B L E Vol. 25, No. 1

56th Field Artillery Command

Orientation Issue 1986-1 987

Pershing Cable Orientation Issue 86-87

Pershing on the map The 56th Field Artillery Command is a unit with a uni-

que mission. It is the only command-sized Pershing missile unit in the world. As such, it is a vital link in the North At-

.* lantic Treaty Organization (NATO) chain of defense. * The command is composed of three Pershing Missile bat- talions, one infantry battalion, one support battalion, one signal battalion, one aviation company and a Headquarters and Headquarters battery, which includes a chemical de- contamination platoon. The command also controls its own Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

More than 5,000 soldiers make up the command and are stationed on six kasernes (posts) and two remote sites scat- tered throughout Southern Germany.

Where are we?

The six battalions in the command are stationed at three primary locations:

Command Headquarters; HHC, Alpha and Delta com- panies of 38th Signal Battalion; and 2nd Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment are located in Schwabisch Gmund.

4th Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment; Charlie Company, 38th Signal Bn.; Alpha Company 55th Support Battalion; and Charlie Company 2nd Battalion, 4th Infan- try are located in Heilbronn/Neckarsulm.

1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment; HHC, Alpha and Bravo companies 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment and Headquarters 55th Support Battalion are located in Neu-Ulm.

The companies of 2/4 Infantry provide security for each of the Pershing battalions and are stationed throughout the Command area - Schwabisch Gmund, Heilbronn and Neu- Ulm.

(Munich) -\

What to expect

A tour with the 56th Field Artillery Command is as chal- lenging and demanding as it is personally rewarding. Be- cause of its vital mission, a high level of performance is re- quired from each soldier. The hours can be long as the work tough. However, it is this selfless dedication to mis- sion accomplishment that keeps the command in an ever- ready status.

Field duty is often a companion to the Pershing soldier. The entire command participates in annual fall aid spring field problems. In addition, each battalion must go through a Tactical Evaluation (Tac-Eval). Batteries frequent the field throughout the year to participate in Army Readiness Trai- ning and Evaluation Programs (ARTEPs).

I N E U R O P E " PERSHING CABLE is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR-360-81, published for the personnel of the 56th Field Artillery Command. Views and opinions expressed are not ne- cessarily those of the commander or the Department of the Army. '

Editorial office is iocated in building 504, Bismarck Kaserne, APO 09281. Telephone: (2732) 8041895. THE PERSHING CABLE is a monthly letterpress publication printed by the Rems Druck, ParadiesstraOa 12, 7070 Schwabisch Gmiind, Germany. Circulation per month is 3.000 copies. A special orientation issue is published annually. All photographs used in this publication are U.S. Army photos unless indicated otherwise.

Pershing NCOlC ..................................................................... c John K. D'Amato ................................................................................ Cable Editor I . Carl Puwis ............................................................. Reporters S Barbara Blackburn

PFC. Devin Davis Commander PFC. Stephen Schroeder .................................... Brig. Gen. Raymond E. Haddock Battalion Reporters 219th FA Sp4 Ron McKinney

119th FA Sp4 Jerry Merideth 419th FA Sp4 Susan Bradsberry

................................................................. Public Affairs Officer Photographer t Chris Taylor Maj. Michael G. Griffon

Pershing Cable Orientation Issue 86-87 3

Pershing keeps Soviet Bear at bay For years the Russian Bear stalked the borders of Wes-

tern Europe. It was huge, bold and aggressive, for behind it were the assembled armies of the USSR and its satellites. In numbers and firepower it seemed almost invincible, as it appreared poised aggressively - challenging the western world.

In 1986, however, the Soviets were again seated at the bargaining table. Some of the bluster was gone. Many sen- ior officials in the US and Europe credited the change to the fact that the 56th Field Artillery Command (Pershing) completed fielding 108 new Pershing 11 missiles by the end of 1985. The Russian Bear had decided that since the West had shown it could play rough, too - they would rather talk at Geneva.

The USSR watched angrily as the first of 24 Pershing I missiles were deployed to Europe in 1963, and witnessed an increase in Pershing's maneuverability and survivability in 1969, when Pershing 1A traded in its track vehicles for wheeled erector launchers. Ten years later, the NATO Twin-Track Agreement made possible second upgrading of the Pershing system, and in 1985, following 16 months of training, testing and evaluation, 108 Pershing I1 missiles were in place.

