2005
Soldier and Family Support Branch (SFSB) develops the Compassion Fatigue program to deal with issues of Provider Fatigue and Burnout, which often affects deployed families and spouses. In 2007, the program was redeveloped into the Provider Resiliency Training (PRT) Program and was endorsed by The Surgeon General for all providers.
2005
U.S. Army Armor Center and School instructed to move to Fort Benning, Ga. from Fort Knox, Ky., per recommendation of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). Other organizations directed to consolidate as well.
Jan.
Eight million people participate in Iraq’s elections for a Transitional National Authority.
Feb.
The new Army Combat Uniform, known as Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), is fielded through the Rapid Fielding Initiative to deployed Soldiers.
April 4
Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith is awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom, on Apr. 4, 2003.
Read More about Sgt. 1st Class SmithApril
Headquarters, Department of the Army approved acquisition of a Light Utility Helicopter, the UH-72A Lakota. The UH-72A’s high set main and tail rotor make the MEDEVAC equipped version an extremely capable evacuation platform. Additionally, the UH-72A offers rear loading clam shell doors, externally mounted rescue hoist and space for two lifters or four ambulatory patients.
View Video of Lakota helicopterMay 13
BRAC 2005 is put into action, with a deadline of Sept. 2011. It recommends closing 33 major United States military bases and the "realignment" (either enlarging or shrinking) of 29 others.
Aug. 23 - 30
One of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes in recent history hits the United States, causing catastrophic damage to states on the Gulf Coast, especially in Mississippi and Louisiana, most namely the city of New Orleans.
Sept.
Afghanistan’s first parliamentary and provincial elections are held. This marks the first time in more than 30 years for such voting to take place.
Sept. 14
UN Security Council Resolution 1624 reaffirms resolutions on terrorism.
Read More about Resolution 1624
Sept. 23
Cpl. Tibor Rubin is awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during the Korean War, on Oct. 30, 1950.
Read More about Cpl. RubinSept.
National Guard units play a major role in providing security and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a devastating hurricane that affected the U.S. coasts on the Gulf of Mexico.
Oct.
The Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization is stood up. The premise of this organization is that cooperative arrangements generated will lead to win-win scenarios for both the military and the civilian communities in the greater Fort Drum region.
Read More about the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning OrganizationDec. 15
Basic Officer Leader Course II/III Implementation Plan begins. BOLC II focuses on small unit leadership and tactics, while BOLC III teaches specialized skills, doctrine, tactics, and techniques.