OP test copy (Page 1)

November 30, 2012 Since 1957 Vol. 56 Issue 47

Exercise Steel Knight began as a combinedarms live-fire exercise in the early 1990s whenthe commander of 1st Tank Battalion wanteda field training opportunity for his tankers.Since then it has grown to the exercise weknow today, a division-level CALFEX thatfocuses on coordinated fire support andmechanized maneuvers.

The exercise utilizes assets from more thana dozen units from across the 1st MarineDivision, including units aboard the Combat

Steel Knightignites

Commissioned officers in the MarineCorps have an opportunity to leave a lastingimpression on teenage students with ambi-tions of becoming the next generation ofAmerica’s leaders.

The annual United States Senate YouthProgram, sponsored by the United States

Senate, provides 104 high school students fromacross the country with a chance to visit thenation’s capital and learn about the functions ofthe U.S. government from March 9 to 16.

“Washington Week is an intensive week ofunparalleled educational activities in the nation’scapital designed to deepen the student dele-gates’ understanding of the federal governmentand give them direct access to those who leadit,” said Hattie Powell-Ray, public affairs spe-cialist, Community Relations Branch, Divisionof Public Affairs.

Seventeen military officers will act as thementors to the participants, leading them in theweek-long program, teaching them about therole of the military in the government and con-nect with students, who may have no priorexperience with the military.

The Marines will lead students throughoutWashington, D.C. and meet members of thegovernment including a Supreme Court justice,

Officers mentorfuture leaders

Operation Golden GateSangin, Afghanistan

Marines with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, patrol through a bridge construction site during OperationGolden Gate in Sangin, Afghanistan, Nov. 10. Co. G is tasked with providing security for the entire construction site along theHelmand River for the duration of the construction project. Complete story on A4

As full integration of the Infantry Automatic Rifle into theMarine Corps’ arsenal becomes complete, the M249 LightMachine Gun, formerly the Squad Automatic Weapon, slow-ly fades into the history of the Corps.

The SAW has seen action since 1984 and has protected Marinesever since. Its replacement, however, is an automatic rifle of similarsize and weight of the M16A4 service rifle already issued to rank andfile Marines. The familiarity with this new weapon is almost instantfor Marines.

“The IAR has fewer moving parts than the SAW does, mak-ing it a lot more ‘grunt friendly,’” said Lance Cpl. Tyler Shaulis,an IAR gunner with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, RegimentalCombat Team 7. “It has a direct piston system, so there arefewer jams. It stays cleaner longer, with less carbon build-upafter it’s been fired. The muscle memory stays the same with itas it would an M16. If an IAR gunner goes down, any Marine

could grab the weapon and lay down accurate suppressive firewithout thinking twice.”

For the Marines, the change has been a positive one, with only afew minor suggestions for the new rifle issued to them in earlyOctober before the deployment.

“It’s a huge improvement to have a more accurate weapon,”said Staff Sgt. Mathew Henderson, the platoon commander ofPersonal Security Detachment, 2/7 Marines, currently on hisfourth combat deployment. “We want to broaden the applicationof its use. For instance, using an IAR in a sniper platoon insteadof a SAW would be a huge advantage.”

To potentially lower costs, Marines with the battalion are look-ing at ways to implement the IAR in place of a more expensiveweapon already in use.

“This weapon platform could be used as a multipurposeweapon system in the infantry squad, i.e., using an IAR as anautomatic rifle and as a designated marksman rifle,” said ChiefWarrant Officer 2 Chris Jones, infantry weapons officer, 2/7. “Inthe current fight when there is a limited exposure and a fleetingtarget that blends in with the local populace, it is more importantto have a more accurate rifle with a better optic. If you can get

CCPPLL.. AANNTTHHOONNYY WWAARRDD JJRR

The next evolution in firepower has arrivedSSggtt.. JJaammeess MMeerrccuurreeCombat Correspondent

See RRIIFFLLEE page A5

M27 IAR (Quick Look)Weight: 8 poundsMaximum effective range: 550 meters (point target)Purchasing: 4,476Ammunition: 5.56 mm NATO roundsMagazine: 30-round magazineNumber issued to infantry battalions: 84 IARsNumber issued to light armored reconnaissancebattalions: 72 IARs

See MMEENNTTOORR page A5

The first phase of a change in female Marines’ physical

fitness test requirements is scheduled to start at thebeginning of the new year. Starting Jan. 1, 2013, femaleMarines will be given an option of whether to do pull-ups or the flexed arm hang during their PFT.

This will act as a transitional period to allow female Marinesto adjust to the new physical requirements for the test. By 2014,pull-ups will completely replace flexed arm hang.

Female Marines are going to be required to be able to com-plete a minimum of three pull-ups for a score of 40 points topass the test and need a total of eight pull-ups to get the maxi-mum 100 points. However, these current scoring tables are sub-ject to change as information is gathered and assessed.

Although the flexed arm hang will be phased out, it will stillremain for recruiting aspects. Females entering Marine CorpsRecruit Depot Parris Island or Officer Candidate School aregiven the option to use the flexed arm hang for their initialstrength test. By the end of graduation, the Marines are expect-ed to complete their PFT with pull-ups.

For more information on the changes in female phys-ical fitness standards, refer to ALMAR 046/12 atwww.marines.mil/News/Messages/Almars.aspx.

