“Semper Paratus”1-12 CAV “Chargers” reporting from the Republic of Korea.

CHARGERS and CHARGER FAMILIES - first, I want to thank YOU for all that you do to support the CHARGERS! We recently held a volunteer luncheon to recognize so many of our great volunteers throughout the battalion - your efforts back home are motivating several of our CHARGERS here to go out and make a difference! GREAT stuff! It is finally starting to warm up here in Korea and we're able to enjoy our training and maintenance much more during the good weather. This month, I want to highlight the fact that one of our tank crews proved itself as the BEST tank crew in Korea, and will attend an Army-wide competition to demonstrate that your CHARGERS are the best! If there were similar competitions for the other companies, I have no doubts we would win those as well! I'm proud to serve with your CHARGER!

-Charger 6

CPL Thompson has treated over 100 Charger Soldiers to include more than six evacuations to St. Mary’s Hospital in Uijeongbu, South Korea. CPL Thompson’s efforts will have a lasting impact upon the medical platoon, HHC 1-12, and the Charger BN. CPL Thompson was recognized by LTC Sellers for his stellar performance on 21 February 2014

CommandersCorner

The Charger ChronicleThe Charger Chronicle

ISSUE 3 VOLUME 1 YEAR 2014

CHARGER OF THE WEEK

 Sergeant (SGT-P) Marquez, a native of Los Angeles, joined the Army after graduating High School in 2005. After arriving at his new unit, he was assigned to the Battalion Scout Platoon. He had a direct impact on the platoon immediately after arriving, and has used his experience as a scout dismount to mentor other NCO’s and soldiers. He has volunteered for numerous activities in the Scout Platoon and HHC. He currently serves as the senior dismount, platoon armorer and company fire marshal. Since arriving in Korea he has gone on every mission the Platoon has been given to execute. On those missions he has been vital in providing commanders the information needed to make decisions on the ground. He has worked countless hours working to improve the platoon’s abilities to draw weapons as quickly and efficiently as possible. His future goals include attending ALC and working to earn his criminal justice degree. SGT Marquez is mentally tough, physically fit and well disciplined. He lives the NCO creed and truly represents the best in his platoon, company and battalion.

Facebook: 1-12 Cav, 3BCT, 1CDTwitter: @Charger6ix

On 30 April, the Scout Platoon participated in the Battalion Platoon competition. 16 platoons participated in the event with a total of 6 stations. Soldiers were tested on their unit knowledge, NBC, Land Nav, PT, weapons and alert readiness. The Scouts continue to improve their warrior skills and are preparing for gunnery coming up in July.

HHC Company

Soldiers in the S1 Shop continue to provide administrative support to battalion. This month the shop focus was on conducting Battalion wide DD93/SGLV updates.

Scout Platoon Medic PlatoonThe medic platoon treats a heat casualty in the field during the WMD integration exercise. The weeklong exercise demonstrated the rapid response, and treatment capabilities of the battalion aid station.

Mortar PlatoonThe Mortars have been busy this month preparing for MORTEP and running an M4 range for the Battalion Staff. On 28 APR, the platoon moved to TA-130 to conduct maneuver training in preparation for gunnery. The Maniac Platoon continues to strive throughout the month to maintain the “Fight Tonight” mentality here in Korea.

S-1 S-2In the month of March the intelligence section has been focused on training our Soldiers in skills they will need to “fight tonight”. This is accomplished through various ways. Most prevalent has been the use of Sergeant’s time training conducted weekly. Here they will focus on individual tasks that better our Soldier’s skills. An example would be map reading (pictured above). This time is invaluable as it allows S-4

S4 Soldier (PFC Cuthbertson) competing in the platoon competition in a team with the S6. Always motivated, often imitated.

Joint Fires Cell5 JTACs and 1 JFO conducted a live fire training exercise with 2 OH-58Ds.They were able to call in 5 line CCA requests and put 2.75 inch rockets and .50 CAL munitions on targets from an OP. Controlling air has been a weekly event but this was the first time we were able to fire live munitions. It's been great and exciting training!

Hellraiser 6Hello Hellraiser families! All is well here in Korea and our Soldiers are doing an exceptional job. We have been busy this month with several field exercises for the Scouts, Mortars and Medics as well as multiple integration exercises that are increasing our effectiveness on the peninsula. I appreciate all the participation and volunteering that y’all are doing back home and ask that you continue to contact us if you have any questions. The weather is beginning to turn warm as we start our downhill run towards gunnery from mid-June to mid-July, so don’t be surprised if you see communication decrease slightly during the time. Thanks so much! -CPT Merriss

5 JTACs and 1 JFO conducted a live fire training exercise with 2 OH-58Ds.They were able to call in 5 line CCA requests and put 2.75 inch rockets and .50 CAL munitions on targets from an OP. Controlling air has been a weekly event but this was the first time we were able to fire live munitions. It's been great and exciting training!

