407th Civil Affairs Battalion

In May our Unit Ministry Team put together a Norwegian Ruck March. We posted about it earlier but this article shares more behind the training event.

Marching in the spirit: 407th Civil Affairs Battalion hosts Norwegian Ruck March As a cool breeze filled the air, clusters of Soldiers could be seen scattered throughout an open field. Split into groups of threes and fours, Soldiers adjusted each other’s rucksacks by tightening

A HUGE congratulations to newly promoted CSM Jake Kuhne!!! He was promoted as Operations Sergeant Major for our battalion in August but was picked up to be the next Command Sergeant Major for the 13th PsyOp BN effective July 1.

We are so sad to see him move on from us, but thrilled for this opportunity for him and thankfully he won’t be far. We see lots of cross - training opportunities in our future because it’s always for us.

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) 2nd Psychological Operations Group

This past Battle Assembly we accomplished a lot of great training (cultural heritage, Norwegian ruck March, briefings) and Soldier care (promotion board, promotions, ACFT, sensing sessions).

To have our higher leadership present and engaged with our Soldiers was amazing! The CG and CSM Lo’s visit and interest in our battalion validated to our Soldiers what they do is important. Thank you to 353 Civil Affairs Command for their continued support of our training and mission.

This past we had the opportunity to promote Sergeant Brewer to Staff Sergeant! He has repeatedly demonstrated leadership and professionalism to subordinates and peers over the years. We’re proud of this milestone for him, but also very excited to see what he does next.

CONGRATS SSG BREWER!

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

We have, arguably, the best UMT around. They not only care and engage our Soldiers during and outside , but they also coordinate events for all Soldiers to attend. This past weekend they planned a which not only challenged the Soldiers physically, but spiritually as well. They provided questions for Soldiers to contemplate on each of the 18 miles.

Many thanks to the 25 Soldiers who stepped up to the challenge and congrats to the 16 who completed it, 12 of which had a passing time.

353 Civil Affairs Command command team, Brigadier General Thompson and CSM Lo were in attendance to support and cheer on the event. The final picture is Gen Thompson with the first person across the finish line, CPT Ginn, at 4 hours, 8 minutes!

308th Civil Affairs Brigade

We’re so proud that not only did our BDE take the best squad award BUT that our own SPC Peterson contributed to the squad success! Job well done!

We just wrapped another great training weekend - due to training missions, we haven’t had all companies on the same for a few months so it was great to get under the same roof again.

However, we still weren’t 100% because we always have high speed Soldiers training at different schools and events. This month we’re at:

2 at DLI
1 at SGM Academy
1 at Best Squad Competition
1 at AIT
1 at DCC/BOLC

If you’re looking for a unit that prioritizes training, send us a DM.

353 Civil Affairs Command 308th Civil Affairs Brigade U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

Here’s a familiar face! SPC Peterson is tackling the obstacle course… too easy!

We’re so proud of SPC Peterson!!! Good luck!

Welcome to the Civil Affairs Regiment SPC Souvannasane!

On Friday he completed 38B reclass and we are so excited for him! His old/secondary MOS (42A) will continue to serve him well in his military career. With multiple MOS credentials, Soldiers have more opportunities and units can capitalize on this additional skill set.

CONGRATS SPC SOUVANNASANE!

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

So proud of the 308th squad who is advancing in the competition to include our very own SPC Peterson!

We are so proud of SPC Peterson who is currently competing as a member of 308th Civil Affairs Brigade squad for the competition. He volunteered to participate and has spent hours preparing for the different events. Many thanks to Staff Sergeant Rowles, who as a sponsor, has also put in hours to support SPC Peterson.

Thank you for demonstrating and good luck to all squads, but especially the 308th!

U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) 353 Civil Affairs Command

This weekend leaders from our Battalion met up with 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Minnesota National Guard to network and find opportunities where cross training makes sense. It was a great meeting and we are all very excited to find more opportunities to blend the and because when deployed, it’s all the same uniform! And this is how we demonstrate . 🇺🇸

U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) 353 Civil Affairs Command 308th Civil Affairs Brigade

This photo is worth 1 million words but we’ll try to summarize…

🇺🇸 Congratulations to CPT Schwindeman and CPT Lehman! Today they graduated from CA CCC and are officially Civil Affairs officers.

🇺🇸 In attendance for their graduation was 1SG Peltier, First Sergeant of the Reserve Component Civil Affairs Captains Career Course. He is also a former 407th member who started his career here. So great when our worlds collide!

