DVIDS – News – Quality of life is a key priority for missile advocates and SMDC MPs in remote Alaska

FORT GREELY, Alaska – The senior leader of the US Army’s Missile and Space Defense Command visited Fort Greely from Jan. 31-Feb. 1, to engage with the 49th Missile Defense Battalion and garrison soldiers, civilians and families on vital quality of life issues at the remote outpost.

As USASMDC commanding general, Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler made his third official visit to the small enclave about 90 miles southeast of Fairbanks, where he spent most of his time working with the garrison and the leadership of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion in the enormous effort it undertook. it is needed to maintain missile defense and garrison operations while enduring arctic conditions for almost half of the year.

“Everywhere I saw a great quality of life, a great spirit, excitement and teamwork in an environment that can go from 85 degrees and 21 hours of daylight in the summer to -50 degrees and three hours of sun every day in the depths of winter,” Karbler said. “A ‘snow day’ on most installations is pretty much a normal day from October through April for the ‘rugged pros’ here at Fort Greely “.

Karbler is no stranger to the region: He first visited Fort Greely in 1985 as a West Point cadet attending the Northern War School, and has visited several times as commander of the Test Command and assessment of the military. But to understand the quality of life for those living at Fort Greely, he attended a meeting of the garrison’s installation planning board and participated in a team-building activity at the Community Activities Center in the installation He also recognized the garrison’s Department of Public Works staff, primarily the snow removal team, for their excellent performance.

“The quality of life initiatives here are similar to many remote Army locations—housing, schools, medics, commissaries, MWR, etc.—but Fort Greely’s harsh and enduring winters put additional stress on the team here Karbler said. “Keeping roads clear for travel and safe access for mail is a monumental task. They make it look easy, but it takes a lot to make it happen. The 87 inches of snow that fell this year didn’t move on its own.”

Karbler’s focus shifted to the command’s 49th Missile Defense Battalion during his second day. Already familiar with the battalion’s midfield defense operations on the ground, he spoke to Soldiers about how they perform their security and missile defense missions in the depths of the Alaskan winter.

“How do you maintain a fleet of vehicles in these harsh conditions? How can you keep guns running at -50 when standard lubricants gel and cause malfunctions? How do they stay safe working outside in sub-zero conditions in Alaska? Karbler asked. “The Soldiers of the 49th Alpha Company MP know all too well how to combat these conditions. The fact that these are Alaska National Guard Soldiers, some of whom have served at Fort Greely for more than a decade, means who can impart that knowledge to new soldiers when they arrive, as well as MPs activated from the Mississippi National. Guards who are there to augment them in the missile defense complex.”

Karbler spoke to the soldiers about improvements the Army and garrison have made since the base was reactivated during a base realignment and closure in the early 2000s, such as new recreational facilities, schools and medical care, and on a number of other issues top of mind. .

During a trip to the local high school, Karbler saw firsthand the educational success of soldiers’ children and how they fit into the community.

“I want to give special thanks to Delta Junction High School Principal Michael Lee and staff for inviting me to see how the 68 children of our Department of the Army soldiers and civilians are treated and integrated into the community of his school.” Karbler said.

After the school tour, Karbler spoke to several juniors and seniors about his own career and family life in the military while offering information about the many opportunities the military offers. While the students were familiar with the more familiar branches of the Army, such as combat arms, Karbler emphasized that the Army offers more than 200 different careers in fields such as science, technology, engineering and maths; medical; and space operations.

Also on his second day, Karbler toured the facility’s missile assembly building where representatives from the Missile Defense Agency briefed him on the latest generation of exoatmospheric kill vehicles for the GMD system .

Karbler completed his visit with missile crews from the 49th Missile Defense Battalion and MPs at the installation’s missile defense complex, awarding coins for excellence.

“I’m very proud of the work that everyone does, from the garrison workforce that keeps the roads clear and facility gates open, to the personnel of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion, the missile teams and MPs. A special shout out to the Mississippi National Guard Soldiers who put their own lives on the line to augment MPs for this vital national defense mission,” he said. “I’m proud of the sense of community and teamwork that was on display everywhere I went. Everyone I met was enthusiastic about what they were doing; they were incredibly friendly and professional. Thanks.”