Ble - Pershing Professionals Association
Ble - Pershing Professionals Association
Ble - Pershing Professionals Association
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BLE<br />
Vol. 25, No. 1<br />
56th Field Artillery Command<br />
Orientation Issue 1986-1 987
<strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
Orientation Issue 86-87<br />
PERSHING CABLE is an unofficial publication authorized under the<br />
provisions of AR-360-81, published for the personnel of the 56th<br />
Field Artillery Command. Views and opinions expressed are not ne-<br />
cessarily those of the commander or the Department of the Army. '<br />
Editorial office is iocated in building 504, Bismarck Kaserne, APO<br />
09281. Telephone: (2732) 8041895.<br />
THE PERSHING CABLE is a monthly letterpress publication printed<br />
by the Rems Druck, ParadiesstraOa 12, 7070 Schwabisch Gmiind,<br />
Germany. Circulation per month is 3.000 copies. A special orientation<br />
issue is published annually. All photographs used in this publication<br />
are U.S. Army photos unless indicated otherwise.<br />
<strong>Pershing</strong> on the map<br />
(Munich) -\<br />
The 56th Field Artillery Command is a unit with a uni-<br />
que mission. It is the only command-sized <strong>Pershing</strong> missile<br />
unit in the world. As such, it is a vital link in the North At-<br />
.* lantic Treaty Organization (NATO) chain of defense.<br />
* The command is composed of three <strong>Pershing</strong> Missile bat-<br />
talions, one infantry battalion, one support battalion, one<br />
signal battalion, one aviation company and a Headquarters<br />
and Headquarters battery, which includes a chemical de-<br />
contamination platoon. The command also controls its own<br />
Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.<br />
More than 5,000 soldiers make up the command and are<br />
stationed on six kasernes (posts) and two remote sites scat-<br />
tered throughout Southern Germany.<br />
Where are we?<br />
The six battalions in the command are stationed at three<br />
primary locations:<br />
Command Headquarters; HHC, Alpha and Delta com-<br />
panies of 38th Signal Battalion; and 2nd Battalion, 9th Field<br />
Artillery Regiment are located in Schwabisch Gmund.<br />
4th Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment; Charlie<br />
Company, 38th Signal Bn.; Alpha Company 55th Support<br />
Battalion; and Charlie Company 2nd Battalion, 4th Infan-<br />
try are located in Heilbronn/Neckarsulm.<br />
1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment; HHC, Alpha<br />
and Bravo companies 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment<br />
and Headquarters 55th Support Battalion are located in<br />
Neu-Ulm.<br />
The companies of 2/4 Infantry provide security for each<br />
of the <strong>Pershing</strong> battalions and are stationed throughout the<br />
Command area - Schwabisch Gmund, Heilbronn and Neu-<br />
Ulm.<br />
What to expect<br />
A tour with the 56th Field Artillery Command is as chal-<br />
lenging and demanding as it is personally rewarding. Be-<br />
cause of its vital mission, a high level of performance is re-<br />
quired from each soldier. The hours can be long as the<br />
work tough. However, it is this selfless dedication to mis-<br />
sion accomplishment that keeps the command in an ever-<br />
ready status.<br />
Field duty is often a companion to the <strong>Pershing</strong> soldier.<br />
The entire command participates in annual fall aid spring<br />
field problems. In addition, each battalion must go through<br />
a Tactical Evaluation (Tac-Eval). Batteries frequent the field<br />
throughout the year to participate in Army Readiness Trai-<br />
ning and Evaluation Programs (ARTEPs).<br />
IN EUROPE"<br />
<strong>Pershing</strong> NCOlC ..................................................................... c John K. D'Amato<br />
Cable<br />
................................................................................<br />
.............................................................<br />
Editor I . Carl Puwis<br />
Commander<br />
Brig. Gen. Raymond E. Haddock<br />
Reporters S Barbara Blackburn<br />
PFC. Devin Davis<br />
