Soldiers Celebrate Black History Month in Iraq

Defend America News ^ | Feb 21, 2006 | Spc Waine D. Haley

[SandRat]

Soldiers Celebrate Black History Month in Iraq

U.S. soldiers assigned to the 96th Aviation Support commemorate Black History
Month with a program of songs, Spiritual dance and poetry.

By U.S. Army Spc Waine D. Haley
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

TIKRIT, Iraq, Feb. 21, 2006 — National Black History Month does not stop at our nation’s border -- the celebration flows all the way to Iraq.

During this year’s observance of Black History Month, the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, held a celebration commemorating the accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans. The theme for this event was “A Time of Change.”

"If you bring everyone together, open up the service and encourage different cultures to share the event, it will bring more of an understanding."

U.S. Army Capt. Tia Benning

“Awareness and information are the keys to bringing black history month to just history month,” said U.S. Army Spc. Regina Monique Crump, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.

Crump added that she would like to see all cultures reach a point where everyone can get along and work in harmony.

This event included a speech, skit, songs, slide presentation, Spiritual dance and a poem.

“As I read different poems from different black poets, I felt that (poet) Maya Angelou had special meaning to me,” Crump said. “I had seen her perform her poems and that allowed me to imitate [her].”

U.S. Army Capt. Tia Benning, Company C, 96th Aviation Support Battalion, felt there were several cultural attributes shining through in the soldiers’ performances.

U.S. Army Spc. Regina Monique Crump, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, recites a poem from Maya Angelou during a program to commemorate Black History Month at Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 8, 2006. U.S. Army photo

U.S. Army Capt. Tia Benning, Company C, 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, performs in a program to commemorate Black History Month at Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 8, 2006. U.S. Army photo

“You saw a lot of attitude, a lot of color, and a lot of things you don’t see on a day-to-day basis,” Benning said. “When you start to learn about [culture] you start to appreciate it. If you don’t know it, you won’t understand it.”

There are several heritage months throughout the year such as African American, American Indian, Asian-Pacific American and Hispanic-Latino American. Benning feels if everyone celebrates all cultures year-round, there will be fewer barriers between them.

“If you bring everyone together, open up the service and encourage different cultures to share the event, it will bring more of an understanding,” Benning said. “Sharing the event would seem as if the country was coming together and embracing the melting pot -- which it is.”

“It doesn’t matter what race, color or creed you are ...” Crump said, “it’s about coming together; it’s about giving and helping one another,”

[BenLurkin]

http://huachuca-www.army.mil/newcomer/services/edcenter.htm

[BenLurkin]

[69ConvertibleFirebird]

Damn!!! And here I was celebrating chartreuse history. Well, back to the arts and crafts supply store for me....

[TexasTransplant]

What a crock!

Soldiers are GREEN, we don't see Black, White, Yellow, Red or Chartreuse. We don't see Male or Female and by Law we "Don't ask, Don't tell"

TT

[ansel12]

During the Vietnam war, while learning about the communist enemy, we were taught the enemy didn't just have combat leaders, but that each unit also had a political officer to make sure the soldier has his mind right, at the time we thought that was a burden for the enemy, and would cause uncertainty in their ranks.Now days my understanding is that the American military has political officers that monitor the soldiers to make sure their mind is right, and that classes are given to "educate" the soldiers.

[Eagle Eye]

Now days my understanding is that the American military has political officers that monitor the soldiers to make sure their mind is right, and that classes are given to "educate" the soldiers.

What rank pr position do these officers have?

Or are you just spreading rumor and speculation.

[xone]

BS. You need a better understanding!

[Snickersnee]

My son was a mortarman in the 1/10 Cav, a descendant-unit of the "Buffalo Soldiers" (they are now the 4th ID's cav squadron.)

While he was at Ft. Hood, the CSM would frequently get taskings to provide an honor guard or march unit for some organization that wanted to "celebrate the black Army experience" with a tribute to the 10th Cav. Just as frequently, he was chided when the formations he sent forward were "too white" in their composition. He finally gave up trying to explain the way the Army is recruited these days -- "it is what it is," he told them. Ha!

[Redleg Duke]

And back home in Leesburg, VA, my son's 7th grade Language Arts teacher showed a movie depicting the trials of the slaves. In it, there was one slave who collaborated with the white slave owners. At lunch, my son and his buddy, a black kid, were harrassed by other black kids, accusing my son's friend of being a sell-out by befriending a "whitey".

These are the same kids who demand items from non-black kids and if they do not provide them, they are called "racist".

Jesse and Al would be so proud!

