Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

I met with the post command sergeants major on Wednesday and I have asked them to come up with a DWI reduction plan. Some of the initial ideas discussed were;

1) reinforcing and inculcating professionalism in all Soldiers,
2) first-line leader involvement to enforce standards and check on Soldiers,
3) proactive safety measures, such as unit taxi funds, etc, and
4) strict enforcement and harsher punishment for offenders. A detailed plan will follow in the very near future. To emphasize the critical need for such a plan, DWI statistics for all battalions will be included each week in this column.

Another topic discussed was specifically about pit bulls in 801 Housing. Occupants are assigned and terminated by the Housing Office. Residents sign an agreement regarding pets, and certain breeds are prohibited if you live in government housing. The breeds include pit bulls, American Staffordshire bull terriers, English Staffordshire bull terriers, Rottweilers (full or mixed breeds), wolves or wolf hybrids. There are other pet restrictions as well. Failure to follow this policy, as outlined in USAG Regulation 190-4, could result in removal of the Soldier from government housing.

Other complaints about 801 housing area include residents choosing to park their vehicles on the rocks in their front yard instead of parking next to the curb; setting up basketball courts in the gravel landscaped area; not placing trash containers in the proper place, which is unsightly and not a good-neighbor practice; some residents refusing to put nameplates on their homes and neglecting to keep their homes in accordance with the agreement they signed when quarters were assigned. Senior NCOs who live in the 801 housing area should set the example and maintain proper standards in the care of their quarters. The same rules that apply to on-post housing occupants apply to those who live in the 801 area. The staff of the Housing Office makes frequent visits to inspect this housing area to see that it kept to standards, but ultimately it is up to the residents and the chain of command to ensure their Soldiers and families live in a safe and healthy environment. Keep in mind that living in government housing is not a right; it is a privilege. I make frequent visits to areas both on and off post and will be expecting a marked improvement the next time I am in the 801 area.

Other questions from Soldiers came from a visit to A Btry., 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, during a morning run.

I am a mechanic in 2-43 ADA, and I am not deploying with my battery to Korea because the ADA units in Korea already have a maintenance company. What unit will I be assigned to when 2-43 ADA leaves for Korea?

You will remain with 2-43 ADA as the flag, or the unit designation, remains here. The good news for you is that 555th Maintenance Company is not one of the rotating units.

When we come back from our deployment to Korea, what are some the places we could get stationed?

Re-stationing of units throughout the world will continue for at least five to six years. You could return to your unit here or be assigned elsewhere to best meet the needs of the Army. However, currently the deployment cycle is designed to return the Soldier to the deploying station.

How long will ADA Soldiers continue to have the opportunity to serve in Germany?

Soldiers will continue to have that opportunity as long as ADA units are there. The re-stationing plan of units in, and from Europe, is expected to take at least five years.

Is THAAD ever going to become a unit? If so, when?

THAAD is well on its way to becoming reality. The projected fielding date for the first fire unit is less than three years away and is projected for second quarter FY09. After fielding, it will undergo an operational test prior to being declared ready for combat operations. A second fire unit is to be fielded in mid- to late FY10. THAAD flight-testing is ongoing now with Flight Test 2 planned within the next 30 days at White Sands. Soldiers from 6th ADA Brigade have formed the initial THAAD test unit and are operating the equipment on a daily basis as part of our development efforts.

Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox
Fort Bliss Commanding General



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	April 6, 2006

	Troop Talk I met with the post command sergeants major on Wednesday and I have asked them to come up with a DWI reduction plan. Some of the initial ideas discussed were; 1) reinforcing and inculcating professionalism in all Soldiers, 2) first-line leader involvement to enforce standards and check on Soldiers, 3) proactive safety measures, such as unit taxi funds, etc, and 4) strict enforcement and harsher punishment for offenders. A detailed plan will follow in the very near future. To emphasize the critical need for such a plan, DWI statistics for all battalions will be included each week in this column. Another topic discussed was specifically about pit bulls in 801 Housing. Occupants are assigned and terminated by the Housing Office. Residents sign an agreement regarding pets, and certain breeds are prohibited if you live in government housing. The breeds include pit bulls, American Staffordshire bull terriers, English Staffordshire bull terriers, Rottweilers (full or mixed breeds), wolves or wolf hybrids. There are other pet restrictions as well. Failure to follow this policy, as outlined in USAG Regulation 190-4, could result in removal of the Soldier from government housing. Other complaints about 801 housing area include residents choosing to park their vehicles on the rocks in their front yard instead of parking next to the curb; setting up basketball courts in the gravel landscaped area; not placing trash containers in the proper place, which is unsightly and not a good-neighbor practice; some residents refusing to put nameplates on their homes and neglecting to keep their homes in accordance with the agreement they signed when quarters were assigned. Senior NCOs who live in the 801 housing area should set the example and maintain proper standards in the care of their quarters. The same rules that apply to on-post housing occupants apply to those who live in the 801 area. The staff of the Housing Office makes frequent visits to inspect this housing area to see that it kept to standards, but ultimately it is up to the residents and the chain of command to ensure their Soldiers and families live in a safe and healthy environment. Keep in mind that living in government housing is not a right; it is a privilege. I make frequent visits to areas both on and off post and will be expecting a marked improvement the next time I am in the 801 area. Other questions from Soldiers came from a visit to A Btry., 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, during a morning run. I am a mechanic in 2-43 ADA, and I am not deploying with my battery to Korea because the ADA units in Korea already have a maintenance company. What unit will I be assigned to when 2-43 ADA leaves for Korea? You will remain with 2-43 ADA as the flag, or the unit designation, remains here. The good news for you is that 555th Maintenance Company is not one of the rotating units. When we come back from our deployment to Korea, what are some the places we could get stationed? Re-stationing of units throughout the world will continue for at least five to six years. You could return to your unit here or be assigned elsewhere to best meet the needs of the Army. However, currently the deployment cycle is designed to return the Soldier to the deploying station. How long will ADA Soldiers continue to have the opportunity to serve in Germany? Soldiers will continue to have that opportunity as long as ADA units are there. The re-stationing plan of units in, and from Europe, is expected to take at least five years. Is THAAD ever going to become a unit? If so, when? THAAD is well on its way to becoming reality. The projected fielding date for the first fire unit is less than three years away and is projected for second quarter FY09. After fielding, it will undergo an operational test prior to being declared ready for combat operations. A second fire unit is to be fielded in mid- to late FY10. THAAD flight-testing is ongoing now with Flight Test 2 planned within the next 30 days at White Sands. Soldiers from 6th ADA Brigade have formed the initial THAAD test unit and are operating the equipment on a daily basis as part of our development efforts. Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox Fort Bliss Commanding General