​COARNG Leadership Team's Command Messages

 

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Commander, COARNG, BG Rogers	Deputy CDR, COL Fenner	​CCWO, CW4 Coppock	​State CSM, CSM Assaad

 

August 2023

COARNG Warriors,

As the summer season begins to wind down and fall season approaches, we embrace seasonal changes that bring to us our State’s beautiful foliage and a brand-new school year. Some of us may be looking forward to a new football season and perhaps joy in knowing that we are a month closer to winter activities.

Although this month holds no specific National holiday, August brings us many different celebrations such as American Family Day, National Aviation Day (chosen after Orville Wright), Women’s Equality Day, and National Coast Guard Day. Towards the end of the month, we will also get to see a Blue Moon, the biggest supermoon of the year.

As we continue to face recruiting and retention challenges across our force, we continue to improve our organization and seek financial incentives like JEEP (the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program). We encourage you to take advantage of this great recruiting incentive tool. If you’re not familiar with it, please get with your unit leadership to learn more about it. Every one of you executes a vital role in this organization! You are not just numbers to us, you are our people, and that is our number one priority!

Despite all these mentioned great events, we want to also remind everyone to continue to be safe. The well-being of you and your families are what matter to us.

Be well, be safe, and continue to be all you can be!

Build Trust, Build Strength!

CSM John Assaad

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July 2023

COARNG Warriors,

The State command team wants you to know how important you are to all of us. You are what makes this organization great! We also want you to know that we have noticed a recent increase of cases in Service Members driving under the influence across the force and we want to reinforce safety and responsible alcohol consumption. Impaired driving could result in a serious or even fatal accident. You could lose your own life or take someone else’s. It’s just not worth it!

The price of driving under the influence could also be costly to your career. You’ll be subjected to CCMJ actions and the potential of security clearance suspension or revocation. These actions erode trust, and ultimately degrade readiness. If, while consuming alcohol, you cannot stay at the current location, consider a more responsible method of getting home. You have options like calling an Uber, a sober friend, a family member, or even your battle buddy. Responsible alcohol consumption includes not driving while impaired. Please don’t think that this cannot happen to you. The well-being of you and your family are what matters to us. Thank you for what you all do and continue to be all you can be!

Build Trust, Build Strength!

BG Bren D. Rogers

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June 2023

 

This month, our command message topic is about effective leadership and developing others. Effective leadership is crucial to the Army and all of us…and is fundamental to operations as an element of combat power. It requires an understanding of related doctrine. Leaders at all levels and Soldiers should be familiar with the fundamentals of leadership, attributes, and competencies in ADP 6-22, Army Leadership and the Profession; understand the nature and fundamentals of operations as described in FM 3-0 Operations; and FM 7-0 the guide for Army training and training management.

FM 6-22 provides the framework for how leaders develop others, improve their organizations, and build teams. It emphasizes the active process of teaching, training, coaching, mentoring, study, and learning required for developing others. The process requires deliberate intent and genuine engagement by leaders at all levels as well as Soldiers themselves.

The newly updated FM 3-0 establishes Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) as the Army’s operational concept. The focus remains on large-scale combat operations (LSCO) against adversaries able to contest the joint force in the land, air, maritime, space and cyberspace domains. MDOs fracture the coherence of threat operational approaches by repeatedly disintegrating, dislocating, isolating, and destroying their interdependent systems and formations and exploiting the opportunities to defeat enemy forces in detail. Army forces combine maneuver and targeting methods to accrue relative advantages over time and defeat enemy formations and systems. MDO, applies to all echelons and requires understanding of how land forces influence the other four domains and how capabilities applied in the other domains influence outcomes on land. Army forces benefit from capabilities they do not control, for example satellite communications and air interdiction. The Army must also protect against enemy capabilities from all domains.

FM 7-0 is the guide for Army training and training management. It addresses the fundamentals of training modular, expeditionary Army forces to conduct full spectrum operations—simultaneous offensive, defensive, and stability or civil support operations—in an era of persistent conflict. Conducting effective training must be a top priority for leaders and Soldiers at all levels of the COARNG. Training should be focused on the most likely operational environments and experience of seasoned individuals should be used in developing effective training plans. The bulk of this manual discusses how to use the Army’s training management model to plan, prepare, execute, and assess training.