Attack CompanyAttack 6 Happy Late Easter to everyone. We miss you and are grateful for your continued support. Thank you for participating in the Easter event and a big shout out to our Volunteers! For starters, your Soldiers were experts in the execution of our team Live Fire event.

They have proven again they are the best Infantrymen in the Brigade. We additionally were able to fly in helicopters and assault an objective while wearing our chemical threat suits. This was a hot and taxing event but only made us more proficient as warriors. We will be around during May as we prepare for our month and a half long training event in June and July. I am continually impressed by the actions of your Soldiers and am proud to work with them in the Charger Battalion. Three months down! -ATTACK 6

Attack 7We are 90 days into our deployment now and have started getting some good training in! This month we were able to conduct some small arms ranges and additionally we conducted Team Live Fires which all went great. A good amount of the company had the

pleasure of climbing some of the nearby mountains here and all had a great time. Additionally, the garrison has offered several movies at our local theater that the boys were able to attend. Looking into May, we are planning on having a Company trip to the DMZ for all the Company -ATTACK 7

HQ PlatoonPVT Fain sends in reports after his crater analysis during FIST Certification for 1BCT 2ID at Camp Hovey 14-18APR.

1st PlatoonFirst platoon soldiers assess a casualty during the Company’s Team Live Fire Exercise.

2nd Platoon2nd Platoon Soldiers conducting medical training during the recent team live fire event.

3rd PlatoonThird platoon conducts Team live fire exercise, in order to certify team leaders, and prepare for squad live fire in June.

Bonecrusher Company

CAMP HOVEY, KOREA – The harshness of the Korean winter is finally over and the spring is beginning to dominate the peninsula. New outdoor activates and opportunities are now becoming available; for many Soldiers it is a long awaited period. Korea is a country that experiences all four distinct seasons. On average, temperatures throughout the year can range below -4˚ F to over 86˚ F. As a Soldier, climate changes many operating procedures. Equipment maintenance, to nutrition and hydration requirements; the previous must all be modified due to the change in climate. The body’s physical performance is also stressed by the significant climate change and Soldiers consequently have to alter the way they train. The change in scenery itself is something that cannot go unnoticed. Korean locals even have a special festival dedicated to the cherry blossoming period, which only lasts a few days a year.

Bonecrusher 6

CAMP CASEY, KOREA – The Army is powerful because of its strength in numbers, being able to coordinate with adjacent units is a must. Some battalions have ground power and assets such as the M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradleys, others have Birds; the mighty helicopters. The integration of all this equipment is crucial to battle and war. Even in foreign nations such as Korea, the US Army must continue to master such training skills and the integration of different powers in order to be successful.

But the art of flying isn’t the only aspect which has to be mastered by Bravo Company Soldiers. Sometimes in worse case scenarios, there will be casualties and the recovery from such incidents must also be trained. Mere seconds and the difference between a good decision, a bad one or the lack of any decision making may cost the life of the Army’s most valuable asset. Along with all the other training, Bravo Company must still not forget the basics. Being qualified on

one’s personal weapon, the M4 carbine rifle, is one of the first and most important qualifications that all Soldiers undergo. Even experienced and seasoned Soldiers must continue to recertify their qualification and it is their responsibility to teach the greener generation the proper shooting techniques as well as more advanced ones. The fundamentals of shooting never change.

CCCrrraaazzzyyyhhhooorrrssseee CCCooommmpppaaannnyyy 1st Platoon1st Platoon1st PLT has been extremely busy this past month conducting Driver’s Training, AGTS, NBC Training, and Skill Level 1 Warrior Tasks. The PLT recently participated in a Battalion-wide Platoon Competition which included physical training, weapons assembly, a HMMWV Pull, Land Navigation, and an Alert Event. All participants represented 1st PLT “Chaos” well and had a good time in the process. Recently SPC Gonzales was the only member in the entire Battalion selected for the All Area 1 Softball Team. In the next few weeks the PLT will be conducting Maneuver Training at the Twin Bridges Training Area where we will participate in PLT STX Lanes, a Breach lane, and a Section Maneuver Lane. Upon completion of this training the PLT will begin to prepare for Gunnery in early June continuing AGTS, and beginning GST Training. Every member of the PLT continues to work hard meeting and exceeding all expectations within the Company and battalion. We all appreciate your continued support and care packages!

2nd Platoon2nd Platoon

3rd Platoon3rd Platoon

Three members of second platoons very own have been selected to represent the Second Infantry Division at the Sullivan Cup in Fort Benning, Georgia. The rest of the platoon has been keeping busy with drivers training lead by our company master driver SSG Pulido. The platoon also participated in a battalion wide platoon competition which included a physical fitness station, land navigation, evaluate a casualty, weapons assembly while blind folded, and a HMMWV pull. We have also been preparing for our time out in the field where we will be conducting platoon maneuvers training as well as a platoon breach lane. After maneuver training the company will begin prepping for battalion gunnery. We appreciate your support and always look forward to your care packages. From all of us here in Korea stay safe!

