From: bergman@AFPAN.PA.AF.MIL (CMSgt Mike Bergman)
Newsgroups: soc.veterans
Subject: Army News Svc 08/31/92
Date: 31 Aug 92 23:02:29 GMT
Organization: Hq Air Force News Agency/SCC


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Revised ethics rules on the way for federal work force

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Streamlining ethics rules governing
federal personnel took a step forward recently.
      "The U.S. Office of Government Ethics here in Washington has
published its final version of `Standards of Ethical Conduct for
Employees of the Executive Branch,'" explained Al Novotne, an attorney
at the Pentagon.
      The new rules, which take effect Feb. 3, 1993, are scheduled to
be spelled out in a forthcoming Defense Department regulation. This
"Joint Ethics Regulation" will replace the current standards-of-
conduct regulations used by defense agencies.
      Novotne and other officials in the judge advocate general's
standards-of-conduct office are working with other defense activities
to develop materials for training Army personnel on how the new rules
apply to them.
      Not every issue related to standards of conduct is resolved by
the new rules. For example, the issue of military officers' and
federal employees' receiving honoraria for speaking and writing on
non-duty-related matters remains unaddressed by the new rules. "The
next action on that issue will be taken either in Congress or in the
courts," Novotne said.


Breast cancer -- no longer death sentence, by Staff Sgt. Saralynne
Standley

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- "Procrastination will eventually lead to
your death."
      So said Col. (Dr.) Ariel Rodriguez as he explained the
importance of detecting breast cancer early. The chief surgical
consultant in the Army's Office of the Surgeon General said many women
"will avoid having a mammogram, because they are afraid that it will
show something."
      That's a natural enough fear, he acknowledged, but ignorance
won't make the reality go away.
      One out of every nine American women over age 35 will develop
breast cancer. Though no one knows what causes cancer, Rodriguez said
physicians have found some things to be related to the disease. One is
heredity. Another is smoking.
      "We suspect that women who smoke have a higher tendency to
develop cancer of the breast," he said. "Smoking is not good for
anybody. And if you smoke, then you should try to stop."
      The diagnosis of cancer is often seen as a death sentence, but
that's far from true. If a lump is found when it's still small and the
cancer is confined to the breast, the cure rate is around 90 percent,
Rodriguez said.
      One way to detect cancer early is through monthly self-
examination, ideally 10 days after menstruation. If a woman discovers
a lump, she should see a physician for further examination, possible
biopsy and treatment, he said.
      "The majority of breast lumps are benign," he pointed out, with
only about 15 or 20 percent turning out to be cancer. But a woman
can't assume her lump is "safe" or put off seeing a physician.
      "If you have a benign lump, it doesn't make any difference," he
said. "But procrastination doesn't help the individual who has the bad
lump."
      By the time a cancer lump is big enough to be felt, it may





already be five or six years old. That's still considered "early
detection," Rodriguez said, but cancer can be found even earlier with
mammograms.
      "The true value of mammography is to detect the early stages of
cancer before it becomes a true lump," he said.
      The Army's policy on testing goes along with the American Cancer
Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
      "Every woman should have a baseline mammogram at age 40,"
Rodriguez said. "If the woman happens to be in a high-risk category --
say if her mother, sisters or aunts had breast cancer -- then she
should have a mammogram every year.
      "If she's not in a high-risk category and her baseline mammogram
is normal, then she ought to have a mammogram every two or three years
until age 50. After that, we recommend she get a mammogram every
year."
      In the past, when cancer was diagnosed, the only treatment was
mastectomy -- removal of the breast and lymph nodes.
      "Consequently, many women avoided treatment, because they felt
they were being mutilated," he said.
      But times have changed. Though there are still some cases where
mastectomy is the only option, many tumors require less severe action,
the physician said. "You can remove a portion of the breast,
reconstruct it to a normal contour, then add treatment either with
radiation or chemotherapy, or both."
      Even with a radical mastectomy, "the plastic surgeons have got
to the point where they can make that new breast look pretty much like
the old breast."
      Again, Rodriguez stresses self examination and mammograms -- and
beyond that, seeking treatment as soon as possible.
      "Early detection is really the only good method that we have of
preventing death from cancer," he said. "Fear of mutilation or losing
femininity should not be a factor in avoiding treatment of a breast
lump, because many things are available now that were not available
many years ago."


--

     __________________________________________________________________
    |            Air Force News Center (AFNEWS)                        |
    |           Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, USA                       |
    |                paperboy@afnews.af.mil                            |
    |__________________________________________________________________|



** State Department issues Mozambique travel advisory
** USAREUR drawdown marches on
** WWII exhibit opens at Pentagon
** Tri-Force Triathlon to be held in Virgin Islands
** Army donates hospital equipment to former Soviet Georgia
** Commentary: World takes DUI to heart
** Army doctor warns against a place in the sun
** Direct-deposit checking required of almost all defense personnel
** Pentagon unveils replica Buffalo Soldier
** Army Olympians return from Spain
** Organization supports military athletes
** September promotions
** Black schools receive Army research grants
** Dix celebrates last training mission
** Energy managers excel
** Update on program for exceptional family members
** Early-out picture improves for selected officers
**  Absentee voting keeps military involved in democracy, by Staff
** Army announces enlisted FY 93 VSI/SSB eligibles, begins accepting
** Saint marches on
** Revised ethics rules on the way for federal work force
** Breast cancer -- no longer death sentence, by Staff Sgt. Saralynne

=================================================================

	      *** US ARMY NEWS - 92 08 28 ***

** State Department issues Mozambique travel advisory

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- The State Department has issued a special
advisory that urges caution for people planning to travel to
Mozambique.

      The guerilla war between the Mozambique National Resistance and
government forces has resulted in random and continuous attacks on
civilian and economic targets, the advisory says.

