PFC Vanessa Guillen, age 20, was last seen alive on April 22. On July 5, her remains were identified. What happened in the weeks and months in between are shining a light on the military’s process of reporting and investigating sexual harassment and assault in the ranks.

Vanessa Guillen’s Disappearance & Death Sheds Light on DOD Sexual Harassment Reporting Flaws

According to reports from Guillen’s family and friends, she had confided in them about several instances of sexual harassment in the months leading up to her disappearance. ABC News reported that Guillen had experienced repeated harassment, including a supervisor watching her shower. However, she had not reported anything to her chain of command out of a fear of reprisals.

Since then, female troops and veterans have flooded social media using the hashtag #IamVanessaGuillen, sharing their own experiences with sexual assault and harassment in the military.

Flawed Reporting Practices Exposed?

From across the services, women are coming forward to share their experiences – and retaliation for reporting.

I was a brand new 2LT when I was sexually assaulted by my OIC. I spoke out; my CMD team took it seriously. Evidence has been found of past instances for this OIC and he’s now facing multiple charges. Despite a “good” outcome for me, reform is needed #IAmVanessaGuillen pic.twitter.com/vbLLA8FVsA

— Mary (@mjolly36) July 14, 2020

Military Times shared the story of former Army Spc. Ashley Martinez, who said that her chain of command actively worked to discredit her after reporting a rape. Ultimately, Martinez left the Army as a result of this process.

I was a E3 when I was raped by another service member while being stationed overseas. I have a lifetime of trauma while he is still in the Army. This happens more than you know. #IamVanessaGuillen #JusticeForVanessaGuillen pic.twitter.com/zdOIEMlV1B

— ashley (@ashtayluh) July 1, 2020

Martinez is one among hundred of sexual assault survivors who are coming forward in the wake of Guillen’s disappearance and death. Many survivors report that their cases were ignored or that their were attempts to discredit their accounts. Some shared that they ultimately left the military while their attackers continue to progress through the ranks.

Hundreds Share Stories of Survival Online

Survivors are coming forward and sharing their stories online and with media outlets. News organizations like ABC, PBS, The Guardian and Military Times are all sharing stories of sexual assault, harassment and retaliation. Popular true crime podcast, The Murder Squad, dedicated two separate episodes to Guillen’s case exploring additional unsolved murders and discussing the military sexual assault reporting process as well.

Across the different outlets, the theme of retaliation for reporting was consistent.

Army veteran Tiffany Summa told PBS News Hour that she was raped in 2009. She waited 6 years for the results of her rape kit. When she summoned up the courage to report it to her command, she was told to bury it and ignore it. Summa shared that she was further threatened that this high ranking officer would “bury” her if she did not comply.

Legislation was proposed in 2013 to remove the chain of command, including officers like the one Summa encountered, and place investigations in the hands of independent prosecutors. However, this bill was countered with proposal to keep investigations centered around the chain of command. Ultimately, the chain of command remains central to investigations of sexual assault and harassment.

In addition, military members are prohibited from suing the military for damages over injuries that occur while they are in the service.

Options for Reporting Sexual Assault & Harassment in Ranks

There are two types of reports that victims can make, restricted and unrestricted. Restricted reporting limits options in terms of pursuing prosecution while also offering supports like therapy or medical care. Unrestricted reporting essentially makes the report public, allowing for military prosecution.

Victims may report sexual assault to:

• medical professional
• chain of command
• military law enforcement
• civilian law enforcement
• SARC/SHARP representative
• therapist or other mental health care provider

Victims wishing to remain anonymous or receive assistance without triggering an investigation can file restricted reports with SARC/SHARP, a medical professional.

Once an unrestricted report has been made it cannot be converted to a restricted report. However, survivors may elect to change their restricted report to an unrestricted report in order to trigger an investigation.

DOD Stats Show Troubling Trend

For fiscal year 2018, the most recent data available, 24.2% of female troops indicated that they had experienced sexual harassment. In addition, 6.2% indicated that they had been sexually assaulted.

Of those who reported sexual assault, 21% of those cases met the criteria of retaliation or retaliatory behavior.

The report also noted that experiencing sexual harassment statistically increased the odds of sexual assault. Approximately 1 in 5 victims of sexual harassment would be sexually assaulted.

There was also a statistically significant increase of women reporting sexual assault across all service branches.

It should be noted that these numbers indicate sexual harassment and assault that was reported to the service member’s chain of command. It does not account for cases that were not reported.

