The Ripley

Reporter

Camp Ripley, Minnesota January 2012

In This Issue Buddy Weekend Families Page 2

Citizens Committee Page 3

QRF Training Page 4

Fox Company CoC Page 5

Flammable Liquids Page 6

The impact of diminishing budgets, constrained resources and the certainty of change is a reality for the Camp Ripley Training Center. However, thanks to visionary leadership, outstanding facilities and resources, and the exceptional services provided by Camp Ripley personnel it remains an Army National Guard training site ready to compete. Camp Ripley is designated as one of 11 Army National Guard Regional Collective Training Capability installations(RCTC). RCTC is an Army Force Generation model, regional capabilities based strategy, with access to all branch installations, which maximizes resources, minimizes infrastructure growth, supports cyclical-progressive readiness, while maintaining the core requirements of state individual weapons qualifications and individual, crew and squad requirements. What does this mean?

In Todd Kubista terms it means that the Department of Defense cannot afford to fund each State and territory to construct all requirements to accomplish training above individual weapons qualification and individual, crew, and squad levels. The decision was made to invest in 11 sites, including Camp Ripley, placing them strategically across the United States, and utilizing these sites to meet higher collective training requirements. With the RCTC designation Camp Ripley range projects have remained on the funded lists. This is not true for many projects at state installations without RCTC designation. Another effort currenlty underway is the Camp Ripley Marketing Plan. Camp Ripley recently gained approval on a targeted, systematic marketing strategy, designed to fill identified gaps in capacity. The Camp Ripley staff conducted detailed analysis on capacity. We determined an optimal capacity for the entire year. Armed with this knowledge and guidance on market priorities (Federal military units in Minnesota, border State military units, State Inter-Agency, Other Government Agencies, with Community included throughout) the staff developed a systematic approach designed to “flatten” out the huge summer spikes. Obviously being a cold weather State we understand this may be impossible to achieve the flat line, but we will strive to fill the identified unused capacities in those other months. What does this mean to you? I assume most people reading this are from the Minnesota National Guard and therefore I have the following messages: Despite diminishing budgets know that Camp Ripley’s solid reputation and facilities ensure Minnesota will continue to get vital resources so we can meet a TAG priority, which is a competent and ready force.

From the Desk of the Deputy Post CommanderLt. Col. Todd Kubista

Continued on Page 2

Camp Ripley, Minnesota January 2012

The Ripley Reporter Page 2

The new All Ranks Club “The Hangar” is now Open.

Club hours are from 1800-0030 Fri & sat

Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Smith, Post Command Sgt. Maj. and Staff Sgt. Michelle Pike pose for a photo with Judy Buckingham, who runs the Holiday Gift Giving program. Personnel from Camp Ripley provided gifts for 100 children in need through the program.

In the Spotlight

2012 the Minnesota National Guard and Norwegian Home Guard will celebrate 39 years of excellence as the two organizations conduct the 39th Annual Norwegian Exchange. One of the things that continues to make this exchange a great success is the “Buddy Weekend” program, said Minnesota Army National Guard Col. Scott St. Sauver. Buddy Weekend is a program where Minnesota National Guard Families or supporters open their homes to Norwegian Home Guard Youth, taking part in the exchange, and they give them a taste of Minnesota culture. “In the past Host Families have taken the Youth, who are between 17 and 19 years of age, ice fishing, skiing, tubing, to a hockey game, shopping, site seeing or other things enjoyed by teenagers,” said Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Tim Krouth. There are a few requirements for being a host family. One such requirement is that the youth must have their own bed for the weekend. Another is that males and females must have a separate bedroom. For those interested in being a host contact Sgt. Krouth via email - timothy.c.krouth@us.army.mil or 320-616-2714

Buddy Weekend Families neededby: 1st Lt. Kenneth Toole, Camp Ripley PAODecember 27, 2011

Lastly, the RCTC concept and new marketing strategy are here. The Minnesota National Guard and other Minnesota military organizations are the first priority market group and as such will continue to enjoy some of the finest resources and services the National Guard has to offer. The difference is we have other customer groups that we will also service. I ask you to help us, help you. Please follow the State and Division guidance to get your IDT and AT training plans together for the next two years. By doing so, we can ensure you, our first priority customers, get the resources and services you need to succeed, which will allow us to identify the gaps and facillitate all of our customers groups.