      It warns visitors that road and rail travel outside provincial
capitals is hazardous, and that night travel outside major cities is
extremely dangerous. It also reports that guerilla attacks on the
national highways between the Mozambique of capital Maputo and
neighboring Swaziland are common.

      Food shortages exist in rural areas and many district capitals.
Travelers should ensure they have enough cash for expenses, as credit
cards are not widely accepted.

      Violent crimes in urban areas and property crimes are on the
rise, the advisory said. City streets are patrolled by police and
soldiers armed with automatic weapons. Travelers are cautioned not to
challenge the authority of law enforcement officials.

      U.S. citizens visiting Mozambique should contact the U.S.
embassy in Maputo, Avenue Kenneth Kaunda 193. The embassy phone number
is 49-27-97; for emergencies, the embassy number is 49-00-71.

			      * * *

** USAREUR drawdown marches on

     WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- More than 163,500 soldiers and family
members will have redeployed to the United States from Europe by the
end of fiscal 1992, as the U.S. Army Europe drawdown continues.

     As of July 30, 66,500 soldiers have departed from Europe, with an
estimated 6,000 to leave by the end of September, according to USAREUR
officials. With the soldiers go 91,000 family members; 27,360
automobiles; and 21,880 pets.

     The withdrawals include units with the 8th Infantry Division
(Mechanized) and 3rd Armored Division, which cased their colors in
January. The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment departed Europe in July, and
the 2nd Armored Division will complete its redeployment in September.
However, the major unit withdrawn from Germany this year was VII
Corps, inactivated in April at Fort McPherson, Ga.

     During fiscal 1992, 202 American installations in Europe were
closed, to be returned to the control of the German government.

     Installation closures and troop withdrawals will continue in the
coming fiscal year. According to the USAREUR officials, the fiscal
1993 withdrawal plan calls for about half as many soldiers as in
fiscal 1992.

			      * * *

** WWII exhibit opens at Pentagon

     WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Memories filled the Pentagon's Hall of
Heroes Aug. 10 as veterans of World War II gathered with kindred
spirits of wars past.

     The occasion brought Army senior leaders and veterans to com-
memorate the opening of a World War II exhibit honoring the
contributions of U.S. servicemembers.

     Secretary of the Army Michael P.W. Stone, himself a World War II
veteran, gave the keynote address.

     "It's important to have this commemoration for two reasons: one
personal and one public. On the personal level, many of us do remember
World War II. There are eight million veterans alive today. Consider
the sacrifices that were made by those people -- the friends we lost
and the coming of age for many of us," he said.

     "The public reason is just as important," he added. "It is right
that Americans stop to remember the sacrifices of an earlier
generation and the principles that guided the United States during
World War II. These two things alone justify such commemoration."

     After his address, Stone was joined by a distinguished party to
cut the ribbon and officially open the exhibit.

     Participants included William Clark, acting assistant secretary
of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs; Lorraine Rodgers, former
pilot for the Army Air Corps' Ferry Command; retired Lt. Col. Spann
Watson, former pilot with the all-black Tuskegee Airmen; Felix
Branham, former platoon sergeant with the 29th Infantry Division and
recipient of the British Distinguished Combat Medal; and retired Col.
Melvin Rosen, former prisoner of war and survivor of the Bataan death
march.

     The glass-encased exhibit, called "The Turning Point: July -
December 1942," chronicles the war during three phases. Fighting Back
in the Pacific is first, highlighting allied victories at the battles
of the Coral Sea and Midway. The second, Grand Strategy, depicts the
final six months as the turning point in the war, as America's
industrial machine kicked into action to support the war. And the
third, called Operation Torch, culminates with the invasion of Morocco
and Algeria by allied forces, which caused the French to surrender and
join the Allies.

     The ceremony concluded with a formal viewing of the exhibit.

			      * * *

** Tri-Force Triathlon to be held in Virgin Islands

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS)-- Do you have the drive to push yourself in
tests of speed, strength and endurance through three different events
all in the same day? If you do, you should be competing in the Tri-
Force Triathlon on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, Nov. 15.

      Tri-Force, an independent association of Virgin Islands National
Guard athletes, is sponsoring the Olympic-distance triathlon. The
competition has a three-pronged goal: to educate the community on a
healthy lifestyle; to show island youth the advantages of a drug-free
environment; and to promote sports and good will.

      The race is open to athletes from all nations, and many foreign
military teams are expected to compete.

      The U. S. Military Sports Association, which sponsors
servicemembers for athletic training and competition, is one of the
event's supporters. USMSA will sponsor and provide awards in the
military category's three areas -- male, female and relay teams.

      The triathlon begins with a 1.5-k open water swim in the
Caribbean Sea. Next is the 40-k bike race that takes athletes through
a rain forest and across the hills of St. Croix, where the competition
finishes with a 10-k run through the town of Frederiksted and the
western shore of the island.

      The triathlon is just one of many activities scheduled for Nov.
13-15. The weekend also includes a youth triathlon, military aircraft
and ship tours, sporting exhibitions and a Nov. 13 Carbo Feast for the
registrants.

      Entry fees must be received before Nov. 8. The cost for
individuals is $30 before Oct. 1, and $40 after that date. Relay teams
pay $45 before Oct. 1, and $55 for late entries. There is also a $5
Virgin Islands Triathlon sanctioning fee that must be added to the
cost of the entry. A mandatory registration and bike inspection is
Nov. 14.

      Military athletes can travel to St. Croix by military air; most
Air Force bases have regularly scheduled flights either to St. Croix
or Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The phone number for flight
operations is DSN 831-4383 or (809) 865-4383.

