Stand-To: Procedure prior to first light to enhance unit security, a daily compendium of news, information, and context for Army leaders.

"Women have always played a critical role in supporting our nation's defense and security and their role will only continue to evolve and grow in the future. I want to salute all the women around this country and the world who are doing their part to keep our country safe."

- Mrs. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, at a USO-sponsored event on Capitol Hill to build some 2,000 care packages that contain items specifically targeted at female servicemembers.

Female servicemembers to get unique care package

Year of the Noncommissioned Officer

"American Soldiers are dedicated to the mission-and that is why they continue to serve."

- Master Sgt. Lou Beldotti, conference coordinator of Worldwide Retention Training Seminar, gives his reason for why retention continues to exceed its projected goals. The purpose of the seminar was to gather all Army career counselors to learn about cutting-edge strategies to retain Soldiers for the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve.

Army career counselors hear about Institutional Adaptation

• Early Bird News Site
• Information Papers with "2009 Army Posture Statement"
• Stories of Valor
• Army Public Affairs Portal
• Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace

• Community Covenant
• Bloggers Roundtable
• New NATO command activated in Kabul; continues Afghan training (The U.S. Army)

2009 Commemorations :

Year of the NCO

Year of the Military Family

100th Anniversary of the Chaplain Assistant

November 2009

Military Family Appreciation Month
National Native American Month
Warrior Care Month
Veteran's Day Week

Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day

Nov. 27: STAND-TO! edition will not be published

• Army Media Player
• Flickr: Army images
• YouTube: Army videos
• Twitter: Army updates
• delicious: Army links
• Facebook: Army's fan page

Army Professional Writing

• The Wishing Board
• Band director takes center stage
• During OIF I my unit was issued M2A2 BFVs
• 3rd HBCT assumes control in ceremony at FOB Kalsu

External Links Disclaimer

Stay Army Strong-Fight Novel A (H1N1) Influenza

What is it?

Novel A (H1N1) influenza virus is a new strain of influenza virus that first appeared in Mexico and the United States in April 2009 and has since spread globally. Just like the seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus is contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets from person to person when a person coughs or sneezes; or touches something with the flu virus on it and then touches their own eyes, nose or mouth.

What has the Army done?

To ensure readiness, the Army is providing the H1N1 flu vaccine to active-duty Soldiers and all other mission-essential personnel. The Army recommends vaccination for all others-family members, retirees, and DoD civilians. For TRICARE Prime enrollees, point-of-service charges and the requirement to obtain a referral from their primary care manager is suspended Oct. 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010, to allow them to obtain the vaccine from any TRICARE non-network authorized provider.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

A shortage of the H1N1 vaccine is not expected however, availability and demand can be unpredictable. There is a possibility that initially, the vaccine may be available in limited quantities. The Center for Disease Control recommends certain groups of people receive the vaccine when it first becomes available: pregnant women, persons who live with or care for children younger than 6 months, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons ages 6 months and 24 years old, persons 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for H1N1 or other flu-related complications due to chronic heath disorders or a compromised immune system.

Why is knowing about H1N1 important to the Army?

Maintaining optimum health, safety and well-being of Soldiers, family members and Army civilians is essential to Army readiness. Stay Army Strong-Fight H1N1. Take these everyday steps to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu:

• Prepare for H1N1 flu as you would for the seasonal flu;
• Get vaccinated as soon as you can;
• Wash hands often with warm soap and water or cleanse using an alcohol base hand sanitizer;
• Cover your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth (germs spread this way);
• Avoid close contact with sick people;
• Stay home if you are sick. Call your doctor who can decide treatment.

Resources:

U.S. Army Medical Department

Flu.Gov

Military Vaccines Web site