Pittsfield Recruiting Office

Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, and cadets from across New England took part in the German Armed Proficiency Badge Qualification test from September 5th through 7th 2024. The German Armed Proficiency Badge, or GAFPB is awarded to German Soldiers who excel in their standard military tests. American service members are able to complete the test and wear the badge on their dress uniforms.

The three-day event included a 100M swim, first-aid, and use of nuclear, biological, and chemical personal protective equipment tests, the German fitness test, pistol qualification, and a 12k ruck march.

The event is done in partnership with officers and Non-commissioned officers from the German armed forces, who ensure the test is completed to standard.

Completing the challenge allows U.S. forces to wear the GAFPB badge on their dress uniform. It is one of the few foreign awards authorized for wear by U.S. Servicemembers.

Interested in more? Check back in for a video recap and look for the September issue of the Minuteman Magazine later this month.



(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton and Sgt. James Toohey)

104th Fighter Wing 102nd Intelligence Wing 79th Troop Command, Massachusetts National Guard 51st Troop Command 151st Regional Support Group 1-182nd Infantry Regiment 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment 101st Engineer Battalion 3-126th Aviation Battalion

We will never forget the events that happened 23 years ago today and the way America was united after such a tragedy. We are so thankful for our first responders who risked their lives that day and every day to keep us safe. We remember the lives of those who died in the attacks and the ones that have passed or are still struggling with the physical and mental effects of that day and the families that are left without their loved ones. We are proud of our Soldiers who raised their right hand to defend our Nation to defend our great country in the Global War on Terrorism.

On September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorists associated with al-Qaeda, an Islamist extremist group, hijacked four commercial airplanes scheduled to fly from the East Coast to California. In a coordinated attack that turned the planes into weapons, the terrorists intentionally flew two of the planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, a global business complex in New York City, causing the towers to collapse. They also flew a third plane into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, in Arlington, Virginia. Passengers and crew members on the fourth plane launched a counterattack, forcing the hijacker pilot—who was flying the airplane toward Washington, D.C.—to crash the plane into a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, near the town of Shanksville.
The 9/11 attacks killed 2,977 people. This was the single largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil. The attacks caused the deaths of 441 first responders, the greatest loss of emergency responders on a single day in American history. Even 23 years later, many have died or are suffering from the effects of that day.
-excerpts from 911memorial.org

Here comes the boom 💥 soldiers with the detonate a crater charge.

Learn how you can join at www.nationalguard.com/ma

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Climb to new experiences!

Soldiers with the practice their mountaineering skills during their training at Camp Ethan Allen.

Learn how you can climb to new heights by visiting www.national guard.com/ma

Recently the Massachusetts Army National Guard, alongside 20th Special Forces Group, conducted a Special Forces Evaluation. This one-day assessment offers a sneak peak at the intense physical demands required for selection and is a requirement for receiving an 18X contract.

To learn more, visit guardsf.com
Or
National guard.com/ma

Massachusetts National Guard — The Nation's First

📸 SGT James Toohey

Half-staff notice:

has ordered flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Aug 24, 2024, the date of interment, in honor of Specialist Xavier M. Powell, MA Army National Guard of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who passed away on Sunday, Aug 11, 2024.

MA Army National Guard - Recruiting and Retention

SFC Larter did an amazing job pushing through National Best Warrior for the Army National Guard. The 12 mile ruck through the mountains sure was a test of strength and perseverance.

Time to recover and see how SFC Larter placed overall!

The biathlon is no joke! Those 1000-meter runs and shooting really push your endurance to the limit. 💪🏃‍♂️🎯

Thank you to the for showing us what it is like to train for the Olympics!

As of last night is in third place for NCOs.

📸 SGT James Toohey

competing in the National Best Warrior competition! Top warriors from every region across the U.S. are giving it their all to claim the title of the best in the Army National Guard.

📸 SGT James Toohey

Massachusetts own SFC Larter is competing in the National Best Warrior competition taking place at Camp Ethan Allen, VT. The event consist of several days of firing ranges, rucks and warrior task.

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Had a great time with and their youth police academy! Massachusetts Army National Guard Soldiers shared a glimpse of the physical fitness, attention to detail, and team building that shape their daily lives. This experience showed cadets how these skills translate into both military and civilian careers. Proud to serve our state, country, and local communities!

📸 SGT James Toohey

Check out what your National Guard has been up to this July!

Its here! Read all about it!
The July Minuteman Magazine features stories about:

One of our own from the Mass Guard earns Gold with the All-Army Rugby Team!

211th Military Police Battalion Annual Training

Our 4th of July Celebrations at the Esplanade

Successful Paraguay Mission

TAG and Counterdrug Program head to Washington DC to brief Congress

104th Fighter Wing donates F-15C to the New England Air Museum

Mass Guard visits Patton Homestead

An Intense HAZMAT Course

The 212th Engineering and Installation Squadron takes on a Monumental Task

26th Yankee Brigade has a Change of Command

1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment and the USS Constitution makes some noise at Castle Island

And More!
https://www.massnationalguard.org/Minuteman/2024/July/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEXHSRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTpS6SjIOrWgWxVgwzEG8sGxENN4ucbrf6b6SVO9qHxiS9_Ravv0K8bhPA_aem_X2epuQjb3Fz8YPAzBydvSA

GO USA!

Did you know we have ten Soldiers competing in Paris on behalf of Team USA 🇺🇸?

These incredible athletes have put in the work as service members and Soldiers and are ready to show the world what Be All You Can Be looks like.

We've posted the names of the competitors in the comments. ⤵️

🇺🇸 Soldier with the 1-181 IN and the Army National Guard Honor Guard, took part in presenting the colors at the Boston pops 4th of July celebration.

National Guard Soldiers continue to play a crucial role in our communities from Honor Guard to supporting Law Enforcement for large events and security of the Nation.

Massachusetts National Guard — The Nation's First
National Guard
Command Sgt Maj James L. Campbell
Boston Pops

📸 SGT James Toohey

Massachusetts Army National Guard Member Sergeant First Class Megan Gaedje is competing with the All Army Women’s Rugby team in San Diego. With day 2 of the competition starting today. Wish her luck!

📸 SGT James Toohey

Massachusetts National Guard — The Nation's First
National Guard
Command Sgt Maj James L. Campbell

McGinn: Gun range a necessity at Cape’s Camp Edwards The National Guard training challenge means trainers must squeeze as much as possible out of precious little time. Critical to this is close access to training facilities, such as a multipurpose ma…

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

Join us this Friday, June 21st, as we kick off the summer’s first zip trip with Boston 25! Enjoy inflatables, games, and get up close with a UH-60 Helicopter. You don’t want to miss it! 🚁✨

Happy 249th Birthday, U.S. Army!
Since its official establishment, June 14, 1775 — more than a year before the Declaration of Independence — the U.S. Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation.

June 6, 1944: 80 years ago, this day will change the course of history as U.S, British and Canadian troops parachuted and landed on the beaches of Normandy. To liberate Europe and take the fight to N**i Germany. These American Soldiers not only endured some of the toughest challenges of their lives but in history.

Today we honor those who are currently serving in the Armed Forces. You’ve taken the step many have not and we are proud of everything you do every day.

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