Although the Soviets have their own new missile sy- stems, they know the accuracy, reliability and rapidity of action of the Pershing I1 and therefore they have reason for concern. The Pershing I1 is a tactical ballistic missile with a nuclear capability, and a greater range (approximately 1,800 kilometers), increased accuracy, easier warhead yield selec- tion, and reduced emplacement and displacement times over the PIA system.

The Soviets also know that a weapon system is only good as the men and women who man and maintain that system. The Pershing I1 is manned and maintained by sol- diers of the only Field Artillery Command in the United States Army - the 56th. It was designated as a command in January 1986, and the designation reflects the size and com- plexity of the organization, and the importance of the Command's mission.

The 6,000 soldiers of the 56th Field Artillery Command (Pershing) are based in the Schwabisch Gmiind, Heilbrond Neckarsulm and Ulm/Neu-Ulm areas of West Germany. They are assigned either to the Headquarters Battery, one of the three Pershing firing batteries, an infantry, signal or maintenance support battalion, or the command's aviation company.

The complex, self-sufficient command is a NATO unit with a dual mission and chain of command. In peacetime, the Command reports directly to the United States Army, Europe and the United States European Command. The mission of the 56th FA Cmd demands that it remain com- bat ready, with some units always alert to respond to im- mediate missions in a matter of minutes. The degree of the command's combat readiness is directly proportionate to the its effectiveness as a deterrent to war, and therefore its mission is active, and vital to the NATO defense of Euro- pe.

During periods of tension, or in actual war, upon the declaration of the appropriate alert measure, the operational command and control shifts to the NATO chain of com- mand, with the next higher headquarters being Allied Air Forces, Central Europe. At that point, the command's mis- sion is to provide general nuclear support fires to the thea- ter commander.

None of this is possible without highly trained, discipli- ned, physically fit and motivated soldiers. After intensive training at schools and sites in the United States, Pershing soldiers continue to hone their skills upon arrival in Ger- many, because maintaining and improving these skills keeps the unit combat ready, and that is essential for mission a*- complishment. Adding a heightened degree of realism to j the training, squad, battery and battalion ARTEP's are con- ducted in the German countryside rather than in the usual designated major training areas. A typical maneuver by un- its of the widely spaced Command will find Pershing sol- diers passing through three or four German states before reaching their objectives. Even anti-Pershing demonstrators play a pan, giving infantry units belonging to the Com- mand the surrogate "aggressor activity" they need to make optimum use of their field training time.

The soldiers of the 56th Field Artillery Command pro- ved their readiness in 1986, when they successfully laun- ched eight Pershing missiles from firing ranges in White Sands, New Mexico and Cape Canaveral, Florida. The fact that soldiers of the 56th Field Artillery Command perform- ed flawlessly under pressure is not surprising.

From the time of the decision to field the Pershing 11, Pershine soldiers have found it necessarv to demonstrate

their discipline, as the command faced intense political pressures, associated publicity, and more than 35,000 anti- Pershing and anti-nuclear demonstrators during 1985, alone.

Although demonstrator activity decreased dramatically in 1986, the continuing threat of international terrorism re- quires the command to maintain constant vigi high state of readiness. For instance, increased protection for the missile has led to the addition of ballistic protection for the system while in transit, through the use of a ballistic shield. Autobahn screening walls have been constructed to shield missiles and support personnel from ground based surveillance.

Other construction projects, totalling more than $100 million are part of a long-range building and renovation program to provide the best facilities for the US Army's most modern missile system. There are construction and modernization projetc underway at all 56th Command lo- cations, including new motor maintenance facilities, and re- novated motor pools. At missile storage areas, missile stor- age garages, communications and electronics facilities and new buildings to house repair parts are under construction. Additionally, the new facilities will provide Pershing sol- diers with a safe and efficient work environment and will aid the Command in maintaining the vast amounts of new equipment already received and on the way.

In addition to maintaining equipment, the Command is interested in maintaining its people, as well. Quality time with the family, as part of an overall morale maintenance program, receives heavy command emphasis. Located in one of the most beautiful areas of Germany, the Command and its soldiers enjoy the four seasons and their accompa- nying recreational opportunities.

Another aspect of the Command's maintenance of its people, is the history of success experienced by non com- missioned and commissioned officers with service in the command. Pershing soldiers enjoy a high rate of selection for promotions, commands, and advanced military school- .-- lll&

It is this high quality of leadership, backed by highly dis- ciplined and trained young Pershing soldiers that makes the Command a force to be reckoned with.