      Anyone interested in sponsorship by the USMSA can request a
sponsor application by calling (703) 836-1288 or writing: U.S.
Military Sports Association, 909 N. Washington St., Suite 308,
Alexandria, Va., 22314.

      Tri-Force has secured a discount air fare, lodging and car
rental for all interested athletes. For information about these
discounts, see an entry form or contact Tri-Force.

      Mail entry forms for the triathlon to: Tri-Force, P.O. Box 6807,
Sunny Isle, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, 00823. For more
information, contact Capt. Matthew Allaire at (809) 778-2884 or Staff
Sgt. D'Mor Ritter at (809) 773-0315.

			      * * *

** Army donates hospital equipment to former Soviet Georgia

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Army hospital equipment is on its way to
the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, in support of the U.S. State
Department Humanitarian Assistance Program.

      An 18-member team from the 7th Medical Command recently deployed
from Germany to install equipment and teach locals how to operate and
maintain it in two hospitals in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi.

      The equipment is from a 7th MEDCOM 1,000-bed contingency
hospital in the Netherlands that, because of the reduced threat to
NATO, is no longer needed, according to a 7th MEDCOM official.

      Team members, stationed in Germany and Italy, include laboratory
technicians and specialists in medical operations, supply and
biomedical maintenance. Supporting them are engineers from V Corps and
shipping experts from Military Traffic Management Command, to help
unload the equipment in Georgia and get it to Tbilisi.

      The mission of shipping, installing and teaching is expected to
take 45 days.

      Although most of the equipment is not state-of-the-art, it still
is superior to what the Georgian hospitals have. It was deemed excess
after the Netherlands facility closed and the equipment was offered
throughout the Department of Defense. Equipment unneeded in DoD is
made available to DoD Global Affairs for the Humanitarian Assistance
Program, according to the 7th MEDCOM official.

			      * * *

** Commentary: World takes DUI to heart

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- For people who still think drunk driving
offenses aren`t a serious problem in America or in other nations --
think again.

      The United States has taken a tough stand on driving under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. But other countries are also making
sure that the crime is taken seriously. In some foreign nations, DUI
arrests can carry expensive, humiliating and sometimes severe
consequences.

      Here are some examples:

      Israel -- A convicted drunk driver is sentenced to a mandatory
two-year jail term, which has helped to make DUI charges virtually
non-existent in that nation.

      Australia -- The names of DUI offenders are sent to local
newspapers and are printed under the heading "He was drunk and is now
in jail."

      South Africa -- A DUI conviction results in a 10-year prison
sentence and a $10,000 fine.

      Great Britain -- Anyone convicted faces automatic license
suspension for one year. If the case involves serious injury or death,
lifetime banishment from the road is possible.

      Malaya -- The convicted driver is jailed, as well as the
driver's spouse.

      Japan -- First offenders get up to four months in jail and a
$200 fine. Licenses are revoked and are returned only after completing
a driving test one year later.

      Turkey -- Police take drunk drivers 20 miles from town and force
them to walk back, under escort.

      South Korea -- Just an arrest results in an automatic two-month
license suspension. A conviction produces a jail sentence of up to one
year and a fine of $700.

      DUI can cost more than a little embarrassment. It can endanger
your life, not to mention others'. The easiest way to avoid the
problem? Prevention. It starts with yourself and the people around
you.

      Tough laws have been effective in reducing the drunk driving
problem, but it takes more. It takes an attitude change to make drunk
driving socially, as well as legally, unacceptable. That attitude
change is coming from people who see the tragic consequences of drunk
driving.

      Use the designated driver and take a stand. Friends don't let
friends drive drunk.

			      * * *

** Army doctor warns against a place in the sun

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Practice safe sun and you'll have it made
in the shade.

      That's the advice offered by Col. (Dr.) Larry Smith, dermatology
consultant for 7th Medical Command.

      "Everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer," said Smith, who
is stationed at the Army hospital in Nuremberg, Germany. "But fair-
skinned people who sunburn easily are at the most risk.

      "The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma," he said,
"and it comes from getting sunburned too often.

      "Every suntan is an indication that a significant dose of sun
has been received, with potential damage to the cells' genetic
material, which can lead to cancer," Smith said.

      Excessive exposure to the sun also causes thinning and wrinkling
of the skin. "Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning salons can
also damage deeper layers of skin and their blood vessels, and can
weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to skin
cancer," he said.

      Some of the immediate problems caused by too much sunshine can
be sunburn, reactions similar to allergies, and reactions from the
interaction between medicines and the sun.

      The reasons for the increased risk of skin cancer are varied.
Smith attributes the rise in skin cancer to more leisure time and
population shifts from north to south. He said people who stay indoors
most of the time, but go out occasionally and get sunburned, are at
the greatest risk of developing melanoma.

      According to Smith, it's easy to protect yourself from the risk
of sunburn and skin cancer. Avoiding the midday sun, wearing hats and
long-sleeved shirts, and applying a sunscreen are common-sense
defenses.

      "Sunscreens should be applied to all areas of the skin exposed
to sunlight. When swimming, careful attention to application
instructions will ensure the best protection," Smith said.

      Early-warning signs of skin cancer are red, scaly spots,
irregular dark spots, changes in moles or any change in an adult's
skin. If you find any of these early warning signs of skin cancer,
contact a dermatologist.

      According to Smith, skin cancers detected and treated early are
easy to cure.

			      * * *

** Direct-deposit checking required of almost all defense personnel

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Department of the Army civilians -- if
you've been hired, promoted or transferred as of Aug. 1, you can bank
on having your paycheck earmarked for direct deposit.

      This practice of "electronic funds transfer" has become routine
for most soldiers' paychecks, but only now will part of the civilian
work force come under mandatory coverage, said Army finance officials.