[ansel12]

I just grabbed this off the Air Force Personnel page



CHIEF, MILITARY EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (MEO)

Serves as the commander’s staff officer for the MEO program
Provides central point at installation level to receive formal and informal complaints of unlawful discrimination and maintains a staff of fully qualified and trained MEO counselors
Promotes MEO to senior leadership on the installation and to the base population
Helps GSUs with MEO related issues as outlined in the local host-tenant agreement
Back to top

MILITARY EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (MEO) TECHNICIAN

Conduct and process complaint and incident clarifications
Maintain close liaison with on- and off-base agencies, establishments, advisory councils, and special emphasis groups. Serves as advisors for special observances
Conduct human relations education classes (HRE)
Gather and evaluate MEO-related data from SP, IG, HC, MPF, and other agencies for trend analysis, including security police blotters, incident reports, and MWRS logs
Provide assistance to IG inquiry officers
Conduct MEO unit and wing climate assessment visits
Provide guidance and referral assistance related to the MEO/HRE programs
Assist the IC in developing MEO (including sexual harassment) policy statements for their use
Apprise unit commanders of formal complaints lodged against members of their units
Provide counseling, information, referral, and other assistance to members who have experienced unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment

[ansel12]

Here is one from an Army page

"Military Equal Opportunity Courses provided by DEOMI

Equal Opportunity Advisor Course
The EO Advisor Course is a 70-day training course (12 weeks of DoD Equal Opportunity training and 3 weeks of Service Specific training for a total of 15 weeks). The curriculum develops a base of knowledge and skills that allows graduates to assess human relations climates in the organizations they serve, and to provide advice and assistance to commanders to prevent, reduce, or eliminate discriminatory practices. The course uses a building-block concept. Studies progress from communications to individual and group behavior, through studies of major ethnic groups, aspects of power and discrimination, EO advisor skills, and conclude with Service specific studies. Graduates are qualified to serve as full-time EO advisors.

Target Audience: Military and DoD civilian personnel who serve as advisors to Commanders on Equal Opportunity matters.
Click here for more information.

---

Equal Opportunity Advisor Reserve Component Course (Resident Phase)

Target Audience: Reservists, National Guard and DoD civilians who advise Reserve Component Commanders on Equal Opportunity matters.

Click here for more information.

---

Leadership Team Awareness Courses (LTAC)
(Formerly the Senior Enlisted Equal Opportunity Course)

Conducted in a joint Service environment, the course is designed to allow senior leaders serving in key organizational positions an opportunity to explore evolving human relations and equal opportunity/equal employment opportunity (EO/EEO) issues and gain an understanding of their impacts upon unit cohesion and mission effectiveness. Beginning with how values and prejudices are formed and acted out, the course raises senior leader awareness of personnel dynamics and incorporates participants' personal and professional experiences in solving organizational issues. Participants are encouraged to bring real-world issues and problems to the table, give and receive feedback, and explore the impact of their personal behaviors on others, the group, and on larger organizational systems. The program is divided into the following topics:


1. Socialization and Values
2. Dynamics of Power
3. Sexism and Sexual Harassment
4. Leading a Culturally Diverse Workforce
5. Contemporary EO Issues
6. Future Focus

Target Audience: Attending together or separately, this course is designed for senior officers (commanders and key staff/department heads 0-3 – 0-6) and their senior enlisted advisor (E-7/E-9) and civilians including legal officers, chaplains, and inspector general personnel in leadership positions. This course is not a substitute for the EOA or EO Program Manager Courses. This course is not designed to fulfill requirements for EO/EEO practioners.

Click here for more information.

---

Surveys



MEOCS / DEOCS
Welcome to the Military Equal Opportunity Climate Survey (MEOCS) Web page. This site is designed to provide customer support to our valued customers. MEOCS continues to grow in popularity with military and civilian organizations within the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard and our web site will continue to expand to provide the best service possible. This web page will continue to improve over time so check back frequently.

Click here for more information.

---

U.S. Army Climate Assessment Program

Command Policy (AR 600-20) requires commanders of company-size units to conduct the "Command Climate Survey" as a tool for reviewing the climate factors (e.g., leadership, cohesion, morale) that impact their unit's effectiveness. In addition a Training Module was designed to help commanders prepare to conduct a survey, read and interpret survey results, develop action plans based on survey findings, and conduct feedback sessions.

---

Publications

AR 600-20: Army Command Policy & Summary of Change

This regulation prescribes policy on basic responsibilities of command, military discipline and conduct, and enlisted aspects of command. It defines the responsibilities of noncommissioned officers and provides guidance on and responsibilities for Family Care Plans, accommodation of religious practices, relationships between soldiers of different ranks, and the Army Equal Opportunity (EO) Program.

---

TC 26-6: Commander’s Equal Opportunity Handbook

This handbook is intended to provide commanders a ready reference for equal opportunity (EO). Each chapter contains topical EO information and provides references and tips. Upon assuming command, the commander, along with subordinate leaders, should review this handbook, develop a strategy for proactively carrying out the Army’s EO Program.