Have you experienced sexual assault or harassment while serving in the military? Did you report it? Were you retaliated against?

The deaths of three Marine Reservists on April 8, 2019 are now at center stage in the controversy over whether Russia paid operatives in Afghanistan bounties for US troop deaths.

US Investigates Claim that Russia Placed Bounties on Troops

In late June, news broke that Russia had secretly been paying bounties to the Taliban for killing Americans in Afghanistan. Officials, speaking off the record to The New York Times, said that the intelligence community had come to this assessment in early 2020, with President Donald Trump being briefed in February or March at the latest. Despite the White House’s National Security Council creating a plan to combat and end this practice, Trump has yet to authorize any action as of July 1.

American officials reported large financial transfers between Russian accounts and Taliban accounts, based on digital records. They have also identified a possible middleman between Russia and the Taliban.

Both Russian and Taliban spokespeople have denied these allegations on the record. However, some Russian lawmakers have also spoken about such agreements in hypotheticals. Russian Parliament Member Aleksei Zhuravlyov estimated that if bounties were paid, at most 22 American troops would have been killed as targets, according to reporting by The New York Times.

Why Russia Might Be Willing to Pay

Russia and the US have long stood on opposite sides. At the end of World War II and the division of Europe among the Allies, the two nations engaged in a decades long stand-off. Known as the Cold War, the US and former USSR, now Russia, built stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, maneuvered for alliances and raced into space – all in an effort to top each other. The Cold War largely ended with the fall of the USSR in the early 1990s.

A large part of the eventual downfall of communism in Russia was connected to a nominally separate battle being waged in Afghanistan during the 1970s and 1980s. Russia was attempting to consolidate and dominate Afghans, a people who primarily identify with local or tribal leadership. The CIA covertly supplied the Afghan fighters with weapons and other war materiel. Eventually, Russian forces were depleted and withdrew at a great loss.

In recent years, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, a former KGB operative and Communist Party leader in the USSR, Russia has been exerting its influence and strength in Eastern Europe. In 2014, Russian troops occupied areas of the Ukraine, claiming them as traditionally and culturally Russian. The US opposed such a move and, under President Trump, sent Javelin missiles with the condition they not be used in the conflict with Russia. In addition, US troops reportedly killed many Russian mercenaries during fighting in Syria in 2018.

Throughout his first term, Trump has largely been complimentary toward Putin and about Russia. He frequently upholds Putin as a role model and praises the Russian government. Most recently, Trump has been angling to include Putin and Russia in the G7 conferences.

Were US Troops Killed for Cash?

Democrats, who were briefed on this matter in late June, appear to believe the intelligence community.

“Nothing in the briefing that we have just received led me to believe it is a hoax,” said Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) following their classified briefing on June 30.

However, there is no publicly available evidence to link the deaths of Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman, 43, Staff Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, 31, and Robert A. Hendriks, 25, to any Russian bounty plot.

Intelligence officials are still investigating links to other US troops deaths in 2019. According to the LA Times, several associates of suspected Russian-paid Taliban operatives in the bounty scheme were arrested in March and are being held for questioning.

Bounty Scheme’s Impact on Troop Support for Trump

Friends and family of the Marines killed on April 8, 2019 described their feelings about these new allegations as “pouring salt on a wound,” according to reporting by The New York Times.

Other veterans have also spoken out against Trump’s reaction to intelligence briefings, though it remains unclear whether support for him among the military community will erode as a result. The news about Russian bounties for US troop deaths broke a month after General Jim Mattis, USMC (ret.), and Admiral Mike Mullen, USN (ret.), broke ranks to speak out against the president and his administration.

Do you think it’s plausible that Russia paid a bounty to Taliban operatives? Sound off in the comments.

Secretary of Defense issues guidance for diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in the military

In a dramatic change to the promotion board process, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper directed the removal of photographs from consideration on promotion boards and selection processes effective September 1, 2020.  In the Memorandum dated July 14, 2020, he asked for a review of policies and processes to ensure diverse selection panels as well as the removal of all references to race, ethnicity, and gender in the packets reviewed by promotion boards. The goal is to ensure that these processes are free from bias based on race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin.

This follows the Army’s initiative, Project Inclusion announced on June 25, 2020 which also call for the removal of photos from officer promotion boards beginning August 2020. “The Army is taking substantive actions to ensure that promotion and selection boards are as fair and impartial as possible,” said Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy. “We’ll be initiating listening sessions to encourage the open dialogue that is critical to helping understand and support each other.”

“The Army must continue to put People First by fostering a culture of trust that accepts the experiences and backgrounds of every Soldier and civilian,” said Gen. James C. McConville, Army Chief of Staff. “Our diverse workforce is a competitive advantage and the Army must continue to offer fair treatment, access and opportunity across the force. The Project Inclusion reforms will complement ongoing efforts to modernize our talent-management processes and ensure equitable treatment for every member of our formation.”

Esper has addressed some additional actions which will take place to improve equal opportunity and diversity policies within the military:

• Update DoD’s military harassment policy to increase protections for Service Members facing harassing behaviors especially racial bias and prejudice
• Update the military equal opportunity policy to prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy.
• Roles and responsibilities of leaders regarding equal opportunity will be defined and updated
• Prejudice and Bias that exist in the force is not always transparent so DoD will collect and analyze data to identify patterns and trends. The data will be used to improve DoD policies and programs.
• Increase the frequency of Equal Opportunity surveys in the workplace to determine what areas need improvement.
• Conduct a study to identify factors affecting the racial and ethnic minority officer retention and promotion.
• Develop a training program to educate the force on unconscious bias and how that can impact their decisions.
• Additional training for commanders on how have effective discussions on discrimination, bias, and prejudice with their units
• Update hairstyle and grooming policies to remove racial bias
• Determine how effective Military Service equal opportunity offices are and make recommendations for changes.

Esper wrote in the memorandum, the success of our military mission depends on a disciplined and lethal force prepared to defend our country and our Constitution. There is no greater mission and no greater calling. When our Nation’s young men and women volunteer to join the U.S. Armed Forces, they do so to be a part of this critical mission, but also to be a part of a military “family” that spans over 10 generations. It is a bond that is revered. enduring, and essential to our integrity and all we do. As a military, we succeed by working together, hand in hand, side by side. Diversity and inclusivity in the ranks are not merely aspirations. they are fundamental necessities to our readiness and our mission success. The actions I am directing are a necessary first step, but hard work remains, and we will continue to learn as we move forward. Shifting culture requires steadfast attention; these actions will maximize our efforts to ensure a diverse workforce at all levels, an inclusive environment. and equal opportunity for all who serve.

These are big changes which will hopefully lead to a fairer unbiased promotion process for all service members as well as improvements to current equal opportunity programs across the military branches.

“The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.”

Photo from: https://www.defense.gov/

Photo By: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Lopez

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced on July 17 that all DOD installations would effectively ban divisive symbols, including the Confederate battle flag.

This news follows changes already made in the Marine Corps, Navy and on all installations in Japan and Korea.

DOD Drafts New Confederate Flag Policy

The new policy specifies which flags may be flown on DOD properties worldwide. The Confederate battle flag is not listed.

Flags displays are regulated on all military installations for both military and civilian personnel. They include workplaces and offices, public spaces and common access areas.

As of Friday, flags allowed to be flown on US military installations include: the US flag; POW/MIA flag; state flags; and flags of our allies. While the new policy does not specifically ban Confederate flags or other divisive flags, it does not include them on the list of approved symbols.

“I am committed to fielding the most powerful military force the world has known by strengthening the bonds of our most valuable resource — our people. That is why we honor the American flag, which is the principal flag we are authorized and encouraged to display,” Esper wrote in the memo, according to reporting by CNN and Politico.

In certain circumstances displays of non-authorized flags will still be allowed under several exemptions, including “museum exhibits, state-issued license plates, grave sites, memorial markers, monuments, educational displays, historical displays, or works of art, where the nature of the display or depiction cannot reasonably be viewed as endorsement of the flag by the Department of Defense.”

“The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols,” wrote Esper.

According to Politico, Esper had also recently come under pressure from top defense leadership to enact this ban. Each branch of service remains free to enact their own ban on additional flags and symbols.

USMC Leads Charge for Change in DOD

Marines have proven to be the tip of the spear when it comes to banning displays of the Confederate battle flag.

In early June, USMC Commandant General David Berger issued a memo that required all Confederate flag images and items from all installation throughout the Corps.

The US Navy has also enacted a similar ban, with the Army and Air Force keeping such actions under consideration. US forces in Japan and Korea have also enacted similar bans on all installations within their sphere of influence.

