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Archive for the ‘Profession of Arms’ Category
TacJobs – 20th SFG(A) Seeks MI NCOs
Monday, November 4th, 2024Solicitation for Qualified Marines to Lateral Move (LATMOVE) into the Reconnaissance Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) 0321
Thursday, October 31st, 2024
R 301506Z OCT 24
MARADMIN 524/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MM//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION FOR QUALIFIED MARINES TO LATERAL MOVE (LATMOVE) INTO THE RECONNAISSANCE PRIMARY MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (PMOS) 0321//
REF/A/MSIGD: DOC/CMC/TECOM/20240207//
REF/B/MSIGD: DOC/CMC/RECONNAISSANCE TRAINING COMMAND SCREENING
CHECKLIST VER 4/20191203//
REF/C/MSIGD: MSG/CMC/MPP/092051ZOCT24//
NARR/REF (A) IS NAVMC 1200.1K, MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES MANUAL. REF (B) IS THE RECONNAISSANCE TRAINING & ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (RTAP) AND BASIC RECONNAISSANCE COURSE (BRC) COMMAND SCREENING CHECKLIST. REF (C) IS MARADMIN 483/24, FISCAL YEAR 2025 SELECTIVE
RETENTION BONUS PROGRAM AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 BROKEN SERVICE SELECTIVE RETENTION BONUS PROGRAM.//
POC/S.UZIEL/LTCOL/POF RECONNAISSANCE OCCUPATIONAL FIELD MANAGER/TEL: 703-692-4494/STEVEN.UZIEL@USMC.MIL//
POC/M. EATON/MGYSGT/POF RECONNAISSANCE MOS SPECIALIST/TEL: 703-692-4305/MICKEY.EATON@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. This MARADMIN solicits qualified Marines to apply for LATMOVE into the 0321 PMOS during Fiscal Year 2025. Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) has categorized the 0321 PMOS as a critical career force skill shortage. The demand for qualified Marines to LATMOVE to this PMOS will remain high for the foreseeable future.
2. Background. Marine Reconnaissance Battalions and Force Reconnaissance Companies are specialized units trained to conduct multi-domain reconnaissance, surveillance, and specialized limited scale raids in support of the Ground Combat Element, Marine Air Ground Task Force, or Joint Task Force. They are responsible for gathering and reporting information about the enemy, terrain, and
weather conditions in contested maritime environments as part of an integrated naval campaign.
2.a. Reconnaissance Marines represent the epitome of physical fitness and mental aptitude and are part of a highly trained force that is critical to the Marine Corps’ mission against
global threats. They must possess a range of skills unique to reconnaissance formations and thrive in politically sensitive or geographically denied operational environments. They must have strong communication skills and be able to operate independently or as part of a small team under austere circumstances.
2.b. Reconnaissance Marines undergo extensive training in amphibious reconnaissance, combat diving, parachuting, sensor operation, and advanced combat marksmanship. They may also receive qualifications as snipers, Army Rangers, explosive breachers, additional Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, and advanced Survival,
Evasion, Resistance, and Escape specialists.
2.c. Reconnaissance Marines serve in both the Active and Reserve Components (RC) and may be assigned to a variety of units across the Fleet Marine Force, Supporting Establishment, and external Special Missions Units.
2.d. Reconnaissance LATMOVE applicants must meet the following
criteria:
2.d.1. Must be a U.S. citizen.
2.d.2. Must be a volunteer.
2.d.3. No derogatory page 11 entries within the last 12 months.
2.d.4. No NJPs within the last 12 months and with no more than one NJP during the current contract.
2.d.5. No courts martial convictions.
2.d.6. Security requirement: must have minimum interim secret security clearance based on National Agency Check, Law Enforcement
and Credit Check.
2.d.7. Must possess a minimum General Technical score of 105 or a minimum Clerical score of 105.
2.d.8. Marines must possess a Water Survival-Intermediate, water survival qualification to enter RTAP.
2.d.9. Must possess a Water Survival-Advanced, water survival qualification to enter BRC.
2.d.10. Must obtain a passing score in all following land and aquatic events during RTAP:
2.d.10.a. Max set pullups–min 8/target reps 15+ 2:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.b. Max set crunches–min 75/target reps 85+ 2:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.c. Max set pushups–min 42/target reps 60+ 10:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.d. 3-mile run–min 22:30/target 19:30-10:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.e. Obstacle course x2–min 8:00.
