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US Army Marks 50th Anniversary of All-Volunteer Force

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

WASHINGTON — On July 1, 2023, the U.S. Army and the nation celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the all-volunteer force. For half a century, the call to serve has been answered with Americans making the choice to represent the highest ideals of service and patriotism through military service.

“This year is the 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force,” said Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth during the Army’s Birthday Festival. “That is 50 years of selfless service, 50 years of Soldiers from all walks of life volunteering to realize their potential, 50 years of Soldiers being all they can be.”

In 1973, the Nixon administration announced the U.S. military would fill its ranks exclusively with Americans that made the choice to serve rather than with draftees. Prior to 1973’s all-volunteer force, a near-continuous conscription began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s activation of the nation’s first peacetime draft in support of World War II. That first draft, between November 1940 and October 1946, enlisted over 10 million Americans. The draft was again re-adopted in 1948 and continued to exist until it was officially halted on July 1, 1973.

(Photo Credit: Photo by Warren Leffler, courtesy of the Library of Congress)

The Army started working on developing the all-volunteer force well before the draft ended. According to Nicholas Torre, an Army Historian with the U.S. Army Center of Military History, in April 1971, a transitionary program called VOLAR, named for the new Volunteer Army Program, was successfully implemented at select bases. VOLAR was an experiment designed to increase retention rates and morale among Soldiers and to attract those who wanted to serve. The results were promising. For example, reforms at Fort Carson that aligned with the principles of VOLAR resulted in a 45% increase of reenlistments.

“VOLAR and accompanying initiatives sought to rectify the ills of the Vietnam-era draft-dependent Army,” said Torre. The Army wanted to find ways to increase discipline and morale as it moved towards an all-volunteer force. That included improving work environments by focusing on three areas: Army professionalism, day-to-day quality of life and addressing contextual social problems like race-related and drug abuse issues. Today, at the close of the Global War on Terror and with recruitment presenting challenges, there are parallels shared between the inception of the all-volunteer force and the present state. For instance, the U.S. Army’s continues to be a diverse force and a place for equal pay and treatment.

“Our Soldiers, from the newest E-1 to the most experienced generals come from all over the country, from many different backgrounds, from multiple demographics, races and ethnicities. And while our Soldiers are as diverse as the nation they serve, we have seen throughout our history that we are strongest when we serve together. At the end of the day, what unites us is our shared Army values. That and our collective mission to fight and win the nation’s wars,” said Wormuth.

Our diverse force continues to be united by a common mission, but the U.S. Army has also evolved over the last 50 years. Under the draft system, draftees usually served for two years. Today enlistments vary depending on each Soldier’s training and career path. Today’s Army offers more complex education and training for over 200 career paths. New innovations in training such as the Holistic Health and Fitness, new approaches towards mental readiness, sleep readiness, physical readiness and spiritual readiness are telling of how today’s Army is prioritizing setting up Soldiers for readiness and success.

“No other organization can bring out the best in people like the United States Army,” Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. James C. McConville remarked at the Army’s Birthday Festival.

Wormuth succinctly expressed what’s at the core of encouraging and celebrating Americans who choose to serve in an Army of possibilities, “The strength of our total Army has always been and will always be, our people.”

By Corinne Dionisio

Posted in Army, Guest Post, History, Profession of Arms | 8 Comments »

US Special Forces Partner with Bosnian SIPA for Joint Combined Exchange Training

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — Forty miles southwest of Sarajevo, enemies are holed up in an underground government facility built inside a mountain during the Cold War to protect a former Yugoslav president against nuclear attack.

From a Sarajevo compound, U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to the Critical Threats Advisory Company, or CTAC, take off to raid the 70,000-square-foot protective bunker alongside Bosnia-Herzegovina State Investigation and Protection Agency, known as SIPA, officials May 8, 2023.

Three nondescript houses disguise each entrance to the facility. Through the houses and inside the labyrinthine structure, intermittent volleys of gunfire with the enemy reverberate through tunnel corridors. Room by room, the combined force of assaulters systematically clear the protective bunker.

