Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

An interesting question was sent to The Monitor by a Soldier who recently returned from Iraq.

Air defenders from Fort Bliss and all across the Army are being pulled to serve on Transition Teams in Iraq. This keeps them from serving in positions that will provide career longevity in the air defense branch such as small unit leaders, battery command or ADAM cells. How will being on these Transition Teams impact the careers of the air defense officers and noncommissioned officers? I sacrificed my tour to Korea (and possible command) to serve on one of the first Transition Teams into Iraq only to wait another year for command.

As you know, we are a nation at war. It is important to note, the vast majority of transition team taskings are filled by the other branches. Commanders carefully scrutinize candidates for these positions and where possible, take into account professional development issues. I believe HRC assignment officers, regardless of branch, try to balance these same issues while meeting theater requirements. Currently, only Infantry and Armor remain command centric, air defense is not. What this officer is gaining is tremendous experience, an opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life and an opportunity to take part in something bigger than our Army. As Soldiers, we must serve where the Army needs us most, and in the end, things have a way of working themselves out.

I feel it is appropriate that a reminder of the Hands Free Driving Policy that I initiated in January be reemphasized. The guidelines established in the policy apply to all servicemembers and civilians assigned to or visiting the installation. This action was taken to preserve the health, morale, safety, security, welfare, discipline and good order of our community. The message is clear: a driver cannot use hand held devices while driving, which includes cameras, radios, games, cell phones, etc. Use of these items impairs driving and masks or prevents recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements and the approach of other vehicles.

Violation of this policy by Soldiers could result in administrative, non-judicial or punitive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Civilians can be cited for reckless driving under both Texas and New Mexico law. The only exception to the Hands Free Policy is emergency responders who may use cell phones or hand-held radios in the performing official duties. Any distraction while driving a vehicle put the driver, passengers and others in danger. It is not a practice that any driver should follow. I encourage every driver, Soldier, civilian or visitor to adhere to this policy.

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



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	July 27, 2006

	Troop Talk An interesting question was sent to The Monitor by a Soldier who recently returned from Iraq. Air defenders from Fort Bliss and all across the Army are being pulled to serve on Transition Teams in Iraq. This keeps them from serving in positions that will provide career longevity in the air defense branch such as small unit leaders, battery command or ADAM cells. How will being on these Transition Teams impact the careers of the air defense officers and noncommissioned officers? I sacrificed my tour to Korea (and possible command) to serve on one of the first Transition Teams into Iraq only to wait another year for command. As you know, we are a nation at war. It is important to note, the vast majority of transition team taskings are filled by the other branches. Commanders carefully scrutinize candidates for these positions and where possible, take into account professional development issues. I believe HRC assignment officers, regardless of branch, try to balance these same issues while meeting theater requirements. Currently, only Infantry and Armor remain command centric, air defense is not. What this officer is gaining is tremendous experience, an opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life and an opportunity to take part in something bigger than our Army. As Soldiers, we must serve where the Army needs us most, and in the end, things have a way of working themselves out. I feel it is appropriate that a reminder of the Hands Free Driving Policy that I initiated in January be reemphasized. The guidelines established in the policy apply to all servicemembers and civilians assigned to or visiting the installation. This action was taken to preserve the health, morale, safety, security, welfare, discipline and good order of our community. The message is clear: a driver cannot use hand held devices while driving, which includes cameras, radios, games, cell phones, etc. Use of these items impairs driving and masks or prevents recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements and the approach of other vehicles. Violation of this policy by Soldiers could result in administrative, non-judicial or punitive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Civilians can be cited for reckless driving under both Texas and New Mexico law. The only exception to the Hands Free Policy is emergency responders who may use cell phones or hand-held radios in the performing official duties. Any distraction while driving a vehicle put the driver, passengers and others in danger. It is not a practice that any driver should follow. I encourage every driver, Soldier, civilian or visitor to adhere to this policy. Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox Fort Bliss Commanding General