Briefs
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ARMY
Black berets coming soon
U.S. soldiers in Japan received their new black berets last week, taking possession of the highly publicized headgear during a pre-dawn ceremony.
Soldiers based in Hawai'i could be getting their black berets in the next few weeks.
On Oct. 17, 2000, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric Shinseki — who is from Kaua'i — announced that all active, National Guard, and Reserve personnel would receive the black berets by June 14, 2001, the Army's 226th birthday.
But after deciding not to issue berets produced in China, followed by some remaining companies defaulting on their delivery, the Army found itself at a loss to equip its soldiers with the black caps.
The beret plan also came under fire early on from the Army's elite Rangers, who have traditionally worn black berets. The decision was made to issue tan berets to Rangers. Special Forces will continue to wear green, and Airborne soldiers will keep their maroon berets.
Task force marks 10 years
Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Joint Task Force-Full Accounting, based at Camp Smith.
The task force's mission is to resolve the cases of Americans still unaccounted for as a result of the Vietnam War through investigations and remains recovery operations.
JTF-FA has helped to find and return the remains of more than 323 individuals. During a ceremony Wednesday at Camp Smith, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award will be presented.
Makua open house slated
The 25th Infantry Division (Light) and U.S. Army Hawai'i will hold a public tour and open house of Makua Military Reservation from 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 9.
The open house will include guest speakers, guided tours, and a display of equipment the Army uses to train in Makua, as well as some of the endangered plants and animals found in the 4,190-acre Wai'anae Coast valley.
The Army seeks to inform area residents of the importance of training at Makua, and will highlight environmental preservation efforts being made for endangered species and historic sites.
Among those on hand will be: Col. John Woods, assistant division commander of operations; Laurie Lucking, cultural resources manager; Alvin Char, chief of the Army's environmental division; and Tom Huseman, chief of range operations.
AIR FORCE
Hickam seeks cleanup input
Hickam Air Force Base is seeking public comment for the removal of residual soil and groundwater contaminants at the former John Rodgers Tank Farm and on the removal proposed for spilled petroleum products at the Par 3 Golf Course.
The 30-day public comment period runs through Feb. 6. The draft reports are available for review at the Hawai'i State Library, 478 S. King St., and at the Hickam Air Force Base Environmental Office.