New Policy Skirts Trump’s Opposition

Esper’s new policy is a revision from an earlier policy that named the Confederate flag outright as banned from all bases. Some see the changes as creating language that is more palatable to President Donald Trump.

Trump, as of July 1, promised to veto any defense spending bill should it include language banning Confederate symbols. He issued his opinion via Twitter.

The release of the DOD’s policy effectively circumvents Trump’s ability to veto the Defense Spending Authorization Bill. The president has vowed to veto any proposal that included renaming of Army bases to remove Confederate leaders.

Bases which had been considered for renaming include Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, among others.

Trump has also previously stated that flying the Confederate flag is a freedom of speech issue.

House Armed Services Committee Adds Language to NDAA Removing Confederate Symbols

In early July, the House Armed Services Committee agreed to include language removing such displays from all DOD properties as part of the defense spending authorization.

Iraq War veteran Representative Anthony Brown (D-MD) introduced the amendment to the bill which would “prohibit the public display of the Confederate battle flag at all Department of Defense property.”

The proposed language, according to NPR, has bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. Due to Trump’s public opposition to the renaming of military bases, the $704.6 billion defense spending authorization hangs in the balance. The bill includes funds for a 3% pay raise for troops.

Senator Chuck Shumer (D-NY) expects the bill to pass in Congress even with a Trump veto.

“Let me make a prediction: First, that provision will not change in this bill as it moves through the House and Senate. Second, let me predict, President Trump will not veto a bill that contains pay raises for our troops and crucial support for our military,” Schumer said on July 1.

With the recent news about the DOD’s effective Confederate flag ban, there has not been word about possible changes to the House Armed Services Committee’s proposals.

How will this new policy impact installations and troops? Sound off in the comments.

As summer has progressed, coronavirus case have spiked across the US. Hot spots in July included several states with a heavy military presence.

While cases are on the rise in the US, coronavirus is also on the rise in the ranks.

COVID-19’s Impact on US Troops

As of July 15, there are 18,968 cumulative cases among active duty personnel. This data reflects an increase of 952 cases from numbers reported on July 13.

When you include all DOD employees, there are 27,088 cumulative cases, an increase of 1,266 from data reported on July 13.

According to data analysis by Military Times, more than 4,100 active duty troops have tested positive for COVID since between July 1 and July 10. This reflects a rate of growth that is more than twice the national rate during the same period. COVID-19 cases in the ranks increased by approximately 33% while total cases in the US rose by 16%.

When each service is considered separately, the cumulative cases reported, as of July 15, are:

• Air Force: 2,805
• Navy: 5,084
• Marines: 2,124
• Army: 6,104
• National Guard: 2,614

According to Air Force Magazine, the DOD switched to cumulative reporting of cases instead of current active cases in April to “more accurately reflects the effects of COVID-19 to our force.”

DOD COVID-19 Numbers Compared to Total US Cases

As of July 10, approximately 0.8% of the total US active duty force has, or had, tested positive for COVID-19. The US generally has an infection rate of 0.9%. Similar to the general US population, some cases may not have been accounted for due to asymptomatic carriers or those who did not seek treatment and testing.

Military Response to COVID-19

In March, the DOD implemented travel restrictions and emergency policies in efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.

Many troops were switched to telework as their roles allowed. Currently, many military personnel are still working from home or are on adjusted schedules to allow for social distancing.

During the spring and early summer, many troops were in limbo as PCS moves were paused indefinitely. However, those moves are back on and being scheduled, albeit on a sometimes adjusted schedule. All personnel should refer to guidance released by the DOD at the end of June.

Beyond PCSing, troops general movements were restricted for both leisure and official purposes.

Many deployed personnel were held in place for extended periods of time prior to returning to their home bases. Upon returning, troops were quarantined away from their families for an additional two weeks.

All military personnel had travel restrictions imposed for personal leave and travel. Many were restricted to their immediate vicinity or had a tight radius in which they must remain. This radius remains determined by by individual base leadership and is in part based on local coronavirus data. As a result, some troops have experienced greater travel liberties than others based upon location and the decisions of their base leadership.

Boot Camp & COVID-19

In early July, USMC boot camps reported hundreds of cases in new recruits, based on reporting by Military.com.

Maj. Gen. Bill Mullen reported that less than 2% of total Marine recruits have tested positive during the pandemic. Of those who did have COVID-19, Mullen said that many were either asymptomatic or experienced mild cases that did not disrupt training.