PFC. Stephen Schroeder<br />
Battalion Reporters .................................... 219th FA Sp4 Ron McKinney<br />
119th FA Sp4 Jerry Merideth<br />
Public Affairs Officer<br />
Maj. Michael G. Griffon<br />
419th FA Sp4 Susan Bradsberry<br />
Photographer ................................................................. t Chris Taylor
<strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
Orientation Issue 86-87 3<br />
<strong>Pershing</strong> keeps Soviet Bear at bay<br />
For years the Russian Bear stalked the borders of Western<br />
Europe. It was huge, bold and aggressive, for behind it<br />
were the assembled armies of the USSR and its satellites. In<br />
numbers and firepower it seemed almost invincible, as it<br />
appreared poised aggressively - challenging the western<br />
world.<br />
In 1986, however, the Soviets were again seated at the<br />
bargaining table. Some of the bluster was gone. Many senior<br />
officials in the US and Europe credited the change to<br />
the fact that the 56th Field Artillery Command (<strong>Pershing</strong>)<br />
completed fielding 108 new <strong>Pershing</strong> 11 missiles by the end<br />
of 1985. The Russian Bear had decided that since the West<br />
had shown it could play rough, too - they would rather<br />
talk at Geneva.<br />
The USSR watched angrily as the first of 24 <strong>Pershing</strong> I<br />
missiles were deployed to Europe in 1963, and witnessed an<br />
increase in <strong>Pershing</strong>'s maneuverability and survivability in<br />
1969, when <strong>Pershing</strong> 1A traded in its track vehicles for<br />
wheeled erector launchers. Ten years later, the NATO<br />
Twin-Track Agreement made possible second upgrading of<br />
the <strong>Pershing</strong> system, and in 1985, following 16 months of<br />
training, testing and evaluation, 108 <strong>Pershing</strong> I1 missiles<br />
were in place.<br />
Although the Soviets have their own new missile systems,<br />
they know the accuracy, reliability and rapidity of<br />
action of the <strong>Pershing</strong> I1 and therefore they have reason for<br />
concern. The <strong>Pershing</strong> I1 is a tactical ballistic missile with a<br />
nuclear capability, and a greater range (approximately 1,800<br />
kilometers), increased accuracy, easier warhead yield selection,<br />
and reduced emplacement and displacement times<br />
over the PIA system.<br />
The Soviets also know that a weapon system is only<br />
good as the men and women who man and maintain that<br />
system. The <strong>Pershing</strong> I1 is manned and maintained by soldiers<br />
of the only Field Artillery Command in the United<br />
States Army - the 56th. It was designated as a command in<br />
January 1986, and the designation reflects the size and complexity<br />
of the organization, and the importance of the<br />
Command's mission.<br />
The 6,000 soldiers of the 56th Field Artillery Command<br />
(<strong>Pershing</strong>) are based in the Schwabisch Gmiind, Heilbrond<br />
Neckarsulm and Ulm/Neu-Ulm areas of West Germany.<br />
They are assigned either to the Headquarters Battery, one<br />
of the three <strong>Pershing</strong> firing batteries, an infantry, signal or<br />
maintenance support battalion, or the command's aviation<br />
company.<br />
The complex, self-sufficient command is a NATO unit<br />
with a dual mission and chain of command. In peacetime,<br />
the Command reports directly to the United States Army,<br />
Europe and the United States European Command. The<br />
mission of the 56th FA Cmd demands that it remain combat<br />
ready, with some units always alert to respond to immediate<br />
missions in a matter of minutes. The degree of the<br />
command's combat readiness is directly proportionate to<br />
the its effectiveness as a deterrent to war, and therefore its<br />
mission is active, and vital to the NATO defense of Europe.<br />
During periods of tension, or in actual war, upon the<br />
declaration of the appropriate alert measure, the operational<br />
command and control shifts to the NATO chain of command,<br />
with the next higher headquarters being Allied Air<br />
Forces, Central Europe. At that point, the command's mission<br />
