked to Hilton Field Saturday to participate in post's annual Family Fun Fair - the last of several monthlong activities held in honor of the Month of the Military Child. The fair was a cooperative effort among Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Child, Youth and School Services and Army Community Services. The Month of the Military Child was first observed in 1986 to honor the youngest members of the military family.

May 4, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Just in time for the start of this year's hurricane season June 1, the Fort Jackson Emergency Operation Center is rolling out a new mass notification system to alert the community in case of impending disaster

May 4, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For some family members, making the drive from their Northeast Columbia homes to receive health care can be a hassle. With traffic, rising gas prices and gathering the children, a simple trip to the doctor can become an all-day event.

May 4, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- When our commander in chief, President Barack Obama, made the announcement Sunday evening that Osama bin Laden had been killed in a special operations mission, the nation immediately rejoiced, knowing that the United States had notched its greatest victory against terrorism since the war began almost 10 years ago.

May 4, 2011

ARLINGTON, Va. - A fundamentally different fiscal reality. We will be hearing some variation of that phrase from Army leaders for a long time to come. The Army's budget is smaller than it has been in previous years, and it will get smaller still. However, a different fiscal reality does not change the reality of what we owe to Soldiers and Families for their service and sacrifice. The Army's commitment to Soldiers and Families remains as strong as ever.

Apr 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Several post organizations, including the Post Library, Recycle Center, Fort Jackson Fire Department and more, entertained and educated children during the post's annual Spring Jamboree. Hundreds of children attended the event, which also featured several Earth Day events.

Apr 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Sgt. Andrew LaFramboise comes from a family in which almost everyone is either in law enforcement or in the military, he said. For LaFramboise to combine the two professions into a career as a military policeman seemed to be a logical progression.

Apr 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Brooke Miller felt a little out of place holding a weapon. But once she fired the first round, it felt like second nature.

Apr 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Have you read the recent story about the off-duty NCO who jumped into action at the scene of an accident to assist an injured motorcyclist and remained by the rider until emergency responders arrived'

Apr 28, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Nineteen of Fort Jackson's top drill sergeants went head-to-head this week in a grueling competition to determine the installation's Drill Sergeant of the Year.

Apr 28, 2011

Hundreds packed the Lee Club to witness a longtime Fort Lee community member pin on her first star during a ceremony Friday.

Apr 21, 2011

Fort Jackson honored Volunteers of the Year during a ceremony last week. Volunteers were also inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Apr 21, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Throughout the last year, Fort Jackson volunteers have given more than 35,000 hours of their time, not counting the numerous hours invested in family readiness groups.

Apr 21, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- How do you know that your resiliency program is dialed in and working' When Soldiers openly talk about having issues and escort others to programs where they can get treatment. You also know it's working when you spend $350,000 less than before.

Apr 21, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- April, as you may already know, is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Army leaders recently converged in Arlington, Va., to discuss our strategy in the war against sexual violence and harassment.

Apr 20, 2011

U.S. Army Accessions Command will be inactivated as part of Defense and Army efficiency reviews, officials announced today.

Apr 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Spring is the perfect time to schedule family outings that had been put on hold all winter. But as temperatures climbs into 90s, many of us are looking to get out of the sun, even for just a while. Edventure Children's Museum in downtown Columbia offers the perfect respite from the heat, while providing an educational outing for children that doesn't leave parents bored.

Apr 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A 70-year-old Fort Jackson landmark was torn down last week, marking the end of an era and evoking memories of the countless Soldiers who trained and lived on Tank Hill.

Apr 20, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Being a physician is a profession. So is law enforcement and theology. But what about being a Soldier' That's what Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, former TRADOC commanding general, asked Soldiers to discuss last year as part of an Armywide initiative on what is being called the Profession of Arms.

Apr 18, 2011

Within the next couple of weeks, Soldiers will begin to see reminders that they must re-measure their resiliency and psychological health by taking the Global Assessment Tool survey again.

Apr 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Nothing pleases me more than having an opportunity to give back to our veterans. I had the great honor a few weeks ago to present a Columbia-area veteran with the Bronze Star.