According to the DOD, the Army and the Air Force are reporting similar rates of coronavirus cases in their initial training facilities, with about 2% of recruits testing positive. Approximately 60% of those cases displayed no symptoms.

In response to COVID-19, the military services are testing all new recruits. Army and Air Force recruits who test positive are quarantined fo 14 days or until healthy. In addition, recruiting target numbers have been adjusted for 2020 to reflect the pandemic.

The Navy and Marines are quarantining all incoming recruits for 14 days. The sea services report that they are requiring personnel to wear face masks during all training. Each training cycle is also reduced in number and capacity to better ensure health and safety.

Cautious Reopening Driven by Local Data

Each military base has been authorized, per information released by the DOD.

As of July 15, 32% of all military installations have removed travel restrictions. However, 158 bases remain under some form of movement restriction. In part, some bases could have limits on personal travel due to restrictions imposed at the state level.

What do you think about the DOD’s response to the pandemic? Sound off in the comments.

Face masks are with us almost everywhere right now. We’re all covering up our faces in stores, restaurants and whenever we’re in crowded spaces. With lots of grey areas in our new face mask reality, there’s a few points of etiquette you might not think about.

Face Mask Etiquette You Might Not Think About

Based on current guidelines from the CDC and other medical experts, wearing a face mask is one of the best options to prevent the spread of germs right now. Yes, this is a change from the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is based on new information gained from our ongoing exposure to this virus.

However, the when and where to wear a mask is something that not everyone can agree on 100% of the time. To be fair, there are a lot of situations where the etiquette is not quite clear.

Is There a Need to Wear a Mask Whenever I’m Outside?

According to CDC guidelines, face masks should be worn outside if you cannot maintain at least six feet distance between yourself and others.

Basically, if you’re able to be far apart from others, you’ve got the green light to remove your mask. However, there are some situations where you should mask-up.

A prime example is passing others in close quarters, like on the sidewalk or other path. If you can move out of the way onto the grass or step onto the street, it might be wise to pull your mask on.

This was a prime concern, according to those interviewed by WBUR in Boston. Several parents were taken back by runners or other walkers who “zipped by” without wearing a mask.

Do I Need a Mask While Exercising?

Exercising while masked, or not, is a point of contention. If you’re running, you are likely passing walkers at a faster rate of speed, which means you’re not spending a ton of time sharing the same space.

However, you’re also sweating and breathing hard, leaving airborne droplets in your wake.

While outside spaces and solo exercise might mean you can pass on the mask, that’s not the case if you’re going to be within 6-12 feet of others at any time, according to an NPR article.

When you’re working out inside, such as in a gym, the calculations are different. Current data suggests that possibly infectious droplets linger longer indoors. Many gyms, and some states or counties, are also requiring patrons to be masked when not using cardio equipment.

Generally, carry your mask with you if you’re going to be exercising, inside or outdoors. Be prepared to mask-up if passing within 6 feet of others or as your fitness center requires.

Should I Wear a Mask When at a Socially Distant Gathering?

Probably? This gets tricky, depending on how your get together is set up. If you’re spaced properly and not sharing anything at all, you could possibly unmask and be okay.

However, if you’re planning in sharing food or using a shared bathroom, a mask is likely a good idea. Plan to mask up when you visit the potluck table or if you go inside to use the restroom.

Can I Call Out Someone for Not Wearing a Mask?

How well do you know this person? If it’s a close friend or family member, you could say something. Definitely say something if you see them doing risky behavior that could endanger others.

If you’re out in public and the person in question is a complete stranger, it’s more complicated. First, it’s awkward and can come off as judgmental. Plus, you don’t know if there are underlying health reasons behind their actions.

One step you can safely take is to approach a store employee and ask about their mask policy. This is a great way to handle your concerns, especially if you observe potentially unsafe behavior like frequent coughing.

What About On-Base Mask Wearing?

In early April the DOD issued a recommendation that all personnel wear face masks when unable to maintain 6 feet of space between others.

“The Department of Defense urges individuals on DOD property, installations and facilities to wear cloth face coverings when a 6-foot social distance cannot be maintained to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Cameron J.L. Nelson, chief of DHA’s occupational medicine branch, said”

This guidance, issued on April 5, follows information published by the CDC. 

Each military service has issued guidance about the specific face masks troops are allowed to wear and when they must be worn. Generally, masks should be “conservative” on color and free of offensive slogans, non-military patterns and drug use. In addition, they should not be full-face covers, though balaclavas pulled up over the nose and mouth are generally allowed.

