Desert Eagle JUN-2011 - USMTM, United States Military Training

Jun 2011
Desert Eagle
The Newsletter of Eskan Village, Joint Command, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Desert Eagle
Eskan Village Organizations
Volume 4, Issue 4
Editor: Beth Connors
USMTM
Jay L. Huston
Col, USMC
Chief, Acting
ON THE COVER
OPM-SANG
Frank D. Turner
MG, USA
Program Manager
OPM-FSF
Robert Catalanotti
MG, USA
Program Manager
64th AEG
Gary Nelson
Col, USAF
Commander
Fallen Soldier, Eskan Village Memorial Day Service 25 May 2011 Eskan
Village
Memorial
Day
Ceremony
OPM-FSF SPOTLIGHT
OPM-FSF Welcomes its First CSM
By SFC Steven David, OPM-FSF, Logistics NCOIC
MG Robert Catalanotti and OPM-FSF staff recently welcomed
CSM Milton Newsome, the first OPM-FSF Command Sergeant Major,
to Eskan Village and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
CSM Newsome comes to OPM-FSF from the 98th Training
Division out of Rochester, New York where he served as the division’s
Command Sergeant Major. As CSM of the 98th Division, he was a key
leader in the Division’s Drill Sergeant development program and in
mentoring the senior Noncommissioned Officers. This experience will
prove invaluable to OPM-FSF as the program continues to provide
quality instructors to train the Saudi Facilities Security Forces officers
and noncommissioned officers in both Jeddah and Dammam.
CSM Newsome is also no stranger to the CENTCOM Area of
Responsibility (AOR) or to working with the OPM-FSF Program Manager. From September, 2004 to October 2005, he served as the Command Sergeant Major for Coalition Military Assistance Training Team
(CMATT) based in Taji and Baghdad, Iraq. Additionally, this new assignment will mark the fourth time in the last eight years that CSM Newsome served at MG Catalanotti’s side as his Senior
Noncommissioned Officer. These experiences provide a unique perspective necessary in growing the training cadre of the
program.
During his past assignments and his time with the 98th Training Division, CSM Newsome established a reputation
for always caring for his Soldiers. This care included consistently setting high standards for his soldiers and always demanding the very best from them, no matter what their position or mission.
CSM Newsome’s wife, Sheila Newsome, is also a huge supporter of our military. She has been an active member
and leader of Family Readiness groups in past assignments, educating and assisting Soldiers’ families in accessing the many
resources available to deployed service members’ families. CSM Newsome and his wife reside in Rochester, New York.
OPM-FSF’s “Team Jeddah” Provide Tough, Realistic Training to Facility Security Forces
Personnel
By COL James Strife, OPM-FSF, Chief, Training Division
“Team Jeddah”, OPM-FSF’s Cadre of top-notch instructors and leaders, have built an outstanding training program
for the soldiers and leaders of the Facility Security Forces (FSF), the Critical Infrastructure Army for the Ministry of Interior. Since 2009, nearly 300 FSF personnel have graduated Basic and Advanced Officer Training, Basic NCO Training,
Train the Trainer, and many other courses. The curriculum varies widely and tailored to meet the needs and desires of the
FSF Leadership. Courses mirror closely those subjects that would normally be included in the US Military equivalent
courses; physical training, leadership, weapons training and troop leading procedures. Along with these standard courses,
classes on ethics, human rights and rules of land warfare are taught.
LTC Jim Ossey, Senior Advisor – West for OPM-FSF is quoted as saying “I am extremely proud of this fine cadre
of seasoned drill sergeants. The professionalism and expertise they bring to these young FSF NCO’s and Officers is invaluable. It has been the basis for forging a strong and trusting relationship with the FSF that will last for many years to come”.
The OPTEMPO for the staff at the FSF Training Center at Jeddah is high. As soon as the current class of mid-grade officers graduates, a new batch of brand new FSF Officers will be reporting after their graduation from the King Fahd Security
College later this month. “The staff doesn’t mind the back to back courses. They are dedicated to this mission and will do
whatever it takes to provide top-quality training to the FSF and their security professionals”, Ossey stated.
Time is running out! The Federal Long Term
Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) Open Season
ends on June 24, 2011. Current Federal civilian employees and their spouses/same-sex domestic partners, and
active members of the uniformed services and their
spouses, are eligible to apply. This is the first Open Season since 2002.