is to provide general nuclear support fires to the theater<br />
commander.<br />
None of this is possible without highly trained, disciplined,<br />
physically fit and motivated soldiers. After intensive<br />
training at schools and sites in the United States, <strong>Pershing</strong><br />
soldiers continue to hone their skills upon arrival in Germany,<br />
because maintaining and improving these skills keeps<br />
the unit combat ready, and that is essential for mission a*complishment.<br />
Adding a heightened degree of realism to j<br />
the training, squad, battery and battalion ARTEP's are conducted<br />
in the German countryside rather than in the usual<br />
designated major training areas. A typical maneuver by units<br />
of the widely spaced Command will find <strong>Pershing</strong> soldiers<br />
passing through three or four German states before<br />
reaching their objectives. Even anti-<strong>Pershing</strong> demonstrators<br />
play a pan, giving infantry units belonging to the Command<br />
the surrogate "aggressor activity" they need to make<br />
optimum use of their field training time.<br />
The soldiers of the 56th Field Artillery Command proved<br />
their readiness in 1986, when they successfully launched<br />
eight <strong>Pershing</strong> missiles from firing ranges in White<br />
Sands, New Mexico and Cape Canaveral, Florida. The fact<br />
that soldiers of the 56th Field Artillery Command performed<br />
flawlessly under pressure is not surprising.<br />
From the time of the decision to field the <strong>Pershing</strong> 11,<br />
Pershine soldiers have found it necessarv to demonstrate<br />
their discipline, as the command faced intense political<br />
pressures, associated publicity, and more than 35,000 anti-<br />
<strong>Pershing</strong> and anti-nuclear demonstrators during 1985,<br />
alone.<br />
Although demonstrator activity decreased dramatically in<br />
1986, the continuing threat of international terrorism re-<br />
quires the command to maintain constant vigi<br />
high state of readiness. For instance, increased protection<br />
for the missile has led to the addition of ballistic protection<br />
for the system while in transit, through the use of a ballistic<br />
shield. Autobahn screening walls have been constructed to<br />
shield missiles and support personnel from ground based<br />
surveillance.<br />
Other construction projects, totalling more than $100<br />
million are part of a long-range building and renovation<br />
program to provide the best facilities for the US Army's<br />
most modern missile system. There are construction and<br />
modernization projetc underway at all 56th Command lo-<br />
cations, including new motor maintenance facilities, and re-<br />
novated motor pools. At missile storage areas, missile stor-<br />
age garages, communications and electronics facilities and<br />
new buildings to house repair parts are under construction.<br />
Additionally, the new facilities will provide <strong>Pershing</strong> sol-<br />
diers with a safe and efficient work environment and will<br />
aid the Command in maintaining the vast amounts of new<br />
equipment already received and on the way.<br />
In addition to maintaining equipment, the Command is<br />
interested in maintaining its people, as well. Quality time<br />
with the family, as part of an overall morale maintenance<br />
program, receives heavy command emphasis. Located in<br />
one of the most beautiful areas of Germany, the Command<br />
and its soldiers enjoy the four seasons and their accompa-<br />
nying recreational opportunities.<br />
Another aspect of the Command's maintenance of its<br />
people, is the history of success experienced by non com-<br />
missioned and commissioned officers with service in the<br />
command. <strong>Pershing</strong> soldiers enjoy a high rate of selection<br />
for promotions, commands, and advanced military school-<br />
.--<br />
lll&<br />
It is this high quality of leadership, backed by highly dis-<br />
ciplined and trained young <strong>Pershing</strong> soldiers that makes the<br />
Command a force to be reckoned with.<br />
History may someday note that potential aggressors had<br />
