Publishing Disclaimer: In all of its publications and products, NCO Journal presents professional information. However, the views expressed therein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Army University, the Department of the US Army, or any other agency of the US Government.

 

NCO Journal April 2013 Articles

The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development


NCO graduates Air Assault School despite amputation

NCO Journal:

For almost 12 miles, Sgt. 1st Class Greg Robinson has been carrying about 35-pounds of gear. He sees a clock in the near distance with red digital numerals closing in on the three-hour mark, the time limit for the near half-marathon march.

Article published on: April 30, 2013


Soldiers married to Soldiers must now opt into Family SGLI

By Michael L. Lewis
NCO Journal

Service members married to other service members are no longer automatically enrolled in the Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance program, Pentagon officials said. They must now opt into the coverage.

Article published on: April 29, 2013


Fallen NCO’s family accepts posthumous Silver Star

By Nick Duke
Fort Benning Bayonet

The family of Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Westbrook was presented with his Silver Star for gallantry, and his second Combat Infantryman Badge on April 19 during an emotional ceremony at Derby Auditorium at Fort Benning, Ga.

Article published on: April 24, 2013


Army seeks round of base closure, realignment for 2015

Army News Service

The Army says a round of base realignment and closure for fiscal year 2015 is necessary to save tax dollars, consolidate resources and adapt to force reductions.

Article published on: April 24, 2013


Army combating sexual assault using ‘team approach’

Army News Service

In the third year of its campaign against sexual assault and harassment, the Army is focusing on cultural change, more effective training, and prosecutorial efforts that use a “team approach.”

Article published on: April 24, 2013


Army says no extended tours for Soldiers in Afghanistan

Army News Service

Last month, the Army’s senior-most officer told lawmakers budget cuts could result in a decrease in training readiness for follow- on forces to Afghanistan that could result in extended tours for Soldiers already there. That is no longer the case.

Article published on: April 23, 2013


Soldier deaths spur campaign against supplements

Army News Service

A “David-and-Goliath” scenario, an Army installation commander standing up to a multi-billion-dollar industry over the deaths of three of his Soldiers, has borne fruit in a national Food and Drug Administration warning and the drugmaker’s decision to stop production of a controversial dietary supplement.

Article published on: April 19, 2013


Army Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer policy to take effect Aug. 1

Army News Service

Beginning Aug. 1, 2013, every Soldier who elects to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a family member will incur an additional four years in the Army, without regard to their time in service.

Article published on: April 17, 2013


NCO named Army’s Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

By J.D. Leipold
Army News Service

Sgt. 1st Class Josalette R. Simmons has been selected as the Army’s 2013 Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for her efforts in transitioning XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C., from the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program to the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program.

Article published on: April 16, 2013


Hagel eliminates Distinguished Warfare Medal

Army News Service

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has eliminated the Distinguished Warfare Medal, DOD officials announced April 15.

Article published on: April 16, 2013


Soldiers to get 1 percent raise, 3.9 percent increase in BAH in 2014

Army News Service

Soldiers will see a one percent pay raise in 2014. Their untaxed paycheck will also benefit from a 3.9 percent increase in basic allowance for housing and a 3.4 percent increase in basic allowance for subsistence as well.

Article published on: April 10, 2013


Medal of Honor awarded to Army chaplain

Army News Service

An Army chaplain, Capt. Emil J. Kapaun, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on Thursday for his actions leading up to his capture as a prisoner of war in North Korea.

Article published on: April 11, 2013


Soldier receives Silver Star, re-enlists in the Army

By Master Sgt. Pete Mayes
101st Airborne Division

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Loheide received the ultimate two-for-one deal from the Army on April 5. At a special ceremony at at Fort Campbell, Ky., he was awarded the Silver Star Medal for heroic actions as a platoon leader when he was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), during Operation Strong Eagle while deployed to Afghanistan in June 2010.

Article published on: April 8, 2013