This raid was the culmination exercise of a six-week-long joint combined exchange training focused on close-quarters battle and small unit tactics.

“It was a time-sensitive target, so the planning cycle was condensed,” said the troop leader assigned to CTAC, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) — a highly lethal force capable of collaborating with elite special operations forces elements worldwide. “The bunker has small hallways and small rooms … I wanted to raid the bunker to see how the team would react; to see how I would command and control.”

The 100-room structure was selected as a target to test the force’s methods due to its complexity and extensive size.

Providing solutions for the most sensitive problems and succeeding is paramount, said the special support unit executive officer, a SIPA official with over thirty years of police experience. The mission’s challenging location, time constraints and finite resources presented a nightmare scenario that compelled partners to combine efforts, overcome adversity and get results.

The mission succeeded, shortfalls and gaps were identified, and both sides provided recommendations for future reference, said the special support unit executive officer. Experience and lessons learned from the CTAC are valuable resources that will align the special support unit in solving complex problems.

“I do truly believe that the systems were tested that day,” said the CTAC troop leader. “We definitely learned lessons working with a new partner force which is key in refining troop standards. It’s the Green Beret way.”

By SSG Anthony Bryant

Posted in Army, Guest Post, International, SOF, Training | 3 Comments »

Black Side Solutions for Specialized Mobility Requirements

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

With years working and deploying on mobility operations at the highest levels on no fail operations. We’ve been involved with industry for well over a decade to help develop equipment that will survive the rugged use equipment sees in the field.

We currently provide that equipment to our Special operations customers, government and federal agencies.

The equipment we provide is currently in use and fielded to US military units and fielded on USSOCOM vehicle platforms.

We don’t only provide the right equipment but we’ve used in real world environments during the years of the global wars on terrorism.

From Baja Designs IR lighting, Parker Defense tactical water filtration systems to Safe-Xtract recovery kits and MAXTRAX recovery boards.

We can provide your unit with any array of specialized mobility equipment to meet your unique mission requirements.

To request a catalog or discuss your requirements , visit www.BlackSidesolutions.com or contact Thomas@blacksidesolutions.com

We are partnered with Noble to meet your units TLS and SOE contracting requirements.

Posted in Guest Post, Mobility | Comments Off on Black Side Solutions for Specialized Mobility Requirements

The Horse Cav Rides On

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — First Team Troopers have been preserving the traditions of the U.S. Cavalry, performing drills and ceremonies at events locally near Fort Cavazos, or overseas in partner nations for over 50 years.

In 1972 the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment was activated. Since then, it has demonstrated its proficiency from the local change of commands to being a part of the Army-Airforce Football game. Capt. Michael Gates, an experienced rider who previously commanded the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment “Blackhorse” Horse Detachment, recently assumed command of the 1st Cavalry Division detachment.

“They’re putting me through the same training program that all the new Troopers go through,” Michael said. “I want to see how everything works out here because learning how things are done at the 1st Cavalry Division is very important to me.”

When not performing in parades across the pond in the U.K. or exhibiting at local rodeos, the detachment hosts a weekly demonstration every Thursday. Mounted drills from the U.S. Army’s 1883 Manual of Cavalry Tactics are presented to newly arrived Troopers, their families, and others from the local Texas community.

“We came out to see Fort Cavazos and the 1st Cavalry Divisions demonstration,” said Angel Callan, the site director for the Florence Independent School District’s ACE program. “Many of these students don’t get to experience anything like this; we’re trying to expose them to different colleges and careers.”

Detachment Troopers perform other historical duties besides mounted drills, such as creating riding saddles in their leather shop, building and maintaining their Model 1878 supply wagon, and training and caring for their horses and mules.

“I had no prior knowledge of horsemanship or how to do any leather work,” said Spc. Isaac Hernandez, a detachment Trooper, drives the supply wagon and helps make the unit’s leather items. “As soon as the opportunity to join, I jumped on it. This is a great experience to teach me how to ride horses and get me in tune with a different side of the Army.”

