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

"You've got to make the decision that what you're doing is worth the risk before you do it. Recognize that you have a new job, and that is staying alive with honor."

- Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, director of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness- the Army's authority on resiliency training, and one of the few women who have served as a prisoner of war, advices on being resilient and staying tough while in captivity

Female POWs prove women can endure war's hardships

"Male or female, we're all Soldiers first. It doesn't matter what your (military occupational specialty) is, it doesn't matter what job you do for the United States Army - you're a Soldier first. It's good to have all the training under my belt. I know that if I go into combat now, I have confidence in myself, I can rely on myself, (and) my battle buddies can also rely on me."

- Capt. Michelle Roberts, military intelligence officer, and an activated National Guard Soldier was the only female Soldier who earned the Expert Infantryman Badge

Post honors Expert Infantryman Badge recipients: Female captain passes EIB tests

• Information Papers with "2011 Army Posture Statement"
• 2010 Strategic Communication Resource Guide (AKO log in required)
• 2011 US Army Social Media Handbook
• US Army Social Media (AKO log-in required)
• Early Bird News Site
• Stories of Valor
• Army Public Affairs Portal (AKO log in required)

• Community Covenant
• Bloggers Roundtable
• Balikatan to team US Soldiers with Filipino troops (The US Army)

2010-2013: 60th Anniversary of the Korean War

April:

Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Month:
- Army's SHARP Program

Month of the Military Child: Operation Military Kids website

Celebrate Diversity Month:
- Asian Pacific Americans in the US Army
- African Americans in the US Army
- Hispanic Americans in the US Army
- Women in the US Army

April 12: 150th Anniversary of the Civil War - See: The Battle of Gettysburg microsite on Army.mil

• 2011 US Army Social Media Handbook
• Army Social Media: A command information sharing platform
• Facebook: Follow the Army
• Twitter: Army updates
• YouTube: Army videos
• Flickr: Army images
• Army Media Player
• Get Free "Army Social Media Handbook" iPhone App

Websites of interest:

150th Anniversary of the Civil War

Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay

• Evaluating your leadership? Don't look in the mirror
• Life in the aftermath
• Care coordinator links servicemembers with TBI support
• What a month!
• 90 days down
• Top 10 list of my deployment behaviors

External Links Disclaimer

Month of the Military Child

What is it?

Throughout April, installations around the world will recognize the sacrifices of U.S. military children by celebrating Month of the Military Child. More than 1.7 million children have one or more parents on active service in the U.S. Armed Forces. These children, too, suffer the effects of nearly 10 years of conflict. An estimated 900,000 children have had one or more parents deploy multiple times.

What has the Army done?

Army installations will sponsor various activities and events to recognize the brave service and sacrifices of military children. Army leaders will take part in ceremonies and events to recognize challenges that military children face, and to reinforce the Army's promise to improve the quality of life for both Soldiers and their families through the Army Family Covenant. Activities will range from teen forums aimed at addressing challenges they face at school and at home to spring celebrations and school field days. Many activities center around concerts, fairs, picnics, art shows and other events that are designed to highlight the resiliency of military children and give the communities they belong to a chance to celebrate childhood. Many garrisons will also take advantage of the month's awareness campaigns by promoting workshops for parents and teens.

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

The Army is committed to providing military children with a quality of life commensurate with their service and sacrifice. The Army is delivering on the promises made in the Army Family Covenant through increased or enhanced services provided by child, youth and school services; an unprecedented investment in construction of childcare, youth and teen centers; increased emphasis on school support and school transition services; and standardizing and funding programs worldwide that support the military child.

Why is this important to the Army?

Soldiers cannot focus on the battles or challenges ahead if they are concerned about their children at home. Providing a safe, nurturing environment for military children creates a stronger fighting force. The Month of the Military Child reinforces this concept, reminds the nation that our servicemembers' children also serve, and provides an opportunity to thank military children for their bravery.

Resources:

Army to celebrate Month of the Military Child

US Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM)

US Army Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command

Operation Military Kids