---

Consideration of Others Handbook

This handbook has been developed for the commanding officer. It is a tool designed to help build unit cohesion and assist in the complex task of leading solders.

---

Sexual Assault Website

The Army Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reinforces the Army's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through a comprehensive policy that focuses on education, prevention, integrated victim support, rapid reporting, thorough investigation, appropriate action, and follow-up.



Content updated on Nov 16, 2004

[ansel12]

I should have scrolled before I posted, I only wanted a paragragh not all that extra stuff. Sorry

[Eagle Eye]

They've been doing this since the 1970s. Perhaps earlier.

If you think that any organization can bring in fresh recruits to unite in a common cause without indoctrination then you're nuts.

As with anything, the PC can go too far. But as far as indoctrinating people from different races and backgrounds to get along, fine with me. And as far as indoctrinating people on how to treat others with respect so that women in uniform aren't treated like the CO's or CSM's personal sluts, fine with me, too.

Quite frankly, if you look at the end result, I'd prefer to work with retired military folks who understand how to get the job done while respecting people and not using gender or race as discriminating points.

I'd also suggest that the indocrination of recruits into the Constitution, political process, reason for a military, and respect for freedom and the USA is a good thing.

If you want to equate the EO NCOs with the GRU or KGB operatives inside the military I think you're singing way off key.

[ansel12]

"If you think that any organization can bring in fresh recruits to unite in a common cause without indoctrination then you're nuts."

This is a different type of "indoctrination"



"But as far as indoctrinating people from different races and backgrounds to get along, fine with me. And as far as indoctrinating people on how to treat others with respect so that women in uniform aren't treated like the CO's or CSM's personal sluts, fine with me, too.


I would expect the the political officer to start from the belief that without him or her the above is the starting point for the American citizen.


"I'd prefer to work with retired military folks who understand how to get the job done while respecting people and not using gender or race as discriminating points."


Again, what a revealing assumption, without a career of exposure to the political officers efforts what do you think the diverse pool of veterans would be like.


" I'd also suggest that the indoctrination of recruits into the Constitution, political process, reason for a military, and respect for freedom and the USA is a good thing."


I would be surprised if the military is spending time teaching those subjects to the ranks, I believe they may teach about the particular branch you are joining, but "the Constitution, political process, reason for a military, and respect for freedom and the USA is a good thing.", I sure don't remember classes on the tenth amendment or even the second amendment, or the electoral system etc.


"If you want to equate the EO NCOs with the GRU or KGB operatives inside the military I think you're singing way off key."


Having served in a unit whose most focused threat was the GRU, I wasn't making that comparison.

[Eagle Eye]

Again, what a revealing assumption, without a career of exposure to the political officers efforts what do you think the diverse pool of veterans would be like.

Havng worked in both civilian and military, as well as with other federal agenciy personnel, I can attest that the military veterans are by far the best when it comes to working well with others and leading people. These traits are taught, not inborn as I infer you to believe. Having served in a unit whose most focused threat was the GRU, I wasn't making that comparison.

BS. That was precisely the comparisons you were making; you are the one calling EO staff political officers.

But unlike the political officers of the Soviet, these aren't organic to the line units, nor is their role to report upchain on those that may not be politically solid or trustworthy.

And if you don't remember having any classes on American politics, you may not have had them. Things improved after Viet Nam when we developed a recruited professinal military.

[ansel12]

No big deal, you're for it I'm not. I do think the military of the Vietnam war was professional, and I also served during the 80s and saw some of the new developments


"Havng worked in both civilian and military, as well as with other federal agenciy personnel, I can attest that the military veterans are by far the best when it comes to working well with others and leading people. These traits are taught, not inborn as I infer you to believe."


I think that has been true for thousands of years, not as the result of the recent " sensitivity training ", the left introduced after the 60s.

[Eagle Eye]

As one who enlisted in the 70's, I got to see firsthand the rampant racism left over from the VN era army.

I also had to deal with the Cat IV NCOs that managed to hang on because being a lifer was easier than a real job.

Professionalism isn't about pay, nor strictly on competency, but also about ethics and ideals.

Considering that the drafted military and subsequent VOLAR army was racially divided and abusing drugs and alcohol daily, I don't think that it was professional and didn't even turn the corner until sometime after 1980.

That doesn't mean that I blame the individual troops as much as the leadership that failed during that time.

EO training was part of that fix, like it or not.

[ansel12]

It is plain that you are a true believer, I just wanted to make some simple points, I like to think I did that, thank you.

[Eagle Eye]

Yeah, pretty obvious that I'm fond of our troops and the military in general.