superior numbers of troops and equipment poised on or<br />
near the borders of our European allies, but was held in<br />
check because he dared not risk the consequences of an at-<br />
tack. The unfriendly force knew that <strong>Pershing</strong> soldiers were<br />
combat ready and could put one or more long-range missi-<br />
les into flight within minutes. They knew also that these<br />
same units could perform their jobs with such ~roficienc~<br />
that the accuracy and effect to the strike would be devasta-<br />
ting - <strong>Pershing</strong> I1 and the 56th Field Artillery Command<br />
are indeed Peacemakers.<br />
Being on a <strong>Pershing</strong> firing crew takes dedication and skill. This crew maintains its skills by operating in a field<br />
environment.<br />
With one eye on the target and the other on safety, a<br />
prove that they're combat ready as they dontheir pro-<br />
Dragon gunner launches his anti-tank missile downv<br />
tective masks. range. -
Training is key to combat readiness and receives high priority from the chain of command. A <strong>Pershing</strong> Platoon can expect to train 75 days a year in the field.<br />
Keeping drivers safety concious and able to drive their veh<br />
conditions plays an important role in quick reactlon
<strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
Orientation ,slssus 86-87 5<br />
The 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment has special training in rear area combat The soldier spraying this <strong>Pershing</strong> vehicle is part of the Command's Decontamina-<br />
and provides external security for the Command. Here, they dismount during from a tion Platoon in Schwabisch Gmund. The platoon provides NBC support for all the<br />
transport vehicle during "Operation Web Foot". Command's units.<br />
If we desire to avoid insult, we must be<br />
able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace,<br />
it must be known that we are at all times re-<br />
ady for war. George Washington<br />
Combat readiness, in it's complete form,<br />
is a central theme comprised of four seperate<br />
pieces. Training, discipline, maintenance and<br />
having fun are the four pieces, which when<br />
properly fitted combine to form a perfect<br />
picture of combat-ready soldiers.<br />
Training, which is the first piece of the<br />
combat readiness puzzle, is sub-divided into<br />
individual and unit training. These subdivi-<br />
sions are further broken down into smaller,<br />
more detailed units, which give soldiers and<br />
their leaders more specific guidance in the<br />
quest for combat readiness.<br />
In individual training, there is MOS train-<br />
NCO's and officers.<br />
Unit training focuses on training to ac-<br />
complish the mission. Tactical evaluations,<br />
Army Readiness Training Programs and<br />
convoys are elements used in training units<br />
to be at the peak of readiness at all times.<br />
An intensive training program is con-<br />
ducted through which missile skills are<br />
maintained. All elements of the Command<br />
participate in numerous Field Training Exer-<br />
cises and a variety of Command Post Exer-<br />
cises. A <strong>Pershing</strong> Platoon can expect 75 days<br />
in the field.<br />
Every member of the 56th Field Artillery<br />
Command is a piece of the combat readiness<br />
puzzle. Every piece has its' place. When<br />
training is equally mixed wiih the other<br />
three ideals in the creation of combat readi-<br />
ness, the end result is a combat ready sol-<br />
ing, weapons qualification, a German Lan- dier, battery, command and Army that is ca- Medics rush to unload a simulated casualty during their annual Skillex. During the<br />
guage survival course called "Headstart" and pable of defending the world against the evil weeklong exercise, medics receive a refresher course in basic combat medical<br />
several professional development courses for forces that threaten our way of life. skills.<br />
A soldier zeroes in with his weapon. Range qualifications with the M16A1, M60 and M203 and other skill qualification testing round out<br />
the Command's complete training program.
<strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
6 Orientation \ssue 86-87<br />
56th practices practical philosophy<br />
Ever ready to move, shoot, communicate<br />
This <strong>Pershing</strong> soldier knows his unit's armorer is a stickier for attention to detail. He also knows that mainte-<br />
nance of his individual weapon means having a weapon he can depend on.<br />
A protective mask is a very<br />
important piece of equipment<br />
in a chemical environment.<br />
But it won't matter if the sol-<br />
dier can mask in 9 seconds if<br />
it has a defect left undetect-<br />
ed.<br />
The soldier's breath billowed visibly through the crisp<br />
autumn air as he checked the oil level of his vehicle.<br />
He was performing Preventive Maintenance Checks and<br />
Services, a "PMCS", familiar to most soldiers of 56th Field<br />
Artillery Command.<br />
Keeping equipment operational is important.<br />
Keeping combat ready is what maintenance is all about.<br />
But readiness also involves people.<br />
And, so maintaining people is as important as keeping<br />
our vehicles running and our weapons ready to fire.<br />
The Army needs to keep good soldiers. That's why re-<br />
enlistment is so important.<br />
Soldiers need to have high morale in order to work to-<br />
gether efficiently.<br />
In order to have high morale, the soldiers need to<br />
that their hard work and devotion to duty are appreci<br />
That's why it's important to ensure that deserving sol<br />
receive awards.<br />
In 1986, from January to September, the soldiers o<br />
command received over four thousend awards, inclu<br />
Army Achievement and Army Commendation Medals,<br />
well as the High Performance and other incentive aw<br />
The leadership of the 56th FA Command recognizes<br />
soldiers need to grow professionally. As they gain<br />
ience, they are promoted to give them the chance<br />
Also, promotions help provide the necessary 1<br />
that a command of 56th FA Command's importan<br />
have.<br />
In order to have high morale, the soldier needs to<br />
that the Army cares about what's important to him or<br />
such as his or her family and spiritual health. The sol<br />
needs to feel that the Army and the command wa<br />
whole, healthy soldier to help accomplish it's mission<br />
command has a variety of programs designed to ai<br />
family and spiritual growth of the soldier.<br />
Also, <strong>Pershing</strong> soldiers feel that they have equal opp<br />
nities to advance and improve. Each unit in the com<br />
has an equal opportunity representative.<br />
All of these things are part of what keeps the com<br />
combat ready.<br />
Maintenance of the soldier, as well as the vehicle, w<br />
or tent is what makes the Army an effective deterr<br />
war.<br />
As General George Washington said, "To be<br />
for war is one of the most effectual means of p<br />
peace."<br />
- - - - -<br />
struggle with tools while working on a 2112 ton truck.
taining consistently nutritious and well-balanced meals for troops<br />
rrison and in the field has earned these cooks awards from Brig.<br />
d E. Haddock. It's their reward for long hours and devo-<br />
s the rank of Sergeant (upper right) is pinned on the col-<br />
dier, he may be thinking of the extra money, but more pro-<br />
ondering the increased responsibility that will be his as a<br />
ted non-commissioned officer. Two soldiers of the com-<br />
right), "raise their right hands" and repeat the words that<br />
m in an Army that needs their experience and skills.<br />
iting task. Here, two mechanics<br />
<strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
Orientation Issue 86-87 7
<strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
8 orientation Issue 86-87<br />
Discipline. The ability to stay in control<br />
of yourself and hang in when the going gets<br />
tough. This is the third component of com-<br />
bat readiness and is necessary for prompt,<br />
trust-worthy actions in stressful situations.<br />
Gen. John Vessey, Jr., the former chair-<br />
man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washing-<br />
ton, D. C., once said, ". . . Trust can be<br />
built only with discipline - organizational<br />
discipline that comes from such things as<br />
drill and ceremony as well as . . . the self-<br />
discioline that comes from the abilitv to<br />
stand out there at attention or at ease, with<br />
the sweat running down your nose and the<br />
fly in your ear, and be able to stand at atten-<br />
tion. Because in battle you'll have to do<br />
things that are a lot harder than that.''<br />
Soldiers of the 56th Command have found<br />
it necessary to demonstrate their discipline<br />
on many occasions as<br />
intense political pressures and the publicity<br />
which developed as a result of the NATO<br />
decision to field the <strong>Pershing</strong> I1 missile system<br />