You can reach Long Term Care Partners
(LTCP), the administrator of the FLTCIP at 1-800-LTCFEDS (1-800-582-3337). Federal Long Term Care
Insurance website, http://www.ltcfeds.com.
Facility Security Forces Receive Intense English Training Instruction at Dammam By COL James Strife, OPM-FSF, Chief, Training Division
Providing a quality program of in-depth English Study and cultural awareness is the mission of the OPM-FSF Staff
at the Facility Security Forces (FSF) Training Facility at Dammam. U.S. Military Staff and Civilian Instructors began providing both FSF Officers and NCO’s the valuable nine month English curricula in 2009. To date, the Dammam Staff has
taught over 30 students; most have excelled, earning them an opportunity for follow-on English instruction at the Defense
Language Institute (DLI) at Lackland AFB, Texas. Following the additional training at DLI, many have gone on to the U.S.
Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood for security related instruction.
The program at Dammam has continued to grow in scope since its inception and is highly valued by the Senior
FSF Leadership. The strategic importance of advanced military training and cultural exchange cannot be overemphasized.
The program at Dammam and the follow-on U.S. based training is key to building strong bonds and mutual understanding
between the United States and Saudi personnel.
16 June 2011
1800-2400
Eskan Community Club
150 SR or $40.00
100 SR or $25.00 E-6 & Below
Active Duty, All Services
Eagle Cash Card Accepted
Dress: Civilian – Formal
Military – Blues or Class A’s
64th AEG – Duty Uniform
(POC: MSG Brown (054-407-4657) or Charlie Hardin (054-066-8322)
***Tickets are available at the Multi-Media Center, Breezeway ***
USMTM DIVISION SPOTLIGHT
Saudi War College US Visit
By LTC Michael Geeza, USMTM JAD, Joint Logistics Advisor
Each year students of the Saudi War Course travel to
the United States to visit a variety of our military installations
and cities. The foremost purpose is to interact with our exceptionally professional military commands, institutions, and senior
leaders.
The students travelled in two groups over two-week
periods, escorted by USMTM advisors and SWC faculty. The
Joint Advisory Division’s LTC Michael Geeza and SSgt Chris
Cauthen accompanied the first group on a “West Coast” trip,
and then Maj Timothy Higgins and SSG Anthony Burrell visited “East Coast” locations. Highlights included meeting with
General Martin Dempsey, Army Chief of Staff; Admiral Gary
Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations; and General Mattis,
Commander, US Central Command. Additionally, students had
the opportunity to visit commands in Virginia, Florida, Colorado, and Nevada.
The focus of the trip was to provide the students of SWC an opportunity to broaden their professional knowledge
regarding the U.S. Department of Defense structure. The visits exposed the students to regional security issues facing the
commands and allowed them to discuss how strategic leadership, current concepts, and trends effect policy decisions.
About to begin only its third year, the SWC prepares selected officers of Saudi Armed Forces for the responsibilities of planning, leading and managing military operations at operational and strategic levels. Through their research and
studies on national security and military strategy, these senior leaders will shape modern development for the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia’s armed forces.
The visits were a capstone event for the students, who regarded it as a highlight of their SWC experience. Some of
the most valuable aspects of the trip were the interaction with the most senior leaders in the U.S. military and introduction
to the vast diversity in geography, climate, and people of the U.S.
USMTM’s Jeddah AMD Detachment Travels to Tabuk
By MAJ David McCoy, Advisor, USMTM AMD Detachment-Jeddah
USMTM’s Jeddah Air and Missile Division (AMD) Detachment, which consists of Major David McCoy, CW3
Gregory Young, and SFC Robert Boucher, traveled to Tabuk in March to conduct a training assistance visit with the
RSADF’s PATRIOT Battalion 105. The visit marked the re-establishment of a relationship with the battalion, which had
not previously received regular assistance from USMTM.
The Detachment, which normally centers its operations on the Air Defense Forces Institute (ADFI) in Jeddah, refocused its efforts late last year in order to better serve and advise the two operational PATRIOT battalions in the Western
Region: Battalion 105, and Battalion 106. MAJ McCoy and his team initiated contact in October 2010 with Battalion 105’s
key leadership, and quickly formulated a training assistance plan based on their requested focus areas.