      They pointed out that current employees not enrolled in the
program are excluded from the requirement. But once they undergo a
competitive promotion or reassignment, they must enroll. They have 60
days to enroll, from the date they become subject to the rule.

      Officials explained that the change-over has advantages for both
the payer and the payee. For example, the Defense Department saves
money by eliminating the costs of printing, mailing, processing and
replacing checks. In turn, enrollees gain increased security, safety
and convenience from their money's automatic deposit at the opening of
business on the payment date, plus elimination of special trips to
deposit or cash Treasury checks. Another advantange: no more loss or
delay of paychecks sent through the mail.

      Note: If you're a DA civilian choosing to retire, your new
status as an annuitant on the rolls of the U.S. Office of Personnel
Management will require you to enroll.

			      * * *

** Pentagon unveils replica Buffalo Soldier

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- History became a current event Aug. 14
when top military leaders gathered at the Pentagon to unveil a replica
of the Buffalo Soldiers monument.

      The monument's original version was recently dedicated at Fort
Leavenworth, Kan.

      On hand for viewing the replica were representatives of units
whose exploits in the Old West earned their black soldiers the Indian-
coined nickname Buffalo Soldiers.

      Among the representatives were 107-year-old Jones Morgan, of the
10th Cavalry Regiment and Percy Jones, 100, of the 9th Cavalry
Regiment.

      In the ceremony's opening remarks, Army Chief of Staff Gen.
Gordon R. Sullivan said that the monument and its now-Pentagon-based
replica of a horse-mounted black soldier are meant "to honor a group
of soldiers who served their country selflessly."

      For his part, Army Gen. Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff and prime mover in the monument's creation, said that
the monument serves to "inspire us by the spirit of the Buffalo
Soldier."

      With every sacrifice, America's black soldiers "moved a little
ahead" in gaining recognition for their devotion and achievements,
Powell said. He depicted the monument as "a symbol for the entire
country" -- one that can help unite society in coping with racial
conflict.

			      * * *

** Army Olympians return from Spain

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Shooters, a runner, a wrestler and a
martial artist -- one of these earned a medal at the Barcelona
Olympics, but all came home victors just for competing in the highest
level of international sports.

      Of the many athletes who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics,
15 were soldiers, including bronze medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling
Rodney Smith.

      The nation's leadership welcomed home all the military
Olympians, Aug. 12. President Bush greeted them at the White House, as
did Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney at the Pentagon. The soldier-
athletes also met Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan and Sgt.
Maj. of the Army Richard A. Kidd.

      Dressed alike in their flag-inspired warm-up suits at a Pentagon
press briefing, the Army Olympians talked about the thrill of
international competition. But whatever love they have for their
sport, these athletes agreed that they are "soldiers first."

      "Like everybody else in the military, we know what's first,"
said Leo White, who progressed through five rounds of judo -- one
short of a bronze medal. "First you're a soldier. You have all these
glass balls you have to juggle, and you don't want any of them to
drop."

      That juggling once required him to take two years off from
serious judo training so he could be a transportation company com-
mander. He said he doesn't regret the time off, because the command
experience yielded valuable lessons and a sense of accomplishment.

      White pointed out that most Olympians are full-time athletes.
But his priority is his Army career.

      "You have to do the job. What good is it being a captain and
Olympic athlete when it's time to go to war? Would you want me to be
your operations officer or company commander?" he asked. "You have to
keep proficient."

      An Army career was a natural progression for Kristin Peterson,
who has been competing on the rifle range since childhood.

      "The Army is wonderful, because it gives women the opportunity
to pursue a career that's not really a traditional women's career,"
she said. She admitted that riflery also isn't typically feminine,
"but rifle shooting is very easy for women to compete on the same
level as men."

      Now that Peterson has represented her country in the Olympics,
she's ready settle to down to work.

      "I feel it's important that I go out now and contribute
something beneficial to the Army, other than just shooting," she said.
Peterson looks forward to working in the Adjutant General Corps, and
hopes to live the Olympic dream again in 1996.

      Also shooting for the next Olympic games is Rodney Smith. With
the bronze medal hanging from his neck, the generator mechanic said
the Army enhanced his wrestling skills.

      "My background and the Army went hand-in-hand," he said,
explaining that discipline is a big part of wrestling and soldiering.

      At 26 years, Smith said he made the Olympic team "prematurely,"
because most wrestlers reach their peak between ages 29 and 31, he
said.

      "I haven't reached my prime yet," he said. "For a Greco-Roman
wrestler, I'm real young. So 1996 should be my year."

      In the meantime he, like the others, will continue to be a
soldier, balancing his life between Olympic glories and mundane
duties.

      "You can't only be a great athlete," he explained. "You have to
be a great human being. And there's another dimension: You have to be
a great soldier."

      The 1992 Army Olympians, their sports and units are --

     -- Staff Sgt. Ben Amonette, free air pistol, U.S. Army Reserve,
Radford, Va.

     -- 1st Lt. Michael T. Anti, free rifle prone, U.S. Army
Marksmanship Training Unit, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Callahan, sport pistol, U.S. Army
Reserve, Upper Marlboro, Md.

     -- Staff Sgt. Bret E. Erickson, trap shooting, U.S. Army
Marksmanship Training Unit, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- Staff Sgt. Jonathan P. Frazer, pistol, U.S. Army Marksmanship
Training Unit, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- Spc. James T. Graves, trap and skeet shooting, U.S. Army
Marksmanship Training Unit, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- 1st Lt. David Johnson, three-position rifle, U.S. Army
Reserve, Hampton, Va.

     -- Capt. John T. McNally, rapid fire pistol, U.S. Army
Marksmanship Training Unit, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- Spc. Ruth Morris, track and field, Presidio of San Francisco,
Calif.