Apr 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- When 97 Fort Jackson Soldiers set out recently to test for the coveted Expert Infantryman Badge, 42 ended up meeting the requirements, but only one, Sgt. 1st Class Scott Wilkie, did so without making any mistakes, which earned him the designation "true blue."

Apr 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As the president unveils his plan to cut spending, many of us are trying to do the same in our own households. For the most part, aside from a few splurges on shoes or handbags every now and then, I tend to be fiscally responsible when it comes to my weekly expenses.

Apr 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- While Fort Jackson is known as one of the Army's largest training installations, one unit is responsible for Soldiers who do their training thousands of miles away.

Apr 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson's Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year will go head-to-head against youth from across the state for a chance to be recognized by President Barack Obama and win valuable scholarships.

Apr 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As Fort Jackson and other military communities celebrate the Month of the Military Child, April is also a month designated to raise awareness about child abuse.

Apr 14, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson is on its way to completely renovating and constructing new living quarters for Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.

Apr 13, 2011

The White House announced Wednesday evening that the president will present the nation's highest award for valor to the families of two Korean War heroes.

Apr 7, 2011

Sunshine, cute doggies and excited children filled the Fort Jackson Youth Sports Complex Sunday during Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's annual April Fool-ish Dog Show.

Apr 7, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Sgt. 1st Class Garret Brunton made no hesitation when he witnessed a vehicle cut off a motorcyclist, sending the rider to the pavement.

Apr 7, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Two of Fort Jackson's annual events, Retiree Appreciation Days and Armed Forces Day, have been combined into one big event set to begin with a golf tournament here May 20, event coordinators said.

Apr 7, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Tax season is here and if you have not yet filed your tax return, I urge you to place this task at the forefront of your duties. You have a little more than a week before the deadline arrives. I would also suggest that you take advantage of the tax preparation services that are offered on post.

Apr 7, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Fort Jackson community came together Tuesday to mark the Month of the Military Child with the grand opening of the SKIESUnlimited building and the adjacent boundless playground.

Apr 6, 2011

The U.S. Army has begun construction on the first fuselage of its next-generation AH-64 Block III Apache helicopter.

Apr 6, 2011

The Army will announce April 19, which posts have been selected to participate in the Pilot Army Net Zero Installation initiative, part of a program to conserve energy, water and waste worldwide.

Apr 5, 2011

As preparations for the Army's Network Integration Evaluation kick into high gear, Soldiers, engineers, combat developers and test officials are joining forces at Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

Mar 31, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For those of us who may be trying to lose or maintain our weight, a simple trip to the grocery store can be overwhelming. Transfats, Omega fats, high fructose corn syrup; it's enough to derail any semi-healthful eating plans.

Mar 31, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- First Lt. Sophie Hilaire set a Guinness World Record for women running in full battle gear and has competed in numerous marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

Mar 31, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson's Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic School recently received 10 MAXXPRO Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, or MRAPS.

Mar 31, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Alcohol Awareness Month begins Friday. It is an organized effort to educate the public about the problem of underage drinking and to inform communities about ways they can help prevent underage alcohol use.

Mar 31, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- or the 25th year, the military will salute the children of service members by celebrating April as Month of the Military Child. In accordance with this year's theme - Celebrate Military Children: The Strength of our Future - Fort Jackson Child, Youth and School Services has planned a myriad of events appropriate for all age groups.

Mar 31, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, IMCOM commanding general, visited Fort Jackson last week to assess the Army's largest Basic Combat Training installation and offer words of encouragement to the post's Soldiers, civilians and family members.

Mar 31, 2011

Two Soldiers received special honors Friday during a ceremony at the Hilton Field Softball Complex recognizing those Soldiers who recently completed a week of tasks to earn the Expert Infantryman Badge.

Mar 30, 2011

FORT MONROE, Va. - Two U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) organizations won the top awards at the "Innovations in Department of Defense Gaming" competition March 23 at the Defense GameTech Users' Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Mar 25, 2011

Hear from drill sergeants and a spouse as they talk candidly about life on the trail and how they and their families deal with the long hours.

Mar 24, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Staff Sgt. Ruben Rios only had a few seconds to react. Faced with a dropped live hand grenade, Rios relied on his training and in turn prevented what could have been a tragic event for a Soldier-in-training and him.

