The document discusses changes happening within the Deep Attack Battalion as Bravo Battery deploys and Charlie Battery begins transforming into an infantry fighting force to also deploy. It discusses farewells from the outgoing commander and welcome from the incoming commander. It provides details on Bravo Battery's deployment, award winning maintenance, pre-deployment preparations, Charlie Battery's transformation training, and says goodbye from the FRG coordinator.

1. D EEP A TTACK
N EWSLETTER 17 June 2011
Volume 2, Issue 1
“The Times….They are a changing” INSIDE THIS ISSUE
“DEEP ATTACK!” Attack 6 Farewell 1
Greetings from the Incoming Attack 6 2
Award Winning Maintenance 3
This quarter brings a multitude of changes within the
Bravo BTRY Deployment 3
Deep Attack Battalion. Not only are changes happening
with leadership, a transformation is happening within the Pre-Deployment Prep 4
Battalion as well. As the final pieces of Bravo Battery “Rock” Transformation 5
deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Charlie Bonnie’s Goodbye 6
Battery has begun is transformation into an infantry CSM’s Corner 6
fighting force to deploy to the same region. With all
these moving pieces, 2-4 shows once again, it is one of
the most agile and capable fighting forces in the world Final Farewell: From Attack 6
today.
Soldiers, Family, and Friends of 2nd Battalion 4th Field
Artillery,
As Bridget and I depart, I want to say thank you for the last
two years.
We continue to be one of
the most dynamic Multiple
Launch Rockets System
(MLRS) battalions in the
United States Army. You
have taken great pride in
being on the cutting edge of
the Army‟s most precise
and devastating weapon
system and the logistics that
keep us operational. You
have shown your agility by
training on: surface to
surface tasks during OIF;
numerous battalion field exercises and NTC; protect the force
tasks; training and deploying as 13 radar sections; and soon,
deploying as an Infantry Company.
We have worked hard to fully implement the Family
Readiness Groups. We have excellent FRG programs in each
battery. Bonnie will be PCS‟ing to Fort Bliss. The battalion
will fill the void and will soon hire a new FRSA. We also
have a skilled group of volunteers in the battery FRG‟s.
Continue to take the time to learn about the battalion and to
make the battalion and battery FRG‟s the best on Fort Sill.
Continue to meet others and remain involved in your FRG‟s
fun events. It is what you make of it. Thank you!
Please see Attack 6 continued on page 2

2. Deep Attack! Page 2
Attack 6 Continued…
Bonnie, thanks for making our FRG‟s the best on Fort Sill
and thank you for the great work you have done inside the
Incoming Commander’s Welcome
battalion. We could not have done it without you. You all LTC Mark Schmitt
have made 2nd Battalion 4th Field Artillery better every day.
You did this through improving every system in the
battalion, as shown in the last Brigade Command inspection. Soldiers, Families, and Friends of the Deep Attack
I personally thank every one of you. Battalion, my wife, Gaylelee and I want to thank all of you
I want to thank all the staff officers who have entered the for having helped our family smoothly transition into the
engagement area. You all have been great. I think we built Battalion. It‟s a direct reflection of the strength of this
the best staff in the Brigade and 4th ID. Each of you has organization‟s Family Readiness Groups and your
contributed to the batteries‟ success by setting the willingness to assist. We are
conditions. Sometimes, your work goes unnoticed and extremely excited to be back
unappreciated. I thank you. at Fort Sill particularly
because we were lucky
I want to thank all the Battery Commanders: Hawkins, enough to be assigned to a
Messina, Reasoner, Applebaum, and Barnett. unit with such an outstanding
reputation. Asmany of you
I want to thank all the 1SG‟s: Lenning, Files, Muilenburg, know, a busy
Irwin, Schofield and Ball. summer lies ahead as the
Battalion‟s main effort will
I would also like to thank all the Field Grades. You have be to prepare Charlie Battery
implemented many changes in the battalion over the past for its upcoming deployment.