     -- 2nd Lt. Kristin Peterson, rifle, U.S. Army Marksmanship
Training Unit, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- Spc. Rodney Smith, Greco-Roman wrestling, 29th Infantry
Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- Spc. Thomas P. Tamas, three-position rifle, U.S. Army
Marksmanship Training Unit, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- Spc. Jay H. Waldron, trap shooting, U.S. Army Marksmanship
Training Unit, Fort Benning, Ga.

     -- Capt. Leo White, judo, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
765th Transportation Company, Fort Eustis, Va.

     -- Staff Sgt. Darius Young, free air pistol, U.S. Army Reserve,
Grangeville, Ind.

			      * * *

** Organization supports military athletes

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Dreams of Olympic glory dazzle athletes
of all ages and drive them to excellence. But talent and dedication
aren't enough to reach the coveted medal stand. Without funding, many
aspiring champions will never compete.

      The U.S. Military Sports Association supports servicemembers who
reach for athletic excellence.

      Congress declared in 1955 that no military athletes should be
kept from competition, such as the Olympics and the Pan-American
Games, just because they were in the armed forces. The secretary of
defense then provided $50,000 a year per service, for training
athletes.

      In 1955, that amount was sufficient. But it didn't change with
the times, and there's now a financial gap for athletes to meet on
their own.

      Since 1983, USMSA has helped fill that gap. The organization
recognizes that teamwork, self-discipline and physical fitness are
integral to victory, both on the playing field and on the battlefield.

      Over the years, the armed forces have represented the United
States by winning more than 150 Olympic medals -- 76 of them gold. No
other group or institution in America comes close to that mark.

      Athletes like Spc. Rodney Smith continue to carry on the
military presence in the Olympics. He won a bronze medal in Greco-
Roman wrestling in Barcelona, Spain. However, he is no longer the
norm, as fewer military athletes compete, finding service incompatible
with the demands and funding their training demands.

      One of USMSA's purposes, according to its brochure, is to
promote military athletic participation in the United States. It also
helps develop national and international programs for amateur athletes
in the military.

      "If military athletes have the will to endure the long, arduous
training required to become a national-caliber athlete, USMSA will
provide a way," said the organization's president, Thomas L. Moore, in
the summer 1992 issue of Military Sports, a USMSA magazine.

      "Given the constraints of today's military budgets, an
organization like USMSA is sorely needed to work out the tough issues
and 'make it happen' for the military athlete," he said.

      USMSA honors military athletes with its own awards, too. The
Base Athlete of the Year program operates at nearly 500 installations
around the world. The award observes on-base sports participation and
athletes' performance of military duties.

      Also, in cooperation with the Armed Forces Sports Committee,
USMSA chooses the top male and female athletes from each service. The
Armed Forces Athlete of the Year is then selected from this group.

      Corporate sponsors are important to USMSA, in helping athletes
receive funds for training and competing. And in 1988, USMSA was
included in the Combined Federal Campaign, allowing it to receive
donations from the military community. No other CFC association grants
aid to military athletes.

      "The impact of CFC funds," Moore said, "is best illustrated by
this fact: In 1983, the year USMSA was chartered, funds were available
to assist only three athletes. By the end of 1989, assistance was
provided to more than 3,000."

      Eligible athletes can receive up to $1,000 from USMSA.

      To see how you or your team can get USMSA sponsorship, call
(703) 836-1288 or write to: USMSA, 909 N. Washington St., Suite 308,
Alexandria, Va., 22314.

			      * * *

** September promotions

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- The number of officer, warrant officer
and enlisted promotions fell this month, according to figures released
by Army personnel officials.

      September promotions are on the way for 5,522 NCOs and 624
officers. Also, 42 CWO2s will advance to CWO3, and 10 CWO3s will move
up to CWO4.

      Personnel officials reported 422 fewer NCO promotions in
September compared to the previous month, and 245 fewer officer
promotions. Warrant officer promotions were 20 fewer to CWO3 and 13
fewer to CWO4.

      NCO promotions, with list and sequence number, are:

RANK          NO. PROMOTED    THRU SEQ. NO.        LEFT ON LIST

Sgt. Maj.          42              735                    77
Master Sgt.        60             By MOS               1,351
Sgt. 1st Class    600             By MOS               3,068
Staff Sgt.      1,262               -            List kept by field
Sgt.            3,558               -            List kept by field

      There are no merit promotions to sergeant or staff sergeant in
September.

      September officer promotions, by category, are:

RANK     ARMY   JA    CH    MC    DC    MS    SP    VC    AN

Col.        0    0     2    23     7     3     0     0     4
Lt. Col.  107    8     2    12     4    21     0     0     6
Maj.        0*   0*    0    18     9     0*    0*    0*    0*
Capt.     285   32     5    NA    NA     1     1    NA    74
Total     392   40     9    53    20    25     1     0    84

     * - Promotions in these categories are delayed due to a fiscal
year field-grade end-strength ceiling. Promotions will occur Oct. 1
for those promotions delayed from Sept. 1.  Normal promotions for
October will occur Oct. 2.

			      * * *

** Black schools receive Army research grants

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Two historically black institutions of
higher learning were awarded Army research grants in a ceremony at the
Pentagon Aug. 18.

      Clark-Atlanta University and Morris Brown College, both in
Atlanta, each received three-year grants of $2.25 million to establish
Army Centers of Excellence.

      Formally accepting the grants from Under Secretary of the Army
John W. Shannon were Dr. Kofi Bota, vice-president of Clark-Atlanta
University, and Dr. Gloria Anderson, acting president of Morris Brown
College.

      Clark-Atlanta University and Morris Brown College are the first
historically black schools to receive Army COE grants. There are 15
Army COE programs at 14 of America's leading colleges and
universities.

      "The Army is setting the standard for working with historically
black colleges and universities as well as with other minority
colleges and universities," Shannon said.

