BRAVO 106TH FINANCE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT UNIT

106TH FMSU FACEBOOK PAGE

NEWSLETTER FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY

ARMY FINANCE CORPS

BULLDOG NEWSLETTERS 16TH STB FACEBOOK PAGE

· 106TH FMSU Confidence Course

· German Partnership Range

· Lean Six Sigma

· Cash Cage Operations

· Thanksgiving Luncheon

· Awards / Recognitions

· Volunteering

· Events

· Looking Ahead

Questions and comments regarding the newsletter and/or the FRG can be directed to

Emily Graziano: Email: BulldogFRGAnsbach@googlemail.com

Cell: 0151-400-24022

DETACHMENT COMMANDER

CPT ANDREW GRAZIANO

DETACHMENT SERGEANT SFC GEORGE DRAKAKIS

106TH FMSU Confidence Course

Confidence Course As the sun started to rise and the early morning fog started to disappear there was a Finance Support Unit waiting to take on the elite challenge of conquering the confidence course. This was not just any ordinary confidence course. This course was set up to complete obstacles and use physical strengths but also set up to use mental, and teamwork building strengths. This course had variable lanes which utilized taking apart and putting back together the M16, M249 and M9, Medical lane, Finance Lane, and lastly pushing a HMMWV with calling a 9 Line Medical evacuation report. This was a great opportunity for the Detachments to all gather in one central location (which takes a lot of prior planning) and build team cohesion. The Detachments are spread across Germany and another Detachment currently deployed; this is a rare opportunity that cannot be looked at lightly. The greatest moment of this challenging day was when all Soldiers successfully completed the demanding confidence course. This opportunity allowed all Soldiers to leave with more confidence and live the Army Values by having personal courage.

What a great day to be Finance Warrior!

American German Partnership range

Bravo Bulldog Soldiers were at it again at the Ansbach local training area but this time it was a little different because we were training German Soldiers from the Transport battalion 465 on the American weapon systems. We were able to train the German Soldiers on the M249 and M9; after this training was complete we presented them with an opportunity to qualify. Of course Bravo Bulldogs were professional experts coaches and trainers… which allowed all 14 German Soldiers to qualify on each weapon system. After a great morning of teaching and coaching it was time to take a lunch break. We were fortunate enough to have an American style BBQ which consisted of hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, cookies, and array of drinks such as Dr. Pepper, Sprite, and Coke. The lunch break provided an opportunity for both American and German Soldiers to talk and learn about each other’s culture and military. The day ended with all German Soldiers being awarded a Certificate of Achievement for qualifying on each weapon system , presented the 16th Sustainment Brigade unit patch, and earning the US Army’s shooting M9 and M249 badges.

Lean Six Sigma

The Science of Maximizing Efficiency and Quality

SPC Antar In October, I had the opportunity to attend the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training course. The two week course not only clearly defines the concepts, but also introduces the tools that must be used when applying the techniques of Lean Six Sigma. This methodology was first introduced to the manufacturing industry during the 1980s by Japanese businessmen. The concept of Lean identifies how long it takes to complete a particular process and measures its efficiency, while Six Sigma determines the overall quality of the end-product or service provided. This idea may sound straight forward and fairly easy to apply, but there are actually several complex steps of analysis that are used to reach the final result. The DMAIC structure is the foundation of Lean Six Sigma and is used as a methodical approach to solving the problem that exists in a process. The first step is to DEFINE the problem – when the problem is identified, the project facilitator has the ability to state the impact that it has on current business, develop a goal related to its elimination, narrow the scope of areas to be affected, commit to a time table, and recruit team members to help complete the project. The second step is to MEASURE – this phase involves collecting data and employs the various tools of Lean Six Sigma that are used to define and quantify the variables (inputs) affecting the process. Anything that can be categorized as one of the seven types of waste is identified. Those seven types are transportation, inventory, motion, waiting, overproduction, over-processing, and defects/reworks. The third step is to ANALYZE – after the process has been thoroughly mapped and measured, the team uses different tools, including tables and graphs, to determine the most critical inputs and potential root causes of the problem. The fourth step is the IMPROVE phase – at this point the team develops potential solutions/implementation plans and confirms whether they are on track to achieve the desired goal. The fifth and final step is CONTROL – this involves mistake proofing, implementing SOPs, and continuous monitoring of the changes made throughout the process. These concepts were introduced throughout the course via power point presentations, but were effectively reinforced with several hand-on simulation exercises. The instructors were adamant about the importance of teamwork and using continuous feedback to ensure that problems in the process were clearly identified. The Green Belt candidates were also given the opportunity to brief the class on their project charters and receive help with generating new ideas or refining their first drafts. Although the principles of Lean Six Sigma originated in the manufacturing industry it has been proven that this practice can be applied to just about any business model or process. With the proper team, tools, and application, Lean Six Sigma has the potential to drastically improve the efficiency of operations and quality of services or products. I look forward to making a positive impact with the use of this system.