Camp Ripley, Minnesota January 2012

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Leaders from each of the four directorates and the Regional Training Institute briefed members of the Camp Ripley Citizens Committee Dec. 15 during an end of the year meeting at Camp Ripley. Camp Ripley Post Commander Col. Scott A. St. Sauver, Facilities Management Director Col. Bruce A. Jensen, Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics, Col. Shawn P. Kempenich; Minnesota National Guard United States Property Fiscal Officer, Col. Wayne Hayes and Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Training Institute Maj. Troy Fink each briefed the members of the committee on the accomplishments of their area for the year. Col. St. Sauver briefed the efforts made by the headquarters staff to advance the training of the thousands of Soldiers and civilians who utilized the installation over the year. He also spoke on the great success of the Open House and Vietnam Veteran’s Welcome Home event and the hunts conducted at Camp Ripley. He also highlighted the first ever Trolling for the Troops event held in conjunction with the Upper Mississippi Smallies Club and FLW and the first ever Muzzle-loader deer hunt held at Camp Ripley. Col. Jensen began his portion of the briefing by discussing the construction projects completed and on-going at Camp Ripley followed by a discription of construction projects throughout the rest of the State like the combined arms collective training facility at Camp Ripley and the field maintenance shop, which just broke ground at Arden Hills Army Training Site. Maj. Fink followed him and discussed the number of students who graduated from the RTI and a few of the classes that were conducted for the first time. He highlighted that 800 students attended classes at the RTI with a 90% graduation rate. Fink was followed by Col. Kempenich who discussed the successful reset of equipment from deployed units and other accomplishments of the logistics area. Col. Hayes finished off the briefing by highlighting the use of funds and how the USPFO has saved the tax

payer hundreds of thousands of dollars. He also described how Camp Ripley is now being used as a medical material warehouse and how the Minnesota National Guard has provided assistance to other States in times of emergency. Following the briefing the members of the committee joined the Soldiers, Airmen and civilians who work at the installation for the annual holiday party. The party was once again catered by the Little Falls Perkins and Coburns. During the event Brig. Gen. Neal Loidolt recognized Don McConkey, manager of Perkins and Greg Zilka, manager of Coborns for their contributions to the event and their participation on the Citizens Committee.

Citizens Committeeby: 1st Lt. Kenneth Toole, Camp Ripley PAODecember 15, 2011

(Above) Members of the Camp Ripley Citizens Committee receive a brief Dec. 15 on accomplishments at Camp Ripley from Col. Bruce Jensen.

(Below) Brig. Gen. Neal Loidolt thanks Greg Zilka and Don McConkey for their efforts on making the Holiday Party Dec. 15 a success for the employees of Camp Ripley.

Camp Ripley, Minnesota January 2012

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Fifteen Soldiers from several units throughout the Minnesota National Guard completed the seven-day train-the-trainer course Dec. 9 on quick reaction force (QRF) operations conducted by the 175th Regional Training Institute at Camp Ripley, Minn. “This course is designed to train Soldiers to go back and train other members of their own unit on the QRF tactics and techniques they learned and then have a certifier verify the training,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Aaron G. Rousselange. The course combines classroom instruction and

hands-on exercises to instruct the students. The students spent a few days in the classroom learning the theory behind what they are doing and items such as formations and how they are put in place, said Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Kyle Blasiak, assistant instructor. The students also take instruction in mechanical advantage control holds, which are used to subdue a rioter safely and effectively. Then on the last day of the class they put everything together in a series of practical exercises. The practical exercises are designed to give the students some hands-on experience and put into practice all the skills that they learned in the classroom. “The culminating event wrapped up our week, where we actually had rioters,” said Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Christopher Hayes, Alpha Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion. “We got to go through the formations and use the techniques we learned over the week.” The scenarios utilized other Soldiers playing the role of rioters and each scenario tested the skills they learned by escalating the resistance of the rioters to comply with the commands given by the Soldiers. “The students put into action the things they learn with a crowd that starts out as a compliant group,” said Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Todd Laudenbach, instructor, 175th Regional Training Institute. “We then escalate the unruliness of the crowd as we change each scenario to test the students and see if they lose their cool, because if they do that then they lose control of the situation.” The Minnesota National Guard has units assigned with the additional duty of quick reaction force to provide assistance to local law enforcement if it is requested. “If we are called upon to provide this service this course prepares us for exactly what we will be doing,” said Hayes.

Quick Reaction Trainingby: 1st Lt. Kenneth Toole, Camp Ripley PAODecember 9, 2011

Two Minnesota National Guard Soldiers take a mock protester into custody Dec. 9 during quick reaction force training at Camp Ripley, Minn. They are participating in a train-the-trainer class, conducted by the 175th Regional Training Institute, which prepares them to teach the other members of their home units.

Camp Ripley, Minnesota January 2012

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The Soldiers of F. Company, 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment welcomed a new company commander as Minnesota Army National Guard Cpt. Sean Spencer relinquished command to Minnesota Army National Guard Cpt. Nathan Burr in a ceremony held at Camp Ripley Nov. 19, 2011. “Change of command is a serious business, it is the passing of responsibility and care of the Soldiers from one commander to another,” said Minnesota Army National Guard Lt. Col. Gary Jorgensen, operations officer, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade. Spencer took command of F Company in November of 2009 and served as the company commander for two years. In recognition of his service during this time, Spencer was presented with the Army Commendation Medal by Jorgenson. Spencer’s dedication to duty, training and professional leadership were exemplified by the unit’s success in air traffic systems readiness levels, read the citation on his award. Spencer’s unmatched skills and tireless energy reflect great credit upon himself, F Company 1-189th Aviation Regiment, 34th Combat