SCORING8-100 points7-95 points6-85 points

5-75 points4-65 points3-40 points

CCOOUURRTTEESSYY PPHHOOTTOO

Pull-Upsrequired for females

LLaannccee CCppll.. AAllii AAzziimmiiCombat Correspondent

LLaannccee CCppll.. AAllii AAzziimmiiCombat Correspondent

LLaannccee CCppll.. DD..JJ.. WWuuCombat Correspondent

See SSTTEEEELL page A5

A Mine Clearing Line Charge explodes as1st Tank Battalion tanks prepare to assaultthrough their objective during a portion ofthe combined arms exercise known asSteel Knight Dec. 12, 2008.

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. MM.. CC.. NNEERRLL

Center.SK13 is the Division’s largest annual train-

ing exercise. This year, the exercise will be con-ducted from Nov. 26 to Dec. 18 and will runconcurrantly with Exercise Valiant Mark andthe Tactical Training Exercise ControlGroup’s Integrated Training Exercise.

“This is the one exercise a year that thedivision goes out to conduct core missionessential task (MET) training,” said Maj. TomKisch, exercise coordinator. “It is like a cul-minating event for the division. Throughoutthe year, battalions and regiments conductingtheir own independent training focusing ontheir own METS. During Steel Knight, theDivision brings together all the different ele-ments of the division.”

This advanced training event will make use

“Marines by virtue of their lead-

ership skills, maturity, role modelattributions, professionalism anddedication makes them great can-didates to the future young leadersof this great nation.”

– Hattie Powell-Ray

Observation Post

The Observation Post is published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way connect-ed with the Department of Defense or the United States Marine Corps, under exclusive writ-ten contract with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. This commercial enterprisenewspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of theObservation Post are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the United Statesgovernment, the DOD, or the United States Marine Corps. The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDOD or Hi-Desert Publishing of the services advertised.Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use orpatronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, useror patron. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office, MCAGCC,Twentynine Palms, Calif. 92278. All photos, unless otherwise indicated are Official USMCPhotos. Questions can be directed to the Public Affairs Office, located in building 1417,during normal working hours at 830-6213 or FAX 830-5474. The Observation Post is madewith 60 percent recycled paper.

CCoommmmaannddiinngg GGeenneerraall - Brig. Gen. George W. Smith Jr.PPuubblliicc AAffffaaiirrss OOffffiicceerr - Capt. Nick MannweilerDDeeppuuttyy PPuubblliicc AAffffaaiirrss OOffffiicceerr - 1st Lt. Sin Y. KookPPuubblliicc AAffffaaiirrss CChhiieeff - Gunnery Sgt. Leo A. SalinasPPrreessss CChhiieeff - Cpl. William J. JacksonEEddiittoorr//LLaayyoouutt,, DDeessiiggnn - Lance Cpl. Lauren Kurkimilis

CCoorrrreessppoonnddeennttss

Cpl. Sarah DietzLance Cpl. D. J. WuLance Cpl. Ali Azimi

OFF-LIMITSESTABLISHMENTS

MCIWest off-limits establishments guid-ance prohibits service members frompatronizing the following locations. Thisorder applies to all military personnel.

In Oceanside:- Angelo’s Kars, 222 S. Coast Hwy,

Oceanside, Calif., 92054- Angelo’s Kars, 226 S. Coast Hwy,

Oceanside, Calif., 92054

In San Diego:- Club Mustang, 2200 University Ave.- Club San Diego, 3955 Fourth St.- Get It On Shoppe, 3219 Mission Blvd.- Main Street Motel, 3494 Main St.- Vulcan Baths, 805 W. Cedar St.

In National City:- Dream Crystal, 15366 Highland Ave.- Sports Auto Sales, 1112 National City Blvd.

Local off-limits guidance prohibits servicemembers from patronizing the followinglocations.

In Twentynine Palms:- Adobe Smoke Shop, 6441 Adobe Rd.- STC Smoke Shop, 6001 Adobe Rd.- K Smoke Shop, 5865A Adobe Rd.

In Yucca Valley:- Yucca Tobacco Mart, 57602 29 Palms Hwy.- Puff ’s Tobacco Mart, 57063 29 Palms Hwy.

In Palm Springs:- Village Pub, 266 S. Palm Canyon Dr.

For the complete orders, but not off-limits,check out the Combat Center’s official websiteat http://www.marines.mil/units/29palms

A2 NOOVVEEMMBBEERR 30, 2012 OBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN Post

CenterThis week in

Hist

ory

Combat

1st Tanks provides support during CAXSUDOKU 2724-M

GETTING THERE

ACROSS1. Bull artist 5. Short shot to the

green 9. Filled to overflowing 14. Pot starter 15. Give a new look to 16. Organic fertilizer 17. Goblet part 18. "Exodus" author 19. Prefix with physics 20. Prepare for an

AKC show 22. Oktoberfest vessel 23. Liquored up 24. Lohengrin's love 26. Fireballer Nolan 29. Chicken gizzard, e.g.33. Use TNT 37. One-?liner, e.g.39. Timber wolf40. Lomond et al.41. Blood-?typing letters 42. Avoider of meat

products 43. High: Abbr.44. Leap for Sarah

Hughes

45. In unison 46. Fastened, in a way 48. Mermaid feature 50. G-men and T-men 52. The heart is largely

this 57. Problem for Pauline 60. Do some carpentry 63. Author Zola 64. Man Friday 65. Low-?pH stuff66. "Jurassic Park"

DNA preserver 67. "Jurassic Park"

beast 68. Singer Braxton 69. Fresh-mouthed 70. Faxed, say 71. Manuscript encl.