two years: Major Doug Thomas, Lieutenant Colonel Gary Charlie Battery is led by the
Leroux, and Major Brain Adams. outstanding Command Team of CPT John Hawkins and
SFC Timothy Files. To resource the required number of
As a result of everyone‟s hard work and dedication, 2nd personnel for the mission, we transferred several members
Battalion 4th Field Artillery continues to build a solid
of the Team from other Batteries into Charlie Battery. By
reputation for unmatched professionalism and mission
the time we will have published this newsletter, the families
accomplishment. As you can see, our great battalion
and Soldiers reassigned to Charlie Battery will have had the
continues to move in many directions. Bravo battery is
opportunity to attend a Charlie Battery FRG meeting (16
deployed with 13 Radar sections and its head quarters to
Jun) and should now be fully integrated into their new FRG.
OEF and OND. Charlie battery is preparing for its
Throughout June, Charlie Battery will train on the
upcoming Infantry company mission. Alpha, HHB, and our
individual Soldier level skills needed for the deployment
FSC will support Charlie battery this summer and then, will
and then in July, the unit will transition to the collective
continue training this fall. The train keeps moving despite a
training phase that will culminate with a two week exercise
change in leadership. Change is good. It‟s healthy. The
in mid July. Throughout both months, the remainder of the
battalion that we built over the past two years will not be the
Battalion will be supporting the training events.
same battalion in the coming months. For those of you In August, there will be a leave period prior to the
remaining at Fort Sill, please give LTC Schmitt and his wife,
deployment (as well as a pre-deployment briefing for
Gaylelee, the same dedication that you gave Bridget and me. families) and then we expect to send Charlie Battery off
Please give CSM Poindexter that same dedication, as the
toward the end of August or early part of September. As a
battalion sustains and rebuild programs and takes a different
significant portion of the Battalion will be deployed in the
direction. The battalion will have different priorities, coming months, the strength of our FRGs is more important
according to the needs of the Army. You can do it.
than ever. I would encourage all of you to participate,
With that, I will close by saying it‟s been the greatest honor (regardless of whether your Spouse is deployed, deploying,
and privilege of my career, and, frankly, of my life, to have or not deploying)
led the men and women of the Deep Attack Battalion over
the last two years.
I am going to miss it. I am going to miss all of you.
Thank you very much for your service.
“DEEP ATTACK” Please see LTC Schmitt continued on page 3
LTC Jim, Bridget, Kathleen and Maria McGovern
And Roger.

3. Deep Attack! Page 3
LTC Schmitt continued….
Award Winning Maintenance
…so that you may gain key information regarding ongoing unit
By: 1LT Tyler Moody operations as well as information regarding the many opportunities
As many of you may have heard, the Deep for assistance that this great Post has to offer (it is also an
Attack Battalion was recently awarded the Army Award opportunity for us to gain information regarding you and any
for Maintenance Excellence. challenges you might have that we can assist with). The primary
The AAME was established in 1982 by the methods by which the Battalion has disseminated information to
Department of the Army to recognize exceptional families prior to the Battalion Change of Command will not change
accomplishment in maintenance, and provide added (e.g. email and Facebook).
incentive to the competitive programs of Major Army
Commands. Each unit competing for the award is In closing, I just want to say that CSM Poindexter and I are
evaluated on their effectiveness in ensuring Soldier committed to both your Soldier and YOU, the family member. We
competency is maintained. Competing units are from understand how important families are and understand the challenges
Active Army, National Guard, Reserve, DOL‟s and they sometimes face…as we both have families of our own. I cannot
TDA units which compete separately and are broken emphasize enough how extremely proud and humbled I am to be in
into three categories of small, medium, and large command of a unit with such an outstanding reputation and
according to personnel MTOE. While in preparation, incredible group of NCOs, Soldiers, and officers.