The Detachment team visited each firing battery in the battalion, as well as the Information Coordination Central
(ICC) from the Headquarters Battery. Major McCoy focused on Radar Set (RS) terrain mapping and a comprehensive review of key operational database entries, and CW3 Young and SFC Boucher assessed Launching Station (LS) March Order
and Emplacement (MO&E) and Guided Missile Reload. The latter was one of the more delicate portions of the training
session, as the soldiers were required to offload “spent” PATRIOT missile canisters and carefully replace them with reserve
rounds. All missiles were live; the soldiers trained with their wartime stock. Finally, the training assistance visit concluded
with MAJ McCoy’s observation and assessment of an air battle scenario that tied all firing batteries in to the ICC. This capstone event tested the battalion’s ability to exercise proper command and control, as well as identification and engagement
procedures. Success was reached as the battalion ICC allowed no threats to its defended assets.
The Battalion Commander, COL Khaled Al-Harbi, and the Battalion Executive Officer, LTC Farah Al-Jahani,
ensured a trouble-free visit for the Jeddah Detachment. From security, to classroom facilities, to exceptional hospitality,
they greatly enhanced the Detachment’s ability to properly conduct all scheduled events. This benefited the overall value
their soldiers received from the visit. The Jeddah Detachment plans to provide similar assistance to the battalion in the
future, on no less than a quarterly basis. Ultimately, training assistance visits such as this exercise the core security assistance mission of the USMTM, and they work to strengthen the relationship, cooperation, and enduring bond between the
United States and Saudi Arabia.
CATT Khamis Intelligence Advisor Experience
By MAJ Noah Jefferson, USMTM LFD Intel Officer
Introduction
I am Major Noah Jefferson, the Military Intelligence Advisor for CATT Khamis. I have beenan Intelligence Officer for eight years. Before that I was an Infantry Officer serving at the National Training Center at FT Irwin, CA for three
and a half years. I have had one deployment to Iraq, in 2004-05. I arrived in the Kingdom on April 1, 2010.
What I do
During my year here, I’ve had the opportunity to train several units on the Military Decision Making Process
(MDMP). I have gone in depth on Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB), combining my experience in Iraq and
the National Training Center to provide examples of how to do predictive analysis in irregular warfare.
I was also a part of the planning and execution of the Friendship II exercise held in the Southern Area Command
(SAC) this year. We were able to watch RSLF forces train side by side with a US National Guard unit, combining air and
ground combat forces. It was truly a rewarding experience.
I also assisted in the Intelligence Officer Refresher Course (IORC) which was a great chance to work with a room
full of Intelligence professionals from different backgrounds, especially when comparing personal experiences from real
world missions.
I have truly enjoyed my tour in the Kingdom. Being able to work with another nation’s Intelligence leaders has
given me a better understanding of our own doctrine. Working with US and RSLF forces together for a large training exercise taught me many lessons on deploying and fighting with a multi-national force. This has definitely been a professionally rewarding tour that I’ll remember for a long time.
Testing Center Update
By SMSgt Erik D. Dupree, 64th ESS, Chief of Services
Team Eskan,
This is to inform you that our new Testing Control Officer (TCO), MSgt Kemberlee Scott, has arrived. MSgt Scott brings a world of knowledge to us and we will benefit greatly from her expertise. She can
be reached at Kemberlee.Scott@afcent.af.mil or DSN 448-2706 or you schedule an exam at
64ESS.BTES@evab.afcent.af.mil
The new Hours of the TCO office will be as follows:
-Thursday through Tuesday (off Wednesdays) from 0900-1800.
-Testing sessions twice a day @ 0900 and 1400 hrs (can also be scheduled to accommodate irregular work shifts)
Services offered will be as follows:
-All PME testing (CDC/AWCS/Course 14/etc..) available as of now!
-All CLEP/DANTES testing (upon arrival of test material from USAFE. There will be an email sent out when this testing
is available.)
-Test proctoring (schedule as needed)
- CCAF and other Education counseling (Tuition Assistance/Registration Info/Commissioning programs/etc.)
***NOTE: In circumstances of members working irregular shifts (Nights/swings/etc) please contact MSgt Scott to make
arrangements to make alternate times to complete your testing.***
Again, please contact MSgt Scott at Kemberlee.Scott@afcent.af.mil or DSN 448-2706 for all of your education questions.