History may someday note that potential aggressors had superior numbers of troops and equipment poised on or near the borders of our European allies, but was held in check because he dared not risk the consequences of an at- tack. The unfriendly force knew that Pershing soldiers were combat ready and could put one or more long-range missi- les into flight within minutes. They knew also that these same units could perform their jobs with such ~ ro f i c i enc~ that the accuracy and effect to the strike would be devasta- ting - Pershing I1 and the 56th Field Artillery Command are indeed Peacemakers.

Being on a Pershing firing crew takes dedication and skill. This crew maintains its skills by operating in a field environment.

v tective masks. range. -

With one eye on the target and the other on safety, a Dragon gunner launches his anti-tank missile down- prove that they're combat ready as they dontheir pro-

Training is key to combat readiness and receives high priority from the chain of command. A Pershing Platoon can expect to train 75 days a year in the field.

Keeping drivers safety concious and able to drive their veh conditions plays an important role in quick reactlon

Pershing Cable Orientation ,slssus 86-87 5

The 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment has special training in rear area combat The soldier spraying this Pershing vehicle is part of the Command's Decontamina- and provides external security for the Command. Here, they dismount during from a tion Platoon in Schwabisch Gmund. The platoon provides NBC support for all the transport vehicle during "Operation Web Foot". Command's units.

If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, i t must be known that we are at all times re- ady for war. George Washington

Combat readiness, in it's complete form, is a central theme comprised of four seperate pieces. Training, discipline, maintenance and having fun are the four pieces, which when properly fitted combine to form a perfect picture of combat-ready soldiers.

Training, which is the first piece of the combat readiness puzzle, is sub-divided into individual and unit training. These subdivi- sions are further broken down into smaller, more detailed units, which give soldiers and their leaders more specific guidance in the quest for combat readiness.

In individual training, there is MOS train-

NCO's and officers.

Unit training focuses on training to ac- complish the mission. Tactical evaluations, Army Readiness Training Programs and convoys are elements used in training units to be at the peak of readiness at all times.

An intensive training program is con- ducted through which missile skills are maintained. All elements of the Command participate in numerous Field Training Exer- cises and a variety of Command Post Exer- cises. A Pershing Platoon can expect 75 days in the field.

Every member of the 56th Field Artillery Command is a piece of the combat readiness puzzle. Every piece has its' place. When training is equally mixed wiih the other three ideals in the creation of combat readi- ness, the end result is a combat ready sol-

ing, weapons qualification, a German Lan- dier, battery, command and Army that is ca- Medics rush to unload a simulated casualty during their annual Skillex. During the guage survival course called "Headstart" and pable of defending the world against the evil weeklong exercise, medics receive a refresher course in basic combat medical several professional development courses for forces that threaten our way of life. skills.

A soldier zeroes in with his weapon. Range qualifications with the M16A1, M60 and M203 and other skill qualification testing round out the Command's complete training program.

Pershing Cable 6 Orientation \ssue 86-87

56th practices practical philosophy

Ever ready to move, shoot, communicate

This Pershing soldier knows his unit's armorer is a stickier for attention to detail. He also knows that mainte- nance of his individual weapon means having a weapon he can depend on.

A protective mask is a very important piece of equipment in a chemical environment. But it won't matter if the sol- dier can mask in 9 seconds if it has a defect left undetect- ed.

The soldier's breath billowed visibly through the crisp autumn air as he checked the oil level of his vehicle.

He was performing Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services, a "PMCS", familiar to most soldiers of 56th Field Artillery Command.

Keeping equipment operational is important. Keeping combat ready is what maintenance is all about. But readiness also involves people. And, so maintaining people is as important as keeping

our vehicles running and our weapons ready to fire. The Army needs to keep good soldiers. That's why re-

enlistment is so important. Soldiers need to have high morale in order to work to-

gether efficiently. In order to have high morale, the soldiers need to

that their hard work and devotion to duty are appreci That's why it's important to ensure that deserving sol receive awards.

In 1986, from January to September, the soldiers o command received over four thousend awards, inclu Army Achievement and Army Commendation Medals, well as the High Performance and other incentive aw

The leadership of the 56th FA Command recognizes soldiers need to grow professionally. As they gain ience, they are promoted to give them the chance Also, promotions help provide the necessary 1 that a command of 56th FA Command's importan have.

In order to have high morale, the soldier needs to that the Army cares about what's important to him or such as his or her family and spiritual health. The sol needs to feel that the Army and the command wa whole, healthy soldier to help accomplish it's mission command has a variety of programs designed to ai family and spiritual growth of the soldier.

