For the military peoples: Relocation

[Army Fencer]

Recently, BG Rhett Hernandez announced that soldiers will not be relocated every 2-3 years at Stateside Army posts, but will stay for 6-7 years instead.

Possible benefits:
Allows Army to be more family oriented.
Allows for greater teamwork within unit.

Problems:
Young officers and soldiers (2LT's, PVT's) have to stay in their unit for a longer amount of time instead of moving out after their first assignment. Despite the fact that 2LT's OERs are ommitted, their inexperienced mistakes will stick with them longer.

Other observations:
Move to eliminate smaller posts in favor of larger, training-oriented facilities. Any smaller posts close to outside civilization probably will be eliminated in the next round of base cuts, which I can see creating a great schism between our all-volunteer force and the rest of American society (not to mention putting Army fencers further away from any kind of fencing).

Discuss.

[Corazo]

is there any army fencing in northern california?

[Catal]

Try Sierra Army Depot, Fort Hunter Liggett, or the Presidio. I don't know if they have any fencing, but those are the only Army bases that are still on the active list in California.

[Mergs]

I had some of the same concerns, however, under the old regimental system you could possibly serve your entire career at the same post (that is unless your regiment was deployed somewhere, sound familiar?) As for 2LT mistakes following you, that is taken care of by moving between battalions, regimental (BCT)and division staffs. Remember, if you REALLY screw up, the Army is still a very small place and your rep will still follow you. However, there will need to be moves made especially for schools and secondary MOS assignments.

The system the Army is proposing is not much different from the reality of the Guard and Reserves today. I spent 15 years in the same division serving in two battalions, two brigades and the division staff.

I think that in today's society the more we can stabilize family moves, the better off will be. Not only lessening the stresses on families, but reducing the costs associated with PCS moves.

As for Army Fencing, I've contacted most of the fencers that are listed with the Military Fencing about trying to get a designation for an Army Team, with which we can get USAREC support with recruiting materials (patches, jackets, t-shirts, etc.). The sticking point is that each of us also fence for local clubs and when we register with that club for a tournament, that is the club we are associated with for the year. An alternative would be to register with the National Division (which was set up in part for military fencers) and the Army Team. I'm still trying to work that piece. Any suggestions are welcome.

[Talysen]

It's nice to stay in one spot, but the bottom line is if they need you somewhere you're going. It's nice to sit at a location, but you can run the risk of going somewhere you don't want to.

I can say staying at assignments for extended periods is nice for families with kids. It's much easier on them as they don't have to adjust to new locations every few years. I've spent most of my career in one area. The down side is you feel like you're not going anywhere in your career after an extended period. I can see the cost savings in conus moves, but you'll always have the cost of overseas rotations. And if I got stuck in an area with a high cost of living that would not be a good thing...

I just got orders recently to the Azores. Now through a lot of time and pain I have two possible contacts for fencing there. The bad thing is they are on different islands, so unless I can find people stationed there, it's going to be very limited. I did put in for the assignment because I was pushing my time on station and I really doubt I could have stayed here to retire. Again, it's better to choose the location than to have them choose it for me...

So if anyone knows anybody at Lajes, let me know... You know us AF weenies need all the help we can get.

[DHCJr]

Originally posted by Mergs
The sticking point is that each of us also fence for local clubs and when we register with that club for a tournament, that is the club we are associated with for the year. An alternative would be to register with the National Division (which was set up in part for military fencers) and the Army Team. I'm still trying to work that piece. Any suggestions are welcome.

There is a way. Look at the Collegiete Fencers. Your National and Worlds much as the NCAA's are finished before there is a need to worry about Nationals and fencing in a team competition. They are required to go unattached till after the collegiate season is over and then declare a club. Most good organizers will take into account "Unofficial" club affiliation, the same as when they have a ringer. We had a U fencer came to a local B2 Foil tournament. They were seeded 3rd with 31 entries. They didn't do that well, they only got 6th.

[Army Fencer]

Originally posted by Mergs
As for Army Fencing, I've contacted most of the fencers that are listed with the Military Fencing about trying to get a designation for an Army Team, with which we can get USAREC support with recruiting materials (patches, jackets, t-shirts, etc.). The sticking point is that each of us also fence for local clubs and when we register with that club for a tournament, that is the club we are associated with for the year.

Thanks Mergs.

My concern is that if we eliminate posts near urban centers that we will cut Army fencers off from civilian fencing clubs. I don't think there are enough fencers in the Army community to set up decent teams from fencers at a single post.

It is more similar to the British Regimental System, and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out here in America.

[Mergs]

I agree with you about eliminating posts near urban centers, however, what is happening is that the areas around the posts will grow and possibly support a fencing community. For instance, Ft. Hood is about an hour from Austin, there is a very good fencing community there and fencers from Ft. Hood can get there fairly easily. Ft. Reily has Manhatten, Ft. Benning has Atlanta. Yes, I know that these are a fair distance away, but we have people traveling long distances to get to clubs anyway. My point, though is that these urban areas and the areas around the posts are growing toward each other. This is a natural outgrowth of people wanting to live in an area that is accessible to both the post and the urban area.

The other thing is to systematically set up clubs at each post. MWR had one at Ft. Knox (which is where I was introduced to fencing, and the rest, as they say, is history) that was well supported with equipment. It was originally a kids program and then developed into a all-ages one. Unfortunately, like most other programs, the coach moved and none of us at the time were capable of picking up the program. And, there is the problem of the mobile community. Two years ago I challenged the USMA cadets to spread fencing where ever they went once they were commissioned. Don't know the results of this, but hopefully someone will take the initative and seek out other fencers and/or set up programs.

As for the fening unattached, not a bad idea. Thoughts?

Taylen - The system I was refering to was not a 5 - 7 year stint in the same job, just multiple jobs at the same post.

[Army Fencer]

Originally posted by Mergs
Two years ago I challenged the USMA cadets to spread fencing where ever they went once they were commissioned.

If you did, I never heard about it. And I was a leader on the team!

Hmmm, sounds like some really long drives are in order.

[Mergs]

It was at the Military Championships in Denver (maybe three years ago; memory hazy, can't focus.........) and I was talking to some of the foilist. Don't know if you were there or not.

[Talysen]

Originally posted by Mergs
Taylen - The system I was refering to was not a 5 - 7 year stint in the same job, just multiple jobs at the same post.

I wish I could do that, but it's just not an option. Very, very small career field... Like the slot I'm going to is a one deep.

Has there been any recent attempts at trying to maintain a current listing of military fencers? The only thing I could find was a spreadsheet for Dec '02.

[Army Fencer]

Talysen, I think I've got a copy of the most recent one in one of Capt. Hurwitz's e-mails. PM me, and I'll send you an e-mail.