"I Need Credit Cards to Maintain or Increase My Credit Score!"
By Maj Chad Jones, USMTM F&AO
Yes, your credit score has to do with your open and/or previous lines of credit, including credit
cards. Your score tells a lender how much of a risk it is to give you money. But what if you had no debt
at all? What would your score be? It would be zero, nada, goose egg. But if a "good" credit score is, say,
anything north of 640 (roughly the divider between 'prime' and 'subprime'), is zero bad? Would a bank
give you a loan if you had a score of zero because you had no debt? Absolutely. Although, you would
have to find a bank that will underwrite their own loans (not too hard to find).
But, that's an extreme. Most will always have debt such as a mortgage and car payments. So do you need credit
cards to maintain or improve your score? No, you don't. Good management of your credit card(s) will help to raise your
score, but they are not a necessity.
Just remember, your credit score is simply a gauge of how well you pay back the people you owe. If you owe no
one, then you can't be "scored". If you think you 'have' to owe people to get a 'high' score so you can be considered financially proficient, you might need to re-think your perspective on financial proficiency.
"But I pay my cards off every single month without fail and there's no annual fee!"
Congratulations. However, research indicates that 2% of cardholders maintain a zero balance over an extended
period of time. Additionally, even if you do keep up with payments, further research reflects that consumers spend 12-18%
more when they pay with a credit card than they do with cash. So, even if you are managing well, you're still spending
more than you normally would with cash.
"But I earn rewards, hotel points, air miles and cash rebates with MY card!"
Credit cards are a TRILLION (that's a TR, not a B or an M) dollar industry. These 'perks' are further proof of the
marketing genius behind them. Bottom line, credit cards are like gambling in Vegas; over time, the house ALWAYS wins.
ALWAYS.
TIP: If you can't afford it, don't buy it. If it's important enough, save your money and buy it with cash (or a debit
card). You'll spend less, coax better discounts, and earn better 'rewards' (afford better hotels and fly around the globe more
often) when you do.
INTERESTING FACT: Before WWI, several department stores were offering metal, dog-tag like "credit cards" to
their favorite customers. In 1924, the gas card was invented. But, the origin of today's general purpose credit card is usually tied to Frank McNamara's Diner's Club card of 1950. This card was honored, as the name suggests, at several finedining establishments in New York City.
ATTENTION POSTAL PATRONS:
NEW APO HOURS ARE IN EFFECT
SATURDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
FINANCE WINDOW (0830-1530) & PARCEL P/U (0830-1630)
SUNDAY
FINANCE WINDOW (1000-1900) PARCEL P/U (1000-1900)
CLOSED THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
Desert Paradise
By MAJ Daniel Morris, PADI Open Water Diver (and IG, USMTM)
Work, work, work… Are you tired yet? Looking for something exciting to do on the weekend? How about diving
on the Red Sea coral reefs - one of the top-three worldwide dive locations! As I recently discovered, the MWR PADI Basic
Open Water SCUBA Dive Certification in Saudi Arabia opens doors to some of the most exclusive dive waters in the
world. As you know, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not exactly in the market for worldwide tourism, so with your current
Saudi visa you’re already part of an exclusive club!
As a member of Eskan, you have access to a Beach Resort…a beach resort on the Red Sea that caters to divers,
with a full-service dive shop and all the other amenities you need. They have small bungalow rooms that you can rent for
future visits, but the MWR trip will host you in the TDY villas for no additional charge.
Never thought you’d be interested in diving? Not really sure what SCUBA entails? Join the club! Two months
ago I never imagined I’d be a “diver”, but fortunately one of my mentors told me after my arrival that the MWR here offers
a beginner class, all-inclusive, for a much cheaper price than just about anywhere else in the world. But what’s unique here
is that you get to dive in the Red Sea!
(By the way, the Red Sea isn’t red…it’s a beautiful blue, with bright turquoise coral reefs!) What is SCUBA?
S.C.U.B.A. stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. No mystery there. In the simplest terms,
it’s just a pressurized air tank you strap on your back, combined with a special breathing device (regulator) that lets you
breathe normally no matter how deep in the water you are (deeper = more water pressure = higher air pressure required to
breathe).