DOWN

1. Goes the distance 2. Emcee's task 3. Bothered incessantly 4. Word on an invoice 5. Caked with dirt 6. Life saver 7. Beatnik's "Gotcha!" 8. Oater band 9. Sampras foe 10. Work at the diner 11. Do a critic's job 12. Calvary letters 13. Mullins of the

comics 21. "Dang it!" 25. T-?shirt size: Abbr.27. Trojan War warrior 28. "I pass," in poker 30. Apple's apple, e.g.31. Abba of Israel 32. Physical fitness 33. Dull as dishwater 34. "Damn Yankees"

vamp 35. Circus lineup 36. Upload data, say 38. Caffeine-?laden nut

42. Market price 44. Throw in 47. Where morays are

caught 49. Cry from the first

in line 51. Tiffs 53. Whacks sharply 54. Apres-ski beverage 55. Pork cuts 56. Ace Rickenbacker 57. Spherical veggies 58. Rachel's baby in

"Friends" 59. Barbecue fare 61. Some euro

predecessors 62. Yemeni port

See answers on page A4

LLCCPPLL.. JJAASSOONN AANNGGEELLCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

First Tank Bn. recently combined itsdestructive capabilities with those of CampPendleton’s 1st Bn.,1st Marines, duringCombined Arms Exercise 2/99.

During the four-week exercise, 1stTanks supported the “grunts” in numer-ous taskings. These include the provisionof fire support, and aid in mobility andshock affect.

“Shock effect is the fear that fills thehearts of all enemy troops as they stare downthe barrel of an M1A1 tank,” said GySgt.Michael E. Mummey, “C” Co, 1st Tank Bn.,tank leader. “Its benefits are limitless.”

The tankers also provided the Marinesof 1/1 with mission-essential breachingcapabilities. This entailed breaching any-thing from common concertina wire todeadly land mines.

Both can be extremely difficult for thefoot-mobile grunt to pass, according to1stLt. Edward J. Handler IV, “C” Co., 1/1executive officer.

“These tankers provide us with a greatservice.” he said. “(Tanks) make manyobstacles obsolete, but more importantly,

they offer protection to our infantrymenand combat engineers.”

When the obstacles in specific are mines,combat engineers are used to dispersethem. With the use of bangalore torpedoes(explosive-filled pipes), many of the minesare destroyed.

The wreckage is then pushed away byM1A1 tanks, which have mine plowsattached to their fronts. From there, a pathis formed, opening the doors of death anddestruction, “Leatherneck” style.

“This training is really important to us,”Handler said. “We don’t train with tanksvery often, so what we do here is crucial.”

The teaming of the two titans was nocoincidence.

“(Bravo Co.) 1st Tanks, as well as 1/1 ispreparing for a WestPac in June,” said Sgt.Tim L. Duvall, a 23-year-old Loco, Okla.,native and 3rd Plt., “B” Co., tank com-mander. While on the six-month deploy-ment, the Marines will be in direct supportof 1/1.

“We have a lot of junior Marines outhere,” Duvall said. “This CAX representsthe first field operation for many of them.Viewing the entire combined arms picture,before deployment, is very significant forthese Marines.”

Reprinted from the Observation Post dated Nov. 27, 1998 Vol. 44 Issue No. 46

Visit the officialMCAGCC

facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/thecombatcenter

LCpl. Johnny L. Fleming,a 23-year-old Radcliff,Ky., native and armoredvehicle launching bridgeoperator, and LCpl.Ronald M. Girard, a 27-year old Boston nativeand assistant driver,raise the bridge aftercompleting an exercise.AVLBs are used duringbreaching operations andallow vehicles to crossobstacles or ditches.

Relax with the paper

Hi-Desert Publishing Co.Your community newspapers working to serve you better

Wednesdays and Saturdayswith the Hi-Desert Star

Thursdays withThe Desert Trail

Fridays withThe Observation Post

Visit the official MCAGCCfacebook page at

http://www.facebook.com/thecombatcenter

Hey Combat Center fans –Spread the word!

The Combat Center has itsown Flickr photo and video

streams. Find them athttp://www.flickr.com/

thecombatcenter.

Hey Combat Center fans –Spread the word!

The Combat Center has itsown YouTube channel.

Find it athttp://www.youtube.com/user/

Combat CenterPAO.

Whatever you’re looking for, you can

find it in theObservation PostClassified section

> I grew up in Avon,moved out here in ‘93.> I have a big family, alot of siblings, step-sib-lings and half-siblings,altogether 11 of us. I’m inthe middle.> It was interesting, fun.At one point there wereseven of us that lived togeth-er. There was a lot of fighting but we got along.> I don’t get to see them as much as I like to, but I go homeevery couple of years and then I get to see everything.> I’ve been working in the school system since my youngestwas in kindergarten. She’s 24 now, so I’ve been working in theschool system for over 20 years.> I started working with kids, supervising them in the cafeteriaat my kid’s school.> I was a noon supervisor and basically I would supervise thekids in the lunchroom and on the playground. That was a lot offun. I was younger back then so I could interact with the kids onthe playground.> I liked being where my kids were, that way, I was moreinvolved in their school. I only worked for a few hours when I firststarted, because I also volunteered in the classrooms.> When other kids come back that have moved out of thearea, it’s fun to see how they have grown up and what they’redoing. They recognize me more than I recognize them.> Then, I went to working with special education and autistickids and did that for about 10 years.