In order for all of us to be able to fulfill our duties and responsibilities in keeping this great nation and our fellow Americans safe, we have to make sure we are constantly educating, training and gaining the experience necessary to build the caliber of readiness and strength required to win…because WINNING MATTERS! I want to leave you with a quote from the Sergeant Major of the Army, “Investing in Soldiers’ training and education not only builds readiness; it is also an investment in our future as an Army." - SMA Daniel A. Dailey

Build Trust, Build Strength!

BG Bren D. Rogers

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May 2023

COARNG Warriors,

May is here and we’re experiencing warmer temps, blooming flowers, and the fresh beginnings of summer. It’s the month of creative beginnings where we show appreciation for our teachers, pets, nurses and much more. We celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day, and we acknowledge Jewish American Heritage and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage. May is also the month of Military Appreciation and on Memorial Day, we remember our fallen brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving.  

To improve the strength of the 947th EN CO, COARNG will initiate the restationing of one vertical platoon from Montrose to Fort Carson no later than the fourth quarter of Training Year 2023. In the meantime, the 947th EN CO will continue to train on the western slope in preparation for their upcoming deployment. The unit will not physically move to the front range until the completion of their deployment.

This month will also mark the transition of responsibility for our State Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 Drew Zanoff. On 06 May, CW5 Zanoff will relinquish responsibility as the Seventh State CCWO to CW4 Mike Coppock. CW5 Zanoff has faithfully served the Warrant Officer Cohort and our State in this capacity for over four years. We wish him and his family well as he transitions to HAATS as the Battalion Standardization Pilot, and we welcome CW4 Coppock and his family to this role.

In closing, thank you for what you do. Our organization is better because of you. We’re honored and humbled to serve with each of you and lastly, May the fourth be with you!

Build Trust, Build Strength!

CSM John Assaad

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April 2023

COARNG Warriors, 

Finally, Spring is here; the snow is mostly gone and we are moving into the Annual Training season. The Colorado National Guard will be moving along at top speed for the next few months so make sure you conduct all operations safely, on and off-duty.  April is a “Big” month; Month of the Military Child, Easter, Holocaust Remembrance Day and Earth Day. As we look back on COARNG history, on the 29th of April, 1945, elements of the COARNG (1-157 Infantry Regiment, now 157 Field Artillery Regiment), led by Lt. Col. Felix Sparks, as part of the 45th Infantry Division, liberated Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. This was a major event in the overall  liberation of Europe and a proud moment in Colorado Guard history.  

This will be my last “Command Message” as the Command Chief. It has truly been a pleasure and the highlight of my career serving the Colorado National Guard as the CCWO. I have confidence that CW4 Mike Coppock will do an amazing job as the 8th Command Chief of the COARNG and he will continue to move the COARNG in the right direction. Thank you all for your generous support.

CW5 Drew Zanoff, CCWO

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March 2023

Soldiers,

Our command message this month focuses on building strength! We have to be ready to fight tonight. When we talk about building strength, we are talking about a wide array of things. Our personnel readiness has to be at 100% paid strength, training readiness should be in line with Army requirements depending on what SRM year your unit is in, and equipment has to be kept at or very near 100% readiness levels. As Army leaders, we have a “sacred obligation” to ensure our Soldiers are a highly trained, strong cohesive team that is disciplined, fit, and able to “win on any battlefield.”

Through proper training management, leaders need to plan, resource, and execute excellent training. We should always be striving towards tough realistic training in degraded environments with the ability to fight at night. We have to master the fundamentals and that is why the Army is moving to a foundational readiness model that prioritizes the training of individuals and small units at the company level and below. The best combat units in the world ensure their individuals and small units are masters of their craft. We must be ready to defeat any adversary, anywhere, whenever called upon, under any condition!

The COARNG Vision:  The COARNG is a capable, lethal and relevant force that cultivates strong cohesive teams, maximizes talent, sustains tactical and operational readiness, strengthens our alliances and partnerships while progressing through the Army’s greatest transformation since the Vietnam era to that of multi-domain operations.

Build Trust, Build Strength!