in Europe. Despite overwhelming support<br />
by the German government and a majority<br />
of the German people, <strong>Pershing</strong> units<br />
at times have been the center of attention.<br />
During 1985, they faced major demonstrations<br />
which drew more than 35 000<br />
people to Command installations to protest<br />
the stationing of the missile. In order to provide<br />
adequate security, soldiers were requi-<br />
red to urovide an extra measure of dedica-<br />
cal training program which ensures that they<br />
maintain a high degree of physical and mental<br />
readiness. The goal of the Army PT program<br />
is to motivate soldiers to incorporate<br />
fitness into their lifestyles. Within the 56th<br />
Command, this goal has been met with<br />
many soldiers making the time to train for<br />
individual competition in VII Corps, USA-<br />
REUR and All Army-level events, a testimony<br />
to their mental-and - physical . tougness. -<br />
Unit cohesion and esprit de corps are enhanced<br />
through programs such as Fit-To-<br />
Fight and other unit-level competitions.<br />
tion, stamina and discipline. <strong>Pershing</strong> sol- The Fit-To-Fight program is a battery-le-<br />
diers have always acted professionally, and vel competition which provides recognition<br />
their control has earned the admiration of to those units who meet the criteria - a hig-<br />
the German people and their leaders. her than Army standard for push-ups and<br />
For the soldiers of the Command, discip- sit-ups, and four-mile run in 36 minutes or<br />
line is enhanced throuht an agressive physi- less.<br />
A <strong>Pershing</strong> soldier proudly carries his unit's Fit-To-<br />
Fight guidon during their semi-annual Fit-To-Fight qua-<br />
lification test.<br />
Units meeting the Fit-To-Fight criteria<br />
are awarded the Fit-To-Fight guidon and<br />
must re-earn it every six months.<br />
Command soldiers also demonstrate their<br />
tenacity and preserve unit cohesiveness in<br />
the extra-curricular activities in which they<br />
choose to participate.<br />
Batteries in the command regularly take<br />
part in events that push their soldiers to the<br />
limits of endurance and challenge them to<br />
keep going when they feel ready to give in.<br />
One such event is the Hohenstaufen Mili-<br />
tary Run - a yearly military triathlon which<br />
requires the soldier to fire an M16, fire a<br />
German pistol and run 25 kilometers we-<br />
aring combat boots and 16-pound-rucksack.<br />
Another event is the Annual Schweizeri-<br />
scher Two-Day March in which the partici-<br />
pants are required to march across 60 kilo-<br />
meters of mountinous Swiss countryside.<br />
All that is done in the command is direc-<br />
ted towards achieving combat readiness.<br />
Chief among the principles of readiness is<br />
discipline, because "in battle you'll have to<br />
do things a lot harder. . ."
<strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
Orientation Issue 86-87 9
0 <strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
Orientation Issue 86-87<br />
A ski weekend at a resort may be just the thing to lighten the pressures of the<br />
heavy Army work load. Soldiers from the command often travel to Garmisch and<br />
other European resorts to catch the best of the ski season.<br />
During Fasching (above) it's not uncommon to see Germans and<br />
Americans alike "clowning around". Fasching is after all a time to ce-<br />
lebrate and have a good time. Organization Days (right) are more than<br />
a fun day off, they're a chance to meet with other soldiers within the<br />
Battalion, and their families. Soldiers find that friendly rivalries bring<br />
them closer together.<br />
You got<br />
to have<br />
FUN!<br />
The 56th Field Artillery ~omkand believes<br />
that part of being a soldier - a combat<br />
ready soldier - is allowing yourself some<br />
time to sit back and relax. Taking the time<br />
to let off some steam after a hard day, week,<br />
or month, helps you to cope with the everyday<br />
pressures of your job, and makes you a<br />
more efficient and productive soldier.<br />
Here in the Command, emphasis is placed<br />
on providing opportunities for the soldiers<br />
stationed with <strong>Pershing</strong> units to have fun.<br />
"I-laving Fun," therefore, is one of the four<br />
principles of Combat Readines.<br />
Winter<br />
What better time and place to take advan-<br />
tage of excellent skiing conditions? Many<br />
slopes are within an hour's drive and the<br />
Alps are only a train-ride away. Don't miss<br />
out on sleigh-rides, tobogganing and ice-<br />
skating during this festive season.<br />
Christmas doesn't have to be spent alone<br />
at the barracks, or outside in the cold, how-<br />
ever. There is a popular Command program<br />
