AA6 COVID-19 Update

All Americans, The coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have impacts on every aspect of our lives. We are living through unprecedented times. Each day is a different day requiring us to make adjustments to our force protection and readiness posture, and to prevent further the spread of the virus. The Secretary of the Army has raised the health protection condition to HPCON Charlie and Fort Bragg will comply with this NLT March 25th. The last few months have been historic and CSM Burgoyne and I could not be more proud of what our units, Paratroopers, and Families have been able to accomplish. From the no-notice deployment of the Immediate Response Force to the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to thank you for your effort, your patience, and your support as we adjust to unexpected changes. Multiple elements of the Division remain deployed and engaged across the Central Command area of responsibility. They are training hard, maintaining readiness, and prepared to respond to any mission they are given. Unfortunately, with world-wide developments and restrictions related to COVID-19, we simply do not know when they will begin their redeployment. Falcon Brigade also faces uncertainty as they begin their final preparations. I ask that you remain flexible as we assess the impacts on the deployment, block leave, and the real possibility of a 14-day pre-deployment quarantine here on Ft. Bragg. Panther Brigade continues to redeploy from Afghanistan and begin their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. This quarantine is unfortunate, but necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Fort Bragg community has rallied behind them and every day we are working to improve the quality of life for those Paratroopers and make their wait a little more enjoyable. We are also looking at window in the future for block leave at a time when paratroopers and their families can actually enjoy it. It's important to note that no Paratroopers or Family members in the Division have tested positive for COVID-19 and your leadership is working vigorously to keep it that way. Fort Bragg is operating on minimum mission essential manning but there are still requirements that must be fulfilled. Operationally, we will adjust the way we conduct day-to-day business. This means no formations, no meetings, and staying at home whenever possible. I ask for your patience as we balance protecting the force with the activities required to maintain readiness and take care of our Paratroopers. We will lead through this! The best way to limit the spread of this disease is to limit contact with others, social distancing, rigorous washing habits, and by all means stay home if you are sick.  For your personal well-being, I challenge each of you to set a goal to make yourself better during this time; physical activity, read a book, take an on line class.  Although our nation faces a new challenge, this Division stands ready as America's Guard of Honor. I've seen first-hand how resilient our Paratroopers and Families are and I remain confident in you and your efforts to keep our All American Family healthy and prepared to jump, fight and win. r/Jim Airborne! "AA6" MG James J Mingus CG, 82nd ABN DIV