several “in house” inspections were performed by 2-4 Deep Attack!
maintenance leadership teams to ensure all systems and
personnel were prepared and where they needed to be to
be successful. Bravo BTRY Deployment
After thorough preparation, hard work, and long
hours 2-4 FAR received confirmation that they had By CPT Rob Barnett
made the finalist list, “Final Four” if you will, which Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment
would lead to an inspection/evaluation of their (MLRS) received a warning order in the beginning of 2010 for an
Maintenance Programs by the Department of the Army “in lieu of”(ILO) mission to deploy AN/TPQ-36, and AN/TPQ-37
(DA) in March 2011 during our off post training Fire Finder Radars to Iraq and Afghanistan. To prepare an MLRS
exercise at Fort Bliss. After a month of anticipation, 2-4 battery to conduct radar mission requires a complete transformation
FAR received an email from DA informing us they had of the battery. Most of it comes fairly easily for an artilleryman, but
won the AAME for FORSCOM in the large category. some aspects require months of training to conduct the mission. The
This is an outstanding accomplishment and 2-4 schools required to cross train are lengthy and in short supply, yet
FAR is very proud of their mechanics and maintenance our Soldiers performed exceptionally well and prepared for mission
sections for their stellar proficiency and excellence success. Since we deployed in multiple segments, our sections had
which represent the best maintenance program not only several different timelines for deployments. This has caused us to
at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, but the Army worldwide. run four separate training timelines requiring the Soldiers and
families of Bravo Battery to remain flexible and adapt to multiple
scenarios and taskings. As the remainder of Bravo Battery joins the
rest of the unit in Afghanistan, we will continue to represent the
Deep Attack Battalion, the Leader Brigade and the United States
Army as some of the highest trained and finest Soldiers in the
world. Bulldog 6 out.

4. Deep Attack! Page 4
Pre-Deployment Preparations
2-4 FRG FOCUS
Pre-Deployment Prep Continued….
Pre-deployment can be a stressful time for service
members and their families. Whether you are a What financial decisions might need to be made
parent, a spouse or are single, making a plan prior while I’m away?
to deployment is a great way to prepare for the * Do I need to share/write down any important account
road ahead. These preparations will ensure you numbers, usernames, or passwords?
are ready “to part” instead of simply ready “to go." * Have I made arrangements to handle my taxes while I
<www.realwarriors.net/active/deployment/prepared am away? If not, how can I prepare or how can I help my
eployment.php#_end1> partner be prepared in the future?
Identifying resources and educating yourself about What legal issues might arise while I am deployed?
tips to successfully prepare will help you manage * Have I filed appropriate legal documentation, such as
this transition. All of the military services provide power of attorneys, advance directive and will and
service members with pre-deployment guidelines testaments?
and checklists upon learning of their deployment. * Do I have appropriate life insurance to cover my family?
* Have I provided appropriate contact numbers?
When preparing for deployment
* Be Patient: Expect Conflict
* Be Prepared: Discuss Before You Deploy How might my relationship be affected because of
this deployment?
How might deployment affect my family? * Have my partner and I discussed how we will stay in
* Will deployment require a change in how I care contact during our separation? Have we agreed on
for my children? realistic goals and expectations?
* Do we need to establish new roles for disciplining * Have we discussed how we will handle conflicts and
our children? disagreements?
* Have we discussed how important decisions will * How will my partner and I handle intimacy disinterest or
be made while I am away? Am I ok with decisions anxiousness?
being made without my input?
* Does my family understand why I am leaving for
a long time? Have we openly discussed concerns Adequately preparing yourself before leaving for
and fears about my deployment? deployment will allow you to focus on your mission as a
service member. Your preparation prior to deployment
Is my home prepared for a long deployment? will open the door for a smoother return home once your
* Are there any outstanding home repair projects? deployment tour is finished
* If there were an issue, does my partner know
who to contact and what to do?