Overall the DOD recommends following the CDC guidelines for wearing face masks:

• Wear masks indoors
• Wear masks outdoors when unable to physically distance yourself from others
• Wear masks when exercising indoors or when passing within 10-12 feet of others while outside

What are your concerns or questions about mask etiquette? We’d love to help clear things up!

Yes, in my opinion the 10 Army bases named after Confederate Soldiers should be renamed. Our country is going through a lot of turmoil lately and this is a great way to start healing. Nine of the ten bases were established during World War I and World War II and were named after Confederate Soldiers. The 10^th was in Virginia, Fort Lee and was named after General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. One way to look at this change would be to follow Army Regulation 1-33, The Administration of the Army Memorial Program which postdates the naming of these bases and review them based on that criteria.

Why?

Why were these bases named after Confederates? It was twofold, an effort for reconciliation between the north and the south and to gain Southern support for the bases which required lots of land. The “Lost Cause” a narrative of the southern gentleman fighting for states rights not slavery was becoming more widespread around the late 19^th early 20^th century and really peaked with the popularity of “Gone with the Wind” both the book and the movie in the 1930s and 40s. This also contributed.

Who?

The Federal Government with input from local leaders chose Confederate soldiers who were in most cases from the states the base would be established. These are the 10 bases and who they were named after (Wikipedia List of U.S. Army Installations Named After Confederate Soldiers):

• Camp Beauregard near Pineville, Louisiana, named for Louisiana native and Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard^[3]
• Fort Benning, near Columbus, Georgia, named after Henry L. Benning, a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army^[4][5]
• Fort Bragg in North Carolina, named for Confederate General Braxton Bragg
• Fort Gordon near Grovetown, Georgia, named in honor of John Brown Gordon, who was a major general in the Confederate army
• Fort A.P. Hill near Bowling Green, Virginia, named for Virginia native and Confederate Lieutenant General A. P. Hill^[6]
• Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, named after Confederate General John Bell Hood, who is best known for commanding the Texas Brigade during the American Civil War
• Fort Lee in Prince George County, Virginia, named for Confederate General Robert E. Lee^[7]
• Fort Pickett near Blackstone, Virginia, named for Confederate General George Pickett
• Fort Polk near Leesville, Louisiana, named in honor of the Right Reverend Leonidas Polk, an Episcopal Bishop and Confederate General
• Fort Rucker in Dale County, Alabama, named for Edmund Rucker, a colonel appointed acting brigadier general in November 1864, but whose promotion went unconfirmed by the Confederate Congress (disbanded March 18, 1865)

What is so egregious about this list is so many were just mediocre soldiers and Maj. Gen John Brown Gordon was the head of the Ku Klux Clan in Georgia. On the other hand, many Confederate officers were graduates of West Point and served honorably for the U.S. before joining the Confederate cause during the Civil War. Gen. Robert E. Lee had an outstanding career prior to the Civil War and had even served as the Commandant of West Point. Many of these officers are revered and studied during military history. Today we live in a more zero-defect world. When a general falls from grace such as in the Gen. David Petraeus scandal they resign and no one gives a thought to their military heroics. We need to relook the names of these Army bases and follow the criteria set in AR 1-33.

AR 1-33

According to AR 1-33, these is certain criteria that must be met before there can be a permanent memorialization of Army real property in honor of a distinguished deceased individual. This is the criteria:

• Only deceased individuals will be memorialized
• Memorializations will honor deceased heroes and other deceased distinguished individuals of all races in our society, and will present them as inspirations to their fellow Soldiers, employees, and other citizens.
• An installation set up for the use of a specific branch of Service or activity normally will be memorialized for a distinguished member of that branch or Service while serving there.
• Facilities should be memorialized for individuals with ranks or grades comparable to those of the main users.
• When possible, facilities will be memorialized for individuals whose careers or actions were important to, and well known in, the locality where memorialized.
•  Approval authorities who exercise authority under this regulation must establish and consider the advice and recommendations of the memorialization boards.
• The proponent of the committee will follow all the requirements of AR 15–1 for establishing and continuing the group as a committee. All decisions to memorialize personnel will be made with the understanding that the Army Memorial Program is designed to honor those who served with valor or distinction.