> When I got into the special ed department I was an IA for severely handicapped kids. I enjoyed that. Every day was a different experience with them, teaching them how to do things.> Basically it was socializing them with the other kids. I worked one year in a high school and there we taught them life skills, things they’d need in everyday life.> When they succeeded at something it was really exciting. It was a little different than a traditional classroom. I found that more rewarding.> I worked with autistic children for a while. That was really rewarding, because a lot of them don’t know how to play or anything so you get to teach them how to play. It’s somethingthey have to be taught how to do. So part of your job is to actually play.> We would go outside and they’d go down the slide and we’d go with them. We’d get on the swings with them and imagine one of us getting on those little bicycles with them. We didthings like that.> In the classroom, we’d hold their hands to teach them how to write and teach them how to play with blocks.> Our goal was to get them to be able to go into a regular kindergarten class with little or no support at all.> Now, I’ve worked in the office for about 10 years. I get to interact with all the ages now, the whole school. I still get to go into the classrooms every once and a while and I’ll read storiesto them, which I like doing.> I just enjoy being around the kids here. They are very respectful to me. We have fun together and we can joke around with each other and they know when to stop.> I’ll tease them. Like they’ll come up to me and ask for a band-aid and I’ll say, “That’ll be $4.” They’ll look up at me and say, “Ms. Patty I don’t have $4.” Some of them will start to act likethey’re going to give me the money and I’ll tell them, “Oh no, I’m just kidding, sweetie. You can go get a band-aid.”> If I had to work with all adults I probably wouldn’t still be working. It’s the kids that keep me coming. I love it, I love the kids. I’m just not ready to give it up yet.

OBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN Post NOOVVEEMMBBEERR 30, 2012 A3

THE SCHOOL SUPPORTERWHAT I’VE LEARNED

INTERVIEWED BY

LANCE CPL. ALI AZIMIPHOTOGRAPHED BY

LANCE CPL. LAUREN A. KURKIMILISNovember 26, 2012

Patti BurkeOffice Technician, Condor Elementary

50, Avon, Illinois

Visit the official MCAGCC facebook page at

http://www.facebook.com/thecombatcenter

The Combat Center has its own YouTube channel

Find it at http://www.youtube.com/user/Combat CenterPAO.

336677--33557777 FFoorr AAddvveerrttiissiinngg

A4 NOOVVEEMMBBEERR 30, 2012 OBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN Post

AFGHANISTAN — Combat engineersman their heavy equipment, pushing thou-sands of pounds of earth around whilebuilding and improving an area vital to theprogression of southern Afghanistan.

To enable the Marines, sailors and sol-diers to focus on the mission at hand andto alleviate the worry of constantly look-ing over their shoulders for an enemythreat, the Marines of Company G, 2ndBattalion, 7th Marine Regiment,Regimental Combat Team 7,¸ are presentand providing security.

Operation Golden Gate is the firstmajor operation being conducted byRCT-7. It will provide the Sangin andMusa Qal’ah districts with a bridge toconnect the two regions and aid inboosting local commerce and improvingquality of life.

“For Golf Company, it’s definitely anhonor to be a part of a big project likethis,” said Capt. Miles G. Warren, compa-ny commander. “We’ve done minor pla-toon-level operations, but nothing withthis high of visibility on it.”

Co. G plays a big part in this operationby keeping the enemy fighters at bay andprotecting the troops on the ground fromthe local patrol base, which overlooks theentire construction area.

“Right now our main job is to providesecurity to the north and east of theHelmand river for the bridge construc-tion,” said 1st Lt. Michael K. Murtaugh,4th platoon commander with Co. G“We’re usually here for about two days at atime and with the platoons we have backat (Forward Operating Base) SabitQadam, it usually works out to us comingout here every week or so.”

Four platoons are tasked with the cum-bersome mission of providing overwatchto the area, each one taking the burden ofstanding post for hours in the heat of theafternoon sun and during the cold, unfor-giving nights in Sangin.

“No one wants to stand post, butthere’s a purpose behind it,” said Cpl. KyleM. Taormino, squad leader with 4th pla-toon. “Everybody has to do their part. It’sgood what we’re doing, and it brings asense of security to the guys on theground. I know I would feel safer if Iknew I had a bunch of (infantrymen)watching my back.”

The Marines of Co. G are used to tak-ing the fight to the enemy, returning firewhen fired upon and sending the insur-gents on the retreat. As they provide secu-rity for Operation Golden Gate, they takethe fight to the enemy in a different way byenabling the local people and creating aninfrastructure that will last for years tocome.

