By the Soldiers for the Soldiers in the service
APRIL 2014 VOL. 1, NO. 3
Original YANK cover photo, published August 27, 1943.
A 6-1 Scout reports on his travels in Texas
How we fight today, 6-1 CAV, Fort Bliss
Cover photo: Spc. Steven Campbell, Jr., recreates the original YANK cover photo from August 27, 1943. Campbell earned the title of READY Scout in the READY Stakes competition.
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, 1/1 AD PAO No Soldiers were harmed in the recreation of this photo.
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Table of Contents: P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P.
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Memo from R6 1-36 IN 3-41 IN 4-17 IN 6-1 CAV 2-3 FA 16 EN 501 BSB Memo from R7
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The new Spartans: Rise of an Empire 1st Lt. Andrew Alcocer, 1-36 IN UPAR
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ig things and big changes have been happening recently for the Spartans of 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division. Since returning home from Operation: Enduring Freedom 12-13 last fall, the Spartans have seen a mass turnover of manpower and are eagerly welcoming new Soldiers and leaders to the ranks. In addition to the fresh faces in formation, a total of three company change of command ceremonies occurred between February 26 and April 2. Our new commanders find themselves at the helm of new organizations ready to train and execute any mission, at any time, in any place. This certainly is for the best as the Spartans have no plans for remaining idle in the future. Whether supporting Cadet Summer Training to shape the future leaders of the Army, or taking part in worldwide contingency operations as a part of the Army’s 21st century Global Response Force (GRF), the Spartans are at the front of the Ready First formation with shields held high. “It’s pretty exciting right now to be a Spartan,” said Pfc. Brooks Maxedon, an infantryman with Headquarters Headquarters Company, 1-36 IN, and a native of Tracy, California. “I’m really looking forward to training with my team for upcoming live fire training this summer.” Maxedon was also recently recognized at the new endof-the-month ‘Spartan Hero’ formation, which aims to recognize the most outstanding performers from each of the three companies, with a commander’s coin and Certificate of Achievement. Maxedon found himself acknowledged for strenuous ammunition support for up to four battalion ranges in February in addition to keeping both Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicles he maintains as a driver serviceable to the highest standard. “It was an honor to be recognized by my peers,” said
Maxedon. “However, more importantly, it was a reminder to continue striving for excellence in everything I do to better serve my unit.” Another of those Soldiers serving his unit is Pfc. Damian Reed a mechanic and native of Douglasville, Georgia. “I am proud to be part of a new company and having a role in standing it up,” said Reed. The newest formation to join the battalion since the departure of the 29th Engineers, Spartans will soon be seeing the Forward Support Company (FSC) lined up next to its three existing companies. “As an NCO in a FSC I will have more opportunity to demonstrate my skills as a mechanic as well as a leader,” said Sgt. Marquis Kornegay, a native of Grifton, North Carolina. Golf Company will add a whole new level of support and internal sustainment for the Spartan Battalion. “I’m excited to stand up the FSC because the new unit organization will allow for greater flexibility for the sustainment of the battalion than previously,” said Capt. John Hallet, the newest company commander in the Spartan family. “It is an amazing opportunity to be the one selected to do it.” As the weeks and training events begin to pass, it is with great excitement that the Soldiers and leaders of 1-36 IN watch the unit continue to build cohesion and looks toward the future. Although the Spartans now have everything from infantryman to mechanics; fire support officers to cooks, everyone knows there is a role for every Soldier to perform. There is no doubt there will be tests up ahead with upcoming situational training exercises, live fires exercises, and nights in the field to reach the status of ‘T’ for trained. But with all the new changes and the challenges to come, the Spartans are once more ready to cement their reputation as the Ready First’s premiere maneuver battalion!
