NCO Net Newsletter 08 Dec 11

***This is an official U.S. Army NCO Net email sent to all NCO Net Members***

TO: All NCO Net Members

SUBJECT: U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Network (NCO Net) Weekly Update -- 2011-12-08


1.(HOT  HOT) NCO Net would like to update our knowledge content. Members have been requesting SOP's, documents, presentations, and other tools. If you have something that you think someone else can benefit from, please post them on the Forum or if you need help email or send to joe.c.pearson@us.army.mil.


2. RECENT ALARACT and MILPER Messages and Announcements: If you are having issues getting the MILPER website to open, see the instructions at the following link. (http://go.usa.gov/9XZ)          https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1308440&lang=en-US

a. MSG SELECTION LISTS RELEASE, AC AND AGR (USAR).  The FY12 AC MSG selects list, and the FY12 AGR (USAR) MSG considered/selects list (both in Excel format), are posted at the following link (an Army Professional Forums external server).  The FY12 AC MSG considered/select list, as well as the MOI and AARs for both lists, will be posted at the same link by approximately 1215 (EST), today.  After 24 hours on this external server (to allow for the high volume of downloads), the lists will be posted in the appropriate topic on S1NET for future reference (sub-topics under the Promotions (Enlisted) Topic).  Before clicking on this link it is recommended that you log on to either S1NET or AKO.  If not, you will be required to log on to this link with your AKO username and password, and will not be able to log on with your CAC card. (http://go.usa.gov/5AM) https://support.bcks.army.mil/s1netpromotionlist_msgfy2012/default.aspx

b. ALARACT 442/2011 ANTITERRORISM QUARTERLY THEME - SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY REPORTING (2Q/FY12), DTG 060611Z DEC 11. Army antiterrorism awareness themes seek to focus efforts and instill Army-wide heightened awareness and vigilance to prevent and protect the Army community and critical resources from acts of terrorism. The theme for 2Q/FY12 (Jan - Mar) is Suspicious Activity Reporting. See the message for specifics. (http://go.usa.gov/5Ae) https://forums.army.mil/SECURE/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1626198

c. ALARACT 443/2011 JOINING FORCES INITIATIVE, DTG 071557Z DEC 11. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden are leading a national effort to rally the American people to action in support of military families, service members and veterans. This initiative is called "Joining Forces" and is focused on energizing all sectors of American society -- individuals, communities, businesses, philanthropists, non-profits and faith based institutions -- to give our families, service members and veterans the support they have earned after nearly 10 years of war. See the message for specifics. (http://go.usa.gov/5At) https://forums.army.mil/SECURE/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1626199

d. ALARACT 444/2011 AN/PRC-150A(C) HIGH FREQUENCY RADIO SUSTAINMENT PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL OFF THE SHELF (COTS) RADIOS, DTG 071844Z DEC 11. This message informs users how to obtain field maintenance support for high frequency radios and to capture maintenance readiness data and repair parts demand history. See the message for specifics. (http://go.usa.gov/5Az) https://forums.army.mil/SECURE/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1626209

f. ALARACT 445/2011 WEAR OF ARMY UNIFORM AT NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND LOCAL EVENTS, DTG 071922Z DEC 11. This message clarifies the wear policy of the Army uniform at national, regional and local events. See the message for specifics. (http://go.usa.gov/5Au)     https://forums.army.mil/SECURE/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1626213


3. NEW DISCUSSIONS/RFI's ON NCO NET:

a. Green Fleece Jacket and Hat; Can anyone direct me to regulation that defines the wear of the green fleece jacket and cap? (http://go.usa.gov/5AJ) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1623175&lang=en-US

b. Can you take SSD III before going to ALC and how do you self-enroll in this course? (http://go.usa.gov/5AS)     https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1623505&lang=en-US

c. COIN? Center seeks input on FM 3-24; NCOs, if you have thoughts on how to improve FM 3-24 - Counterinsurgency, see below for your opportunity to help us improve our baseline doctrine on Counterinsurgency (Click on link to read more).  (http://go.usa.gov/5oi)     https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1623521&lang=en-US

d. Removing my prior service to before I'm RCPed; I'm a SPC(P) currently and have been trying to reenlist since July 2010 during deployment. I met with some challenges in doing such a small and easy thing. Challenges I had anticipated but others I had not. Now after nearly a year and half later I am being told that I cannot reenlist because of my RCP. My ETS will be in July which, at the moment, puts me into Phase 1 category. But from what I've been researching, that window ends on Jan. 31st. I normally do not post on the net because my questions are usually answered here or S1 net or similar forums. However, frustration is currently getting the better of me. (http://go.usa.gov/5oO) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1623633&lang=en-US

e. Lost unrecoverable lost documents for OMPF; What should I do if I am missing documents GCM award...with the upcoming SFC board. Should I write to president of board if the documents were lost in a move 2 years ago....I check with my old units and they have no records??? (http://go.usa.gov/5oC) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1623984&lang=en-US

f. Retiree ASU class B Uniform; I work in the Headquarters for the CA National Guard. On 1 Jan, we will be required to wear either Class A/B or ASU A/B uniform on Mondays. My questions are; we have some retirees that are State Active duty and are required to wear the uniform still. When wearing the ASU B uniform, what difference should they make? Do they just wear the red nametape? Is there any addition changes? Any input would help. Thank you. (http://go.usa.gov/5or) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1624621&lang=en-US

g. How has the new Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT) improved your unit? 1. Does anyone have any data on whether or not the PRT has improved our overall physical fitness level? 2. Has it accommodated your Solders that have profiles? 3. What about unit's APFT averages (i.e. has it improve or what)? Anything you can provide would be greatly appreciated. (http://go.usa.gov/5o4) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1625515&lang=en-US

h. 108th ADA BDE patch with or without Airborne Tab? I was assigned to 108th ADA BDE (Airborne) Fort Bliss, TX from 2002-2005, and during this time I deployed with the unit to OIF I. So I am authorized to wear it as a combat patch. So fast forward to now, I am stationed at Fort Campbell (still on PCS leave). I have seen Soldiers with the 108th ADA BDE patch but without the airborne tab. Then I read in the Armytimes that only certain units are authorized the airborne tab and 108th ADA is not one of them. Does this mean I can't wear the airborne tab with my combat patch? (http://go.usa.gov/5o2) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1625752&lang=en-US



4. PRIORITY DISCUSSION ON NCO NET:

INVEST IN OUR SOLDIERS; Greetings, I'm a Company 1SG in Recruiting Command and just wanted to share this story that I received from my CSM this past week. To all that read, please listen to the message...Army Strong!!! Team,
I had a very eye-opening experience this weekend and it made me think deeply about our NCO Corps and our Soldiers. I wanted to share that with you in this email.  Let's first talk about the key points that I would like you to take away from this email and that I would like you to consider for yourself. Soldiers want to be Lead, Soldiers expect Greatness from their Leaders.
Here's what happened to me this weekend.
I went to visit my son, stationed at Fort Bliss.  He wanted to introduce me to the rest of his squad and I was proud that he wanted to show his dad all that he had accomplished and something that he was proud of. As we walked through the barracks I spoke to a few E1's and E2's that had 1 to 2 years in the Army but still had not been promoted.  I don't know the specifics on every Soldier I saw but there were more than a couple. My son was very hesitant to let me in his room.  At first I thought he may be embarrassed to introduce me to his roommate.  What I found, though, was that my son and his roommate were living in a substandard way.  Clothes were thrown all over the floor.  The closets were not organized, his uniforms were not hanging and he couldn't find ACU's for a few minutes.  As a senior Non-commissioned Officer and as this young man's dad I was maddened.  I helped my son organize his room, pack his field bag and equipment for an upcoming field exercise that he wasn't prepared for and clean his room.  I bought supplies.  I rolled socks.  I hung uniforms.  Side by side with a Private. And do you know what happened as I did this with my son.  His roommate became interested.  It was if he were thirsty for Leadership. (click on the link for the rest of the story). (http://go.usa.gov/53k) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1614752&lang=en-US

5. LEADER CHALLENGE:
Eroding of NCO leadership in maintenance and equipment knowledge? I am currently deployed in the Afghan theater as a DAC. I have observed, on numerous occasions, the Soldiers seeking out the OEM's FSRs for very simple maintenance tasks, and with questions that should be addressed to the NCO leader or maintenance technicians in their units. The FSR tries to be helpful when they answer the question, or change the headlight, but I fear we are taking away an NCO powerbase that needs to be protected. Some of the NCOs are not aware their subordinate is using this resource, which also alarms me. The FSR thinks he is doing the right thing, and is often retired NCOs or Warrants and wants to do what they can to assist the Soldier/unit. The right thing, in my opinion, is the have the Soldier's NCO or Warrant Officer assist them, then, if no solution is found, consult the FSR. There will/may be no FSRs in home station when these units return, so it's best to let the unit work through the issues with unit resources. I realize the warfighters are very busy here conducting combat and combat support operations, but until the units get a handle on training and maintaining their Soldiers, the battles they face will continue to be with their unit training and maintenance procedures and practices. (http://go.usa.gov/530) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1616711&lang=en-US


6. RECENT DOCUMENTS ADDED:

a. STRUCTURED SELF DEVELOPMENT (SSD) (http://go.usa.gov/5ob) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1623548&lang=en-US

b. WD 357 - Mine Blast Resistant Seat, M1151 & M1114 HMMWV FoV Test and Evaluation Plan (FOUO) (http://go.usa.gov/5oW) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1624444&lang=en-US

c. SOP Guidance for Ammunition (http://go.usa.gov/5oK)  https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1623245&lang=en-US

d. Recruiter Packet (http://go.usa.gov/5o0) https://forums.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=1623267&lang=en-US

7.  ARMY ENTERPRISE EMAIL MIGRATION; HOW IT WILL AFFECT ARMY PROFESSIONAL FORUMS.  As announced by AKO, during 2011 Army email users will transition to an Enterprise Email service managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency. This migration will involve a change in everyone's army.mil e-mail address.  Although when your address changes you will continue to receive e-mail addressed to your old address for at least a year, it's recommended you advise friends and coworkers to begin using the new e-mail address within that time period. This change of e-mail address (if you don't update your address on NCO NET) will eventually affect your ability to log on to NCO NET, and to receive NCO NET newsletter like this one.  An announcement has been placed on the front page of NCO NET that provides a direct link to your profile, and encourages you to update your profile when you receive your new e-mail address. Just as a reminder, you must use your AKO/Enterprise military e-mail address for Army Professional Forums.  Visit the following link on AKO for more information on the Enterprise Email Migration. (http://go.usa.gov/9Xy)                       https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/646647


8. Do not forget to become a fan of our Facebook Page.                                  http://www.facebook.com/pages/NCO-Net/270408251906?v=wall



9. NCO Net thanks every member for their participation and for sharing their leadership experience and knowledge with the NCO Net Community members.


10. We are still taking photos to post on the front page of NCO Net as well. Please send your photos of NCO's doing what NCO's do with a small caption and names of folks pictured to joe.c.pearson@us.army.mil.

Thank you for what you do.

Please print and/or forward on this weekly update to NCOs that you know and ask them to join NCO Net at https://nconet.army.mil

***This is an official U.S. Army NCO Net email sent to all NCO Net Members***

///END///