CCppll.. AAnntthhoonnyy WWaarrdd,, JJrr..Regional Command Southwest

‘War Dogs’in Afghanistan

2/7 Marines provide security for Operation Golden Gate

Marines with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,conduct a routine patrol during Operation Golden Gate inSangin, Afghanistan, Nov. 14. With a constant presence in thearea, the Marines are tasked with securing a bridge construc-tion site for the duration of the operation.

PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYY CCPPLL.. AANNTTHHOONNYY WWAARRDD JJRR..

Whatever you’relooking for, you

can find it in theObservation PostClassified section

OBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN Post NOOVVEEMMBBEERR 30, 2012 A5

positive identification faster, you can kill the enemy ratherthan a weapon that provides audible suppression; audiblesuppression being the bullets hitting everywhere but ontarget, and the enemy only hearing the sounds of gunfire.

“In a time of fiscal restraints, one rifle potentially serv-ing two purposes would be huge,” added Jones fromSullivan, Ind.

Although the SAW will be missed by some of the“saltier” Marines who have used it before, the IAR bringsabout a new breed of machine gunner and the squad hesupports with it.

“We’re going back to what we had in World War II with theBrowning Automatic Rifle,” Henderson said. “Since the1980s, we gave the infantry squad the light machine gun, andnow we’re having another shift in the Marine Corps to getback to what we were doing right the first time.”

RIFLE, from A1

A Marine with 1st Intelligence Battalion fires a M249 squad automatic weapon during a pre-deployment training pro-gram field exercise July 12, 2011.

CCOOUURRTTEESSYY PPHHOOTTOO

senators, cabinet members, fed-eral agency leaders and thePresident of the United States.

The Marine Corps will nominateeight officers, ranking from 1st lieu-tenant to lieutenant colonel, to leadin the program. The officers will actas counselors, facilitators and repre-sentatives of the Marine Corps.

“Marines, by virtue of theirleadership skills, maturity, rolemodel attributions, professional-ism and dedication, makes themgreat candidates to the futureyoung leaders of this great nation,”Powell-Ray said.

The William Randolph HearstFoundation, funding the program,will provide lodging, meals and inci-dental expenses during the days ofthe program, however air-fare is atthe participants’ expense.

Officers selected for the programare also required to attend a three-day orientation, prior to the com-mencement of the program andmust arrange their own lodging andmeals for orientation days.

Any officers wishing to apply tobecome an officer mentor areencouraged to submit an applicationpackage electronically to [email protected]. Details about theinformation required for the pack-age can be found on MarineAdministrative Message 652/12.

For more information about theprogram, refer to the MarAdmin orgo to www.ussenateyouth.org.

MENTOR, from A1

of Marine Corps Base CampPendleton, Calif., and Combat Centertraining ranges. It will include I MarineExpeditionary Force and the SingaporeArmed Forces in their participation ofValiant Mark.

“On our part, we’re helping the exer-cise fill in their white space training,”said Maj. Robert Bell, current operationsofficer, TTECG. “When they’re not intheir formal exercise, we’re going to sup-port with additional training.”

The exercise involves live-fire train-ing while integrating mechanized assets.The focus of the exercise is to train tocore competencies in the combinedarms arena.

Portions of the experience will betaking place in the Combat Center’straining areas. They will be conductingvaried sizes of attacks to improve unit

and individual combat proficiency.The exercise will culminate with a

four-day live-fire final exercise thatwill improve the division’s ability toexecute its primary mission.

“Steel Knight comprises of ‘whitespace’ training from Nov 26 - to Dec9, where all units conduct individualtraining in prep for the division FinalExercise (FINEX),” Kisch said. Thisis the largest Steel Knight live-fireexercise conducted ever to date withover 6,000 personnel involved.”

SK13 stresses the division’s part incoordinating and controlling an oper-ation of this size. It will test theircommand and control capabilities andtheir warfighting functions.

The CALFEX is in full swing and willbe for the next couple of weeks. TheMarines in the division will conduct exer-cises throughout the Combat Center'sTraining Ranges.

STEEL, from A1

[Top] The crew of “That’s What She Said,” a tank withCompany D, 1st Tank Battalion, talks before going to bedOct. 25, 2009 at the Combat Center during the combinedarms exercise known as Steel Knight.

[Above] Marines with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battaliondrive their vehicles away from a resupply point duringExercise Steel Knight Dec. 9, 2008.

[Right] Two tanks with Co. D, 1st Tanks, proceed to theirnext mission Oct. 25, 2009 at the Combat Center duringExercise Steel Knight. LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. MM.. CC.. NNEERRLL

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. MM.. CC.. NNEERRLL

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. MMAANNUUEELL FF.. GGUUEERRRREERROO

Sgt.Maj. Gregory D. Harting, oncoming sergeant major. 3rd Battalion., 11th MarineRegiment, salutes Lt. Col. Christopher Escamilla, commanding officer, 3/11, at thePost, Relief and Retirement Ceremony at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field Nov. 28.Harting took post as sergeant major as Sgt. Maj. Maximino Torres retired after 26years of service in the Marine Corps.

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. DD.. JJ.. WWUU

Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in the

Observation PostClassified section

336677--33557777 FFoorr AAddvveerrttiissiinngg

3/11 Post and Relief

November 30, 2012 Since 1957 Vol. 55 B SECTION

"In our military families, we see the best our country has to offer.They demonstratethe virtues that have made America great for more than two centuries and the values that will preserve our greatness for centuries to come."