Top: Capt. Matthew Burton ofers a farewell address to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, prior to his change of command ceremony, Feb. 26. Above Left: Soldiers and leaders of Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, line up to bid farewell to outgoing commander, Capt. Matthew Burton, after his change of command ceremony, Feb. 26. Above Right: 1st Sgt. Carl Pratt stands in front of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, during a company change of command, Feb. 26. (Photos by 1st Lt. Andrew Alcocer, 1-36 IN UPAR.)
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Rifle Soldiers take to Live Fire Exercise 1st Lt. Charles Rowell, 3-41 IN UPAR n early 2014, 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, focused on the training of its indirect fires capabilities, equipment, and indirect MOS-specific personnel. All of the mortar sections, forward observers, and the mortar platoon from the 3-41 “Rifles” participated in the battalion consolidated mortar live fire exercise. This consisted of utilizing the Mortar Carrier Vehicle Stryker Variant with a mounted 120mm mortar weapon system, the 81mm mortar weapon system, and the 60mm mortar weapon system. “There were different missions that allowed us to train on bracket adjustments, radio etiquette, and developing Forward Observer Team to Mortar Section cohesion,” said Spc. Jonathan Bradley, a forward observer and native of Redford Township, Michigan. Training was conducted during daytime and nighttime hours. Hands-on training is a must in order for these Iron Soldiers to go beyond familiarization and reach qualification standards. To truncate their tasks, each element must be able to emplace given their specific equipment set, establish proper communication, positively identify targets, engage targets with the proper munitions and conclude with a Battle Damage Assessment. The training facilitate an environment with several moving pieces, collaborative team working atmosphere, and an eye opening experience for newly in-processed Iron Soldiers that did not deploy with the Battalion to Afghanistan in 2013. “I am new to the unit and this was my first live fire exercise since AIT,” said Pfc. Matthew Ezzell, an ammo bearer and assistant gunner. “I found it to be really useful because there were other Soldiers nearby that the experience already.” Ezzell is a native of Willingham, North Carolina. Mortar teams and forward observer teams trained iteration after iteration and worked out the kinks and frictions points involved with the different processes in the training. A variety of missions forced the Iron Soldiers to quickly adapt and apply lessons learned. “Since moving from HHC to Bravo Company, 3-41 IN, I’ve had to learn about the mortar fire control system in depth,” said Spc. Conor McGowan, an assistant gunner from Omaha, Nebraska. “After applying what I learned during the live fire exercise, I was able to troubleshoot more effi-
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ciently. Also, my section conducted a direct lay engagement with a 60mm mortar and that was really exciting.” Nonetheless, after a four day mortar live fire exercise, it resulted in success through confidence building and forging unit cohesion at the team level. The readiness of the battalion was greatly improved as Iron Soldiers enhanced their accuracy, speed, and lethality, all while conducting the training safely and effectively. “The Battalion Consolidated Live Fire Training simulated combat scenarios,” said Pfc. Apollo Perono, a driver and assistant gunner from Kauai, Hawaii. “Fire mission after fire mission was kind of stressful, but the speed of it all kept it interesting. As a driver for my mortar section, this exercise helped me to learn to quickly position the mortar carrier vehicle into an advantageous spot during the night and daytime so that the crew can get on target faster. I really felt like I was part of the team while learning all the different positions.” Top: Sgt. Ronald Hughes, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, orients mortar gunner Spc. Sean Todd onto target while Spc. Demond Thomas assists in adjusting the 81mm mortar systems. Left: Sgt. Jessie Sanchez and Spc. Jonathan Bradley, forward observers for Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, observe 120mm rounds from a Stryker during an exercise earlier this year. (Photos by 1st Lt. Charles Rowell, 3-41 IN UPAR.)
