From The Desk Of:
Col. Matthew Brown
Colleagues,
I’d first like to thank you for what you do for our state and nation. I am approaching 30 years of service with the VTARNG, and can speak first hand to the great things I see and hear about everyday. Now as the Chief of Staff, I have much greater visibility on all the many efforts made by our members.
The evidence of your skill and ability was evident when members of our Garrison Support Command conducted numerous rescue operations with the Vermont Swift Water Rescue Team during flash flooding across the state. Our quick reaction team was again called upon to answer the call and their efforts cannot be underscored enough. I’m truly proud of their ability and resiliency during another round of flooding in Vermont.
Many of our Soldiers are currently conducting annual training at Fort Drum and at EAFR. In fact I saw some vehicles leaving EAFR today heading to Fort Drum. While I am enjoying my new job, I do miss my days as a junior infantry officer working with the finest Soldiers in the Army. Enjoy these days together – they go by very quickly!
We are also hosting the National Best Warrior Competition at the range. 14 competitors from across Guard nation compete right here in Vermont for the title of Besst Warrior. Thanks to all the NCOs and officers that have helped organize this event.
I’d like to recognize some of our units and staff positions for the great work they’ve done: The Critical Infrastructure Team redeploys from a yearlong mission supporting national cyber security operations soon; this fall the S&S Detachment will redeploy from the southwest boarder mission; our G8 and Safety Programs have scored above the national average during critical inspections; our Army aviation units recently returned from a deployment to CENTCOM; and this all while we host a variety of schools, SPP events, and VIP visits.
The sheer number of events and missions this organization conducts is amazing. Every one of you should be proud to be members. Thank you for what you do and the professionalism with which you do it. I continue to stand in awe of it daily and only more so as your Chief of Staff.
-Col. Matthew Brown
Vermont Sets Out To Annual Training
Summer holds a special place for members of the Vermont National Guard and it's 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. As the hours pass, Soldiering goes on, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities to hone their skills. The heat of the season only fuels their determination as they train tirelessly, from Fort Drum to the mountains of Vermont, embodying the spirit of dedication and teamwork.
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It is crucial that the members of the Vermont National Guard gain knowledge and confidence in the equipment and weapons systems they are asked to utilize and maneuver.
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From conducting range operations to logistical operations, it's a constant all hands on deck effort to ensure everyone is getting their mission capable training during their summer AT. It provides an environment that allows them to test their capabilities in a combat like scenario.
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At annual training, a combat team in the National Guard needs to practice a wide range of essential skills to ensure they are mission-ready. This includes mastering individual MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) skills such as marksmanship, medical aid, and communication operations. They conduct rigorous physical fitness training to maintain peak condition and engage in tactical exercises that simulate real-world combat scenarios.
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Team members also practice navigation and survival skills in various terrains, from dense forests to mountainous regions. Coordination and teamwork drills are crucial, as soldiers must learn to operate seamlessly within their units, executing complex maneuvers and strategies. Additionally, they focus on leadership development, logistical planning, and equipment maintenance to ensure all aspects of their operational capabilities are honed to perfection. This comprehensive training regimen is vital for preparing the combat team to effectively respond to any mission or emergency situation.
Vermont Hosts Army National Best Warrior Competition
The Best Warrior Competition is an Army tradition that annually tests soldiers and non-commissioned officers with various physical and mental military tasks. Vermont has been selected as the 2024 Host to the competition.
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Winners proceed to higher levels of competition and receive “Soldier of the Year” and “Non-commissioned Officer of the Year” accolades for victory. Competitions are first held at each state level. The winner of each state goes on to regionals (there are seven regions in the country). The junior enlisted Soldiers and NCOs that win their respective region compete in the national finals.
From Across The Nation
Making Training Real
Vermont National Guard attends SEEM Summit
Mr. Todd Connolly, state equal employment manager, Vermont National Guard, joined representatives from across the 54 at a SEEM Summit at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, 8-12 July.
The mission of the summit is to provide a collaborative knowledge-based learning environment between national and state-level EEO/MEO subject matter experts in the application of prevention and regulatory compliance. The end state is to synchronize methodologies across all 54 programs.
SPP - Linking Up With Austria
The 86th IBCT (MTN) welcomes troops of the Bundesheer (Austrian Armed Forces) who join us for Annual Training 2024 thanks to the State Partnership Program!
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This collaboration gives our Soldiers the opportunity to share knowledge and forge bonds with Austrian counterparts against the backdrop of Fort Drum, NY.
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U.S. Army Maj. General Greg Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard, presents an, "Honorary Green Mountain Boy Medal," to Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Würcher, Assistant to the Senior Defense Attaché, Austrian Embassy, Washington, D.C., for work he's done to assure our training collaborations are successful.
VTANG Trains on Ordinance
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A peek into the world of our Explosive Ordnance Disposal team! EOD personnel are highly trained, skilled technicians who are experts in explosives. They share the task of rendering safe and disposing of explosive material.
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Flood Response 2024
Vermont Army National Guard Soldiers worked with Urban Search and Rescue Teams to evacuate 19 people from locations in Barre, Northfield and Moretown last night.
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These rescues are in addition to the dozens of evacuations by Urban Search and Rescue Teams across Vermont.
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“Our teams reacted quickly to come together, prepare and be ready to help when needed,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Tatro, commander of the 40th Army Band and Officer-in-Charge of the National Guard Reaction Force Teams. “We partnered with multiple outstanding swift water teams and helped to serve the citizens of Vermont. Helping to rescue and evacuate people in need reinforces our pride in what we can do as part of the Vermont National Guard.”
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One team staged in Berlin supported the rescue of 6 people from Barre and conducted welfare checks in multiple areas, including Richmond and Middlesex. The other team staged in Berlin supported the rescue of 11 people, two dogs and four cats in Barre, Northfield and Moretown.
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