1/34 BCT Report (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

1LT David Adams

1. Preparing for Deployment
1/34th BCT is preparing to deploy in the future. Among the challenges for
the BCT are: Determining manning and force structure requirements as the
specifics of the mission become clear; Stabilizing the leadership throughout
the BCT down to the company level; Provide training guidance down to company
level regarding mission specific requirements; Family Readiness Groups will
also need to be set-up and supported in order to support the many family
members affected as Soldiers deploy.

2. New Equipment Training
Throughout the BCT, units have been receiving new equipment at unprecedented
rates. This has been an exciting time as many units finally receive modern
equipment to train and deploy with.
The following items list some of the new equipment fielded or scheduled to be
fielded throughout the BCT: M1A1SA Abrams NET this summer. The Tanks
performed like state of the art weapons rather than the malfunction prone
circa 1980s Tanks our tankers have been training on for years. And in a
tribute to the quality of our MN Soldiers the NET trainers in July told the
men of Co C 1-194 Armor they had out performed many of the Active Component
units they train; New AN/PSS 14 Mine Detectors NET training occurred in
June. AN/PSS 14 Mine Detectors are handheld mine detectors capable of
detecting all metallic and non-metallic anti-tank (AT) and anti-personnel
(AP) mines; Javelin Anti-tank missiles are scheduled for fielding to BCT
units in October. The Javelin will allow our dismounted Soldiers to "fire
and forget" at enemy armor from ranges up to 2500 meters; In April 2010 the
RAVEN UAV system is scheduled to be fielded as a new Military Intelligence
asset. The RAVEN is the smallest UAV in the US Army weighing in at four and
a half pounds and capable of fitting in a rucksack when disassembled. The
RAVEN will allow a unit as small as an infantry squad to bring the system
into the field with them and employ it as an intelligence gathering asset as
needed. This allows Commanders at Battalion and lower levels the ability to
gain an ariel view of their AO previously afforded only to higher level
echelons; Scheduled for May 2010 MN will receive the M777 155 towed
Howitzer. The lightweight 155mm howitzer (XM777) will be a great improvement
over the previous Guard towed howitzer in terms of capability, due in large
part to its Automated Fire Control System. Overall the equipment the Brigade
is receiving is providing a huge increase in overall capabilities within the
Brigade Combat Team, from taking the fight to the enemy overseas to enhancing
the ability to aid in peacetime domestic operations.

3. National Convention
The national convention in Nashville was a great time, and I encourage my
fellow officers to attend in the future. Next year's convention will be held
in Austin, Texas. If you have never attended a national convention before,
it is an amazing collection of National Guard officers, warrant officers,
celebrities, friends of the National Guard, as well as exhibitors with
interesting displays, many of them interactive, with large amounts of free
items. This year's convention provided an unforgettable experience. The
meetings and professional development events offered multiple interesting and
valuable topics. In addition to the daily meetings and seminar events, every
evening offered at least one social event. The first night all company grade
officers traveled to the Wild Horse Saloon for an evening of food,
socializing, live music and an appearance and conversations by NASCAR stars
Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Gordon. The final evening saw everyone walk to
the Grand Ole Opre for fantastic performances by country stars including
Craig Morgan, Kelli Pickler, Winona Judd, Trace Atkins, and Ricky Skaggs.
All the performers volunteered their time to show their support for the
members of the National Guard. The convention was excellent event that I
will attend in the future and will strongly encourage my peers to attend as
well.

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE