1 September 2010

NOTE FROM YOUR BATTALION SERGEANT MAJOR

  The purpose of this newsletter is to keep the members of the 1st battalion informed of what is going on, what will be happening in the future, and information on how to make our battalion better.

2nd Brigade Change of Command 7 August 2010 at Fountain Inn Armory was a huge success for everyone in the brigade.

 COL James F. Burt is now the 2nd Brigade Commander.  LTC Ernest Trammel the Executive Officer and LTC Jarrell Alexander the 9th Regiment Commander.  Maj Daniel Galt has assumed command of 2nd Battalion.  CSM Don Swinton will remain as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major.  I wish to extend my sincerest thanks to all that assisted me in this effort.  "Well Done" to all the 1st Battalion personnel who stayed the course to ensure the armory was restored to better than we found it condition.

  Point of Distribution (POD) Missions Update

  An update to POD missions, conversations with the Greenwood Emergency Management Director indicated he is looking for the State Guard to provide leadership for POD missions.  In times of disasters, there will be plenty of good citizens who will want to help those in need.  While their heart is in the right place, they will know little about how to set up, distribute, and manage such a large scale operation.  Some may even leave when the task is not as rewarding or exciting as they originally thought.  It will be the Officers, NCOs, and soldiers of the State Guard, who are in for the long haul, that will ensure the mission success.  Our training will ensure a proper chain of command is established and tasks assigned to meet our mission goals.  However, every after action review & analysis indicates problems with communications remain the top deterrent to success.  

  There is an old saying "The Devil is in the Details".  It is not only establishing radio communications but the timing, quantity, and paperwork to ensure the possible hundreds of citizens receive the basic food, water, and shelter needed until normal services are restored.  The Emergency Operations center through it's logistics and procurement sections will buy/arrange for the material and shipment to the POD site.  They will also arrange for resupply based on usage and input from the POD site.  Remember, during a disaster the citizens will already be under stress and when they are told a site is open for distribution and nothing is there or the supply has run out, the potential for increased anger and possible violence is heightened.   Remember, we will be working for & assisting the Emergency Operations Center.  If it fails then we fail.  To be blunt, that is unacceptable.  Stay tuned as I work with the Greenwood EOC to ensure a lack of details does not sink our efforts to provide the best service to our fellow citizens is achieved.

  Squealing on the Square 2 October 2010 from 0800 to 1800

  This was another successful mission for 1st Battalion.  In addition, we had 5 citizens who expressed an interest in joining plus 3 expressing a strong interest that will hopefully result in at least 3 new recruits.  To all those who participated, thanks for a job "Well Done".

2nd Brigade Battalion wide drill on 20 November.

  This will be the annual drill with all battalions in attendance.  There will be the opening formation with personnel inspection.  Each soldier will wear the web belt only with a full canteen of water and the poncho rolled on the back. I will send the "How to roll the poncho" information sheet separately.  Uniforms will clean, pressed, and all flaps buttoned with nothing in your blouse pockets.  Following the inspection there will be 2 other events occurring.  One will be a marching competition and the second will be a GoBag inspection of everyone in the battalion.  I have sent out the inspection check list and the layout diagram and will have copies at our 16 October drill for those not on e-mail.  More to follow after the 2nd Brigade staff meeting on 15 October.  This will be a mandatory participation of all 1st Battalion personnel.

In Closing.

  It is an honor to serve with some truly outstanding soldiers in 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, and the South Carolina State Guard (SCSG).  Soldiers who strive to be better at what we do, thrive on challenges, always endeavors to be more professional in our appearance and conduct, and whose only goal is to assist those in need during times of man-made and natural disasters.

Sincerely,

Sergeant Major Robert Mynatt

1st Battalion/2nd Highland Brigade

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