The opponents shake hands, walk to opposite sides of the octagon and face each other. Once the 10-minute clock begins counting down, they collide in the middle of the ring, flinging each other against the chain link fence surrounding the ring. Inevitably, one fighter pulls, slams or sweeps the other to the mat, and the two wrestle for dominance. They pry with feet and elbows, slap heads, knee rib cages and punch abdomens.

The Soldiers of Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 353rd Armor Regiment, 162nd Infantry Brigade train combat advisors to be aware of the current improvised explosive device threat, enemy tactics, techniques and procedures, and the counter-IED, or C-IED, measures available to minimize their risk while deployed throughout the theaters of operations.

Ten senior non-commissioned officers assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division as augmented advisors, participated in the Patriot Brigade’s Joint Readiness Training Center rotation July 19-26.

I have always said you can either read history or make it. Many in our workforce have made important history by asking three fundamental questions: Are we doing the right things? Are we doing things right? What are we missing?

Have you ever read a training story in the Guardian and thought, “why isn’t our unit getting a story in the paper?”

Fort Polk and the surrounding community, the 687th Engineer Company (Warhorse), 46th Engineer Battalion, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, built a road to FreedomFest for those who knew that’s where they were going.

Soldiers in A Company, 4th Battalion, 353rd Infantry Regiment, 162nd Infantry Brigade, hosted a counter remote-controlled improvised explosive device electronic warfare, or CREW, company specialist course June 29-July 1 attended by 18 Soldiers and civilians.

June was the deadliest month in Afghanistan for U.S. forces since the war began in 2001, due in large part to the Taliban’s prolific use of improvised explosive devices.

Iraq has seen many changes since Saddam Hussein’s regime was toppled in 2003. Through all the violence that ensued, progress has been made and Fort Polk has had a direct influence in rebuilding the war-torn country.

News briefs 7-23

Guardian staff writers asked members of the Fort Polk community: “Other than air conditioning, how do you stay cool during the hot summer days?”  Here are their replies:

There have been multiple comments submitted in the Interactive Customer Evaluation system in the past few weeks regarding the speed and efficiency of the ID card office at Fort Polk. It can be frustrating to arrive at an office only to find out that the system is not functioning. Unfortunately, office workers cannot anticipate system downtime.

In 2003, the Army introduced Family readiness support assistants. These subject matter experts were to assist commanders and Family Readiness Group leaders with administrative duties and coordinating unit FRG training. The FRSAs of the 162nd Infantry Brigade have been tasked with a unique mission –– assist the FRGs of each battalion and provide direct support to the Families of more than 400 combat advisors located throughout the continental U.S. and its territories.

Soldiers of the 52nd Translator/Interpreter Company, 1st Battalion, 353rd Infantry Regiment, 162nd Infantry Brigade, conducted “sergeants’ time” training on the Engagement Skills Trainer July 15. 

FORT POLK, La. — Twelve years ago, when Fort Polk’s Directorate of Public Works set up a contest to name the new pond on Louisiana Avenue across from Warrior Hills Golf Course, suggestions poured in, ranging from “Lost Boys Pond” to “Flick-a-Worm Pond.”

7-16 News briefs

Spc. Nick     Perchatsch gets a lunch-time workout at Wheelock Bayou Fitness Center July 14. Fort Polk Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation has a multitude of opportunities for Soldiers and Family members to get fit or take classes. For more information see page 2 of After Hours.

“Stork parking” passes are now available to expectant mothers using Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, according to officials there. Pregnant patients, 32 weeks gestation or beyond, or those who have been designated by their health-care provider will be given a “stork parking” pass to hang in their cars.

Today, you can’t turn on the television without seeing a commercial about “green” products or hybrid vehicles. This helps people become more aware as to whether they are doing their  part in helping to protect the environment. Some Fort Polk residents, through the Interactive Customer Evaluation System, or ICE, have asked about a recycling program on the installation.

Guardian staff writers asked members of the Fort Polk community: “What is the meaning of life?”  Here are their replies: