CSM Top 5:
- The Virginia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition will take place March 26-29, 2020, at Fort Pickett, Virginia.
- Sergeants Major Course (non-resident) packets are due to my office by March 23, 2020
- ACFT Equipment fielding and implementation has begun! This means ACFT equipment is coming to your unit!
- It is tax season. Remember, VAARNG Soldiers are eligible to receive a $3000 state tax exemption. Take advantage of your National Guard benefits!
- RESILIENCY is a key component of Soldier fitness. If you or your battle buddy are struggling with suicidal thoughts or battling substance abuse, start by calling 434-298-6149. If you can’t remember that, call 911. Dispatchers are trained to assist people contemplating suicide. Visit this page for additional resources.
Junior Enlisted Tips (Information for your Rucksack):
Expert Soldier Badge: The Expert Soldier Badge was conceived by the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Sergeant Major of the Army to assist commanders in improving readiness across their formations. Similar to the Expert Infantryman Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge, the ESB measures a Soldier’s physical fitness and ability to perform at standards of combat excellence. All Soldiers except those in infantry, special forces and medical career fields can compete for the ESB. The ESB is designed to improve overall Army readiness across active, reserve and guard components. In addition, it recognizes the next generation of competent and committed leaders who can adapt and win in a complex world.
Preparing for the Basic Leader Course (BLC)? Know what to expect and learn more here.
Need help with physical training? Try the Army Physical Readiness Training App on either Apple iOS or Android.
Senior NCO Corner – What you need to know:
2020 Enlisted Qualitative Retention Board will convene in May 2020. Get your records up to date now!
Coyote Brown Fleece Cap is authorized for optional wear with the Army Combat Uniform. From Army G-1 Uniform Policy: The Chief of Staff of the Army has authorized the Coyote Brown Fleece Cap for optional wear with the Army Combat Uniform at the discretion of unit commanders, effective Oct. 1, 2019.
What are Broadening Assignment/Career Opportunities? The purposeful expansion of an NCOs core military occupational specialty, or MOS; proficiency and leadership provided through diverse developmental positions; opportunities and assignments, both within and outside their career management field.
USASMA Fellowship Cohort 7 MILPER Message: The Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence (NCOLCoE) and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA) Fellowship Program targets sergeants major who have demonstrated the potential and a strong desire to be an educator of future sergeants. For additional information please access information here.
Warrant Officer Opportunities
Join the small, elite group of highly specialized warrant officers. For consideration, Soldiers will need three years of NCOERs, a GT score of 110 or above, a security clearance and will be required to attend a Pre-WOCS course. More information is available here, or contact CW4 Sexton at 540-810-4044 or wayne.s.sexton.mil@mail.mil.
CONGRATULATIONS! Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Assignments:
- 1SG Barley, selected as the 1SG HHC 429th BSB
- MSG Maw, selected as the 1SG of the 123rd Cyber Protection BN
- SFC Herndon, selected as the 1SG of the HHD 91st Cyber BDE
- MSG Seamans, selected as the 1SG of Maneuver Training Center (MTC)
- SFC (P) Gates, selected as the Senior Enlisted Equal Opportunity Advisor
Current Key NCO Vacancies:
- First Sergeant, CO H 429th BSB (ZGEH0), 91Z5M, Winchester – position is advertised S: 13 March 2020 POC: SGM Jessie L. Catron, G1 Sergeant Major, jessie.l.catron.mil@mail.mil 1SG Timothy J Bilbrey, G1 Enlisted Promotions Manager /timothy.j.bilbrey.mil@mail.mil
Encouraged Reading:
- The Blended Retirement System
- The Army has released the newly revised TC 7-22.7, The Noncommissioned Officer Guide. It is available for download and ordering through the Army Publishing Directorate.
Quote of the Month: “Be you Corporal or General your appearance, your words, your actions, even your very thoughts carry their influence with them either for good or bad”. – “Talks by the ‘Old Man.’” National Guard, Aug 1914, p.241
Soldier Spotlight: Sgt. Anna Carter, C Co., 429th BSB, 68W, Combat Medic
Sgt. Anna Carter is a combat medic serving in Charlie Med 429th Brigade Support Battalion out of Charlottesville, Virginia. She is a current NCOIC of patient holding in a treatment platoon. Throughout her military career she has served as a PHA medic as well as aided in the success of multiple MASCAL events. Sgt. Carter was awarded an AAM for excellence while serving as Patient holding NCOIC at XCTC, taking care of over 400 real-world patients. During her time at BLC, she scored a 300 on the APFT and was an honor graduate.
Recently, Sgt. Carter was the NCOIC for a Combat Lifesaver Course, helping over fifty Soldiers become CLS certified. She completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Roanoke College, then went on to complete her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Jefferson College of Health Sciences. She now works as a Registered Nursed at a Level 1 Magnet Certified Trauma Hospital.
Congratulations to Sgt. Carter!