* Is my house prepared for seasonal changes?
* Can my spouse take over the household tasks I
usually perform, or do we need to arrange and
budget for someone else to do them? Do I need to
teach my spouse how to start a lawn mower?
Check the oil or transmission fluid in the car?
Change a tire or check tire pressure? Do a load of
laundry?

5. Deep Attack! Page 5
Bonnie Says Goodbye The “Rock” Transforms
By: 1LT Graham Purcell
As most of you
know this will be
my last month Charlie Battery 2/4 FAR has been training with extra
with 2-4 FAR I enthusiasm and focus over the course of the last 3 weeks. We
would personally were recently notified there was need for a company size
like to thank my element in Afghanistan for an Infantry mission. With great
Battery Liaisons: haste the 141 man unit was task- organized within the
LT „s Ostruske, Battalion to support the assignment, pulling our best trained
Pemberton, and most enthusiastic soldiers to answer their Nation‟s call.
Myrick, Gumbs Formulating under Charlie “Rock” the deploying battery‟s
SPC Gorski, leadership has pushed forward with extra emphasis added to
SSG Gallegoes, every part of our training to prepare the men to “deploy,
and SGT Moton,
engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States in close
we had some
painful months with meetings and inspections but you combat.” 2/4 FAR as an MLRS BN‟s primary mission is to
stuck by me and never let provide accurate and timely fires on the enemy with precision
me down. munitions, but beyond our core METL task with prophetic
My FRG Leaders: Shannon Messina, Melissa Villarreal, clarity our BN leadership has prepared the men deploying in
Marsha Ball, Krysta Pemberton, Anne Campbell, the “Rock” to be proficient in Infantry tactics and techniques
Margorette Reasoner – You all are the back bone to FRG including training in convoy mounted patrols, close combat
you have truly made my job easier , thank you for always MOUT training, and in counterinsurgency operations.
being a phone call or email away. Through a rotation at NTC and within the same year a 30 day
CPT Furniss, LT Nash, CPT Mayer and SFC Vodry and deployment to Ft. Bliss we have continued to perfect our
SSG Hooten, SPC Boone thank you for helping every skills as warriors and have maximized our capabilities to
time I asked. Battery Commanders and Major Sadovy,
deploy (on short notice) in defense of a nation we proudly
CPT Hawkins, Applebaum, Barnett, Reasoner, 1SGT‟s:
Ball, Files, Irwin, Schofield and Muilenburg thank you serve with multiple capabilities.
for putting up with me through all our FRG Meetings From ruck marches, continued focus on all small arms
and Command Inspection and Good luck in the Future. I ranges, electronic warfare orientation, virtual reality combat
will miss working with each and every one of you. training, MRAP certification, JFO qualifications, and Cultural
Command Team: My Advisor, Bridget McGovern you Awareness training (just to name a few), the “Rock” mission
have been my friend and mentor since the day I walked is becoming a dawning reality for the men preparing to
into 2-4. I have enjoyed our MANY talks you are a great deploy. With perseverance and enduring vision, the Charlie
Commander‟s Wife but most of all a great person and I NCOs and Officers hope to be establishing ourselves upon
am so happy to say you are my friend. CSM Poindexter the “Rock” hard fundamentals that will make us the most
in the short time we have worked together it‟s been at highly skilled and precise fighting force deployed, presenting
true experience and thanks for the PB and J. SGM
each individual and the unit to be a daunting force to be
Oliver you are a true and great SGM I was sorry our time
working together was so short, good luck in TX and just reckoned with by our enemies. Further that we represent the
know I plan to email when OU whips TX “AGAIN”. 2/4 FAR, 214th Fires BDE, and the United States Army with
Major Adams, my sounding block thanks for being there dignity and honor; fighting for our nations continued freedom
for me each and every day I will miss our TV talks. and our family‟s enduring security.