that allows a soldier to spend the holidays<br />
with a German family, which is happy to<br />
share their hearth and take in a hungry and<br />
homesick soldier.<br />
Fasching, a German holiday celebrated<br />
every year early in February and until Lent<br />
is marked by numerous parties and parades<br />
winding through cities, and spreading<br />
cheer and confetti on the crowds of people<br />
lining the roads.<br />
Spring<br />
Spring brings renewed interest in nature<br />
and a one of the favorite ways for Germans<br />
to commune with nature is through volks-<br />
marching, or "people's walk". A volksmarch<br />
can cover short or long distances, and<br />
usually a medal is awarded to the partici-<br />
pants who finish the march.<br />
Of course, a soldier can always find ways<br />
to unwind and have fun on post. At the<br />
Recreation Center he can make us of tools,<br />
materials and work space for arts and crafts.<br />
He can sign out musical instruments and re-<br />
serve photo labs, visit game rooms or play<br />
billards. Rec Centers are also a soldiers con-<br />
tact for upcoming special events and activi-<br />
ties happening throught Germany. Rec Cen-<br />
ters can help you get tickets to concerts by<br />
your favorite bands and special rates which<br />
include a bus ride the night ot the show.<br />
The commands' atheletes soar to new<br />
heights when given the chance to excell<br />
in sports programs and special events,<br />
like the Annual Command Olympics.<br />
Summer<br />
During the Summer months a good way<br />
of cooling down is by visiting the public<br />
swimming areas called Schwimmbads, where<br />
there are lifeguards on duty. Visting one of<br />
Germany's many beautiful lakes to picnic or<br />
do some smooth sailing is a great way to get<br />
away for a weekend, after checking to make<br />
sure the lake is designated safe and is a non-<br />
restricted area.<br />
Bowling alleys, and the enlisted and offi-<br />
cers clubs are places where family and<br />
friends can geht together at the end of the<br />
day. After hours, some excercise at the gym<br />
will work out the kinks in tense muscles.<br />
A11 year long the command offers superb<br />
sports programs for those who are interested<br />
in basketball, softball, football, or volleyball.<br />
At the end of each sports sepon, battalion<br />
teams within the command compete to see<br />
which of them is the best.
Soldiers of the command share good times and adventures,<br />
proving that cohesion and old fashioned teamwork really can<br />
help them get through those turbulent times.<br />
From time to time soldiers can take part Locally there are<br />
in the adventures of rappeling or river raf- memorable sites<br />
ting. Partnership events, where soldiers from that speak for the<br />
the American Army can get together with grandeur and rich<br />
their German counterparts for training and German history. The<br />
competition, is another opportunity for fun, 56th Field Artillery<br />
which is both enjoyable and rewarding Command encoura-<br />
Meeting the German people and getting to ges its' soldiers to<br />
know a little about their country through get out and explore<br />
groups like Kontakt, a GermadAmerican all that Germany has<br />
fellowship program, is one way of making to offer-<br />
your stay here a more rewarding experience.<br />
Fall<br />
Perhaps the most famous of all of Germa-<br />
ny's celebrations is the October Fest in Mu-<br />
nich. The October Fest is one of the gran-<br />
dest festivals of the year, entertaining hun-<br />
dreds of thousands of vistors to Germany.<br />
Smaller fest are enjoyed by residents of al-<br />
most every small and large town at about<br />
the same time throughout the harvest se-<br />
ason.<br />
During the harvest months, German far-<br />
mers are more than willing to take on a hi-<br />
red hand for a week, thanks to the command<br />
sponsored Farm Help Program. Both farmer<br />
and soldier gain from the learning expe-<br />
rience and exchange of culture, while wor-<br />
king side by side.<br />
There's plenty to do in Germany, and<br />
even more to do in all of Europe. This com-<br />
mand encourages its' soldiers to explore all<br />
the possibilities for having fun here. Whet-<br />
her the choice is travel, a challenger or ad-<br />
venture, or just rest and relaxation, it's a<br />
possibility when stationed with the 56th<br />
Field Artillery Command.<br />
GermanIAmerican fests (right), promote<br />
good relations, and allow soldiers to<br />
spend quality time with their families.<br />
Amusement rides, carnival games and<br />
live musical entertainment make for en-<br />
joyable, fun-filled days in Germany.<br />
<strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
Orientation issue 86-87 11
1 2 <strong>Pershing</strong> Cable<br />
Orientation Issue 86-87