BG Bren D. Rogers

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February 2023

COARNG Warriors,

February is upon us as it’s the shortest month encompassing many things. It’s the month in which we say goodbye to winter as spring follows in March. It’s the month of purification, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, the Super Bowl, Random Acts of Kindness Day, and so on. February is also Black History Month. It’s an opportunity for a continued engagement with history as it helps us give context for the present. As we continue our journey of serving together, we continually become stronger and more cohesive than the day before. That’s a direct result of YOUR efforts and determination of serving as Warriors, and not just Soldiers. Remember to keep safety on your minds as we continue to witness frigid temperatures across our beautiful state. Thank you for what you do. Our organization is better because of you and we’re honored and humbled to serve with you.

Build Trust, Build Strength!

CSM John Assaad

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January 2023

                                                Happy New Year Guard Family. 

I hope you were able to enjoy the holidays with family and friends and take advantage of some downtime.  2023 looks to be another busy year so I hope you are ready.  A big thank you to all the Soldiers and Airmen that supported the shelter mission that we were tasked with just a few days before Christmas.  Great job, the Governor asked, and the CONG delivered as always.  In January we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Take time to recall Dr. King’s great accomplishments with the Civil Rights Movement, he truly made America better.  Last of all, keep safety a forethought in everything you do on and off duty, we cannot afford to lose people due to accidents. 

Thank you all for what you do, and I look forward to serving with you in 2023. 

CW5 Drew Zanoff

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December 2022

To The Soldiers, Civilians, and Families of the Colorado Army National Guard,

From your Senior Leadership Team, we send heartfelt Holiday Greetings to you and yours! We hope that you and your families enjoy the season, find time to recharge, and most of all that you just have some good old-fashioned holiday fun!

This is the season of reflection and thinking back, remembering what has transpired throughout the year in our lives. It is a time to count our blessings and for remembering all the people in our lives that we are thankful for. We are thankful for all of you and your families, “Thank you for choosing to serve this great state and nation!” Thank you for being so dedicated and working so hard to accomplish so many amazing things throughout the year. You are all just incredible and we are so humbled and honored each and every day to be able to serve with you. This past Thursday, I was able to celebrate what you all accomplished throughout the year at a community engagement and am just in “awe”, as were the attendees, in the caliber of people you are and how incredibly talented and skilled you are. Keep up the great work!

Our thoughts are with our Soldiers who are deployed and cannot be with their families this holiday season, we realize they are making that very hard sacrifice for our nation’s security……we as a state and nation owe them a debt of gratitude. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Reach out if you know someone who is deployed and let them know you are thinking about them, I know they will appreciate it very much.

Warm Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season,

BG Bren Dee Rogers
COL Tod Fenner
CW5 Drew Zanoff
CSM John Assaad

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November 2022

Warriors,

November is upon us and we are heading into the holiday season. As mentioned last month, please continue to keep in touch with your fellow servicemen and women as this time of year can bring additional undue stress that can affect us all differently. That’s what families do and please keep our men and women supporting missions abroad that cannot be with their families during the holidays in your thoughts.

The 2022 Colorado Military Ball, also referred to as the Governor’s Ball, is taking place on the 19^th. This is a great event for CONG members and families to enjoy each other’s company and entertainment. Additionally, all proceeds go towards the CONG Foundation which helps our Warriors and their families in times of need. It will be held at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield, CO. 

Also, the Inaugural Protection Ball on December 3^rd at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center.

As we are in the month of giving thanks, we’re thankful for our Veterans, past and present for the sacrifices made to enjoy our liberties and freedoms and thankful for each other. We wish each and every one of you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. We’re honored and thankful to serve with you in the COARNG family!

 

Build Trust, Build Strength!