The Horse Cavalry Detachment staff is always ready to give a tour so families can visit and see the animals. Troopers are invited to visit the detachment and try out for a position with the First Team’s Horse Cavalry.

“Come give it a shot; you don’t know you’ll love it until you’re out here,” said Gates. “I had zero experience before I joined the Blackhorse team; I fell in love with it head over heels. I just bought my horse, and I will get involved with the cavalry and horsemanship in my free time.”

By SGT Alex Romey

Posted in Army, Guest Post, History | 5 Comments »

Rheinmetall Mission Master CXT – Fire Support for Counter UAS Role

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

Rheinmetall is proud to present the Mission Master CXT – Fire Support, equipped with Dillon dual M134D miniguns. This innovative and reliable countermeasure is specially designed to defeat small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It can fire an impressive 6,000 rounds per minute and defeat drone targets day and night.

With the ability to autonomously detect and track aerial and land targets, while also prioritizing safe fire engagement by the operator (man in/on the loop), this pioneering technology is set to revolutionize counter-UAS operations. What’s more, it features wolfpack capability, meaning that one operator can manage multiple unmanned ground vehicles at the same time.

Rheinmetall will display its counter-UAS solution for the very first time at DSEI in September 2023.

Posted in DSEi, Guest Post, International, UAS | 2 Comments »

III MIG Conducts Exercise Vanguard

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN —

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, recently conducted exercise Vanguard to enhance and refine the III MIG’s information warfare capabilities in Okinawa, Japan, from June 9-16, 2023.

The exercise, provided an opportunity for Marines from diverse functional areas, including intelligence, communications, and cyber warfare, to come together and demonstrate their synchronized efforts within a simulated mission environment.

“Exercise Vanguard is the MEF Information Group’s demonstration of the ability to take our [information] capability forward into austere locations while maintaining command and control and the ability to exercise the MEF’s information warfare capability,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Cox, the III MIG Information Warfare Coordinator.

Operations throughout the exercise included establishing an expeditionary control node, a small information processing unit that provides leaders with battle space awareness in expeditionary advance base operations. The EABO concept relies on leveraging various assets and the usage of expeditionary infrastructure to maintain a presence in austere locations.

Through the lens of EABOs, leaders receive timely and accurate information about the operational environment, including intelligence, surveillance, and enemy movements. Allowing Marine Corps forces to shorten the decision cycle, extend operational reach, and maintain a presence in vital areas.

“For this exercise, it represents a remarkable opportunity for our Marines to advance their proficiency in delivering expeditionary communications”

1st Lt Elijah Jeong, a communications officer with III MIG

To gather information, the Marines used various sensing and communication equipment designed to provide a wide range of capabilities, including seismic and acoustic sensors, free space optics, traditional military satellite communications, and commercial solutions like Starlink programs.

“The sensors provide the III MEF commanding general with battle space awareness through being activated in different areas. The sensors were placed to cover the enemies’ most likely courses of action and what equipment they are using,” explained U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Johnathan Alderman, an infantry Marine with the Ground Sensor Platoon, 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III MIG.

WIDEBAND SYSTEM-EXPEDITIONARY TERMINAL

Photo by LCpl Joseph E. DeMarcus

The exercise allowed Marines to demonstrate the stand-in forces concept, specifically in the context of EABO. SIF units are small, low-signature forces capable of sustaining operations within austere and challenging environments.

The employment of SIF units improves situational awareness for leaders, maintains U.S. security interests, deters potential adversaries, and ensures comprehensive coverage of contested maritime terrain. Exercises like Vanguard play a crucial role in showcasing stand-in forces within III MIG, highlighting III MIG’s dedication to evolving and adapting to meet the challenges of the future.