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Operation Buffalo Stomp 1st Lt. Charles Schroeder, 4-17 IN UPAR
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he weather was blustery, the temperature was dropping fast and the Soldiers of the Buffalo Battalion were staged on their pickup zone awaiting the CH-47 “Chinook” helicopters that would take them to Operation Buffalo Stomp in the mountainous training areas of south eastern Fort Bliss. The “Buffalos” of 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, at Fort Bliss, Texas, conducted platoon and company exercise and evaluation in March. In total, 652 Soldiers participated in the exercise. Six sling loads were conducted to include palettes of fortification supplies, such as sand bags and concertina wire, a water buffalo, a Humvee and four training air medical evacuations were conducted, including one using a hoist. Each company within the battalion cycled through one training rotation and one rotation as opposing forces during the exercise. The company training began with the company air assaulting by Chinook helicopter onto a landing zone within three kilometers of known enemy positions. The platoons of each company then broke off into three different directions to clear two known enemy locations each. Once all enemy was cleared, the company reconsolidated to prepare for a deliberate attack the next morning, followed by a company defense. The training was concluded with after action reviews at the platoon and company level. The battalion medical platoon provided medical support and conducted medevac training in conjunction with the exercise. This platoon provided the link between the companies and the medevac helicopters, enabling the companies to quickly move their simulated casualties from the location of injury rearward. The medical platoon conducted two link-ups with “Blackhawk” medevac helicopters. The battalion recon platoon supported the exercise by providing early intelligence information of opposing force locations and activities. The recon platoon air assaulted small teams by helicopter to mountain tops within the training area to observe oppositional activities a day before each company air assaulted. The battalion mortar platoon provided simulated longrange fire support for each company during training with their 120mm mortars. The exercise provided J. Company, 501st Brigade Support Battalion 1/1 AD, the battalion’s newly formed Forward Support Company, its first opportunity to conduct logistical operations in a field environment. “Being light infantry takes a little getting used to,” said Pfc. Micah Salas. “Tactics change when you are dismounted and [not using vehicles] was more physically demanding.” “It was so cold it made it harder to do everything,” said Pvt. Jonathon Simon, “Especially pulling security.” Overall, Operation Buffalo Stomp was viewed as a success by the Buffalo battalion leadership with valuable lessons learned across the 4-17 IN. Top: Spc. Jason Douglas of Warner Robins, Ga. evacuates a simulated casualty, Pvt. Jesus Arellano of Sanford, N.C. during Operation Buffalo Stomp at Fort Bliss, Texas. Both are Soldiers assigned to assigned to 2nd Platoon, Baker Company, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment. Center: Staff Sgt. Eric Walsh of Danielson, Conn., a Rifle Squad Leader assigned to 1st Platoon, Baker Company, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, maneuvers toward an enemy position while a Stryker from his platoon pulls security during Operation Buffalo Stomp at Fort Bliss, Texas. Bottom: Lt. Col. James Van Atta of Denver, Colo., Buffalo battalion commander, receives a situation report from the leadership of 1st Platoon, Baker Company, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, during Operation Buffalo Stomp at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photos by 1st Lt. Charles Schroeder, 4-17 IN UPAR.)
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6-1 CAV Soldier out-scouts competition Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, 1/1 AD Public Affairs
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ut of an entire squadron, an entire brigade, even, there could be only one. Only one who could earn the title of First Scout. During the weeklong Ready Stakes event the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division held, a Soldier from 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1/1 AD, earned that name. Spc. Steven Campbell, Jr., a native of Jacksonville, Florida, has been in the Army for just over three years. He deployed with the brigade to Afghanistan in 2013, and spent most of that time as a gunner. “It was tougher than I expected,” said Campbell. “The most difficult part was the ruck. I just kept telling myself that I’ve done worse.” Tests of the scout competition included a call-for-fire, commo training, weapons training, a six-mile run, a route reconnaissance test, general scout tests, a nine-line medevac and a 12-mile ruck march. “I knew I was strong on the physical aspect of it,” said Campbell. “I also did well on the First Scout test we did. Once they told me I was in the running for it, I made sure I did my best.” Though Campbell had to compete in each event individually, he wasn’t alone. His platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt. Jamison Hall, of Dubois, Indiana, provided the support that Campbell needed throughout the week. “Even though it was an individual award given to me, I feel like I couldn’t have done it without the training that my NCOs gave me,” said Campbell. “We went over the events with him, but he really took it on his own,” countered Hall. “It was really motivating to see him shine above his peers.” This is the first event of its kind that the brigade has held, but likely will not be the last. Campbell plans on defending his title next year, and knows what he needs to improve on. Even so, he brought his game to the competition and rose above the rest. “I’m really proud of him,” said Hall. “To see him grow and see him accomplish the best scout in the brigade is a pretty big deal.”