The regulator, or Second Stage, uses a
very simple lever and valve that adds the pressure
of the outside water to the intake pressure of every
breath, so the air flowing into your lungs will always match the pressure of the water around you.
Pretty cool, eh?
The rest of the equipment really isn’t a
mystery either. In addition to the tank and regulator, you have a backup regulator, depth & pressure gauges, wet suit, buoyancy control device, weights, fins, mask, and snorkel. Good news is that you can rent all of
this equipment from the OPM-SANG Dive Locker for very cheap rates!
What is PADI?
I didn’t know anything about diving two months
ago, so when I first heard that this class was a “PADI”
certification, I was thinking “What the heck is that? It
sounds foreign.” In fact, PADI stands for the Professional
Association of Dive Instructors, the world’s leading scuba
diving training organization, based in the US. They specialize in standardized training anywhere,
and I learned that if you take a PADI class here you can continue your instruction back in the states
without losing credit for everything you’ve already completed! (For more information you can
visit them at www.padi.com.)
The class begins with one day of classroom instruction and one day in the Eskan Pool using the dive equipment. The following weekend, you hop a quick flight to Jeddah, and over the next
two days complete 4 training dives to complete your certification. On the last day you’ll have time for another fun dive,
which is where you can really get out and explore the reef!
Once you’re certified as a Basic Open Water Diver, check the MWR bulletin boards periodically and you will find
dive opportunities from individuals organizing a weekend dive trip, or certified instructors willing to continue your PADI
education with Advanced Open Water and other classes.
Go Find Nemo!
When you take that first dive, see the thousands of fish all around
you and hover above the magical coral reefs, you will wonder why you’ve
never done this before! It feels like you’re flying, and all the colors of the
reef will take your breath away.
Get out, do something unique, and become a diver today! You can
find Nemo and all of his friends in the Red Sea, and write an exciting new
chapter in the story of your life!
Eskan's Set Exchange Rate
By TSgt William J. Harper, USMTM NCOIC Army/AF Military PAY
Have you ever wondered why the exchange rate at the J8 cashiers window is always 3.75, when the exchange rate
off Eskan continues to change? That is because of a special agreement that USMTM and SAMBA bank have made to simplify operations for both parties. By establishing a set rate, with the bank we have eliminated the need to account for gains
and losses due to fluctuations in currency prices which enables a faster balancing at the end of the day. It also allows for
the cashier to do daily business at the same rate with no changes. This gives an added advantage of consistency which can
reduces the chance of errors. Also, the ATM assigned to USMTM also falls under this agreement, so, weather at the Cashiers window or the ATM, you will always have a consistent exchange rate for USD to SR regardless of current markets.
The Preventive Medicine Corner….Don’t Feed the Cats! – Part Three
By CPT Dustin J Staab, DVM, Chief Prev Med/Vet Med Services
Edited By Lt Col George Estes, Medical Director, Eskan Community Clinic
In the previous two parts of this series we discussed what we do to manage our feral
cat population on Eskan and why we choose to manage them that way. In this article we discuss how to make our Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program the very best it can be.
It takes 5 basic things to run a good TNR program: 1) a qualified veterinarian present to monitor and execute the program; 2) host nation policies and practices that support the
program; 3) at least a moderate natural or artificial barrier existing between the surrounding
area and the local (base) population; 4) the Command and the community must support the
program conceptually and practically; and 5) food sources that attract feral cats are minimized. Eskan Village is uniquely suited to operate a very successful TNR program because it is possible for us to accomplish all of these objectives.
Objective (1) – Veterinarian: Eskan Village has a full-time, full-service veterinarian. There is enough time available for effective management of this program by the veterinarian and his 64th AEG support staff. This program is not so
time consuming that it will limit the veterinarian from accomplishing all of his other missions.
Objective (2) – Host Nation Support: The KSA is governed by the Muslim faith. As discussed previously, albeit
briefly, they are comfortable with cats ‘intermingling’ with them and often times encouraging contact. Other Western installations in the Kingdom do run Trap-Euthanasia (TE) programs, however, it is rarely addressed publicly, but as representatives of the US Military we are held to higher and more visible standards.
Objective (3) – Barrier: Clearly we accomplish this objective simply by the nature of what Eskan is. Yes, cats can
still get in, but their routes are limited and it isn’t a free for all once inside Eskan. They must contend with our healthier
population for territory and food.