2.d.10.f. 500-meter swim-15 minutes (side or breaststroke, continuous swim).
2.d.10.g. 25-meter underwater swim.
2.d.10.h. Rifle retrieval.
2.d.10.i. 25-meter rifle tow.
2.d.11. Marines must attain passing scores in all elements of the Reconnaissance Physical Assessment Test and Reconnaissance Aquatic
Competency Test during separate training evolutions and will be required to attain passing scores to graduate BRC.
2.d.12. Must be medically qualified to perform jump and combatant dive operations. LATMOVE enlisted Marines must have completed a
Naval Special Warfare/Special Operations (NSW/SO) physical prior to reporting to BRC. This includes a report of medical history (DD form 2807-1) and a report of requested MOS change
(DD form 2808). The completed NSW/SO physical must be reviewed and countersigned by an Undersea Medical Officer.
2.e. Reconnaissance Marines serve a critical role within the RC.
To be eligible for the 0321 PMOS in the RC, Marines must meet the following criteria:
2.e.1. Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR). Marines must affiliate with or be a current member of a SMCR Unit.
2.e.2. Individual Mobilization Augmentee. Marines must be affiliated with a SMCR unit.
2.e.3. Individual Ready Reserve. Marines must be discharged from the Active Component or Selected Reserve under honorable conditions.
2.e.4. Direct Affiliation Program (DAP). Active Component or Active Reserve Marines can apply for LATMOVE within the RC via the DAP.
They must be released under honorable conditions.
2.e.5. RC Marines must sign a Statement of Understanding accepting the requirements and conduct of Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
orders to attend reconnaissance entry level training.
2.e.6. Marines approved for LATMOVE into the 0321 PMOS may rate a Selective Retention Bonus (SRB). For example, per reference (c), a
qualified Zone A Sergeant who agrees to reenlist in conjunction with a lateral move will qualify for both the $40,000 72-month lateral move kicker and the $57,000 PMOS bonus, totaling $97,750, once they have gained the 0321 PMOS.
3. Execution. Interested Marines are encouraged to contact the Reconnaissance Recruiter at 910-449-2071/keith.mycek@usmc.mil
(School of Infantry – East) or 760-763-9117/brett.bowman@usmc.mil (School of Infantry – West). Additional details can be found at:
https://www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/talent-management/Recon-Lateral-Move/. Personnel
seeking to initiate the LATMOVE process should contact their Career Planner or Prior Service Recruiter. Eligible Marines must complete reference (b), which includes screening and suitability assessment information. recon_recruiting@usmc.mil. Personnel seeking
to initiate the LATMOVE process should contact their Career Planner or Prior Service Recruiter. Eligible Marines must complete reference (b), which includes screening and suitability assessment information.
3.a. Marines approved for LATMOVE by M&RA will execute PCS or Permanent Change of Assignment orders to Reconnaissance Training
Company, School of Infantry-West, Camp Pendleton, CA.
3.b. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
3.c. Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders are encouraged to disseminate the information contained in this MARADMIN to all hands.
4. Direct all questions to MARADMIN POCs.
5. Release authorized by MajGen Ryan S. Rideout, Director of Manpower Management Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower
and Reserve Affairs.//
Date Signed: 10/30/2024 | MARADMINS Number: 524/24
Interested Marines visit www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/Talent-Management/Recon-Lateral-Move for more info.
Army Begins Operational Deployment Pay
Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
WASHINGTON — Soldiers on approved operational deployments will soon receive $240 per month under the recently approved operational deployment pay program.
“This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to honoring the daily sacrifices made by Soldiers and their families,” said Dr. Robert Steinrauf, Plans and Resources Director, Deputy Chief of Staff G-1.
The change, effective Oct. 1, 2024, authorizes E-1 to O-6 Soldiers to receive special duty pay in recognition of the greater than normal rigors of operational deployments.
“The Army is dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices made by our Soldiers and their families are appropriately rewarded. Operational deployment pay represents a significant advancement in this effort,” said Dr. Agnes Gereben Schaefer, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
The regulation that governs the pay is Department of Defense Instruction 1340.26 (Assignment and Special Duty Pay). The pay is earned on a prorated basis.
A memorandum on the ODP can be viewed here.
ODP is not retroactive to before Oct. 1. Soldiers who were on an approved operational deployment on Oct. 1 will receive ODP for the remainder of their deployment.
Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are also eligible for ODP when they are participating in operational deployments.
Soldiers in combat zone tax exclusion status pay no tax on the ODP, but it is taxable for Soldiers serving outside such locations, Steinrauf said.
By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service
Special Warfare Journal: How ARSOF Fights
Saturday, October 26th, 2024
JUST RELEASED – The Summer/Fall 2024 edition of Special Warfare Journal, “How ARSOF Fights, Future Integration of the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad“ is available for download now at: www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare-Journal/Special-Warfare-Archive
Special Warfare Journal is The Official Professional Journal of U.S. Army Special Operations Forces.
Army Special Operations To Create New Robotics Specialty
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024
USASOC has been experimenting with robotics for several years, as seen in this image of 1st SFG(A) Green Berets during Project Origin at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. Despite Army Special Operations leaders discussing the idea of creating a specific robotics careerfield within SOF for years, details are still scarce on this new plan, which could see its first training class as early as 2025.
Most recently USASOC Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann told students at a SOCOM Ignite event at MIT, that the command is creating a new Military Occupational Specialty.
“Special operations is leading the Army by creating a new MOS this year for technology, innovation and integration – a new MOS that does not exist in the Army,” said Naumann. “We’re creating it because we realized that we need it. We will have people whose job is to think about these kinds of problems, build prototypes and then help us once we get the technology integrated into the battlefield and make it work in real-world scenarios.”
The details we’ve uncovered are that the paperwork to create the new MOS is currently at the Department of the Army staff and is expected to be approved by the end of the calendar year. Selection from the force could begin soon after, with the initial training course early in 2025.
The MOS designation is 390A meaning it’s going to be a warrant officer MOS. It’s a novel approach to the challenge and we are told it is for two reasons.
First, there are many within the Army’s SOF formation who have chosen unconventional paths including working with unmanned systems, robotics, and other technologies. They are valuable to the force in these niche roles and there are concerns about losing their expertise as they get passed over for not checking the blocks.
The second reason is that a few years ago Congress gave DoD additional authorities to direct commission those with technical experience of interest to the service. This will allow USASOC to not only recruit talent within house, but also look to industry and academia for the right people.
While no MOS name has been mentioned, it may likely be “Robotics and Unmanned Systems Technician”. This guess is based upon the six week Robotics and Unmanned Systems Integrator Course currently taught as an advanced skill to select SOF at USAJFKSWCS. However, SOF leaders have widely acknowledged that other, emerging technologies are required by their forces.
CMF 39 is of note, simply because it was once used as a Functional Area designation for Civil Affairs officers before it became a branch and adopted MOS 38A. It seems to have become a spare, somewhat under the purview of ARSOF. Joining CMFs 18 (Special Forces), 37 (Psychological Operations), and 38 (Civil Affairs), its reactivation bodes well for the creation of dedicated Cyber, Space, Fires, and other enlisted specialties for technical SOF enablers. Robotics systems are platforms and using their payloads generally requires additional technical expertise.
While the Navy beat them to it by creating a rate for unmanned systems last year, so far RM Sailors haven’t been integrated into the SOF formation. The creation of this MOS is something entirely new, not only for SOF, but all across the Army. They are seeking technicians who will integrate new capabilities. Although these aren’t SOF operator positions, many of the initial cadre will come from SF, Rangers, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. This will assuredly open doors as they integrate into SOF operations. While we’re unsure how USASOC plans to employ them and where they’ll fit into the organization, or will have their own unit, it’s a move that is a good investment in transformation and the future.
While this new MOS is currently destined to support ARSOF, within the Army there have discussions of creating a Robotics branch. A few years ago during the Maneuver Conference a plan was briefed to create MOS 19R, a non-accessions MOS which would accept volunteers at skill levels two and up from CMFs 11 (Infantry) and 19 (Armor). The plan had skill level 5 (E8 & E9) robotics Soldiers serving as 19Zs or Armor Senior Sergeants.
The difference between SOF’s robotics requirement and the other maneuver branches of the Army is about size. Like their current force structure, armor and infantry units have armored vehicles and in the future will integrate remotely operated and autonomous armored vehicles. SOF will mainly use smaller, very specialized systems like the Ghost Robotics Quadraped Unmanned Ground Vehicle seen above. Some of the tools will be the same across the force, but as taught in the RUSIC training mentioned earlier, SOF students learn to use innovation and additive manufacturing to locally produce specialized payloads for unmanned systems.