      "The schools were selected from among 20 applicants. Their
selection testifies to the Army's continuing commitment to strengthen
the long-term competitiveness of America's historically black colleges
and universities," he added.

      Participating schools perform research to help sustain the
nation's technological edge into the 21st century. A key goal of the
program is to increase the number of minority scientists and
engineers.

      "The awarding of the grants to Morris Brown College and Clark-
Atlanta University is the start of something very significant for
historically black colleges and universities," Anderson said.

      Clark's COE will specialize in information science. It will
provide the Army with support to collect, sort, manage and evaluate
data used in battle management and combat operations.

      Morris Brown's COE will focus on training research that's
important for ensuring future soldiers receive the best training for
various military operations.

      The COEs strengthen the Army's ties with leading colleges and
universities in critical research areas. Each center conducts world-
class research important to the Army and its planning, while enhancing
the flow of information among academia, private industry and Army
laboratories. Attracted to its work are some of America's brightest
graduate students seeking degrees in subjects essential to the Army's
future, federal officials said.

			      * * *

** Dix celebrates last training mission

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- A group of soldiers emerged from basic
training Aug. 21 to take their place in history as well as their place
among the Army's trained-and-ready forces.

      Their training ground was Fort Dix, N.J., which is celebrating
its 75th anniversary while at the same time undergoing a rite of
passage:  the graduation of the last soldiers to take basic training
there.

      Dix officials explained that Companies A, B and C, 1st
Battalion, 78th Division (Training), completed eight weeks of basic
training as of Aug. 21.  The 78th also celebrated its 75th anniversary
at the graduation, as well as the conclusion of its basic-combat-
training mission.

      "Their graduation marks the end of an era," Dix having been a
basic training center since 1947, spokeswoman Dianne Felder said.
The graduation, she added, symbolizes "Dix's new emphasis on reserve-
component training.  These new soldiers have been trained by cadre
from the U.S. Army Reserve."

      In addition to participation by local civic leaders and reunion-
minded old soldiers, the ceremony and open house included a visit by
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan.

      Because it is due to close as part of the Army's base
realignment, Dix reflects the leading edge in the reshaping process.

			      * * *

** Energy managers excel

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Six energy-minded Army organizations have
earned top honors for their achievements in managing energy during
fiscal year 1991.

      At a recent Pentagon ceremony, the following organizations
received recognition in the annual Army Energy Conservation Awards
program:

     -- Active component:  Fort Gordon, Ga. (first place); Base
Support Battalion, Heidelberg, Germany (second place); Iowa Army
Ammunition Plant, Middletown, Iowa (third place).

     -- Reserve component:  Indiana Army National Guard (first place,
ARNG); Tennessee Army National Guard (second place, ARNG); 121st Army
Reserve Command, Birmingham, Ala. (first place, USAR).

      In presenting the awards, Under Secretary of the Army John W.
Shannon noted that, in fiscal 1991, "the Army continued to capitalize
on momentum gained during previous years, resulting in a 17.2-percent
reduction in facility energy consumption and a 31.6-percent reduction
in mobility energy consumption from FY 85 levels."

      Army-wide, the FY 91 energy-use dollar savings and cost
avoidance amounted to more than $325 million, Shannon said. The
program calls for the energy-saved dollars to be retained at
installation level for reinvestment in installation projects.

			      * * *

** Update on program for exceptional family members

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- If you have a family member with special
needs, check with your local office of the Army Community Service,
where you'll soon find a new videotape summarizing how those needs
might be met, even when you're relocating.

      ACS officials confer with the Army Medical Department to help
enroll soldiers' eligible family members under the Army's Exceptional
Family Member Program.

      "Our office just finished coordinating a new videotape
explaining the program and helping dispel any persistent myths," said
Shirley Brown, EFMP manager at the Army's Community and Family Support
Center in Alexandria, Va. She added, "Starting in September, copies of
it will go to local visual information libraries and to the Army
Community Service in the field."

      Titled "Facts about the Exceptional Family Member Program," the
short film tells how to enroll in the program. It also highlights
support groups and special recreation activities available to family
members coping with exceptional circumstances. The new video can serve
as a companion to a video produced by the Defense Department dealing
with parents' rights and responsibilities in special education
overseas.

      Brown said that besides the new video coverage, the program's
literature is being updated over the next few months. Part of the
update is expected to focus on how the program seeks to help soldiers
who relocate.

      "When a soldier is nominated for assignment, officials at the
Total Army Personnel Command here coordinate with the proposed gaining
command to check into whether the needed services are available where
a valid personnel requirement exists," she said. "When services are
not available, PERSCOM may consider alternate assignments."

      Brown added that, while every effort is made to find assignments
that meet family members' needs, "the needs of the Army come first."

      Of course, family concerns and sensitivities do carry a high
priority, she stressed. For example, EFMP information never is seen by
a promotion board or school-selection board. "Having family members in
the program in no way affects a soldier's career progression."

      Indeed, she concluded, the program increases readiness, provides
family members the treatment they need, and keeps soldiers free from
worry about care for their families. "The program helps the
exceptional person, the entire family and the Army."

			      * * *

** Early-out picture improves for selected officers

     WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Some officers seeking an early-out
option but needing special consideration may look to the Voluntary
Early Release and Retirement Program managed by the U.S. Total
Army Personnel Command.

     A recent PERSCOM message announced the policy and procedures
for fiscal year 1993.

     PERSCOM officials set Sept. 29, 1993, as the mandatory
deadline for early separation from active duty and Aug 31, 1993,
for retirement.  The period of opportunity applies to selected
Army commissioned officers and warrant officers, including those
serving with the Judge Advocate General's Corps, the Chaplain
Corps and the Army Medical Department.