Objective (4) – Conceptual and Practical Community Support: Both the Command and the community at large
conceptually support the TNR program. This is evident by the dramatic decreases in cats being released from traps, as well
as, anecdotal evidence discussed by long time residents of Eskan. However, community practical support needs to be improved in the areas discussed below.
Objective (5) – Limited food supply: This is the single biggest area that We need to improve upon in order to run a
successful TNR program. We absolutely need to limit the available food resources on Eskan. I can walk around any random block or cul-de-sac and at least half of those villas will have food and water bowls out for the feral cats. As a community we need to stop feeding the feral cats.
When these cats are fed regularly, as a ‘house cat’ would be, it changes their nature. It dramatically decreases their
territories. They no longer have to defend a large area, all they have to defend is a single courtyard; even less if you are
putting large amounts of food out. Feeding them decreases their territorial nature dramatically. When they’re all fat and
happy, there’s really no need to have a territory. It encourages breeding. As discussed previously, cats will breed according
to the available resources, and in some areas of Eskan, these resources (food) are near limitless. The available food also
encourages more cats to come onto Eskan. These cats aren’t as healthy which puts our feral cat colony, privately owned
pets, and us at increased risk of contracting diseases. These regularly fed cats become more comfortable with humans. This
leads to increased incidences of bites and scratches. Just because a feral cat will come up to you and let you pet it one time
doesn’t mean it will the next. They are ‘wild’ cats, and as such, their temperament can change rapidly.
Finally, what happens to this cat(s) once you leave or move, especially if the next person doesn’t feed the cat as
you were? Now the cat is without food and water and it lacks the ability to establish a territory. There is no stronger evidence to the damage this can cause than what happened in Dhahran. Until recently there was a GUTS hangar that was frequently used in Dhahran. There was a colony of cats that were regularly fed. This colony grew very quickly from a male
with a couple of females to around 30 cats by the time the hangar was abandoned. This colony was left without resources to
fend on its own. The result is evidenced in the images below.
Many of these cats did not survive, and the ones that died were unfortunately eaten by the others.
A couple of things will occur once we stop feeding our feral population. The number of cats will decline. This
will happen because some cats will be forced off Eskan by the stronger ones. Some will die, but some die already. You
can’t save every feral cat on Eskan. This is nature; the whole circle of life thing. However, fewer kittens will be born,
therefore fewer kittens will die. Less people will be bitten or scratched because the cats will not be as comfortable around
people. Fewer cats means there is a decreased risk of disease spread. Basically, all of the benefits of having an effective
TNR program can come to fruition if we all work together to limit the resources available to the feral cat population. If you
truly care about these cats, then you won’t feed them. You aren’t helping them by feeding them. I know that concept can
be difficult to understand and sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s the truth. You decrease their ability to survive by feeding
them.
Please follow these simple steps to help, not only the TNR program, but the feral cat population on Eskan as a
whole.
•
Please, DO NOT feed the cats
•
Ensure that your garbage containers are covered when possible
•
Be sure to close all dumpster lids
•
Report any cat without a docked ear to the veterinarian via email
•
•
DO NOT try to catch the feral cats yourself
•
•
Include where it was seen and what time of day, if possible
Remember, these are ‘wild’ animals
Volunteer to foster kittens for socialization, and ultimately adoption
I hope this series shed a light on what it is ‘We’ do, why ‘We’ do it, and how ‘We’ all contribute to its success or
failure. With everyone’s combined effort we can run an ideal TNR program that will be beneficial for both our local feral
cat colony as well as the community as a whole. If properly run, it will humanely stabilize the population while at the same
time minimize the public health risks to everyone on Eskan. Please do not hesitate to contact the veterinarian with any
questions or concerns that you may have and thank you for taking the time to read about the Eskan TNR program.
FAQ on Security for Social Media
Taken from the US CENTCOM Public Webpage
Contributed by Beth Connors, USMTM DCA
What are social media websites?
Social media websites allow people to collaborate and connect to share information and ideas. Essentially, these sites allow people to socialize in cyberspace. Some are tailored to government and
military employees. Facebook and Twitter are the most popular social media sites in the United
States.
What are the benefits of using a social media website?