-President Barack Obama

MILITMILITARARYYFFAMILAMILY SUPPORY SUPPORTTCaring for military families hasbecome a national priority withthe launch of the White House's"Strengthening Our MilitaryFamilies" initiative and the related"Joining Forces" campaign.

Family Readiness

LifeSkills

Readiness & Deployment Support Lifestyle, Insight, Network,Knowledge & Skills

The Marine Corps’ most valuable asset is the individualMarine and their family. The Unit Family Readiness Programwill educate and empower both Marines and families membersto achieve and maintain a high state of personal readiness andresiliency in response to life, career, and mission events by pro-viding the information, tools, and resources to empower themto take care of themselves and successfully balance the chal-lenges of a military lifestyle.

The mission of the Unit Family Readiness Program is totrain and prepare Marines and families to ensure optimumresiliency when faced with life cycle events. When every Marineand family in a unit reaches the optimum level of resiliency, ahigh state of personal and family readiness will result therebyensuring the unit’s high state of readiness. The Unit FamilyReadiness Program shall provide support through proactiveoutreach and intervention in the form of the following func-tions: Official Communication; Information and Referral; andMarine and Family Readiness and Deployment Support (RDS).Command Team Training

Family Readiness Command Team Training is designed toguide command team members in their responsibilities of theirfamily readiness program. This training provides the requiredinformation to implement and execute a successful familyreadiness program and a Command Team Handbook withnecessary supplemental information for program operation,guidance, and referral.Family Readiness Officer

Family Readiness Officer Training is designed to orient andguide the Family Readiness Officer in their responsibilitieswithin the Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program. Thistraining provides the required information to operate as a suc-cessful Family Readiness Officer and as a member of theFamily Readiness Command Team.Command Team Advisor/Family Readiness Assistant

The Command Team Advisor/Family Readiness AssistantTraining is designed to guide Command Team Advisors andFamily Readiness Assistants in their responsibilities within theUnit, Personal and Family Readiness Program. This trainingprovides required information to operate as a successfulCommand Team Advisor/Family Readiness Assistant and as amember of the Family Readiness Command Team.CO/Senior Enlisted Spouse The Command Team CO/SeniorEnlisted Marine Spouse Training is designed to orient andguide CO, Sergeant Major, and/or Senior Enlisted MarineSpouses in the responsibilities and operating components oftheir roles within the Unit, Personal and Family ReadinessProgram. This training provides the required information tooperate as a successful Command Team Commanding Officer,or Senior Enlisted Marine spouse as a part of the FamilyReadiness Command Team.

For more information call 830-4163.

Readiness & Deployment Support enhances unit readi-ness by delivering mobile family education programs to allages. Designed specifically for Marines, sailors and fami-lies, these programs increase awareness of relevant readi-ness issues, while offering individuals creative ideas tobuild a healthier family. We cover a variety of topics includ-ing command support, information & resources, pre-deployment briefs, readiness training and return & reunionworkshops.Pre-Deployment for Marines and Families

This workshop highlights key areas of personal andfamily preparation for single Marines, married Marines andtheir respective families; either active duty or reservists.Suggestions for personal and family preparation includingimportant documents, emergency communication, moneymanagement, operational security, sources of assistanceand information and referral resources are provided.Pre-Deployment for Children and their Parents

This program uses age-appropriate activities for chil-dren age five and older to prepare for the upcomingdeployment. The adult component combines discussionand demonstrations to highlight ways parents can supporttheir children and recognize common reactions childrenmay exhibit due to deployment related stress.Deployment Success

This workshop is designed to promote deployment suc-cess for the spouse or significant other at home during adeployment and includes suggestions for fun things to do,goal setting and resources. This is a great opportunity toassess progress thus far, get new ideas for continued suc-cess and also networking with other Marine Corps spous-es and significant others.Self Care

This workshop is designed to promote deploymentsuccess through self-care for the spouse or significantother at home during the deployment. It includes infor-mation about stress management, staying connectedwith your Marine, dealing with emotional ups anddowns and resources.Kids and Deployment

This workshop is designed to promote deployment suc-cess for kids, including reactions to deployment, ways par-ents can help and resources.Return and Reunion- Spouses and Significant Others

Spouses and significant others of returning Marines areeager to talk about homecoming anticipation, expectationsand concerns. The ideal time to discuss homecoming isapproximately a month before a unit returns from deploy-ment. This allows enough time for communication tooccur and plans to be made before the Marine returns.Return and Reunion for Kids and their Parents

This program uses age appropriate activities for chil-dren age five and older to prepare for the upcoming return,reunion and reintegration with their Marine parent. Theadult component combines discussion and demonstrationsto highlight ways parents can support their child duringthis time.Return and Reunion for Parents and Extended Family

This program answers questions about what to expectat homecoming, provides suggestions on celebratinghomecoming with their Marine and addresses concernsabout the effects that serving in a combat zone might haveon their Marine.Reintegration- Strong Marine Couples

This training provides a forum for couples to assesstheir recent deployment experience in an effort to furtherstrengthen their relationship. This educational workshopaddresses the effect of reintegration on a relationship,allows couples to assess the level of relationship satisfac-tion and provides communication tools and resources forcouples to use to strengthen their relationship.

For more information call 830-3124 or 830-3127.

