Annual Statewide Officer Meeting – 23 NOV 2019
On November 23rd, 2019, 22 Officers and NCOs of the Missouri Militia met in Columbia Missouri to talk about the last year and to plan for the new year. As always, the meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. J. Robinson was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant and the CO of the 1/7. Mr. L. Stroup stepped down from his position due to health issues.
Col. Sumpter went on to describe the militia as voluntary, self funded, and optional, stressing that members “put their families first“. He then moved on to talk about the gathering and dissemination of intelligence across the units. After some good discussion, a process was adopted for the new year.
Col. Sumpter still highly recommends that everyone get their CCW/CCP if they don’t already have one. The Missouri CCW has reciprocity with most of the States in the Union. Not every state supports the constitutional right to carry concealed.
Sfc. Wick shared improvements that have been made to the website and our recruiting process this year. Recruits are automatically added to lists, one for each unit, so that we can easily send newsletters, updates and invites to training events throughout the year. Also, the equipment list page on the website will be amended to call out that it is only a guideline, and that Alice gear is not required. Modern equipment is allowed if the member is able to purchase it.
Col. Sumpter touched on ammunition and magazine minimums, as well as reminding everyone to keep themselves and their units proficient with their weapon systems.
Mr. Cagle of the 4/8 gave an excellent presentation on Tick Borne Diseases, specifically Alpha-Gal. Everyone received a handout. For more information, click on the link: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/alpha-gal/index.html
We broke for lunch.
Col. Sumpter was presented with a plaque to commemorate all of his hard work. [Insert Photo]
The group shifted focus to planning for the summer JTX. There was a lot of good discussion. It will be held at One Shepherd Combat Maneuver Training Center this year. Participants will have a choice between participating in Basic Training or a force-on-force exercise using MILES gear. This facility provides fixed shelters, tents, kitchen, showers and toilets, which will make setup and tear-down much easier.
Battlestaff training will be 11-12 JAN 2020.
Finally, the group discussed how members are assigned rank and promotions. Until now, there has been no consistency among the units. After a bit of discussion, the units have decided unanimously to make the US Army Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks the standard training doctrine state-wide. Progress through the Warrior Skills Level 1 (STP 21-1-SMCT) will be used for evaluating the ranks of Private, PFC, Specialist and Corporal. Further progress through the Warrior Skills Level 2, 3 and 4 (STP 21-24-SMCT) will be used to qualify NCOs and above.
The colonel exhorted everyone to get HAM and CERT training before sending everyone home.
The meeting ended with a prayer at 1500.