With USASOC working toward adoption of a formal requirement for a family of ground robotics and having already heavily adopted Small unmanned Aerial Systems across the formation, this move is the right one. Hopefully, they will create enlisted MOSs for other technical enabler positions.
We expect the Army will follow SOF’s lead and adopt the right systems for the larger force. Hopefully, they’ll implement dedicated personnel from inception as well.
– Story by Eric Graves, Editor
Top photo by Jerome Aliotta, US Army
Quadraped photo by Zachary Rufus, DoD
After a Year of Development, Army Releases Blue Book
Saturday, October 19th, 2024WASHINGTON — During the “Leading Change Brief” at the annual AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington D.C. on Oct. 15, 2024, Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael A. Weimer, announced the U.S. Army has completed and released a digital Blue Book with a companion website. The Blue Book development was announced at last year’s AUSA Annual Meeting.
“You can’t build standards and discipline in a time of crisis,” Weimer said last year. “If we’re really going to be truly ready for large-scale combat operations, we have to have those standards and discipline before we get called upon for that.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, was tasked to lead the Blue Book development.
“To meet the SMA’s intent, we had to ensure that we created a digital version that can be accessed anywhere at any time on any device and that is what the team was able to do,” Harris said.
The purpose of the Army Blue Book is to support history, heritage, lineage, and standards and discipline while simultaneously reinforcing trust at echelon and strengthening the Army profession. The book also includes commonly violated or misunderstood standards. The Blue Book is based on the original intent of Baron von Steuben’s Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States and will serve as the base for all unit standards books to create commonality and consistency throughout the Army.
The TRADOC team traveled to several installations across the Army to gather input for the Blue Book. “We wanted to hear from the force during Blue Book development,” said Sgt. Maj. Tyson Crosby, TRADOC Enlisted Initiatives Group and Blue Book lead planner. “We traveled to five installations, engaging with students and cadre from our Non-commissioned Officer Academies. We also solicitated input and insight from senior Army leaders.”
Although TRADOC was tasked with developing the Blue Book, Crosby said they wanted to ensure NCOs outside of TRADOC had input as well.
“The Blue Book mission was not a singular effort. We received great input and feedback from across the Army, making it a collaborative work. The Blue Book is for the entire Army and our overall plan reflects that,” Crosby said.
The final version of the Blue Book is 23 pages (three chapters), designed to be the first three chapters of a unit-level Blue Book. Once a user opens the Army Blue Book through the QR code, they can download the Blue Book PWA using the phones settings, which will create an app on the phone’s screen. In terms of useability, this will act no differently than app from an application store
Through Army University, TRADOC also developed a progressive web application centered around “Strengthening the Profession.” The webapp will serve as a leadership development and Army professionalism hub. It will also give users the ability to print a Blue Book PDF version. The Strengthening the Profession site will be contemporary and user friendly and will include hot topics, links to relevant sites, and professional articles all relevant to strengthening the Army profession and leadership. TRADOC will be the proponent of the site with regular reviews and updates.
The webapp can function like a native, downloadable app from an application store, but will require a QR code or the weblink to access first. When on the site, users can download the app that will take them directly to the site.
“The Army Blue Book was best developed as a PWA,” stated Matthew MacLaughlin, Army University’s mobile division chief. “The instructional designers determined how the info in the book would be optimized for the format, and then the computer scientists built the framework to ensure the execution is seamless and for all screen sizes.”
He added that while native applications have their place, the PWA format for publications allows for faster updates and provide a native-app experience for the user. The website can detect the user’s device type and will format accordingly.
Weimer said the Blue Book is for living by a standard and enforcing that standard amongst teams that are preparing for combat.
“Be disciplined and be brilliant at the basics,” Weimer said.
TRADOC will review the Blue Book content often and conduct updates as necessary.
The new Blue Book can be viewed online through the Central Army Registry website.
By SGM Jason Stadel
USAF Units of Action: Combat Wings, Air Base Wings, Institutional Wings Defined
Saturday, September 28th, 2024ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
The Department of the Air Force implementation of a new construct that will evolve wings into cohesive Units of Action by separating into Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings will be a phased approach, starting no later than the summer of 2025.
The new concept will create several organizations capable of conducting deployed combat operations, as well as base defense. Under this future construct, base, institutional and combat missions will transition into distinct organizations – called Institutional Wings and Combat Wings – each with separate commanders.