     "Requests for early separation or retirement will be submit-
ted in two programs, if required," officials say.  The first
program (VERRP-1) begins immediately and closes Oct. 15, 1992 (for
a Dec. 31, l992 -- Sept. 29, 1993, separation or an Aug. 31, 1993,
retirement).  To be considered by the first program, applications
must arrive at PERSCOM headquarters by Oct. 15.

      "The second program (VERRP-2), if required, will open Dec. 1
and close Feb. 11, 1993," officials explain.  "The second board,
if required, will convene on or about Feb. 23, 1993, with results
expected on or about March 19.  Officers applying under the second
program must request a separation or retirement date between March
30, 1993, and Sept. 29, 1993, and Aug. 31, 1993, respectively."

       Citing the importance of VERRP coverage, officials say the
affected officers "should coordinate with their military personnel
division or personnel service company at the earliest date to
begin processing applications."  Also specified as a "must":  "The
chain of command will expedite the processing of all requests for
separation and retirement."

			      * * *

**  Absentee voting keeps military involved in democracy, by Staff
	 Sgt. Saralynne Standley

     WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Bush or Clinton? Pro-life or pro-
choice? Deficit, taxes, foreign aid, military power, the economy.
Political issues abound, and they're hot subjects now, with the
presidential race in the running.

     Make your choice, and make your vote -- the resolution of
these issues could be up to you.

     It's not hard to vote, even for soldiers stationed in remote
locations, thanks to the Army Voting Assistance Program.

     "Many people just don't know how to vote," said Tom Feazell,
the program's coordinator. "It's not a difficult process, but you
do need the 1992-1993 Voting Assistance Guide, to access informa-
tion to help you either register or request a ballot."

     Absentee voting began with the Uniformed and Overseas
Citizens Absentee Voting Act, which "was established to ensure
that all soldiers and their family members are able to vote,
through the use of the Federal Post Card Application," Feazell
said.

     Feazell said soldiers and their families can vote while
stationed overseas or in the United States, as long as they're
away from the town in which they're registered. Department of the
Army civilians can use absentee ballots only if they're stationed
overseas.

     In either case, elections can be local or national.

     "We want all soldiers to be given the opportunity by their
commanders to participate in the election process," Feazell said.
"So we've asked all commanders to establish unit voting assistance
officers.

      "The rules vary greatly from state to state, so it's
important that voting assistance officers ensure that the Army
voter knows the rules for his particular state. That's why the
Voting Assistance Guide is so important," he said. The Guide has
all the information a voter needs to cast an absentee ballot.

      "Normally, most states require that you send in your request
for registration 30 days before the election," he said.

      Where do you stand? Whatever your convictions, you have the
chance to state them, on election day. Remember this year's voting
slogan: "Democracy counts ... on your vote."

			      * * *

** Army announces enlisted FY 93 VSI/SSB eligibles, begins accepting
early-outs

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- The Army is now accepting applications
for fiscal year 1993 voluntary early-outs for enlisted soldiers,
according to a message from the U.S. Total Army Personnel Command.

      The Enlisted Voluntary Early Release Program with Voluntary
Separation Incentive/Special Separation Benefit is available to
soldiers --

     -- having at least six years' service as of Dec. 5, 1991,
     -- but having less than 20 years at time of separation; and
     -- having five years' continuous service as of the date of
separation and who fall into one of the following categories:

	  - Category 1:  Promotable corporals and specialists and
below in all military occupational specialties with a basic active
service date of Dec. 6, 1985, or earlier.
	  - Category 2:  Promotable sergeants in all military oc-
cupational specialties with a basic active service date of Jan. 1,
1980, or earlier.
	  - Category 3:  Sergeants and above with a basic active
service date of Jan. 1, 1983, or earlier, in grades and military
occupational specialties listed in the chart below.
	  - Category 4:  Any soldier with a basic active service date
of Dec. 6, 1985, or earlier who is fully qualified for retention --
but denied retention -- by HQDA. HQDA will provide documentation
authorizing soldiers to apply for VSI/SSB who fall in this category,
PERSCOM said.

      Both VSI and SSB were implemented in fiscal 1992 to minimize
involuntary separation of soldiers in overstrength military oc-
cupational specialties, those exceeding revised retention control
points and those denied continued service under retention management
revisions.

      The VSI and SSB incentives provide alternative benefits and
payment options, both based on soldiers' number of years' service.

      VSI is a yearly payment equal to 2.5 percent of a soldier's
yearly base pay multiplied by the number of years served, and paid for
twice the number of years served. The soldier must continue service in
the ready reserve to receive payment.

      SSB is paid in one lump sum, equal to 15 percent of a soldier's
yearly base pay multiplied by the number of years served.

      Interested soldiers are encouraged to apply for the program as
soon as possible. The plan is to approve all applications from fully
qualified soldiers in categories 1, 2 and 4. For category 3 however,
PERSCOM said it will disapprove applications once the target for a
particular specialty and grade is reached.

      For more information on benefits, eligibility and the ap-
plication process, soldiers should contact their local personnel
service center.