Cash Cage

Currently the cash cage in Ansbach is undergoing an alteration and will soon be transiting to a civilian occupied workforce by the end of the year due to Bravo Detachment’s deactivation next year. The incoming Disbursing Agent is Mrs. Phyllis Dunn and she is currently enrolled into a Disbursing training plan which is a 3 point plan (crawl, walk, run). This process of learning allows her to train and then certify has a cashier and then train and certify as the Disbursing Agent. After she completes these two processes she will have the opportunity to run the program effectively , efficiently, and continue providing excellent finance support to the Ansbach community.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Turkey, Dressing, and Pumpkin Pie on everyone’s mind …. the Bulldog’s decided we would gather together and celebrate Thanksgiving a little earlier. Everyone shared dishes that were traditional to their families. After full bellies, we gathered around for an animated game of charades.

Thanksgiving Luncheon

Awards / Recognitions

SSG Guidry completed the Finance 36B Senior Leaders Course (SLC) at Fort Jackson, SC. CONGRATULATIONS!

Soldiers are presented awards from the Detachment Commander for the hard work and dedication to the Army

Mission.

Volunteering

On Oct 31, 2012, I went to volunteer at Rainbow Elementary School. They were having an event called ‘Monster Math.’ I thought we were going to helping with math. When I got there they had already assigned me to help in the gym. I honestly had no idea what I was in store for that day. A couple minutes later a teacher comes in and tells me that I was going to assist her in teaching the entire school how to monster MASH. A few more minutes passed and a class full of second graders came in and lined up. So as they are learning the dance, so was I. To be honest, at first I was a little embarrassed. But after I saw how much fun the kids were having, and how they were looking at me for guidance on how to do the dance correctly, I let loose and monster mashed all day. I can admit I had a great time. When we were through, we had taught the entire school pre-k to sixth grade how to monster mash. I know they were supposed to be having some type of flash mob at the end of the day with the entire school monster mashing together. Even though I didn’t get to stay to see it, I know it turned out great. I really enjoyed being able to volunteer that day. Seeing all the kids dressed up in their costumes and wigs really made my Halloween worth it. -SPC Humphreys

EVENTS

Bulldogs and STB Soldiers breaking bread together during the 16th STB Single Soldiers Retreat

Bulldogs in Munich, Germany waiting in the courtyard as the guests begin to arrive for the German Banquet.

Looking Ahead

As another holiday season approaches, we should make the most of the opportunity to gather with friends and Family — for it’s during the holiday

season that we are pointedly reminded of the values we treasure as Americans and why we continue to strive to safeguard our Nation.

As you observe the holidays within your own Family traditions, I encourage you to do so responsibly. This holiday season we have much to celebrate.

The Detachment has completed another extraordinary year of professional development and financial support to missions in Europe and Africa. Thank you for your dedication to the unit and Nation. I am extremely proud of the

impact this Detachment makes on a daily basis; it due to the hard work of our Soldiers, their ability to work as a team, and the support we receive

from our family and friends. Take care of yourselves, your buddies, and your Families throughout the

holidays and into the New Year. Each and every one of you are invaluable to our Nation and to its future. Should you or a Soldier you know need help or need someone to talk to, have the courage to reach out to someone in our

unit, in your Family, or in the numerous support programs the Army provides. No Soldier need ever be alone.

SFC Drakakis and I wish you a very safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to a healthy and prosperous New Year for the whole Bulldog

Family.

All the very best, CPT Andrew Graziano and SFC George Drakakis

A Holiday Message from the Bravo

Detachment Command Team