Major Thomas, you have made me shed many tears but I
can say honestly say you taught me how to swim, instead
of sink; you‟re a great person.
LTC McGovern, I don‟t even know where to begin, you
are the best LTC I have ever met. I am going to miss
your Leadership and Guidance;
Please see Bonnie continued on page 6

6. Deep Attack! Page 6
CSM’s Corner CSM Continued…
By: CSM Taylor Poindexter Last, I would like to say good-bye to the
Commander, LTC James McGovern and his family.
Hello “Deep Attack” Soldiers and He has been steadfast and loyal to the “Deep Attack”
Families. I am CSM Taylor Battalion and led them from hard times to a well
Poindexter and I am the Command functioning machine capable of training for,
Sergeant Major for the 2-4 FA deploying to and completing every mission the Army
Battalion. I have spent 23 years has given them. Well Done Sir, good-luck and
in the Army and I am on my Godspeed to you and your family with your new
second tenure as a field artillery endeavors in the Army!
CSM. I have deployed to combat
four times and have spent the Bonnie Continued…
majority of my career in war fighting units in Fort Bragg, Germany ….I have learned so much under your command and trust
and Fort Riley. My wife Becky and I are excited to join the Battalion me when I say: you have set the standards so high.
and look forward to working with all of you. I also have four Thank you for being my boss but most of all for your
children, Kellen at University of South Carolina, Nathan at Cameron friendship. It is greatly appreciated.
University, and Andrew and Emily who both attend Elgin School. You all are hands down the best battalion on Fort Sill and
We are all happy to be back where we call home. it was my pleasure to work with such wonderful people. I
A lot of you probably don‟t understand what I do, so I will explain it have said many times 1/79 brought us to Fort Sill but 2-4
quickly so when you see me, you will understand what I can do for has my heart!!
you and the Battalion. I am the senior enlisted advisor to the v/r
Commander, advising him of Soldier issues, training, standards, and Bonnie Smith
uniformity and provide mentorship to all NCO‟s on all aspects of
leadership. I am also responsible for the health, welfare and morale FRSA Position:
of all Soldiers and quality of life for family members. So basically…I 2-4 Family and Friends, please know with our Soldiers
help develop the unit, the NCO Corps and take care of Soldiers and deployed and more soon to follow the FRSA Position will
their Families. be covered by SGT Lenise Moton. All emails, facebook,
What a bunch of great Americans the “Deep Attack” Battalion and information that will need to be provided will be
consists of! Since arriving to 2-4 FAR, I have been nothing short of distributed the same. She has been my one of my Battery
impressed by the way the Soldiers of this organization get after it. Liaisons for about 9 months and knows what needs to be
That says a lot about units, especially since we are a Nation at war. done to take care of family and Soldiers. Her phone
As Bravo Battery continues to deploy in support of Radar operations number will be 580-442-5701 and she will located in my
throughout both theaters, I would like to tell their Families how office. Her email will be lenise.m.moton.mil@mail.mil.
proud I am of your Soldiers. Your Soldiers have deployed well
trained and with their chest held high knowing that they represent
America, their loved ones and each other. I also want all of you
spouses and children to know that we are here for you if you need us.
Sometimes when things seem complicated for you, the fix is just a
short phone call away for us.
The Battalion continues to move forward with training our Soldiers
for combat. What an awesome opportunity it has been for Charlie
Battery to get out there and develop teams, sections and platoons
prepared to do any mission our Country asks of them. They are going
to spend a lot of time developing drills and tactics, but when the time
comes, they will be successful wherever they go.
Charlie has only gotten to where they are with the help of every unit
in the Battalion. We see the necessity of our unit lies with the
Soldiers who are deploying and every unit has put forth their best
efforts, Soldiers, Officers and NCO‟s to make Charlie Battery
successful. We as the Battalion will continue to train hard and assist
with all efforts until we have deployed all Soldiers or receive a
change of mission.
Edited by 2LT Justin Nash