Aviation Brigade, 34th Infantry Division and the United States Army. Spencer’s next assignment will be with the 834th Aviation Support Battalion where he will act as the intelligence officer and operations officer. “Soldiers of Fox Company, we have had a lot of great times and a few bad times but I know you are going to continue to do great things as you have in the past,” said Spencer. “All I can ask of you is that you treat Cpt. Burr with the same respect that you have treated me with and work just as hard.” Burr attended St. John’s University and received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corp. as a 2nd Lt. prior to attending flight school to become a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot. Upon graduation, he was assigned to C Co. 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, as a section leader and later a forward support medical platoon leader. During his time with C Co., he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008 and 2009. “I want to thank the leadership of the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade for giving me this great opportunity to lead this fine company,” said Burr. “Cpt. Spencer thank you for giving me a competent and ready force, I am going to maintain that. Laura [Burr] thank you for your dedication to not only our family but my military family as well.” Fox Company is an air traffic control unit based at Camp Ripley, Minn.

Fox Company Change of CommandBy Spc. Dave HuhnerFox Company, Unit Public Affairs Rep.December 9, 2011

Out-going F. Company Commander, Minnesota Army National Guard Cpt. Sean Spencer passes the company guideon Nov. 19 to Minnesota Army National Guard Lt. Col. Gary Jorgenson, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade operations officer, signifying his relinquishing of command during a ceremony at Camp Ripley, Minn. Minnesota Army National Guard Cpt. Nathan Burr is taking over command of F. Company.

Minnesota Army National Guard Cpt. Nathan Burr stands in front of his formation Nov. 19 for the first time as the F. Company Commander. Minnesota Army National Guard Cpt. Nathan Burr is taking over command of F. Company from out-going commander Minnesota Army National Guard Cpt. Sean Spencer.

Camp Ripley, Minnesota January 2012

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The Ripley Reporter is a publication of the Camp Ripley Public Affairs Office. The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily express or reflect the views and opinions of the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota National Guard, The Adjutant General or the Camp Ripley Post Commander.

Spread the NewsWould you like to contribute to The Ripley Reporter? Units are encouraged to contact 1st Lt. Kenneth Toole to receive training and to pass on ideas for future articles.

kenneth.toole@us.army.mil320-616-3122

Flammable Liquidsby: Zac AlexanderFacilities Management Office-EnvironmentalDecember 28, 2011

Flammable liquids are used in many ways and present unique hazards to the people who use them. Flammable liquids can cause a fire or explosion, and like many other substances, they can also cause serious negative health effects from overexposure. Flammable liquids have a flash point of less than 100 degrees F, which is the lowest temperature a liquid gives off enough vapor to form a flammable mixture with air. Labels used to identify flammable liquids are red with appropriate wording and they usually contain a fire symbol. The vapors of a flammable liquid often present the most serious hazard. The vapors can easily ignite or explode. Flammable liquid vapors are heavier than air and may settle in low spots, or move a significant distance from the liquid itself. The explosive concentration of vapors in air has a lower and upper limit. The lower explosive limit, or LEL, is the lowest concentration that will ignite. The upper explosive limit, or UEL, is the highest concentration that will ignite. If the vapor concentration is between the LEL and UEL, there is serious risk of fire or explosion. To minimize the risk of ignition of the flammable liquid or vapors, follow these precautions: • Always check the MSDS for the material you’re using to understand the specific hazards involved. • Store flammable liquids in cool, well-ventilated areas away from corrosives, oxidizers and ignition sources. • Label all containers and cabinets with appropriate “flammable materials” signs. • Never smoke in an area where flammable liquids are used or stored. • Minimize the amount of flammable liquids used. • Use only approved safety cans to store flammable

liquids. • Ground and bond flammable liquid containers to prevent static charge buildup. • Never pour flammable liquids down a drain or sink. • Dispose of empty flammable containers in an approved manner. • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as splash aprons and goggles when handling flammable liquids. Flammable liquids also present health hazards from overexposure. The MSDS for the material you’re using will list the allowable exposures. Overexposures to flammable liquids can cause a variety of effects.

Inhalation of flammable liquids can cause irritation to the respiratory passages, nausea, headaches, muscle weakness, drowsiness, loss of coordination, disorientation, confusion, unconsciousness, and death. Skin contact with flammable liquids can cause the skin’s oils to be removed, resulting in irritated, cracked, dry skin, rashes, and dermatitis. Eye contact with flammable liquids can cause burning, irritation, and eye damage.

Ingestion of flammable liquids can irritate the digestive tract, cause poisoning, and death. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help prevent exposure to flammable liquids. Use PPE faithfully to protect your good health. Flammable liquids are used widely in many workplace and home situations. Careless mistakes and safety shortcuts lead to serious problems when it comes to flammable liquids. Their hazards are deadly. Flammable liquids deserve a healthy respect for their dangers. When you use them, be on guard against the hazards. You can prevent problems from occurring by using your good sense and following the MSDS precautions and proper OSHA regulations.