U.S. Army, Retired

Today I signed my DD-214. Start terminal leave this Monday (26 May). I will miss many things about the Army, but I'm excited to begin this next phase in my life. Next picture I upload will be of me fishing with a full beard! :) On a serious note, I would like to say to all of my battle buddies that it has been a true pleasure serving with you. I have made many memories over the years--some good, some not so good. But I am confident that I am a better man today because of the decision I made over seven years ago to serve my country. I have no regrets, only that I wish I could have served longer. But like the chaplain says, everything happens for a reason. I love my country, and I love the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen that I got to serve beside. I will miss you all. To my battle buddies who made the ultimate sacrifice, I will never forget, and I will honor you until my grave. Last but not least, I would like to thank my loving family. Behind every good Soldier is an even better spouse. I know first-hand that this is true. As one door closes and another one opens, I am filled with excitement for what the future holds. Thanks for celebrating this day with me. :) Happy Memorial Day weekend!

HOOAH!
Casey S. Harmon 
SGT (ret), U.S. Army

SGT Harmon's Secret Identity - AFN Commercial

I was recently featured in an American Forces Network (AFN) commercial. Please see below, and share. :)

Behind the scenes photos. (Courtesy of Scott Myers.)

Happy readings,
Casey Sean Harmon
www.caseyseanharmon.com

U.S. Army Civil Affairs - Are You Ready?

The purpose of this post is to help prepare interested Soldiers/Officers to take that first step toward becoming a Civil Affairs Specialist/Officer. All of the information put out here is public information and their sources can be found at the bottom of this post. I hope that you will find this information both informative and inspiring.

First off, who am I?

My name is SGT Harmon, and I am an active duty Soldier currently serving as a 56M (Chaplain Assistant). About nine months ago I decided that I wanted to try something different with my Army career, and so I started researching the Special Operations side of the house. (You can find information on the different Army SP OPS branches HERE.)

The branch that immediately caught my attention was 38B (Civil Affairs). I submitted my packet, and within weeks I received a letter saying that my packet had been accepted and that I was good to move on to the next phase: CAAS (Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection.)

About seven months ago I attended and passed the rigorous 10-day selection course at Camp McCall (Fort Bragg, NC). Please do not ask me what the selection course was like, I can not give out that information. However, I will say this: Do not show up unprepared! Ask your recruiter to send you a physical fitness schedule and stick to it! The course is designed to push you to the utmost both physically and mentally. After all, you are trying to enter a component of the U.S. Army Special Operations forces!

What is Civil Affairs?

According to the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion website, "Although Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations activities often complement each other, each battle system operates individually in support of field commanders. Civil Affairs Soldiers are the field commander's link to the civil authorities in his area of operations. With specialists in every area of the government, they can assist a host government meet its people's needs and maintain a stable and viable civil administration." You can read the full article HERE.

Each civil affairs team is made up of a captain; a team sergeant; a team NCO, who is usually the team engineer; and the team medic. Though each has their own specialties, the members of the team are able to fill everyone else’s roles, if necessary. Teams within the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne) are rapidly deployable; advise the combatant commanders or ambassadors on regional, cultural and local issues; and act as liaisons to nongovernmental agencies, information operations and U.S. government agencies. (Read more HERE).

What are the qualification requirements?

Visit the US Army Civil Affairs Recruiting Facebook page for the latest.

As of now, these are the requirements:

ENLISTED:

• Rank SPC-SFC. Reference packet for TIG and TIS requirements.
• Must have WLC.
• ASVAB TECH Score 100 or above.
• PULHES 111221 or better.
• Security Verification, Interim.
• DLAB score of 65 or higher or current DLPT with results within 12 months if you are language qualified.

OFFICERS:

• Eligible for a Top Secret security clearance under provisions of AR 380-67.
• Possess a baccalaureate degree or enrolled in the degree completion program obtaining degree no later than the start date of qualification course.
• Possess a Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) score of 65 or above or have foreign language ability as demonstrated by an acceptable Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) score of 1/1 or higher.
• Be a YG 2010 Office.
• Male and Female Officers may apply.

 ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

• Pass and be selected from the Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection course (Camp McCall, NC).
• Be Airborne qualified or willing to volunteer for airborne training.
• Possess an APFT card within 6 months (at least 70% in each event) & DA From 5500R Body fat content worksheet if needed.
• Pass a SERE-C physical. Current within one year.
• Agree to the Civil Affairs volunteer statement.