From a personal perspective, social media websites can be fun, exciting, entertaining, and useful for maintaining
relationships. Professionally, people can use social media websites for marketing, managing their public image, connect
with customers, and solicit ideas and feedback. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for example, uses it
to issue flood warnings. For people who are homebound due to illness, are stay-at-home parents, or retired, social media is a
good way to stay connected.
What are the dangers of using social media websites?
Stalkers, thieves, hackers, phishers/scammers, militant Americans, terrorists,
intelligence spies, and pedophiles also use social media.
- Thieves or stalkers may watch your updates to learn about your present
location and schedule so they know when to rob or stalk you.
- Pedophiles are using social networking to find and connect with kids.
There are many well-publicized examples of kids who have been lured away be a
pedophile who made friends with them through social networking. According to ABC
News, MySpace kicked off 90,000 sex offenders from their site.
- Phishers/scammers are con artists who send e-mails to people that appear to be authentic communication from a bank, a web service, or some other authority but are in fact a lure. The goal is usually for the user to come to a website that is
linked from the e-mail in order to load malicious software on the target’s machine or entice them into entering sensitive data
such as your username and password.
- Terrorists have said they are hunting people and their families at home. An Al Qaeda handbook tells its terrorists to seek out “Information about government personnel, officers, important personalities, and all matters related to those
(resident, work place, times of leaving and returning, wives and children, places visited).”
Military family members have received hate mail and harassing phone calls from people who don’t like the US
military. Government employees and military members have also had their pages raided and defaced.
What should you not share on a social media site?
What you want to keep secret and what some people want from you are not always the same. It’s important to
know what adversaries are looking for. You should be careful when sharing the names and photos of yourself, your family
and your co-workers. Don’t share your usernames, passwords, or network details. Don’t share your job title, location, salary, or clearance level. Also avoid listing information about your home or work security and logistical details, like how you
get to work and travel itineraries. Don’t post information about your mission or your unit’s capabilities and limitations.
Posting your social security number, credit cards, or banking information also puts you at risk of identity theft. Listing your
hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc., could be useful information to an enemy, especially for gaining trust and rapport before seeking
other information.
FAMILY READINESS CORNER
Meet the New Family Readiness Coordinator
By Annette Mandley, USMTM FRC
Hello Eskan Village,
I am Annette Mandley, the new Family Readiness Coordinator for Eskan. I arrived 20 April from United States Army Garrison Red Cloud, Korea and since my arrival
here, everyone has been very helpful and hospitable. I received a wonderful welcome
from the Command Group and J-1. This is my first tour in this region, and since I have
never been anyplace that I would not return to, I am anticipating an exciting tour here.
However, I must add that I perceive individuals either love it here or they look forward to
leaving.
During my stay, I would like to create a community where everyone knows the
who, where, and how about services and programs on Eskan, and wherever family members may be, in addition to everyone understanding that Family Readiness is NOT just
about family members, and that family members ARE more than spouse and children.
Family Readiness is about assisting the Command in maintaining mission readiness for Active Duty, Reservist (who are
normally served by the Reserve component), Family Members, government employees and contractors. Most people think
family members only include spouse and children so if they do not have a spouse and children, then family readiness does
not apply to them. Fact is, family members also include parents, grandparents, siblings, and significant others and it is important that those individuals know how to access services, at their location, if needed. My goal is to enhance readiness for
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, as well as for Family Members and Civilians. To do so, I must understand and
know the needs of the community, bring attention to those needs, and work to resolve or alleviate them. To accomplish this,
help is needed from everyone - military, family members, civilian employees and the Family Readiness Group (FRG).
On 27 June, everyone can help by attending the community wide (Town Hall) meeting in the Breezeway. The
community is invited to attend and bring concerns, questions and issues. If things are working well, it’s important to let that
be known also. As the wife of a retired Marine, mother of three sons, and have worked for the Air Force, Marine Corps,
Navy, and Army, I am familiar with the different challenges that may confront military, spouses, children, and civilians, in
addition to issues relating specifically to gender and age. If there is a challenge that negatively impacts, or an idea or suggestion that can make life easier while living at Eskan, please let me or the FRG know about it. I am located in Villa 63-59,
0800 -1700, phone number 498-2417. Remember, Family Ready is Mission Ready.