Top: Spc. Steven Campbell, Jr., a scout in 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, and a native of Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a medal by Col. Ross Coffman during the Ready Stakes event at Fort Bliss, April 11. Campbell earned the title of Ready Scout from the weeklong competition. Left: Spc. Steven Campbell, Jr., the winner of the Ready Scout, recreates the cover photo of this month’s YANK issue in the training area of Fort Bliss, Texas, April 28. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, 1/1 AD PAO.)
The Ready Stakes event was a weeklong brigade competition where Soldiers competed in their MOS specific skillsets, as well as physical endurances. Events were both individual and team-based. At the end of the week, an award cermeony was held for the winners, with more than 90 medals and trophies presented. Check back in next month’s YANK for more from the battalions on this event!
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Artillery Basics Training: Gunner Style Spc. Victor Mercado, 1-36 IN
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hrough early 2014, the Gunners of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, have conducted Artillery Basics Training to refresh leaders on essential artillery tasks. Each Tuesday was dedicated to a different skill set, with the emphasis being on cannon crew procedures and the manual computation of firing data. The majority of the training was given by the battalion master gunner, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Medrano, with Soldiers and leaders throughout the battalion assisting in training. For lieutenants who recently transitioned from fire support officers back to roles in the Gunner battalion, the training has been a chance to refresh on the skills learned in Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course. “Artillery Basics Training provides hands on learning exercises which give fire direction officerss, platoon leaders, chiefs and gunneys invaluable refreshing on basic required functions of the firing battery,” said 1st Lt. Cory Livingston, FDO for Charlie Battery, 2-3 FA. Staff Sgt. Michael Darden and his section assisted Medrano in instructing soldiers and leaders on skill level one and other common task on the M777A2 Howitzer during Artillery Basics Training. “Artillery Basics Training has been very rewarding,” said Darden. “It has given me an opportunity to share my knowledge with the battalion leadership on the triple-seven.” Not only was the Artillery Basics Training a great opportunity for leaders to refine their skills, but the Soldiers helping with the demonstrations also took a lot out of the training. Spc. Nathan Barth, an assistant gunner for Alpha Battery, 2-3 FA, said, “Artillery Basics Training gave me an opportunity to refresh and catch up on my basic artillery skills as an assistant gunner. We’ve been practicing regularly to get up to speed on our jobs.” “Artillery Basics Training was second-to-none in helping my confidence to pursue the gunner position after fulfilling my position as assistant gunner,” said Spc. Francisco Chavez, a cannoneer in A. Battery, 2-3 FA, who assisted with the training. “I learned the task and responsibilities used in laying and firing the M777A2 Howitzer.” Sgt. 1st Class Harvey Cornelius, the Gunner’s fire direction NCOIC, rotated training demonstrations between Battery Fire Direction Centers in order to provide opportunities for Soldiers to learn as well as the leaders. “Artillery Basics Training has been a great opportunity for the younger Soldiers who have been away from doing their job since AIT, to experience and learn what it takes to be a true Cannon Fire Direction Specialist,” said Cornelius. “They are starting to grasp the artillery concepts and grow in competence which in turn, builds their confidence.” Overall, the last month of training has been an excellent opportunity for Soldiers and leaders of the Gunner battalion to brush up on core Artillery skills. The Artillery Basics Training covered a wide variety of skills-sets that are essential for any Field Artillery battalion. With live fire scheduled for May, the Gunners have no time to spare and training like this is essential for unit readiness. Top: Staff Sgt. Michael Darden (center,) section chief, 1st Section, 1st Platoon, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, instructs his gunner, Spc. Eric Skiles (right) on digital communications setup for the M777 Howitzer, Feb. 19. Center: Spc. Eric Skiles, a gunner with Alpha Battery, 2-3 FA, emplaces the M777 for training at Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 19. Bottom: Staff Sgt. Israel Martinez, Pfc. Devante Brown, PV2 Mark Billings, Spc. Nathan Barth and PV2 Holden Cooley, Alpha Battery, 2-3 FA, attach the section’s M777 Howitzer to the back of their vehicle after completing training at Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 19. (Photos by 1st Lt. Tobias Duncan, 2-3 FA UPAR.)
