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    This month in Fort McCoy history: October 2018

    1951 riot control squad

    Courtesy Photo | The riot control squad, all members of the 115th Engineer Construction Battalion,...... read more read more

    FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES

    10.12.2018

    Story by Theresa R Fitzgerald 

    Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

    75 years ago — Oct. 5, 1943

    A new band, a 77-piece unit belonging to the 76th Infantry Division, set up headquarters at Camp McCoy.

    The band, under the leadership of Warrant Officers John Sandidge and Leonard Lambert, had played together as a unit since August 1943. Formerly, it was divided into two sections, the artillery band and the infantry band. The bands had played as units since July 1, 1942, soon
    after the division was activated.

    An ambitious program was mapped out by Sandidge and Lambert, who were assisted by Tech. Sgt. Louis Nestor. Playing for reviews, drills, regimental ceremonies, and broadcasts were among the activities the band did all around the installation.

    The unit’s dance bands played at the service clubs on post as well.

    The 76th’s band was featured in the “Back the Attack” show, which was staged in Washington, D.C., and made a showing at the Capitol’s Stage Door Canteen. A broadcast was later repeated for audiences in La
    Crosse, Wis.

    The band, which aided bond drives in the past, also lent its assistance to local and state campaigns.

    72 Years Ago — Oct. 11, 1946

    Camp McCoy was designated as one of the installations in the nation to function as a Regular Army Officer Screening center. It processed applicants either currently on active duty or already separated from the service and stationed or residing in Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, according to an announcement issued by Col. Newton Bush, post commander.

    The new law authorized further expansion of the officer strength of the Regular Army provided for an increase in strength from 25,000 to 50,000 without time limitation during which appointments can be made. It was anticipated that approximately 25 applicants from the designated area would be tested at this station daily. High-ranking regular Army officers constituted the Interview Board and appointments to the board located here were to be made by Fifth Army headquarters.

    The screening center and interview boards operated from Dec. 1, 1946, to March 31, 1947.

    30 Years Ago — Oct. 28, 1988

    The U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Readiness Training Center added three new courses to its curriculum aimed at keeping good soldiers in the ranks.
    Those courses, focusing on USAR retention, included a basic Retention Noncomissioned Officer Course, an advanced course intended to teach unit members how to train others in retention skills, and a Retention Manager’s Course to teach officers how to manage a unit retention
    program.

    The classes were moved to Fort McCoy from Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind.

    10 Years Ago — Oct. 1, 2008

    The Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services (DES)/Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS) split into two separate directorates, effective Oct. 1, 2008.

    DES includes the Public Safety Center, the Fire Department, the Intrusion Detection System, Vehicle Registration, and the Airfield Fire Station (Fire Station 2). DPTMS includes the Training Division; Management Support Division; the Plans, Operation and Security Division; and the Airfield Division.

    The organizations were formed as part of the final phase of a Standard Garrison Organization transition in accordance with Installation Management Command guidance.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.12.2018
    Date Posted: 10.12.2018 12:52
    Story ID: 296183
    Location: FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US

    Web Views: 101
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN