New SecDef Panneta vows to ensure that the United States “…has the “best-trained, the best-equipped and the strongest military in the world.””
Defense.gov News Article: Senate Confirms Panetta as Defense Secretary.
Here is the latest copy of the Hamilton Connection which is published by the PAO in Fort Hamilton Brooklyn. This issue (Volume 5, No. 19 June 17, 2011) includes an article and photo of the U.S. Army’s 236th Birthday celebration that took place on 14 June, 2011. Photo courtesy of “The Hamilton Connection”
Please be advised that, upon the resignation of Commandant COL Charles C. Lucas, MD, the Council of Administration has appointed LTC Steven J. Ryan, Vice Commandant, as the Colonel Commandant of the Veteran Corps of Artillery, State of New York, effective immediately.
I am sure that you all join in thanking COL Lucas for his many contributions to the Corps, and in wishing success to COL Ryan as he succeeds to command the Corps.
Thank you.
J. Raymond Mechmann
LTC FA VCASNY
Chief of Staff
I’ve heard rumors that the Army beret is dead. There have been changes to the uniform and the patrol cap will be the standard ACU cover, BUT the beret will still be used for standard wear with the ASU, and also at the discretion of the commander.
The change will save some money and also answer the complaints of Soldiers who have to carry two covers and wear one or the other depending on what they were doing at the time. See the link below for the full story from army.mil.
ACU changes make Velcro optional, patrol cap default headgear | Article | The United States Army.
As you may have seen from our previous post, in addition to flag day, today we celebrate the 236th birthday of the United States Army. At 0700 this morning, a VCA detail reported to Garrison HQ, Fort Hamilton to participate in today’s’ celebration. At the appropriate time, 13 rounds were fired from 3 75mm Pack Howitzers to celebrate both Flag Day and the Army’s birthday. Here are some pictures from the dress rehearsal on 13 June. While Soldiers and Airmen assigned to the detail practiced their portion of the ceremony, VCA members inspected and readied the cannons for today’s’ celebration.