Mar 24, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As tensions mount in North Africa and revolutions rock the area, the rest of the world watches with a mix of dread and wonder, hoping for the best for those long-oppressed people of Egypt, Tunisia, Iran and Libya.

Mar 24, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Have you seen the latest "therapists" working in the medical clinics and the Warrior Transition Unit' They are outgoing, friendly and really love attention.

Mar 24, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson is helping to lead the way in an international program that brings military members from other countries to learn how to be more effective leaders and learn valuable skills. But the biggest reward may be the friendships formed and cultures shared.

Mar 24, 2011

Almost one year after the opening of the Master Resilience Training Course facility on Fort Jackson, Army Community Services will begin offering resiliency training to family members on post. The first class is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday at the Family Readiness Center.

Mar 24, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- At Fort Jackson, heat has a continuous presence here throughout the summer. Heat is a condition of our training environment and one that we mitigate through the judicious use of Composite Risk Management.

Mar 24, 2011

101st Sustainment Brigade re-opens newly renovated TMC

Mar 24, 2011

More than 67 years after he helped rescue a wounded comrade from a mine field in Italy, a Columbia-area World War II veteran received the recognition he had earned.

Mar 23, 2011

Williamsburg, Va. (March 23, 2011) -- St. PatrickAca,!a,,cs Day couldnAca,!a,,ct have been any better. Temperatures hovered around the low to mid 60s. A few clouds and bright sun seemed to put a spotlight on the newly blossomed dogwoods and forsythia. And Pfc. Brian Murphy, sporting a sparkling green hat, green T-shirt and jeans, seemed to devour the moments in large gulps.

Mar 23, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Taking care of families topped the list of priorities Maj. Gen. Richard Longo, TRADOC's new deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training, shared Tuesday during a visit to Fort Jackson.

Mar 23, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch toured post facilities and received updates from the installation's various directors during a visit here Wednesday.

Mar 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C.-- Earlier this weekend, I found myself sitting on the floor at 9:30 p.m., surrounded by photo clippings and holding a pair of scissors, wondering whether I had a small photo of my dog to add to a family collage I was making to take to my son's day care room.

Mar 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Soldiers and family members from the surrounding community are taking advantage of a Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation program that certifies them as lifeguards and whips them into shape at the same time.

Mar 17, 2011

The Fort Jackson Army Substance Abuse Program, which traditionally addresses issues of alcohol and drug abuse, will expand its programs by offering a six-week stress and anxiety reduction class, scheduled to begin Wednesday.

Mar 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Recently we opened the Family Life and Resiliency Center and took another major step in providing the Soldier and his or her family members - as well as DA civilians - the most advanced and comprehensive resiliency programs the Army offers.

Mar 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- There was a time at Fort Jackson when female drill sergeants could not lead trainees through the Bayonet Course and perform some of the same duties as their male counterparts.

Mar 17, 2011

As the transition approaches for Afghan forces to begin taking responsibility for security in their country, actions in the coming months will have consequences for years to come, the commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan said here, today.

Mar 16, 2011

The NCAA Rifle Championships usually have the U.S. Military Academy team competing, but this year there was a lot more Army flavor.

Mar 16, 2011

<b>What is it' </b> The DoD, based on Quadrennial Defense Review recommendations and Resource Management Decision 700, directs the National Guard to create 10 Homeland Response Forces (HRF): two in FY11 and eight in FY12. Each HRF, with approximately 566 personnel, provides lifesaving capabilities, decontamination, emergency medical, security, and command and control (C2). The HRFs, along with 17 existing CERFPs (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Packages) and 57 CSTs (Civil Support Teams) provide the initial military response to a CBRNE incident.

Mar 15, 2011

Hundreds of visitors to Arlington National Cemetery filed through the Memorial Amphitheater Chapel here to pay respects to America's last "Doughboy."

Mar 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- About 80 participants with Leadership Columbia, a leadership development group run by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, stopped by Fort Jackson Tuesday for a day of instruction, discussion and observation. Each yearly "class" runs August through May and includes a variety of outings and learning sessions.

Mar 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The number of nonprofit organizations out there willing to lend a helping hand to military families can be daunting. So Army Community Services has a solution - bring all of those agencies and Soldiers and their families under one roof and let them meet.