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History of the German Military Badge for Weapons Catamounts take to testing foreign badge
Sgt. Cody Autrey, 16th EN BN For 60 years, the German Armed Forces have shared their badge for weapons proficiency, known as the Schützenschnur, qualification, and wear with the United States Armed Forces. The Schützenschnur became an official military award during the Command of Gerhard von Scharnhorst, Chief of the Prussian General Staff, which dates back to the 18th Century. At its conception the Schützenschnur consisted of 12 different award levels and different variations for infantry and armored personnel. Now the German Armed Forces only recognize three levels of the award which include the bronze, silver, and gold medals accompanied by a silver colored rope. The award, a round metal badge on the flat end, near the top of the rope, displays the German eagle surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves on its center. The Schützenschnur is awarded to German military personnel of all grades, however, is only authorized to be worn by enlisted personnel. The German Armed Forces regulations further articulates, “the Schützenschnur is a decoration for weapons proficiency for enlisted soldiers.” Officers can receive the award, but it is not authorized to be worn on their uniforms. Foreign military personnel also may be awarded the badge; however, the German military regulation regarding the wear on officer uniforms still applies. In the United States military, the German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency (Schützenschnur) is one of the few approved foreign award requiring no individual ap-
proval request to be forwarded through the Soldiers chain of command to the United States Senate for acceptance. There are a total of three weapon systems required for the badge qualification. All three weapon systems use the most common NATO rounds. Weapons for the Schützenschnur include pistol, rifle and machine gun. For the pistol event there are two different qualifications a Soldier must complete, followed by one firing event for the rifle and the machine gun. If a Soldier successfully completes all qualification events they are eligible to receive one of three Schützenschnur badges, which are bronze (lowest), silver, and gold (highest). Out of all the shooting events the Soldier is awarded the lowest score to what was earned. For example if a Soldier fired a silver qualifying score in the pistol event, but rifle and machinegun events were bronze the Soldier would receive a Bronze Medal for the entire competition. Since the 18th Century the tradition of the Schützenschnur has carried on. The 2014 Fort Bliss Schützenschnur Competition provided 16th Engineer Battalion, Catamount Soldiers, one of their first opportunities to showcase their marksmanship talents against other units in the Fort Bliss and 1st Armored Division community. Four Catamount Soldiers participated in this year’s competition which resulted in one gold and three silver Schützenschnur badges being awarded. Catamount Soldiers were honored to compete in this year’s competition recognizing the significance of the award as a symbol of marksmanship, discipline, honor, and respect to the country of Germany.
Photos: Soldiers from 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, earn their badge for German weaponry, the Schützenschnur. Soldiers could earn the bronze, silver or gold badge, depending on their skill on the pistol, rifle and machine gun. (Photos by Sgt. Cody Autrey, 16th EN BN.)