Reaper Platoon has been working hard this month honing our warrior skills and strengthening alliances with our host nation forces. This month we had the opportunity to conduct driver training, testing the limits of our Soldiers skill and technical proficiency. Some of our new drivers were able to learn some key basic tanking skills such as breaking track, driving at night, standing in the turret while traversing over different terrain. Our soldiers have doing very well adapting to the Korean terrain and have made their leadership very proud of their efforts. We recently participated in the Charger Platoon Challenge and excelled. The challenge was testing our soldiers on their basic warrior skills. Luckily, our platoon had been training and studying these skills earlier on in this deployment. We were physically and mentally challenged but the event brought us closer as a unit. We continue to use our family environment to excel at everything we do and as always we strive to make you proud!

Deathrider CompanyDeathrider Company

CAMP HOVEY, KOREA – It has been another event-filled month for the Deathriders! We have deployed as a company twice in the last month, to conduct urban operations training and drivers training. In addition to training our Soldiers, we have also taken time to give back to the people of South Korea through service projects. Our Soldiers continue to explore the local area especially now that the Spring has arrived and on Korean Peninsula.-CPT Forest Pierce

UIJEONGBU, KOREA – Delta Company Soldiers participated in the annual Korean Arbor Day in April to give back to the people of South Korea. They took to the hills surrounding Uijeongbu to plant trees on what once was a barren hillside. The Koreans hold nature in high regard and were very thankful to have American Soldiers helping to beautify their country! Soldiers worked hand in hand with South Korean civilians to clear brush, dig holes, and plant young pine saplings. This event provided our Soldiers with an opportunity to meet local Koreans, many of whom were eager to meet the American Soldiers who help to defend South Korea.

RODRIGUEZ LIVE FIRE COMPLEX, KOREA – The platoons brought their tanks out for the first time this month to conduct urban operations training in a simulated town. Soldiers practiced their skills in maneuvering both tanks and Soldiers while defeating enemy forces within the town. Deathrider Soldiers also practiced clearing buildings within the urban site. We first practiced going room to room during the day, then used night vision goggles late in the evening! The platoons also were able to cut loose and play the role of the Opposing Forces against other platoons in the company. This training event was an opportunity to practice our tanker skills in a new environment.

Death 6Death 6

TWIN BRIDGES TRAINING AREA, KOREA – The drivers of Delta Company participated in training for three days and nights at the end of April. Soldiers practiced not just on their primary vehicle, but also learned to drive several other vehicles in the fleet. Our mechanics, support, and headquarters Soldiers also had the opportunity to drive the tanks during this training. Private Erving, of the Fire Support Team, drove a tank for the first time during this training and said that it was “awesome!”

Jackal CompanyJackal 6CAMP STANLEY, KOREA – Hello again from the Republic of Korea!  We are officially 1/3 of the way through with our rotation, and time is flying by.  The Jackals continue to stay busy with vehicle and equipment services, providing logistics support to ranges and other training events, and conducting our own drivers training.  The battalion has also participated in multiple training exercises with our partnered units in order to practice our wartime mission.  I'm proud of everything our Soldiers are accomplishing each day!  Thanks for your continued support.

- CPT Jonathan Leggett

CAMP STANLEY, KOREA – Good Afternoon from the Republic of South Korea!! We are closing in on our third month of being in country and I must say the time is flying by. Our gunnery is right around the corner and our Soldiers are hard at work in preparation for that training event. The weather is starting to get warmer which adds extra motivation to our already motivated Soldiers. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our families back at Fort Hood, around the states and overseas for your continued support. Our jobs are hard but yours are by far harder! Thank You!! We look for forward to the upcoming months as we continue to move forward in efforts to be ready to "fight tonight"! First Team!! Second to None!!

-1SG MoodyCAMP STANLEY, KOREA – The month of April went by quickly for the distribution platoon because supporting the battalion with food, fuel, and ammunition kept the platoon fully engaged every day.  The class V or ammunition section of the distribution platoon picked up and delivered over 100,000 rounds of ammunition for the battalion to support the numerous ranges the battalion shot at.  The class III or fuel section of the platoon was also heavily engaged with supporting the battalion by receiving/issuing over 25,000 gallons of fuel in the month of April.  The platoon as a whole supported the battalion with logistical resupply points (LRPs) on 16 days of the 30 days that are in April.  The LRPs consisted of Soldiers resupplying the battalion with food and fuel to allow the battalion to train with minimal breaks ensuring they got optimal time to train.

CAMP STANLEY, KOREA – This month, Headquarters Maintenance ran a combat-focused PRT session by creating a "Motorpool Relay" course for J Co Soldiers by utilizing equipment commonly found within the motor pool and frequently used in maintenance/sustainment operations.  The activities in the course included a chain carry and a tire flip (using LMTV tires), carrying water jugs and chains to a HMMWV, and the HMMWV 100 meters.  This was a timed event, creating a friendly competition between squads and building camaraderie and espirit de corps.