The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) ASA (M&RA) is the approval authority. So, I say convene a memorialization board and reevaluate the 10 bases named after Confederate soldiers. So, my question is should a soldier who deserted the Army or rose up in arms against the United States be considered a hero or distinguished individual? I think not. The Army Memorial Program is supposed to honor those who served with valor or distinction. I can’t imagine how a black Soldier must feel stationed at Fort Gordon and is named after someone who was the head of the Ku Klux Klan. It is time for a change. What do you think?

After tentatively awarding American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group (ARC) a $7.2 billion contract, US Transportation Command has walked back the agreement over recent allegations that are being reviewed.

This initial contract was to cover a 9-month transition period with a 3-year base period. However, with all options exercised, the total package could be worth $20 billion over 9 years.

TRANSCOM Walks Back $7.2 Billion Privatized PCS Contract

ARC was slated to begin the transition to managing all DOD PCS moves in May 2020, with full control achieved by 2022 worldwide. However, TRANSCOM notified the the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on June 9 that the contract had been pulled for review.

“An interested party has presented U.S. TRANSCOM with information that they believe should have been considered in the Global Household Goods Contract award decision. U.S. TRANSCOM intends to take corrective action to consider this new information, gather facts and conduct a review of the award,” according to a TRANSCOM statement.

Should the GAO approve the review, TRANSCOM “will review the entire evaluation record, to include reviewing the reported allegations along with gathering additional facts. We anticipate the corrective action to be complete in the coming weeks.”

This review comes after a 100 day delay as the GAO worked to review contract protests filed by two other moving companies, HomeSafe Alliance, LLC, and Connected Global Solutions, LLC. Both companies had lost the TRANSCOM contract, according to reporting by Military.com.

Privatization of PCS in Response to Military Family Advocacy

The move to privatize all PCS moves is in response to consistent advocacy by military families.

Military families have been protesting the increase in damage to household goods during the PCS process. In February 2019, said Army Col. Ralph Lounsbrough, personal property division chief in TRANSCOM’s strategy, capabilities, policy and logistics directorate, signaled his intention to allow the private sector to handle all military moves.

According to Lounsbrough, department of defense moves account for 20% of all domestic household moves.

“We think it would help with accountability and transparency, and ultimately we’re trying to make things better for the service members,” he said. “We know there are companies out there that have the ability to do that.”

Previously each move was handled individually, with separate contracts being awarded one household at a time.

According to numbers from 2017, there were 430,000 military moves that year with 40% of all DOD moves occurring in the summer.

Short Term Solutions Prior to 100% Privatization

While the TRANSCOM contract is in limbo, military families are still on the move. However, many PCS moves have been delayed due to the global pandemic. With the stop movement order lifted recently, military families should expect their moves to proceed with some adjustment.

Military PCS advocate Megan Harless recommends staying in frequent contact with your assigned move coordinator.

“If your move has started you should be assigned a move coordinator,” she explained. “They are designed to be your single point of contact during your move and give you updates on your assigned dates, weight, delivery, and any issues. If your move has not started or you cannot get a hold of your move coordinator, you can always call your local transportation office, or the TRANSCOM hotline for assistance.”

For additional information about your summer 2020 PCS, use the resources on move.mil or refer to the Joint Chiefs website. Both locations have accurate, up-to-date information regarding the 2020 PCS season.

What do you think about privatizing military moves? Sound off in the comments!

The U.S. Armed Forces Branch not the Netflix TV Show

The United States Space Force (USSF) is the newest branch of the Armed Forces and was established on December 20, 2019 in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. It is due to be stood-up by June, 2022 (18 months from inception). Space affects almost every area of our daily lives now. Satellites in space are crucial to internet, phone service, and GPS technology. First responders use the technology to communicate and it is important for financial services such as paying with a credit card at a gas pump. This is the first new military branch since the Air Force was established in 1947.

USSF has not decided what service members will be called yet but “Spacers” for lack of a better term are going to be at the forefront of technology. Missions will include launching rockets, protecting satellites and keeping them operational and developing technology to make this happen. Because Space has become so critical to our nation’s infrastructure, it was determined that it needed its own branch of military for its defense.

The USSF’s first task was to establish a fully functioning headquarters at the Pentagon and work with the U.S. Air Force to transfer forces into USSF. Staff from the Air Force Space Command headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base have become a command element for USSF.

Space Force Facts

• General Jay Raymond is the first Chief of Space Operations appointed by the president. Chief Master Sergeant Roger Towberman is the first Senior Enlisted Advisor.
• Just like the Joint Chiefs, the USSF Headquarters and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations are at the Pentagon.
• Military and civilian personnel involved in space operations for the Air Force Space Command will comprise the initial personnel for USSF. Other units and personnel for the Air Force will transfer to USSF in the coming months.
• The Air Force Space Command is now the U.S. Space Force. Currently those who transferred will remain Airmen with the U.S. Air Force. Over the coming months those in space jobs will be transferred to USSF while those in other jobs will just be assigned to USSF.
• Peterson AFB in Colorado is a critical hub for USSF.
• The initial force is about 16,000 civilians and military assigned on Dec 20, 2019 from the former Air Force Space Command. Those with desired job skills will have the opportunity to transfer to USSF.

The recent recruiting video makes this statement, “Maybe your purpose on this planet isn’t on this planet.” Pretty thought provoking. Over the next year we will start seeing more specifics on what this branch will be. Of course, everyone wants to know what the uniforms are going to look like. There is currently a design process taking place.

On an interesting note, Netflix premiered “Space Force”, a new comedy series staring  Steve Carell on May, 29. As early as January 2019, Netflix was seeking to trademark the name “Space Force” not only in the U.S. but Europe, Australia, Mexico and more. The U.S. has a pending application to register the trademark. Definitely a potential conflict. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out. Having watched a few episodes of the show, it is like a military version of “The Office” the show that made Steve Carell famous. It is pretty funny, but not too complimentary to the branch.

What are your thoughts? Do you think we need a new military branch?

*Information on the Space Force was compiled from the USSF official website.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Throughout the pandemic-related shutdown, neighborhoods have been uniting from a safe distance to spread a message of love and hope. Homes around the country have been decorated with hearts and rainbows in an effort to spread cheer, even as we maintain at least 6 feet of space between us.

Spreading Love & Positivity From a Distance

Hearts have been popping up in windows and doors all around the world, with many US communities joining in on the fun.

Walking around any US neighborhood these days, you’re going to spy hearts, rainbows and other cheerful decorations along with messages of hope. Some hearts are in windows or on doors while others have been created out of sidewalk chalk. From painted hearts to paper rainbows, the whole world has joined together in this pandemic-safe way to show each other a little love.

Show Essential Workers a Little Love

One main message that participants hope to share is support for our essential workers, the people who are keeping our country running right now. From healthcare workers to bus drivers, we’re united to show love to those who are caring for us all.

On military bases, many of our troops are still reporting for duty. Medical personnel and others are still working daily to keep things going. Seeing hearts and other images of support in windows is just one way that we can show them appreciation.

UnityPoint Health, a division of Blue Cross Blue Shield located in the northern midwest, shared a free printable template with their community. Everyone can download, print and decorate hearts to hang in their windows!

You could also consider adding a message of hope. Write with washable paints or special window markers. Just remember to reverse your letter so they can be read from the other side of the window!

Window Hearts Scavenger Hunt for Kids

In addition to spreading support for essential workers, the window hearts have provided a second opportunity to connect from a distance. With playgrounds closed and little chance for social interaction, parents have started taking long walks with their children. It’s a great way to break up the day while also getting fresh air and exercise.

On the way, may families have started to hunt for hearts!

By turning their daily walks around the neighborhood into scavenger hunts, kids and parents are creating an extra twist of fun. Some families look for new hearts daily while others record the locations of hearts. Families can work on counting all the hearts they see and trying to beat their daily totals day-to-day.

Kids for Global Peace shared a fun how-to printable to get started with your own window heart!

More Fun Ways to Share Love & Support

The fun and caring can keep going beyond hearts. Families and neighborhoods are banding together to organize coordinated window messages.

During March, many communities celebrated spring with shamrock and rainbow hunts. April saw neighbors hunting for colorful eggs in windows. Other neighbors are organizing zoo or safari themed hunts by placing stuff animals in windows or posed in yards and on porches.

Some cities have banded together to do a nightly round of applause for healthcare workers and others performing essentials jobs right now.

Coordinate Socially Distant Love & Support Online

Military communities are used to connecting online, especially via social media. Facebook and NextDoor are two useful tools to help you create and coordinate messages of love in your community.

Use your neighborhood group on Facebook or NextDoor to connect with neighbors. Explain what you would like to do and provide a “start date.” Share the effort with local organizations, like the base chaplains, CDCs and community groups.

Then place your decorations in the window and take a walk! See how many other houses you can find that have joined the movement.

Has your family seen hearts and rainbows on your walks? Sound off in the comments!