Mar 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Initial Military Training battalion commanders are used to leading by example. But that doesn't mean there isn't any room for improvement.

Mar 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- From the brightly colored children's toys, to the plush sofas and even the numerous clocks decorating the walls of the conference room - everything in the newly opened Family Life and Resiliency Center works toward the center's mission: providing Soldiers, families and civilians a place where they can enhance physical, emotional, social, family and spiritual resiliency.

Mar 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As most of you know, March is Women's History Month and we have a super program here at Fort Jackson to support and acknowledge this.

Mar 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- On the day Fort Jackson celebrated women's history, a group of history-making female police officers from Iraq visited the post. The officers came to the installation as part of a two-week trip to the United States to learn about the country and police work here.

Mar 9, 2011

Active-component Soldiers interested in promotion to sergeant or staff sergeant should immediately update their personnel and training records before the Army implements its revised promotion system June 1.

Mar 9, 2011

<b>What is it' </b> The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Services (DASA(S) is the Army's senior Strategic manager responsible for developing and implementing a holistic approach for Army services. DASA(S) will assist commanders in obtaining cost effective and efficient services to achieve their missions. The Army spent in excess $52 billion a year on services. That's greater than half of our total procurement funding. There hasn't been an overarching lead agent or office with specific responsibility for services. This responsibility will promote a focus on activities surrounding the planning, execution and management of services across the Army.

Mar 9, 2011

The West Point Association of Graduates recently announced that Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is the recipient of the Sylvanus Thayer Award for 2011.

Mar 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The new U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School opened Feb. 23 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Mar 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A few hours a week has turned into 40 years of selfless service for one of Fort Jackson's most loyal volunteers.

Mar 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Directorate of Public Works Wildlife Office and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation have high hopes that new housing on Semmes Lake will be occupied this spring by tenants from South America.

Mar 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON ,S.C. -- Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment remembered a fallen comrade during a memorial service for Pvt. Jordan Chase Friday at Bayonet Chapel.

Mar 3, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- March is American Red Cross Month. It is a time each year that we set aside to recognize and show our appreciation for the work that this great organization does. If it were not for a presidential proclamation, the fact that March is Red Cross Month might escape you merely because of the humble way the Red Cross goes about its business.

Mar 3, 2011

Video teleconferencing is one of the many ways Soldiers of the Task Force Thunder, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, can communicate with their families while deployed here.

Mar 2, 2011

In firm words, the Army chief of staff said Soldiers deploying after Oct. 1 could expect to have 24 months at home upon return.

Mar 2, 2011

Once a science teacher and now the superintendent of the South Carolina-Fort Stewart Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Cuba District, Dr. Samantha Ingram, a Mobile, Ala. native, wakes up every day trying to make a difference in the world and most importantly, a difference for our military children.

Mar 2, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- After more than 30 years of peforming sit-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and 2-mile run, Soldiers may soon see a change in the way the Army measures physical readiness.

Mar 1, 2011

The Army's 14th sergeant major of Army was sworn in during a March 1 standing-room-only ceremony in the Pentagon.

Feb 28, 2011

Feb 24, 2011

Fort Jackson's very own Tooth Fairy has taken flight the last few weeks, visiting the post's various Child Development Centers and homes to teach children about proper oral hygiene.

Feb 23, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- For the first time, the five-day field training exercise that culminates 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training for wheeled vehicle mechanics took place as a company-level, rather than a platoon-level event. The change allowed the Soldiers to train realistic scenarios instead of individual tasks.

Feb 23, 2011

FORT JACKSON,S.C. -- Fort Jackson will launch its 2011 Army Emergency Relief Annual Campaign during a ceremony at 9 a.m., Tuesday at the Joe E. Mann Center.

Feb 23, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The way that you manage and spend your money is your own personal business, but it is troublesome to me when I see Soldiers make bad financial choices.

Feb 23, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Fort Jackson community will remember one of its Soldiers at a memorial service scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Friday at Bayonet Chapel.

Feb 23, 2011

West Point cadets went to Egypt to study language but unwittingly became witnesses to history in the making.

Feb 22, 2011

In January, the Army experienced a total of 14 potential suicides and one confirmed suicide among Soldiers on active-duty status.