Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.Issue 34 Nov. 11, 2010 3-16 Soldiers among the first to field EQ-36 Story and photo by CW2 Larry C. Johnson 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division became one of the first Army units to field the Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 (EQ-36) counterfire target acquisition radar. The new EQ-36 radar system will provide the Warhorse Brigade with enhanced force protection and operational capabilities to fulfill its mission. The EQ-36 has the capability to detect, classify, track and determine the location of enemy indirect fire – significant current threats from mortars, artillery and rockets – in either 90 degree or 360 degree modes. Prior to every EQ-36 delivery, each system rigorously undergoes live-fire testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. These new systems will eventually replace legacy TPQ-36 and TPQ-37 medium range radars now in the Army’s inventory. operations to achieve assigned objectives The Thunder Pride Battalion recently while employing the EQ-36. conducted new equipment training for its Soldiers to familiarize them with the operations of the two new, modern radar systems the battalion received. Soldiers with the MOS of 13R (Firefinder Operator) & 94M (Firefinder Repairer) are the primary operators of the EQ-36 with a 131A (Field Artillery Targeting Technician) to supervise and maintain the systems. “This new radar system has major improvements from the legacy TPQ-36 & TPQ-37 Firefinder Radars,” said Spc. Brandon Myrmel, HHB, 3rd Bn. 16th FA Reg., firefinder repairer. “The technology in these systems is current with the path the Army is leaning toward for combat operations.” 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg. can deploy anywhere Target Acquisition Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Batin the world, synchronize and provide fires in tery, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment takes a group support of sustained, decisive full spectrum photo in front of EQ-36 Radar during New Equipment Training. more. I have stressed to each of you in our formation that we will push ourselves hard in the coming months as we prepare for our upcoming deployment. I expect our battalion to continue to lead from the front. The holiday season also means making good decisions both on and off duty. LONESTAR Soldiers must make the right decision when nobody is looking. During this season of celebrations and Family we must ensure we do not let ourselves or our battle buddies make bad decisions. Safety does not stop in the field or the motor pool, safety must be considered in everything we do. If you are out of town during the max leave period remember you are an ambassador for the Army and your unit. We know that when we are deployed the local populace views us as ambassadors for our nation and our actions can have global effects. There is no difference while we are at home station. Your family and this nation views each of us as heroes and your actions good and bad have an impact in our communities. Remain vigilant and do what is right. During this holiday season we continued on page 2 Commander’s Column As we near the holiday season, I would ask all of us to take inventory of what we have done this past year and look forward to what we want to accomplish next year. As a Battalion we have executed along all lines of effort from firing our weapons systems on ranges, providing enabler support to the BDE, and volunteering for community service projects. We have accomplished more this year as a battalion than imagined. As we look forward to next year we will no doubt do Lt. Col. Patrick Stevenson, commander 2nd Special Troops Battalion page 2 Warhorse Pride Issue 34 Nov. 11, 2010 Rough Riders use ACUs as floation devices Story and photo by Spc. Jilasia Debaugh 204th Brigade Support Battalion Company B, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, recently participated in an hour and a half block of basic instruction on how to survive in a water immersion situation as part of sergeant’s time training. The class was given at the indoor swimming pool located on Fort Carson at Building 1446. The purpose of the class was to instruct Soldiers on the various methods of using their ACUs and gear to stay afloat for an extended period of time. By participating in this class, the Black Knights have taken another step towards preparation for preventing situations that may arise during the future deployment. They were given an opportunity to experience what it’s like to tread water and become submerged ACUs. Week three sergeant’s time training began with a company ruck march from the 204th BSB formation area to the Indoor Swimming Pool. Once the Soldiers arrived they began to prepare for the class. A water safety brief- ing was given by the certified drown proof With the demonstrator present, the instrucinstructor. Soldiers then took a lap in the pool, tors began to describe the methods Soldiers which allowed them to get a feel for swimcould use to stay afloat. Each Soldier jumped ming in their uniforms. The Black Knights off the diving board with intent to trap air in their ACU top, while following the guidance of instructors. Once this technique was accomplished, Soldiers were then directed to the center of the pool to learn how to use their ACU bottom’s as a flotation device. Soldiers were then notified to remove their ACU bottoms so they could be trained on the multiple ways to fill the pants with air. The Black Knights successfully completed their drown proofing class. The class was concluded with a ruck march back to the company where an After Action Review was conducted by Staff Sgt. Cook. Drown proof class was an exciting change of pace to the normal work day. This gave the unit an exercise in which camaraderie and unit cohesion played a part as they cheered each fellow quickly found that swimming in ACU’s was Soldier in getting to the end of the pool. With a greater challenge than they had realized. this and future training, Bravo company is on Most of the Soldiers in Company B had never the right track to success for unit readiness of been through a drown proofing class. any upcoming assignments. improperly handled even proper cooking cannot make it safe. Never taste food to see if it is safe to eat because contaminated food can look, smell and taste perfectly normal. Even a small amount of contaminated food can make you ill and put a damper on your holiday fun. When driving to visit friends and family check the weather forecast for your destination. If temperatures are near freezing always expect black ice. Remember, bridges and over passes freeze up before and remain frozen longer than other road surfaces. Also, don’t forget those shaded areas of road. They can and do hold treacherous ice patches. Once on an icy section don’t accelerate, brake, gear down or make sudden changes in steering direction. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Finally, the best advice for driving is slow down and drive with care. Driving too fast allows you less time to react and reduces your chances of recovering from a mistake. Some of the best things about the holidays are all the celebrations. If you are the host of a holiday The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pride is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. Contents of The Warhorse Pride are not necessarily the views of, nor endorsed by the, U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Af- Holiday safety Message provided by Ed Keeser, Safety Officer 2nd Brigade Combat Team From now until New Year’s Day there are all sorts of thing to celebrate. Unfortunately, food, driving and alcohol can present various dangers that can be avoided. A few common-sense precautions can help keep your holidays safe and happy. You’ll often hear food safety experts repeat the adage, “Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.” The reason for this is because bacteria thrive at temperatures between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 F, which is known as the danger zone for food safety. Therefore, cold foods need to be held at 40 F or below and hot foods need to be served immediately or held at 140 F or above. If you aren’t sure that food has been prepared, served or stored safely discard it. If food has been gathering be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving. Also, have plenty of hors d’oeuvres for guests. Mini sandwiches, breaded foods and cheeses are filling and will slow down the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Monitor guests for slurred speech, staggering gaits and other signs of intoxication. Have a back-up plans that include sober volunteer drivers, taxis or sleeping arrangements. Under no circumstances should a person be allowed to drive following the consumption of alcohol. Following these simple safety tips and using common-sense will ensure that everyone returns successfully from the holidays. continued from page 1 must take advantage of time with our Family and friends to enrich ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. Be safe and enjoy this holiday season. LONESTAR! Warhorse Pride Col. John S. Kolasheski..................2nd BCT Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa............2nd BCT CSM Maj. Kevin Toner...............................................2nd BCT PAO Spc. April York........................................Layout and Design Sgt. Seth Barham............................................................Editor Sgt. Ruth Pagan...............................................................Editor fairs Office. The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary, and photos from readers. 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