CSM Smith’s Foxhole Report – 8th Edition

CSM’S TOP 3 TOPICS:
1. Suppporting the force: Preparing our units for upcoming mobilizations (manning, equipping, mentoring, and career development).
2. Vaccine guidance: See the COVID Vaccination FRAGO dated 21 October 2021 for everything you need to know.  
3. The Sergeants Major Course State Order of Merit Board will take place on 22 November 2021.

WHAT EVERY SOLDIER AND LEADER NEEDS TO KNOW:
-BREAK, BREAK, BREAK! If you want to get promoted, see the FY22 promotional guidelines listed in this IPPS-A guide and the Enlisted Promotion System FY22 Memorandum of Instruction. Ensure you do the following:
            -Request to change career progression MOS (CPMOS) no later than 15 December 2021.
            -Complete Structured Self Development (SSD) distance learning and update IPPS-A no later than 15 February 2022.
            -Ensure all supporting documents are loaded in iPERMS no later than 18 February 2022.

-Pay Problems:
            -Take preventative measures to avoid pay issues:
 READ READ READ every Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) each month! Read the remarks on every LES and ensure you understand what they say. The messages in the LES are the earliest indicators that something is wrong, has changed, or will change with your pay. Traditional M-Day Soldiers can receive multiple LESs each month. Ensure that your profile is up to date in myPay and you will receive notifications when your LES posts for review.
Take records reviews seriously. Actively participate in the Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) and Soldier Readiness Center (SRC) process. Bring documents to substantiate status-changing life events (marriage certificate, child's birth certificate, lease or mortgage). You must keep your IPPS-A and iPERMS records up to date. Your pay is a reflection of what is in those systems. If you have any questions on records reviews or updates, contact your S-1.
            -Mitigate your pay issue: Not all pay problems are preventable by you or the pay office.  If you think you have a problem, utilize the proper channels within your chain of command to address the issue. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation, to include LESs. Provide a clear, thorough description of what you think is wrong with your pay and when the pay issue began.  Remember, no one should understand your pay better than you. Stay engaged, stay informed, and be proactive.

KEY UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS:
Deployment Ceremony:  Task Force 1-116th Infantry Battalion “Red Dragon”
27 November 2021 at 1100
D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Cir, Bedford, Virginia 24523

Deployment Ceremony:  Task Force 1-111th Field Artillery Regiment "Saint Lo Thunder"
13 December 2021 at 1000
Harrison Opera House, 160 W Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23510                                                                                                                     

Enlisted Promotion Board: Will convene from 1-4 March 2022. We anticipate the promotion list will be ready by 15 March 2022 

Virginia National Guard Professional Development Weekend: Will take place from 11-13 March 2022 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N 3rd St, Richmond, Virginia 23219.  

FY22 State Best Warrior Competition: Will take place from 31 March to 3 April 2022 at Camp Pendleton (SMR), 203 Red Horse Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.
 
SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER ASSIGNMENTS/RETIREMENTS:
-CSM Mendel, Jason: Promoted and assigned to 3-116th Infantry Battalion, Winchester, Virginia
-CSM Rivera-Wenger, Michael: Promoted and assigned to 124th Cyber Protection Battalion, Bowling Green, Virginia
-SGM Gilliam, Latane: Selected for the 2-183rd Cavalry Squadron Command Sergeant Major, Portsmouth, Virginia
-MSG McKennon, Scott: Selected for the 429th Brigade Support Battalion, Danville, Virginia
 
DEPLOYMENT TIPS TO HELP YOUR HOME AND WALLET:
-Saving Deposit Program (SDP) for deployed Soldiers:  The DoD Savings Deposit Program (SDP) was established to provide members of the uniformed services who are serving in designated combat zones the opportunity to build their financial savings. Amounts up to $10,000.00 may be deposited, earning 10% interest per year.  IT WORKS!
-The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows you to reduce your interest rate with your creditors down to 6%.  Learn more here.
-Create a “Home Battle Book” for your family, which should include home emergency contact numbers for vehicle mechanics, plumbers etc. Update emergency information and insurance policies.  
-Establish a budget and savings plan:  Don’t blow your money and don’t let anyone else blow your money! See this checklist to help get you started. For additional financial information contact:
Mike Muldowney, CFP Personal Financial Counselor: (703) 635-9853
Stephen D. Cook, CFP Personal Financial Counselor:  (540) 360-5752
-Establish a power of attorney and draft or update your will! Our State Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) are available to provide legal assistance to Virginia guardsmen. Visit their office at DSCR from Monday through Friday from 0900-1600 or call their office at (434) 298-6340 to make an appointment at their Fort Pickett location.
-Soldier & Family Readiness Program Lead: Teresa A. Merritt, (757) 416-2095
 
For more Soldier benefit quick reference guides, check out these resources about combat zone tax exclusions, and entitlements for serving in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”
-Colin Powell, former U.S. General, Secretary of State, and National Security Advisor

CURRENT AGR JOB/CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
OTOT #08-22AR      Enlisted Positions: Admin, Training, Operations, Supply and NCOIC
Grade: SPC/E-4 - SFC/E7     MOS: Immaterial        Units: Various     Locations: Various
For more information: Contact Mrs. Jennyfer Davis at (804) 236-7833 or jennyfer.a.davis.mil@mail.mil or CW4 D’Juana Goodwin at (804) 236-7823 or djuana.l.goodwin.mil@mail.mil.

SOLDIER SPOTLIGHT:
Please join me in congratulating the Sergeants Major Course Class #46, which concluded this year.  These outstanding leaders worked tirelessly for two years, completing a rigorous course schedule while balancing the demands of their day-to-day jobs. 
-SGM Bartels, James:  Operations Sergeant Major, 1-116th Infantry Battalion
-SGM Bilbrey, Timothy:  State G-1 Sergeant Major
-1SG Elliott, Owen:  First Sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group
-MSG Claywell, Denver:  Senior Instructor, Regional Training Institute
-MSG King, Albert: Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor
-CSM Rivera-Wenger, Michael:  Command Sergeant Major, 124th Cyber Protection Battalion
-MSG Gilman, Gregory:  Operations Sergeant Major, 2-183rd Cavalry Squadron
-MSG Moore, Michael:  State G-4 Senior Supply Sergeant