🇺🇸 Training is always a top priority so getting our Soldiers and Officers to school timely so they can get back to our formation is key! Both of these men have been assigned to our unit for less than 1 year!

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

The ACFT tests us mentally and physically. How far can we safely push ourselves to achieve success?! Not just on the PT field, but in all life challenges.

Today’s the day - we can do this together.

U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) 308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command

In August we conducted a BN Change of Responsibility where we thanked CSM Burroughs for his 3 years of leadership and welcomed CSM Wintheiser to her new position. During the ceremony, we conducted the passing of the guidon which symbolizes the passing and assumption of the responsibility inherent in being the Command Sergeant Major.

Again we want to thank CSM Burroughs for not only his 3 years of service to our Soldiers but his 20 years of service in uniform.

Congrats CSM Wintheiser on the promotion and new role. Excited to see her demonstrate .

353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) 308th Civil Affairs Brigade

Congrats to Sergeant Okuku on his recent graduation from ALC. SGT Okuku holds more than one MOS and continues to seek opportunities for leadership at our Battalion. He’s an asset to our team!

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

Look at these 2 - sitting in the front; leading from the front!

SFC Strehlo and MSG Narvaez have been attending Digital Master Gunner school for the past 3 weeks. We’re excited for them to return and share their wealth of knowledge.

but last week leadership from 407th attended a YTB planning huddle with our sister Battalions at 308th Civil Affairs Brigade. They did a pull up contest for “fun” and MAJ McBride, S3 officer (3rd from left), won!

He also had the loudest cheering section of the BDE, and that’s why we say .

Well done Sir! 🇺🇸💪🏾

353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

We’d love to welcome SPC Beaver as the 407th’s newest member to the Civil Affairs Regiment. This weekend SPC Beaver graduated from re-class in Fort McCoy, WI where he spent 3 weeks learning how to be a Civil Affairs Specialist.

Welcome to the civil affairs family!

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

It’s that time of year again - time to get the flu shot to prepare our forces against the flu this season. Are you ready?

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

We had the honor last month to recognize a Soldier and his family on his recent retirement with 20+ years of service to the United States Army.

While with the 407th, First Sergeant Frisch had multiple deployments, served as Team Leader, training NCO, 1SG for 2 companies, and mentored more Soldiers than we can count. We will miss seeing him in our halls but so happy for him and his family. Thank you Kelly and kids for your years of service as well.

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

What a great this past weekend. HHC took advantage of our MN summer to knock out a few for record .

Many thanks to our local Mpls Recruiting BN for assistance with this training event.


308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

Congratulations to SGM Kuhne for his recent promotion.

Last month he was promoted in front of the formation with the help from his family. SGM Kuhne has assumed the role of Operations Sergeant Major where we’re excited to utilize his years of deployment, leadership, and training experience to ensure our Soldiers are set up for success.

CONGRATS SGM Kuhne. Much deserved!

353 Civil Affairs Command 308th Civil Affairs Brigade U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

As a reservist, it isn’t always easy to prioritize NCOES along with work, school, family and all the other things competing for our Soldier’s time.

Thank you to SGT Karngar and SGT Kodet for leading from the front. They both recently completed their NCOES AT Ft McCoy. Congrats to both of them for their dedication and hard work paying off.

PLUS SGT Karngar made the Commandant’s List!! 🇺🇸

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

We’d like to publicly congratulate 1SG Lopez for his promotion at our Aug BA. 1SG Lopez was pinned by his wife who is also a Service Member for the US Army. He is a great addition to our leadership team at 407th!

Congrats Top!

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

This weekend Charlie Company hosted a family day. It’s important to come together post-deployment and be with each other because reintegration continues to happen after the 30-60-90 day windows.

Today we had a going away lunch for Ms Foster, Battalion SSA. Many thanks to her for her years of leadership among the Full-Time Staff that all keep our unit running between Battle Assemblies.

Good luck on your next endeavor and never forget !

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command

We were about to comment on the heat Minnesota is getting this week, but it reminded us of our NTC days at FT Irwin… that was 🔥🔥🔥

But our troops were always smiling and demonstrating that month. Proud of them!

Over 30 Soldiers just completed JLTV drivers training during our annual training. This 40 hour course was led by our Master Driver and maintenance shop for the Brigade. During the course they learned recovery operations, PMCS, and the capabilities of this new equipment - with lots of hands on time!

Collaborating with our sister units in our Brigade is the way we roll… .

308th Civil Affairs Brigade 353 Civil Affairs Command U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)