FAMILY READINESS EVENTS
JUNE
22nd
22nd
27th
Anger Management Class
Stress Management Class
Eskan Community (Town Hall) Meeting
0900
1030
1830
J-1 Conference Room
J-1 Conference Room
Breezeway Meeting Room
JULY
13th
18th
18th
Redeployment & Reintegration Class
Anger Management Class
Stress Management Class
1300
0900
1030
J-1 Conference Room
J-1 Conference Room
J-1 Conference Room
AUGUST
1st
10th
15th
15th
Eskan Community (Town Hall) Meeting
Redeployment & Reintegration Class
Anger Management Class
Stress Management Class
1830
1300
0900
1030
Breezeway Meeting Room
J-1 Conference Room
J-1 Conference Room
J-1 Conference Room
FRG Outdoor Movie Night
By Elke Blankenship, USMTM Spouse & Former FRG President
Since the FRG has been supported so well by its patrons in the recent
fundraisers it was time to put some of the proceeds to work for the community. The Family Readiness Group hosted an outdoor movie event featuring
the movie “Caddyshack” and provided free food and drinks.
Thanks to the cooperation and help from OPM-SANG’s IT division,
who provided the BIG screen and the projector, OPM-SANG MWR who
made the pool available, USMTM MWR who provided the sound system and
support with the food, as well as a number of volunteers who helped set everything up and barbeque; it was a great event.
Our barbeque started at around five thirty and just as the food was
done the first group of people showed up. The screen, projector and sound
had been set up and all we had left to do is wait for the sun to go down. The
movie started at seven and the mixed crowd of viewers (contractors, USMTM, OPM-SANG, 64th, etc) pulled up the chairs
and enjoyed a nice American classic feature under the Arabian stars.
FRG Welcomes the New 64th Rotation
By Elke Blankenship, USMTM Spouse & Former FRG President
It’s that time again, our “old” 64th rotation left Eskan. Saturday to Sunday night
“new” airmen and –women came in and went straight through in-processing. On Easter Sunday, the Family Readiness Group was ready to meet the new rotation at the MPT tent and was
happy to provide refreshments such as cookies, coffee and lemonade in between the in-briefs.
The FRG also provided the incoming airmen and –women with a little welcome package that
included goodies and info sheets about things to do in and around Eskan. The FRG wants to
say “thank you” to the outgoing crew for the job they’ve done. We would like to welcome the
incoming crew and hope that they will be able to enjoy their stay on Eskan as good as they
can.
Golf Anyone?
By Clifford Carroll, USMTM Recreation Specialist
Every year, we commemorate Memorial Day to remember those who sacrificed for
freedom and peace around the world. This year we hosted a Memorial Day with a Golf Tournament at Dirab Golf Course. On Saturday, 28 May, 35 players from USMTM, OPM-SANG,
OPM-FSF and the US Embassy enjoyed themselves with friendly competition. The normally
sweltering Saudi weather was replaced by cooler temperatures at the 0700 hour tee-time and
the great weather continued thru the award presentation and fabulous lunch buffet. The winners are as follows;
Champion: Scored 54
Gregory Green, DCMA
Craig Mills, USMTM
Ron Hanson, DCAA
Abdulah Massad, Guest
1st Runner-Up: Scored 55
Sharon Stewart, OPM SANG
William Stewart, OPM SANG
Mike Jones, OPM SANG
Tim Kundinger, OPM SANG
2nd Runner-Up: Scored 57
Gato Hetherington, US Embassy
Damian Spaits, US Embassy
Georgia Coughlin, Guest
Valentin Graus, Guest
Eskan MWR offers six golf tournaments per year to provide well-being and quality of life for the Eskan Community:
President’s Day Golf Tournament –February
Memorial Day Golf Tournament –May
Independence Day Golf Tournament –July
Labor Day Golf Tournament – September
Columbus Day Golf Tournament – October
Veteran’s Day Golf Tournament –November
Did you know that Dirab Golf and Recreation offers Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole Par 72 championship golf course?
There is also a Par 27 Golf Academy making the club fantastic for both seasoned and beginners. Dirab is set in a beautiful
Tawfiq valley with lush tree-lined fairways and manicured greens, and also has a 9-hole course that is lit for play after sundown. Dirab also offers horseback riding, and a refreshing café for after a full round. For more information stop by the
Breezeway MWR Shop.