Also, Pershing soldiers feel that they have equal opp nities to advance and improve. Each unit in the com has an equal opportunity representative.

All of these things are part of what keeps the com combat ready.

Maintenance of the soldier, as well as the vehicle, w or tent is what makes the Army an effective deterr war.

As General George Washington said, "To be for war is one of the most effectual means of p peace."

- - - - - struggle with tools while working on a 2112 ton truck.

Pershing Cable Orientation Issue 86-87 7

taining consistently nutritious and well-balanced meals for troops rrison and in the field has earned these cooks awards from Brig.

d E. Haddock. It's their reward for long hours and devo- s the rank of Sergeant (upper right) is pinned on the col-

dier, he may be thinking of the extra money, but more pro- ondering the increased responsibility that will be his as a ted non-commissioned officer. Two soldiers of the com- right), "raise their right hands" and repeat the words that

m in an Army that needs their experience and skills.

iting task. Here, two mechanics

Pershing Cable 8 orientation Issue 86-87

Discipline. The ability to stay in control of yourself and hang in when the going gets tough. This is the third component of com- bat readiness and is necessary for prompt, trust-worthy actions in stressful situations.

Gen. John Vessey, Jr., the former chair- man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washing- ton, D. C., once said, ". . . Trust can be built only with discipline - organizational discipline that comes from such things as drill and ceremony as well as . . . the self- discioline that comes from the abilitv to stand out there at attention or at ease, with the sweat running down your nose and the fly in your ear, and be able to stand at atten- tion. Because in battle you'll have to do things that are a lot harder than that.''

Soldiers of the 56th Command have found it necessary to demonstrate their discipline

A Pershing soldier proudly carries his unit's Fit-To- Fight guidon during their semi-annual Fit-To-Fight qua- lification test.

on many occasions as intense political pressures and the publicity which developed as a result of the NATO decision to field the Pershing I1 missile sy- stem in Europe. Despite overwhelming sup- port by the German government and a ma- jority of the German people, Pershing units at times have been the center of attention.

During 1985, they faced major demon- strations which drew more than 35 000

cal training program which ensures that they maintain a high degree of physical and men- tal readiness. The goal of the Army PT pro- gram is to motivate soldiers to incorporate fitness into their lifestyles. Within the 56th Command, this goal has been met with many soldiers making the time to train for individual competition in VII Corps, USA- REUR and All Army-level events, a testi- mony to their mental-and physical tougness. - . -

people to Command installations to protest the stationing of the missile. In order to pro- Unit cohesion and esprit de corps are en-

vide adequate security, soldiers were requi- hanced through programs such as Fit-To-

red to urovide an extra measure of dedica- Fight and other unit-level competitions.

tion, stamina and discipline. Pershing sol- The Fit-To-Fight program is a battery-le- diers have always acted professionally, and vel competition which provides recognition their control has earned the admiration of to those units who meet the criteria - a hig- the German people and their leaders. her than Army standard for push-ups and

For the soldiers of the Command, discip- sit-ups, and four-mile run in 36 minutes or line is enhanced throuht an agressive physi- less.

Units meeting the Fit-To-Fight criteria are awarded the Fit-To-Fight guidon and must re-earn it every six months.

Command soldiers also demonstrate their tenacity and preserve unit cohesiveness in the extra-curricular activities in which they choose to participate.

Batteries in the command regularly take part in events that push their soldiers to the limits of endurance and challenge them to keep going when they feel ready to give in. One such event is the Hohenstaufen Mili- tary Run - a yearly military triathlon which requires the soldier to fire an M16, fire a German pistol and run 25 kilometers we- aring combat boots and 16-pound-rucksack.

Another event is the Annual Schweizeri- scher Two-Day March in which the partici- pants are required to march across 60 kilo- meters of mountinous Swiss countryside.

All that is done in the command is direc- ted towards achieving combat readiness. Chief among the principles of readiness is discipline, because "in battle you'll have to do things a lot harder. . ."

Pershing Cable Orientation Issue 86-87 9

0 Pershing Cable Orientation Issue 86-87

A ski weekend at a resort may be just the thing to lighten the pressures of the heavy Army work load. Soldiers from the command often travel to Garmisch and other European resorts to catch the best of the ski season.

