Captain Daniel Hardy

1LT Jasmine Johnson

SSG Kalin Grigorov

The 3^rd Infantry Division MILSIM Unit extends to you our personal thanks and sincere appreciation of your contribution of honorable service to our unit. You have made a lasting impact on the unit’s history and thanks to your devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice in keeping with the proud traditions of military service.

 Your commitment and dedication have been an inspiration for those who will follow in your footsteps, and for all those who join us in saluting you for a job extremely “well done.”

 Our best wishes to you for happiness and success in the future.

From the Soldiers of the 3^rd Infantry Division MILSIM

   M1126 Stryker Combat vehicle assaults the Huzrutiman Militia Camp

Alpha Company 1-2 INF MILSIM swept into the town of Sultansafe on Sunday, recapturing the city as the Islamic State group’s grip crumbled from the fighting. The trapped residents took advantage of the militant’s retreat and welcomed the US forces.

Early that afternoon, A.Co. 1^st Platoon punched into the city center assaulting enemy forces and by evening a spokesman for the US led force was able to report that troops had taken 100 percent control of the town.  It was a major step regaining a major foothold in the province. “We promised to liberate Sultansafe, and it has returned to the embrace of the nation,” he said.

1^st Platoon continued the assault southwest of the town where the enemy fighters were still holding out in the Huzrutiman Militia Camp.  As the forces maneuvered towards the camp they were met with intense fighting. Reportedly 22 enemy personnel killed, 1 transport jeep and 2x BMP were destroyed in the assault. Although they sustained injuries no casualties were reported from US forces.

  Second destroyed BMP during assault of Huzrutiman Militia Camp

This victory however is only the beginning. With battles to clear out pockets of fighters holed up in different districts still to be fought. The focus will now have to shift to many issues within the town that if left unchallenged will result in more instability.

One of the features that is now standard on JLTVs is a 250% larger rear window. The vehicle on top has the new window and was used during testing at Fort Stewart, Ga. 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers spent several days testing and giving feedback on four new features to the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) as part of the "Big 4" Soldier Touchpoint Event.(Photo Credit: Maj. Peter Bogart)

Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier recently became the first in the Army equipped with the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and spent several days in late April testing and giving feedback on new features as part of the "Big 4" Soldier Touchpoint Event. 

The "Big 4" refers to the new capability added to the truck with these enhancements - increased situational awareness (roughly 250% larger rear windows and the Forward Facing Camera), added muffler, troop seat kit, and the JLTV-Trailer. Soldiers took part in the test as drivers, truck commanders, and rear seat and troop seat passengers. 

The muffler was added to reduce engine noise and make it easier for the crew to communicate, a front facing camera helps ensure operators can better see terrain near the vehicle, especially going over embankments, and the troop seat kit and trailer add to the personnel and cargo carrying capacity and give Soldiers a trailer capable of handling the same increased speed over rough terrain as the JLTV itself.

During the test, Soldiers spent a day going through convoy operations in the vehicles without the upgrades and then went through the same lanes in vehicles with the upgraded features. Pfc. Allan Muraira said the larger windows were crucial to being able to scan for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or other hazards during tactical halts. 

"My eyes didn't hurt as much because I wasn't straining," said Muraira. "It's hard to see out the smaller window which made it hard to do your fives and 25s without opening the door."

Soldiers also mentioned how the reduced engine noise from the new mufflers made it easier to communicate inside the vehicle. 

The most popular feature for the drivers and truck commanders is the front facing camera. Sgt. Daniel Kledzinski said that on the first day of the testing they took the trucks to the wash racks where they were able to drive up the ramps with better visibility to elevate the front of the vehicle and contrast what is seen through the front window and what the camera adds. 

It made a world of difference because with the camera you can actually see what you are about to drive over," said Kledzinski. 

Kledzinski also said that the noise dampening improved comfort and was less fatiguing, both factors that would be magnified on long convoys or mission. 

Two JLTV trailers were used during the testing and in addition to providing feedback on the towing performance, Soldiers were evaluated on how long it took to couple and uncouple the trailers. 

Maj. Erika Hanson, Assistant Production Manager for JLTV Systems Integration, said that the decision has already been made to install all JLTVs with the larger windows, camera, and mufflers while the troop seat kit and JLTV trailer are still in the test phase. Raider Soldiers are the first in the Army to field the JLTV and their input is part of an ongoing process in the JLTV fielding program. 

"This event is to get Soldier feedback which will be provided to Army Senior Leadership in conjunction with developmental testing at Aberdeen Test Center," said Hanson. 

1ABCT Soldiers have fielded over 320 JLTVs since January and have already integrated them into their daily operations. The brigade is currently training up for a January 2020 decisive action rotation to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Ca.

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Col. Mark Johnson, commander for 3rd CAB, 3rd ID, puts the Safety Excellence streamer on 4-3 Avn. colors, May 3, at Hunter Army Airfield.  

Marne Air maintains safety excellence

Marne Air Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, received a safety streamer and the Brig. Gen. Carl I. Hutton Memorial Award, May 3, on Hunter Army Airfield.

The Brig. Gen. Carl I. Hutton Memorial award is presented annually to a major command that demonstrates outstanding professionalism and invaluable contributions to the advancement of flight safety in Army aviation.

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of this award,” said retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Nicholas Kehoe, the National Commander of the Order of Daedalians. “The Brawler battalion has a lot to be proud of.”

The Brawler battalion distinguished themselves by making safety and readiness their top priority. From their last deployment in Afghanistan alone, Soldiers were able to conducted 45 multi-missions with a stellar safety record which consisted of zero Class A, B or C mishaps and zero ground accidents while conducting combat aviation operations.

Kehoe shared his knowledge of Brig. Gen. Carl I. Hutton and what Hutton meant to Army aviation.

“Brig. Gen. Carl I. Hutton, was the director for Army Aviation training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for a number of years,” said Kehoe. “He was one of the pioneers in Army aviation, and the first commanding general of Fort Rucker, Alabama, so there is a lot of history in this award.”

As Kehoe congratulated the Brawler battalion, he then presented the award to 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, brigade commander, Col. Mark Johnson, who presented the award to Lt. Col. Clay Livingston, battalion commander for 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation regiment. This passing of the award symbolized 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation regiment As the U.S. Army top safety aviation.

“The aviation Soldiers which stands before you, truly represent the letter ‘G’ in Fight stemming from our battalion motto, “Here to Fight,” said Livingston. “The Hutton award represents the letter ‘G’ in fight and the ‘G’ stands for goals, the true goal in any unit military is to have no accidents, injuries, or deaths.”

As Livingston gave his final words during the ceremony, he gave emphases on the Brawler battalion goals.

“The goal is to constantly implement procedures to reduce risk and to accomplish the mission, said Livingston. “They have lived and continued to work toward this goal of impeccable safety.”

Livingston thanked the battalion and congratulated them on a job well.

“Keep up the good work and we are always here to fight,” said Livingston.

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