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C. Co., 501st BSB coordinates Fort Bliss’ EFMB testing Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB UPAR
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he completion of Fort Bliss’ Expert Field Medical Badge was the first testing of its kind this year. The EFMB is the “portrait of excellence,” and increases any units’ survivability on the battlefield. Today, a Soldier wounded on the battlefield now has over a 90% survival rate, when properly treated by medical personnel. The training and testing took place at Forward Operating Base Freedom, a training site on Fort Bliss. Testing events included: Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Medical and Casualty evacuation, communications/transmitting a 9-line MEDEVAC request, warrior skills, day and night land navigation, a 12-mile road march and a written examination. The days of training and testing were long, with mandatory study hall hours implemented. More than 230 medical personnel competed to earn their Expert Field Medical Badge. The EFMB testing is broken down into two weeks, the first week consisting of train-up and standardization, and the following week is comprised of the actual testing of the candidates’ knowledge and skills. Standardization week is where the evaluators explain to the candidates the proper techniques to successfully complete a medical lane, without getting a “no-go.” All evaluators and graders involved have already earned their
EFMB, and are seen as the “mentors” to the new EFMB candidates competing this cycle. This years’ testing resulted in 46 soldiers earning their EFMB. These soldiers included Army Reservists and non-medics. It is believed by most that only medics can receive the EFMB, but candidates need only to have a medical profession to participate. This year, Capt. Garth Evers from 123rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, earned his EFMB. Evers works as a physical therapist for 4/1 AD and states that competing for the EFMB was a challenge, but worthwhile. Of this year’s 46 badge recipients, four were females. The fastest candidate completed the road march in two hours and twenty-eight minutes, and the qualification passing rate was 19%. Supplies, time and effort were all put in to help the testing Soldiers earn their EFMB. Soldiers from 501st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, worked 12 hour shifts, ensuring all candidates had a suitable stay at FOB Freedom. “The role we provided was an oversight on command and control for all EFMB candidates,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Stevens, medical operations noncommissioned officer in charge for Charlie Company, 501st BSB.
Top Left: Spc. Allan Puls, Pfc. Nicholas Karcher and Sgt. Michael Santiago, all Soldiers with Charlie Company 501st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, pose during the Expert Field Medical Badge competition in February. Only 46 Soldiers earned the EFMB. (Photo by Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB UPAR.) Top Right: The 46 recipients of the Expert Field Medical Badge march to their pinning ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 28. (Photo by Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB UPAR.) Bottom Left: Command Sgt. Maj. David Lee, 501st BSB command sergeant major, pins the EFMB on Spc. Nicholas Karcher during the pinning ceremony, Feb. 28. Karcher was one of 46 Soldiers to earn their EFMB. (Photo by Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB UPAR.) Bottom Right: A Soldier with 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, checks his azimuth during the land navigation training for the Expert Field Medical Badge in February. Only 46 Soldiers earned the EFMB. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, 1/1 AD Public Affairs.)
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Have a voice in the YANK! Send all questions, comments or suggestions to our editors. We want to hear from YOU! Private message the editors through the Brigade Facebook page or email us directly. Do you draw? The YANK wants to publish your comics or drawings! Contact the editors. Staff: Layout/design, editor: Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus Contributing writers: 1st Lt. Andrew Alcocer, 1-36 IN 1st Lt. Charles Rowell, 3-41 IN 1st Lt. Charles Schroeder, 4-17 IN Spc. Victor Mercado, 2-3 FA Sgt. Cody Autrey, 16th EN Sgt. Crystal Blanco, 501st BSB Contact the editors: kristen.l.duus.mil@mail.mil Facebook: 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division Ready First COL Ross Coffman Twitter: @ReadyFirst6
You tell us WHERE and WE will take the photos. Send your photo suggestions to the editors! YANK, the Army Weekly, was a magazine published by the United States military during World War II. The first issue was published with the cover date of June 17, 1942. The magazine was written by enlisted rank Soldiers only for service members stationed overseas. YANK was published at facilities around the world, for a total of 21 editions in 17 countries. It was the most widely read magazine in the history of the U.S. military, achieving worldwide circulation of more than 2.6 million readers.