L.I.N.K.S. is an official Marine Corps program which helpsfamilies connect to the Corps.

The Marine Corps has expanded its definition of family, toinclude the family Marines were born into, sworn into, andmarried into. The L.I.N.K.S. program now offers multipleclasses to accommodate all aspects of a Marine’s family:L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses, L.I.N.K.S. for Teens, L.I.N.K.S. forSchool-Age Kids, L.I.N.K.S. for Marines, and L.I.N.K.S. forMarine Parents and Extended Family.

L - Lifestyle is a way of living; in this case, it meansunderstanding the military community and the uniquelifestyle it offers.

I - Insights come from experienced Marine Corps spouses,who relate their experiences of living the Marine Corpslifestyle. These spouses understand first hand what you aregoing through and who want to help you adapt to the newculture you married into.

N - Networking represents the relationships you formduring L.I.N.K.S. and throughout your journey in theMarine Corps.

K - Knowledge is what you will leave with and what willhelp you understand and navigate the Marine Corps culture.

S - Skills learned to help you enjoy and thrive in our MarineCorps community.

For more information call 830-1696.

The LifeSkills Program provides facilitation of variousworkshops in such areas as Four Lenses, Family Care Plans, 7Habits of Highly Effective Families, Beyond the LookingGlass and Pre-Marital, Interpersonal, Choices, & Knowledge(P.I.C.K.). PREP is a program supported by LifeSkills thatprovides couples with tools to enhance their communicationand problem-solving skills. Spouses Learning Series (SLS) is afour-hour workshop that helps a spouse focus on empower-ment, time management, goal setting and accomplishments.

For more information call 830-3115.

Marine Corps Family Team BuildingThe mission and focus of Marine Corps Family Team

Building (MCFTB) is to improve the quality of life for ourservice members and their families by providing reliable,high quality programs and services that promote healthylifestyles and improve morale, unit and personal readinessand retention. MCFTB is comprised of the following:

These programs and many others are supported atall major installations by Marine Corps CommunityServices (MCCS) through a MCFTB office staffedwith a MCFTB Director, MCFTB AdministrativeAssistant, Family Readiness Program Trainers,Readiness & Deployment Support Trainers,LifeSkills Trainer, L.I.N.K.S. Trainers andL.I.N.K.S. Administrative Assistant.

Special to the Observation Post

B2 NOOVVEEMMBBEERR 30, 2012 OBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN Post

Liber t y Call

FFrreeee LLiinnee DDaannccee LLeessssoonnssLearn to dance the night awayWhen: 5 - 9 p.m., every SundayWhere: Willie Boy’s Saloon and Dance Hall50048 29 Palms Hwy, Morongo Valley, Calif.For more information, call 363-3343.

Local Events

EExxccuurrssiioonnss EEnnlliisstteedd CClluubbMonday: Margarita MondaysThursday: Rockin’ Karaoke 7-10 p.m.Friday: Social hour with food, 5 - 7 p.m. followed byDJ Gjettblaque, 8 - 11 p.m., Ladies NightSaturday: Variety Night, DJ Gjettblaque 8 - 11 p.m.

BBllooooddssttrriippeess NNCCOO CClluubbMonday: Margarita Mondays Thursday: Warrior Night 4:30 - 9 p.m.Friday: Karaoke Night 6 - 9 p.m.

HHaasshhmmaarrkkss 2299 SSNNCCOO CClluubbFriday: Steak Night, 4:30 - 8 p.m.Monday-Friday: All-hands lunch from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Monday: All-hands steak night, 4:30 - 8 p.m.

CCoommbbaatt CCeenntteerr OOffffiicceerrss’’ CClluubbMonday: Steak night, 5 - 7:30 p.m.Monday-Friday: All-hands lunch, from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Thursday: Taco Night, 5 - 7 p.m.

For complete calendars visit http://www.mccs29palms.com.

Combat Center Clubs

Sunset Cinema

Lower DesertPPaaccqquuiiaaoo vvss.. MMaarrqquueezz 44Fighters take the ring When: 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8Where: Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa32-250 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho MirageFor more information call 888-999-1995 or visit http://hotwatercasino.com.

JJoouurrnneeyyClassic band performsWhen: 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, IndioFor more information call 800-827-2946 or visithttp://www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

OOhhiioo PPllaayyeerrss aanndd TThhee FFaammiillyy SSttoonneeAmerican funk groups performWhen: 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 29Where: Spotlight 29 Casino Resort46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella, Calif.For more information call 866-377-6829 or visithttp://www.spotlight29.com.

MMaarriiaacchhii DDiivvaassQuintet performsWhen: 9:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15Where: Morongo Casino Resort and Spa49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, Calif.For more information call 800-252-4499 or visithttp://www.morongocasinoresort.com.

NNEEIILL PPOONNDD

“Red Dawn”

Starring Chris Hemsworth & Josh Peck Directed by Dan BradleyRated PG-13

The bad news: We’ve been invaded.The good news: Kids are takingAmerica back!

That’s the plot of “Red Dawn,” inwhich a small town in the PacificNorthwest, like the rest of the nation, isoverrun by hostile foreign forces. Thankgoodness for the local high school foot-ball team, the Wolverines, which sprintsoff the gridiron and heads to the hills tobecome a strike force of patriot fighters.