III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific region’s information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

By Sgt Andrew King, The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Posted in Guest Post, USMC | Comments Off on III MIG Conducts Exercise Vanguard

Air Force Transitions to A-Staff Structure for Air Expeditionary Wings

Saturday, July 1st, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The U.S. Air Force is implementing standardized A-Staffs for air expeditionary wings to support commanders, maximize responsiveness in crisis and ease integration with joint force elements.

As part of the new Air Force Force Generation, or AFFORGEN, deployment model, presenting forces via the AEW A-Staff structure will increase a wing’s capacity to plan, coordinate and communicate vertically and horizontally to meet commander’s intent.

The AEW A-Staff is a standardized organizational structure, representing the following Air Force functions: A1 Manpower, Personnel, and Services; A2, Intelligence; A3, Operations; A4, Logistics and Engineering; A5, Plans and Integration; and A6, Communications.

“A successful A-Staff will make a commander’s job easier and take the burden of staffing responsibilities off our units,” said Lt. Gen. James Slife, deputy chief of staff for operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. “This means our units can better focus on mission execution instead of staff work.”

An AEW A-Staff is responsible for informing and implementing the wing commander’s decisions while communicating with higher and lateral headquarters, including joint partners who already use similarly organized headquarters while promoting the professional development of assigned staff.

Some personnel and staff functions at the squadron level will be realigned to the AEW A-Staff to support commanders with cross-functional capabilities intended to further enable the Air Force for high-end readiness against a competitive pacing challenge.

Airmen assigned to AEW A-staff roles will not dual-hat responsibilities from the squadron level, and commanders will not be utilized to fill staff roles.

“This is a necessary developmental opportunity for our young officers and senior NCOs,” Slife said. “Being a part of an A-staff will prepare Airmen earlier in their careers for their strategic role in informing the decisions of our Air Force leaders.”

While the AEW A-Staff implementation will inform the enterprise-wide expansion, the complexity of the task necessitates a methodical approach and remains a longer-term effort. Once AEW A-staff implementation is complete, Headquarters Air Force will focus on designing and implementing A-Staffs across all U.S. Air Force wings.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Air Force Transitions to A-Staff Structure for Air Expeditionary Wings

Sneak Peek – ACHRO Pack Line from Mission First Tactical

Friday, June 30th, 2023

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK

Only MFT newsletter subscriber and SSD readers are getting the FIRST LOOK at the new ACHRO™ Concealed Carry Systems. And as a thank you they are including a FREE GIFT with purchase! (Drinkware gift will be automatically added to your cart upon checkout)

ACHRO™ – THE ART OF BLENDING IN

ACHRO™ derived from “Achromatic” is defined as “without color”… The Gray Man. Achro™ Bags embrace the art of blending in with a low-vis, everyday-carry bag featuring a dedicated, discrete firearm storage system. Inspired to keep this functional as a great everyday commuter bag, daily essentials are organized and secure while on the go, offering a vast array of organizational options in a very comfortable platform.

“The trick to not being discovered until it is too late is to become part of the expected surroundings. Stealth is more the art of blending in with the background than sneaking through dark shadows.”

? Raymond E. Feist

CONCEALED FIREARM COMPARTMENT

All ACHRO™ bags feature a dedicated, discrete concealed firearm compartment is ambidextrous with quick access. An MFT Multi-Mount Platform is included, offering the ability to mount a holstered firearm or other 1.5” belt clip accessories, with custom orientation, utilizing a hook & loop system.

SMART STORAGE

Storage for vast array of EDC organizational options. Quick access to all your important items, cables and chargers with internal admin panel for small accessories. Quickly locate your keys with the hi-vis aluminum clip. Padded laptop*/tablet compartment features scratch proof sleeve allowing secure carry of delicate electronics.

*EDC Backpacks only

1000D NYLON KODRA CARBONATE

Weather & abrasion-resistant construction from durable materials that are designed to withstand the elements and rugged environments.

PREMIUM QUILTED BACK PADDING

Durability and comfort are key components of any pack. Cooling, durable & quilted the ACHRO back padding increases comfort user comfort for effortless use.

ACHRO™ SLING BAG