CSM John Assaad

 

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October 2022

October is here and Fall is in full swing. The holidays are just around the corner, and this can be a stressful time of year for a lot of us.  If you find yourself overstressed and in need, reach out for help, you are not alone.  The COARNG’s Family Programs Office has a ton of resources to help you make it through the holiday season. Halloween is almost here, have fun, be safe and watch out for all the kids running around the streets.  If you are celebrating, be responsible.  Let’s not forget we still have COARNG Soldiers out there on the Front Line of Freedom.  Army Space Support 16, 117^th Space Support Element and several individuals are currently deployed across the globe. We are welcoming home 3-157 FAR & 188^th FSC. The MCPOD, Army Space Support Team 20 and 5/19^th SF are ramping up to head out the door to do amazing things. Last of all, The COARNG needs all of you, you are all a part of this incredible machine. Keep and eye out and look to bring quality people in to fill our ranks, everyone is a recruiter.

CW5 Drew Zanoff

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September 2022

Soldiers,

The Senior Leadership Team, along with your Command Teams, need to hear from you! We need your help assessing the COARNG's efforts to help you reach your goals. We want to hear how we are doing on making every member of the COARNG feel Welcomed, Valued, Respected and Heard. We want to hear how the Command Climate in your unit is affecting your overall readiness. So, we are asking that unit leadership provide you the time and opportunity this drill weekend to complete the DEOCS or Command Climate Survey. The more Soldiers that complete the survey means a better assessment of our efforts and, in turn, this let us know what we need to prioritize this year in our People First Strategy.

Build Trust, Build Strength!

BG Bren D. Rogers

 

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August 2022

COARNG Warriors,

I would like to re-introduce COL Isaac Martinez as the new COARNG Chief of Staff. He is replacing COL Charles Beatty as he moves on to his next assignment as the CONG Joint Staff J3. We wish COL Beatty the best in his new role and thank him for all he’s done for the COARNG during his time as the Chief of Staff.

Thank you all for everyone’s hard work during the year’s Annual Training season. We have had units local and abroad continuing to focus on strengthening partnerships and increased lethality. Let’s also not forget our men and women that are currently serving overseas exhibiting it. As CSA, GEN McConville stated, “Winning matters, there is no second place on the battlefield” and I whole-heartily agree. Our men and women deserve to be the best trained and you’re making it happen.

Let’s remember on August 6^th the 31 fallen Warriors who were a part of EXTORTION-17 in Afghanistan in 2011. We lost one of our own, CH-47 Pilot, CW5 Dave Carter, on that mission. Please continue to keep him, the others lost and their families in our hearts.    

August 7^th is National Purple Heart Day; a day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their state and nation and were wounded or killed while serving. Thank you to the Purple Heart recipients in our formations for your service and sacrifice.

As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all Service Members, we are seeing a considerable backlog in reviewing Religious Accommodation and Medical Exemption Requests at the NGB Surgeon General’s Level. The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration on 13 July 2022. As we’ve stated before, the choice to get the vaccine is yours and included to the Command Message is a fact sheet for everyone’s awareness regarding the Novavax vaccine in the event you feel this may be a better option for you.  

As we are nearing the end of summer, please continue to keep yourself, families, and friends safe. You are our greatest asset.

Lastly, I cannot express enough gratitude to all our Soldiers, families and civilians working make the Colorado Army National Guard a better place. Your efforts are appreciated and not overlooked. Keep doing the things you’re doing thank you for willingly being a part of our COARNG family.

Build Trust, Build Strength!

CSM John Assaad

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July 2022

Summer is in full swing if you have not noticed by the current temperatures. The 4th of July is just around the corner, so get ready to celebrate and be sure to celebrate responsibly. Please get outside with family & friends and experience all that our great state of Colorado has to offer this summer. But we need you to be safe while doing it. Make sure you are wearing that life jacket while paddle boarding or boating. Put on a helmet and vest when getting out on the motorcycle. Don’t forget to buckle up when heading out on the road trip, we’ve all experienced the dangers of I-70. If you are going out hiking in the mountains, make sure someone knows where you are going, when you will return and wear bright colors so our Flight Crews can find you if something happens. Last of all, stay hydrated in this heat and if you plan to drink alcohol, drink in moderation, designate a driver or have good exit plan with a ride share/ taxi. Do not allow a $30 fare cost you your career or possibly a life. Remember, your family & friends need you, the Colorado National Guard needs you and the Nation is counting on you.

https://safety.army.mil/MEDIA/Video-Library/Video-Player/VideoId/392/csm-light-off-duty-training-discipline-and-standards

CW5 Drew Zanoff

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