 (Source: http://www.sorbrecruiting.com/CA_quals.htm)

If you pass Selection, your next step will be to go through the Q-course. The qualification course (or Q-course) is a pipeline that consists of:

• Airborne school (if not already Airborne qualified) (3 weeks)
• Introduction to CA (2 weeks)
• Defense Language school (18-25 weeks)
• Civil Affairs NCO Academy (11 Weeks)
• CULEX (3 weeks)
• Graduation (1 week)

 
For those of you who would like to know more about what Civil Affairs is all about (or if you have already passed Selection and are studying for the Q-course), these sources contain some really good information:

Civil Affairs NCO Journal -Great information!
SWCS Academic Handbook


Sources:
http://www.soc.mil/
http://www.sorbrecruiting.com/CA_what_is_CA.htm
 https://www.facebook.com/USArmySpecOpsRecruiting.Bragg.CA?ref=ts&fref=ts


Happy Readings,
Casey Sean Harmon
SGT, U.S. Army
www.caseyseanharmon.com

Remembering The Patriot

In the USA, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. (November 12 is typically the observed date.) This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on Veterans Day.  

Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and in many places the American flag is hung at half mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11am. (Timeanddate.com)

As a Soldier, I have had the opportunity to serve beside many great and honorable men and women. I know what it feels like to return home after serving overseas for a year. I know what it feels like to lose a battle buddy. There are many aspects about wearing this uniform that many people will never understand. It goes beyond providing for our families. There is a strong sense of pride affiliated with serving what is without a doubt the best nation on earth. This pride can not be conveyed in any book or on any television program; it can only be experienced. I believe I speak for all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen when I say that I am proud to be a part of the U.S. Military! I am proud to carry on the traditions of those patriots who have served before me! And I am proud, above all else, to know that I fight to secure the freedom of my children and grandchildren. God bless America!

"I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot." -Gary Hart

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." 

-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Happy Readings,

Casey Sean Harmon aka SGT Harmon

www.caseyseanharmon.com

Airborne School

So I recently received my report date for Airborne School. (March 2013.) It will be in lieu of my PCS (move) back to Fort Bragg, NC for the Civil Affairs Q-Course. Can not wait! There are lots of exciting things around the corner...! But first things first. It will be so nice to finally have my Jump Wings!!!

1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment trains Paratroopers in order to provide the Department of Defense with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines to conduct airborne operations anywhere DOD-wide, forge the Paratrooper spirit in the junior leadership of the DOD and to provide a world-class quality of life for our Soldiers, Civilians, and Army Families. To learn more about Airborne School, CLICK HERE.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

 

Take a moment today to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

A quick "Thank You" to my followers, friends and family

I want to thank my wonderful followers, friends and family for supporting me as I tackle this book publishing adventure. Marketing is a lot of hard work. The truth is that I can not do this alone, and it is your support that keeps me motivated. I know you're probably tired of seeing all my posts asking you to "support this" and to "share that", but please understand that I am trying my best to ensure that my book is a great success. I have friends and family spread across every continent, and so my many posts throughout the day ensures that everyone sees what I have to say. It is hard work and very tiring to be both an active-duty SGT in the Army AND a published author. I find myself working at late hours during the night, and just about all my free time is spent working on book stuff. Why bother? Because writing is my passion. Some people spend their free time playing video games or watching one movie after the other. I spend my free time writing and marketing my book(s).
   Anyway, again I want to thank you all for your outstanding support. I COULD NOT do it without you!

What Right Looks Like

Just found out that I will be one of the stars in an Army "What Right Looks Like" commercial. The project is headed by LTG Hertling. We will begin shooting the commercial tomorrow. Look for the commercial on your local AFN channel!

Update

Just a quick note to update you on what is going on. My report date for the Civil Affairs Q-course is in April 2013. (I had originally planned to attend the December 2012 class, but it filled up too fast.) So things have been pushed back just a bit. My wife is expected to have our son here in Germany around the November timeframe. We hope to PCS Germany in February 2013, and report to Bragg sometime in March. Also, my book should be coming out in Feb 2013, so we have a very exciting year ahead of us! I pray that everything works out.

It's a boy!

My wife and I just found out that we will be having a baby boy! It was awesome to be able to see the ultrasound, and to hear the heartbeat. I had to miss the last appointment due to work, and so I hadn't seen the baby since my wife was 7 weeks along. Now, at 21 weeks, I am amazed at how much the baby has grown! My wife and I are very excited. The baby's name will be Liam Phillip Harmon. His due date is around 1 November. I will try to post pictures of the ultrasound soon. It's hard to believe that in just 5 short months I will be a father! I have always wanted to be a father, and to have a family of my own. I just hope that I will make a great dad. I pray that I will always know how to juggle family life and the military. I want to always be there for my children. I want them to know that, no matter what, I will always love them!

CA Selection Course (Update)

I made it! I just passed the rigorous 10-day Civil Affairs selection course! I am not allowed to give out any details, so please don't ask. I will say that the course is no joke. If you are planning on going anytime soon, I recommend that you start preparing NOW. Talk to the CA recruiters if you have any questions on what to expect. So, what's the next step for me? I am waiting to receive a report date to begin the Q-course. I should know something by next week (hopefully!). My wife is due to have our first baby around November, so the plan is to PCS back to the States before then so that she can have the baby in America. (Pray that I will be able to be there with her when the baby is born.) Speaking of baby, my wife and I will be going to the doctor in about three weeks to find out what we are having!!!

Mona Lisa in the Army

A bit of Army humor.

Civil Affairs Selection Course

I just received my official travel orders to attend the Civil Affairs Selection Course for May. According to the itinerary, this will be a rigorous ten-day course, designed to test candidates both physically and mentally. If (when!) I pass the course, I will be put on orders to PCS (move) from my current duty station here in Germany back to Fort Bragg, NC. There, I will attend a rigorous year-long pipeline, which will include Airborne school, language school, and the CA NCO course, among other things. According to the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion:

Civil Affairs Soldiers are the field commander's link to the civil authorities in his area of operations. With specialists in every area of the government, they can assist a host government meet its people's needs and maintain a stable and viable civil administration. Civil affairs units help military commanders by working with civil authorities and civilian populations in the commander’s area of operations to lessen the impact of military operations on them during peace, contingency operations and declared war. Civil Affairs forces support activities of both conventional and special operations forces, and are capable of assisting and supporting the civil administration in the area of operations. Civil affairs specialists can quickly and systematically identify critical requirements needed by local citizens in war or disaster situations. They can also locate civil resources to support military operations, help minimize civilian interference with operations, support national assistance activities, plan and execute non-combatant evacuation, support counter-drug operations, and establish and maintain liaison or dialogue with civilian aid agencies and civilian commercial and private organizations. In support of special operations, these culturally oriented, linguistically capable Soldiers may also be tasked to provide functional expertise for foreign internal defense operations, unconventional warfare operations and direct action missions.

To learn more about U.S. Army Civil Affairs, CLICK HERE.

Please keep me in your prayers, and wish me luck! HOOAH!

What it's like to be an Author in the military

People often ask me what it's like to be an author in the military. I simply reply: "It's not easy, but writing is my passion. It's something that I have to do." When I initially joined the Army back in 2007, I joined with the hopes of becoming a journalist. Murphy would have other plans! It turns out that, at the time, the Army was over strength on journalists. I would have to choose another job. This is why today I am not a writer for the military. (I eventually lost interest, anyway.) These days, I continue to write books and stories, while at the same time serving the military. I always find time to write. Depending on which assignment I am on, that could be late hours during the night or just on the weekends. I prefer to write using my computer, but often I find myself in situations (like in the field, or on a deployment) where I must write the old-fashioned way, using a pen and a notebook. (We’re spoiled these days, aren’t we?) Right now, I’m blessed to be stationed somewhere that has Internet (Germany), or else I would not be writing this blog! My strategy is simple: I believe that, if you are passionate about doing something, you can always find time to make it happen. It may be at zero-dark-thirty in the morning, or during those five minute breaks between staff meetings. There really is no excuse to not make time for the things that you are passionate about. The hardest part about being a writer in the Army is switching between Soldier mode and Author mode. (You thought I was going to say having to explain to the 1SG that I REALLY AM a published Author, and that I REALLY DO have a book signing at the Barnes & Noble at 1800, didn’t you?) For you writers out there, you know how complicated it is to switch from writer mode to “oh, crud, I have to go to work” mode. Well, imagine having to switch modes when your “work” is troop leading and warrior tasks and drills. IT’S NOT EASY! Especially for a children’s book writer! But the hardest part of all is going from “I am an American Soldier, I am a warrior and a member of a team” to talking to children about griffins and magical worlds during a “meet the Author” event! (Don’t get me wrong; I very much enjoy speaking to children. But you understand where I’m coming from…) I suppose the transition would be just as complicated for a fireman, or a police officer. (I really feel for the D.A.R.E. guy!) Like I said, I really enjoy public speaking. For some, it is the hardest thing to overcome. But for me, public speaking has always come easy. So what about my relationships with other Soldiers and leaders? That’s easy. I write on my own time. My writing career and my Army career are two completely separate things. To the Army, I am SGT Casey Harmon. I am a non-commissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers. To the civilian world, I am known as Casey Sean Harmon, Author. (Unless you’re my wife, in which case I’m known as “honey”, or my mother, who calls me “Case”, or some of my friends, who call me “Sean”, or…) So there you have it. A little taste of what being a writer in the military is like. So what can YOU take from this? Just remember that if you are passionate about doing something, you can always find a way to make it happen. There is no excuse not to pursue your dreams! (If you are a military veteran who also writes, check out the Military Writers Society of America.)