Chart:  Category 3 VSI/SSB eligibility by MOS/grade

     13N      SGT/SSG/SFC
     13P              SFC
     15E      SGT/SSG/SFC
     16D      SGT/SSG/SFC
     16E      SGT/SSG
     16H      SGT/SSG/SFC
     16P      SSG
     16T          SSG/SFC
     19K          SFC
     21G      SGT/SSG/SFC
     21L      SGT/SSG/SFC
     24C      SGT/SSG
     24G      SGT/SSG
     24H      SGT/SSG/SFC
     24K      SGT/SSG/SFC
     24M      SGT/SSG/SFC
     24R              SFC
     24T              SFC
     25L          SSG/SFC
     27F          SSG
     27H      SGT
     27J              SFC
     27L      SGT/SSG
     27N      SGT/SSG
     33M              SFC
     33P              SFC
     33Q              SFC
     33Y              SFC
     35H          SSG/SFC
     41C      SGT/SSG
     45N      SGT
     46N      SGT/SSG
     51H              SFC
     52F      SGT
     55G      SGT/SSG/SFC
     55R      SGT/SSG
     55X              SFC
     62J      SGT
     63D              SFC
     63N      SGT/SSG/SFC
     74D          SSG/SFC
     74F          SSG/SFC
     82C          SSG
     94B          SSG/SFC
     98D              SFC
     98G(CX)          SFC
     98G(GM)  SGT/SSG/SFC
     98H          SSG
     98K              SFC

			      * * *

** Saint marches on
      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- A general cited for his leadership in
shaping the Army's warfighting doctrine and training exchanged good-
byes with some of the Army's top leaders Aug. 25.

      The occasion marked the last ceremony of Gen. Crosbie E. Saint's
career:  his retirement after 33 years of service.

      The former commander of U.S. Army, Europe and commander in chief
of the European Command, where he had closed out his last several
years of service, said farewell to his fellow soldiers in a
traditional ceremony at Fort Myer, Va.

      There, he received praise from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon
R. Sullivan:

      "His direction of the deployment of thousands of soldiers and
their equipment to Saudi Arabia and Turkey was remarkable in its
flawless execution. Never had any commander since World War II been
asked to do so much in so short a time."
      Noting that his fellow veteran of the Vietnam War has epitomized
the spirit of today's Army leader, Sullivan concluded, "Butch Saint
was the right man, in the right place, at the right time."

			      * * *

** Revised ethics rules on the way for federal work force

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Streamlining ethics rules governing
federal personnel took a step forward recently.

      "The U.S. Office of Government Ethics here in Washington has
published its final version of `Standards of Ethical Conduct for
Employees of the Executive Branch,'" explained Al Novotne, an attorney
at the Pentagon.

      The new rules, which take effect Feb. 3, 1993, are scheduled to
be spelled out in a forthcoming Defense Department regulation. This
"Joint Ethics Regulation" will replace the current standards-of-
conduct regulations used by defense agencies.

      Novotne and other officials in the judge advocate general's
standards-of-conduct office are working with other defense activities
to develop materials for training Army personnel on how the new rules
apply to them.

      Not every issue related to standards of conduct is resolved by
the new rules. For example, the issue of military officers' and
federal employees' receiving honoraria for speaking and writing on
non-duty-related matters remains unaddressed by the new rules. "The
next action on that issue will be taken either in Congress or in the
courts," Novotne said.

			      * * *

** Breast cancer -- no longer death sentence, by Staff Sgt. Saralynne
Standley

      WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- "Procrastination will eventually lead to
your death."

      So said Col. (Dr.) Ariel Rodriguez as he explained the
importance of detecting breast cancer early. The chief surgical
consultant in the Army's Office of the Surgeon General said many women
"will avoid having a mammogram, because they are afraid that it will
show something."

      That's a natural enough fear, he acknowledged, but ignorance
won't make the reality go away.

      One out of every nine American women over age 35 will develop
breast cancer. Though no one knows what causes cancer, Rodriguez said
physicians have found some things to be related to the disease. One is
heredity. Another is smoking.

      "We suspect that women who smoke have a higher tendency to
develop cancer of the breast," he said. "Smoking is not good for
anybody. And if you smoke, then you should try to stop."

      The diagnosis of cancer is often seen as a death sentence, but
that's far from true. If a lump is found when it's still small and the
cancer is confined to the breast, the cure rate is around 90 percent,
Rodriguez said.

      One way to detect cancer early is through monthly self-
examination, ideally 10 days after menstruation. If a woman discovers
a lump, she should see a physician for further examination, possible
biopsy and treatment, he said.

      "The majority of breast lumps are benign," he pointed out, with
only about 15 or 20 percent turning out to be cancer. But a woman
can't assume her lump is "safe" or put off seeing a physician.

      "If you have a benign lump, it doesn't make any difference," he
said. "But procrastination doesn't help the individual who has the bad
lump."

      By the time a cancer lump is big enough to be felt, it may
already be five or six years old. That's still considered "early
detection," Rodriguez said, but cancer can be found even earlier with
mammograms.

      "The true value of mammography is to detect the early stages of
cancer before it becomes a true lump," he said.

      The Army's policy on testing goes along with the American Cancer
Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

      "Every woman should have a baseline mammogram at age 40,"
Rodriguez said. "If the woman happens to be in a high-risk category --
say if her mother, sisters or aunts had breast cancer -- then she
should have a mammogram every year.

      "If she's not in a high-risk category and her baseline mammogram
is normal, then she ought to have a mammogram every two or three years
until age 50. After that, we recommend she get a mammogram every
year."

      In the past, when cancer was diagnosed, the only treatment was
mastectomy -- removal of the breast and lymph nodes.

      "Consequently, many women avoided treatment, because they felt
they were being mutilated," he said.

      But times have changed. Though there are still some cases where
mastectomy is the only option, many tumors require less severe action,
the physician said. "You can remove a portion of the breast,
reconstruct it to a normal contour, then add treatment either with
radiation or chemotherapy, or both."

      Even with a radical mastectomy, "the plastic surgeons have got
to the point where they can make that new breast look pretty much like
the old breast."

      Again, Rodriguez stresses self examination and mammograms -- and
beyond that, seeking treatment as soon as possible.

      "Early detection is really the only good method that we have of
preventing death from cancer," he said. "Fear of mutilation or losing
femininity should not be a factor in avoiding treatment of a breast
lump, because many things are available now that were not available
many years ago."


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   \  Mike   /   
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