You got to have

FUN! The 56th Field Artillery ~ o m k a n d belie-

ves that part of being a soldier - a combat ready soldier - is allowing yourself some time to sit back and relax. Taking the time to let off some steam after a hard day, week, or month, helps you to cope with the every- day pressures of your job, and makes you a more efficient and productive soldier.

Here in the Command, emphasis is placed on providing opportunities for the soldiers stationed with Pershing units to have fun. "I-laving Fun," therefore, is one of the four principles of Combat Readines.

Winter What better time and place to take advan-

tage of excellent skiing conditions? Many slopes are within an hour's drive and the Alps are only a train-ride away. Don't miss out on sleigh-rides, tobogganing and ice- skating during this festive season.

Christmas doesn't have to be spent alone at the barracks, or outside in the cold, how- ever. There is a popular Command program that allows a soldier to spend the holidays with a German family, which is happy to share their hearth and take in a hungry and homesick soldier.

Fasching, a German holiday celebrated every year early in February and until Lent is marked by numerous parties and parades winding through cities, and spreading cheer and confetti on the crowds of people lining the roads.

Spring Spring brings renewed interest in nature

and a one of the favorite ways for Germans to commune with nature is through volks- marching, or "people's walk". A volksmarch can cover short or long distances, and usually a medal is awarded to the partici- pants who finish the march.

Of course, a soldier can always find ways to unwind and have fun on post. At the Recreation Center he can make us of tools, materials and work space for arts and crafts. He can sign out musical instruments and re- serve photo labs, visit game rooms or play billards. Rec Centers are also a soldiers con- tact for upcoming special events and activi- ties happening throught Germany. Rec Cen- ters can help you get tickets to concerts by your favorite bands and special rates which include a bus ride the night ot the show.

The commands' atheletes soar to new heights when given the chance to excell in sports programs and special events, like the Annual Command Olympics.

Summer During the Summer months a good way

of cooling down is by visiting the public swimming areas called Schwimmbads, where there are lifeguards on duty. Visting one of Germany's many beautiful lakes to picnic or do some smooth sailing is a great way to get away for a weekend, after checking to make sure the lake is designated safe and is a non- restricted area.

Bowling alleys, and the enlisted and offi- cers clubs are places where family and friends can geht together at the end of the day. After hours, some excercise at the gym will work out the kinks in tense muscles.

A11 year long the command offers superb sports programs for those who are interested in basketball, softball, football, or volleyball.

At the end of each sports sepon, battalion teams within the command compete to see which of them is the best.

During Fasching (above) it's not uncommon to see Germans and Americans alike "clowning around". Fasching is after all a time to ce- lebrate and have a good time. Organization Days (right) are more than a fun day off, they're a chance to meet with other soldiers within the Battalion, and their families. Soldiers find that friendly rivalries bring them closer together.

Pershing Cable Orientation issue 86-87 11

Soldiers of the command share good times and adventures, proving that cohesion and old fashioned teamwork really can help them get through those turbulent times.

From time to time soldiers can take part Locally there are in the adventures of rappeling or river raf- memorable sites ting. Partnership events, where soldiers from that speak for the the American Army can get together with grandeur and rich their German counterparts for training and German history. The competition, is another opportunity for fun, 56th Field Artillery which is both enjoyable and rewarding Command encoura- Meeting the German people and getting to ges its' soldiers to know a little about their country through get out and explore groups like Kontakt, a GermadAmerican all that Germany has fellowship program, is one way of making to offer- your stay here a more rewarding experience.

Fall Perhaps the most famous of all of Germa-

ny's celebrations is the October Fest in Mu- nich. The October Fest is one of the gran- dest festivals of the year, entertaining hun- dreds of thousands of vistors to Germany. Smaller fest are enjoyed by residents of al- most every small and large town at about the same time throughout the harvest se- ason.

During the harvest months, German far- mers are more than willing to take on a hi- red hand for a week, thanks to the command sponsored Farm Help Program. Both farmer and soldier gain from the learning expe- rience and exchange of culture, while wor- king side by side.

There's plenty to do in Germany, and even more to do in all of Europe. This com- mand encourages its' soldiers to explore all the possibilities for having fun here. Whet- her the choice is travel, a challenger or ad- venture, or just rest and relaxation, it's a possibility when stationed with the 56th Field Artillery Command.

GermanIAmerican fests (right), promote good relations, and allow soldiers to spend quality time with their families. Amusement rides, carnival games and live musical entertainment make for en- joyable, fun-filled days in Germany.

1 2 Pershing Cable Orientation Issue 86-87