Air Force combat wings will be structured as mission-ready Units of Action and will have all the necessary elements stationed together at the same installation where they can train together on a day-to-day basis.
Deployable Combat Wings will evolve to deploy as fully trained teams and will replace the Expeditionary Air Base and Air Task Force models previously announced in Sept. 2023.
Combat Wings will focus on mission-level warfighting readiness, supported by Air Base Wings who are focused on power projection platform readiness (the installation).
Institutional wings will continue to provide support and capabilities essential to the organize, train and equip requirements of the U.S. Air Force.
The goal is 24 Deployable Combat Wings fielded to meet the Air Force’s rotational demands and provide depth for emerging crises – 16 Active Duty and 8 Reserve Component Wings.
The phased implementation approach includes:
Establishing Air Base Wings at installations that host Combat Wings and/or Institutional Wings with supported/supporting relationship.
Establish the deployable variant of the combat wing: the Deployable Combat Wing. Each DCW will have a redesigned concept of support for GPC schemes of maneuver, including Agile Combat Employment, to ensure the wings are prepared to execute their wartime functions and missions with assigned Airmen and units.
The Air Force will begin deliberately implementing Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings across the force as early as summer 2025. The first Combat Wings should be ready to deploy elements by late 2026 (FY27).
Evolution from XAB to ATF to CW
In 2023, the Air Force established the Expeditionary Air Base (XAB) as an initial force presentation model in its transition from Air Expeditionary Wings to a future force presentation model. The Air Force has been deploying Airmen under the XAB construct since the fall of 2023 and will continue to do so in the coming years.
The first Air Task Forces entered the AFFORGEN cycle during the reset phase in summer 2024 and will become deployment ready in the fall of 2025. These initial ATFs will replace some of the XABs as the US Air Force’s deployable unit of action.
During this pilot period, the Air Force will deploy Airmen using both the XAB and ATF force presentation models. Concurrently, the Combat Wing, Air Base Wing and Institutional Wing phased approach will begin. Combat Wings will replace ATFs and XABs.
– DAF Public Affairs
Soldiers Stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Shoot for the Schützenschnur
Friday, September 27th, 2024
ALTENDIEZ, Germany – At the invitation of the Bundeswehr Landeskommando Hessen (Bundeswehr Hesse State Command), approximately 30 Soldiers stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden competed at the Bundeswehr Shooting Range in Altendiez, Germany, Sept. 12, to earn the German Schützenschnur.
The German Schützenschnur is a decoration of weapons proficiency for enlisted Soldiers.
The American Soldiers took the opportunity to earn the coveted Schützenschnur badge by participating in a shooting event that consisted of two weapons, firing rounds to qualify on the German armed forces P8 semi-automatic pistol and the standard Bundeswehr rifle, the G36.
“I had so many hands go up and there were more who wanted to go,” said Maj. Brandon McFarlane, Headquarters U.S. Army Europe and Africa G3 Civil Affairs Division, about the Landeskommando invitation. “I’ve done the march portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) before. It was tough, but we did it, just like we are going to do the Schützenschnur as the next step towards the GAFPB.”
Staff Sgt. Kasey Griffin from the 66th Military Intelligence battalion spoke about the pride she would feel, from earning the Bundeswehr badge.
“It is a challenge, and to be able to participate in the partnership with the Landeskommando Hessen is an experience I will never forget,” said Griffin.
“I am confident I’ll make it”, said Spc. Mia Shaw, who also serves with the 66th MI. “I am used to handling a pistol, so it should not be a problem to deal with the P8 and shoot some reasonable results.”
Marines often serve in a variety of special capacities, whether protecting our Nation’s embassies abroad or recruiting the next generation of United States Marines. Two Marines, Sgt. Dillon Houk and his teammate, Sgt. Markus Jones, both serving as security guards for the Germany embassy in Frankfurt, also took on the Schützenschnur challenge.
Houk said, “To pull the trigger of the German P8 is different from what I am used to dealing with.”
“The German pistol seems a bit bigger, but sure, I am convinced that we will meet this challenge,” Jones added.
Soldiers from the 56th Artillery Command, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, 2nd Theater Signal Brigade and 102nd Strategic Signal Battalion, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, 86th Airlift Wing and Marine Embassy Guard competed in the event. At the end of the day 28 of the Soldiers received a medal, three of them gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze.
By Roland Schedel