If that has a vaguely familiar ring,you’re probably hearing the distantechoes of 1984, when the original “RedDawn” brought the same basic story tothe screen. Back then it was Russiansdropping into Colorado, not NorthKoreans taking over Washington state.

The 1984 movie starred a roundup ofthe decade’s young stars, includingCharlie Sheen and Patrick Swayze. It was-n’t Shakespeare by any stretch, but it hasheld up relatively well in cold storage as aslice of gung-ho, Reagan Era, all-American cheese.

And it’s a practically a nostalgic master-piece compared to this misguided remake.

I’ll leave the debate over the plausibil-ity of a successful North American inva-sion by North Korea paratroopers to mil-itary tacticians and armchair generals.And there’s certainly drama to be foundin a story about brave rebels anywherefighting for their heartland. But this

movie’s got some real problems beyondits basic premise.

Its star power is concentrated in ChrisHemsworth, who wasn’t a star yet whenhe took on the lead role of a young U.S.military vet newly returned to his home-town from a tour of duty in Iraq. He’d goon later to make the blockbusters “Thor”and “The Avengers” while “Red Dawn”underwent major tweaking.

When this “Dawn” was filmed nearlythree years ago, the bad guys wereChinese. Its release was stalled when itsstudio, MGM, filed for bankruptcy, andproducers had time to ponder theprospect of losing millions of dollars byoffending potential distributors in China.So a new opening was created, dialog wasoverdubbed, scenes were re-cut, and theinvading army’s identifying markingswere digitally changed to those of NorthKorea. No doubt that created a real messin the editing room.

Josh Hutcherson also had “RedDawn” in the can before he startedshooting his role as Peeta in “TheHunger Games.” The other lead actor,Josh Peck, may someday break free ofthe goofball, teen-sitcom stigma from hisNickeodeon “Drake and Josh” comedyseries, but I’m afraid “Red Dawn” isn’tgoing to give him much of a career push.

Adrianne Palicki (Tyra Collette fromTV’s “Friday Night Lights”) plays ahometown hottie who takes with sur-prising swiftness to the life of a resist-ance fighter. Jeffrey Dean Morgan(Denny Duquette on “Grey’sAnatomy”) shows up mid-movie as aU.S. military militia commander who’sheard about the Wolverines and seeksthem out for their help.

The story stretches credibility at everyturn. The dialog sounds like it wascribbed one line at a time from an action-movie build-a-script book (“It’s a goodday to die!” “Show us your guns, girls!”“We’re the Wolverines, and we createchaos!”) Shaky-cam action scenes are sojarringly shot and edited they’re practical-ly incomprehensible.

And, oh, the unanswered questions:Why have we been invaded? What do theChinese---I mean, the North Koreans---want? Why does the Pacific Northwestlook like Michigan? (Oh---that’s wherethe movie was filmed.) Why are some cit-izens (like the cheerleader girlfriend ofPeck’s character) held in detentioncamps, and others allowed to go abouttheir lives, shopping on Main Street andeating at Subway? And just how do youturn a losing football team into a teenagestrike force of crack, bazooka-wieldingguerrilla warriors?

Perhaps they’ve been weaned on com-bat video games, on which the movieactually seems to depend for much of itsdramatic structure: lots of blasting, littletime for explanation, little hope for any-one who doesn’t like the taste of redmeat, and characters that fall cleanly onone side or the other of the goodguy/bad guy line.

In one scene, the young rebels, dur-ing a moment of exhausted repose intheir hillside hideout, reflect on thethings they miss. One says toilets thatflush. Others mention pizza, hot girls,TV and videogames.

“Dude, we’ve been living ‘Call ofDuty,’” says another. “And it sucks!”

Yes, it certainly does. And dude, cometo think of it, you totally nailed it.

Kids repel invading forces

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 33006 p.m. – Here comes the Boom, Rated PG9 p.m. – Pitch Perfect, Rated PG-13Midnight – Taken 2, Rated PG-13SSaattuurrddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 1110:30 a.m.– Free Matinee Elf, Rated PG12:30 p.m.– Hotel Transylvania 3D, Rated PG3 p.m. –Frankenweenie 3D, Rated PG6 p.m. – Looper, Rated R9 p.m. – Argo, Rated RMidnight – Sinister, Rated RSSuunnddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 2212:30 p.m. – Frankenweenie, Rated PG3 p.m. – Alex Cross, Rated PG-136 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania 3D, Rated PG9 p.m. – Paranormal Activity 4, Rated RMMoonnddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 339 p.m.– Taken 2, Rated PG-13TTuueessddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 447 p.m. – Frankenweenie 3D, Rated GWWeeddnneessddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 555:30 p.m. – Looper, Rated R8:30 p.m. – Sinister, Rated RTThhuurrssddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 665:30 p.m. – Frankenweenie, Rated PG8:30 p.m. – Pitch Perfect, Rated PG-13

CCOOUURRTTEESSYY PPHHOOTTOO

A small town in the Pacific Northwest, like the rest of the nation, is overrun by hostile foreign forces. Thank goodnessfor the local high school football team, the Wolverines, which sprints off the gridiron and heads to the hills to becomea strike force of patriot fighters.

Whatever you’re looking for, you can

find it in the

Observation PostClassified section