80th Training Command (TASS)

05/27/2026

05/19/2026

Our May battle assembly was a bitter sweet one as we said farewell to several key leaders.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Carlton Darby is set to retire this July after 39 years of service to our country. He was presented with the Legion of Merit by Maj. Gen. Dougherty and spoke about his remarkable career.

Col. Gregory Fairbank was also presented with a Legion of Merit by Maj. Gen. Dougherty as he retires after three decades of service. Senior members of the staff also presented him with a replica flintlock pistol as a parting gift.

Col. Tiffany Fusco is also leaving us, but she isn’t retiring. Col. Fusco is taking command of a dental unit and is certain to provide outstanding leadership. As a parting gift, she was given a pickleball paddle by the staff for her efforts to put together group outings to play on BA weekends. Her PCS award will be presented at a later date.

We thank each of these amazing leaders for their dedicated service and wish them the best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

05/17/2026

On Saturday, May 14, 2026, the U.S. Army Reserve Marksmanship Unit's Lt. Col. Tom Bourne and Master Sgt. Robert Yeager ran a Norwegian Pistol Qualification for our U.S. Army Reserve 80th Training Command HQ at U.S. Army Fort Lee.

We offer congratulations to the Soldiers who earned the following badges:

Bronze:
Master Sgt. Daniel Finley

Silver:
Staff Sgt. Cody Rumsey
Master Sgt. Robert Yeager
Maj. Milton Headley
Maj. Nicholas Larsen
Lt. Col. Tom Bourne
Lt. Col. Tom Piernicky

So what is the Norwegian Sharpshooter Badge?

The Norwegian Sharpshooter Badge (NSSB), or Skyttermerket, is an officially recognized foreign military skill badge. For pistols, the qualification falls under Weapon Group 3 (Pistols). United States Army personnel are explicitly authorized to permanently accept and wear this badge on their dress uniforms.

Course of Fire (Pistol)

The qualification process tests precision and speed under strict time limits:
• Distance: 25 meters.
• Position: Standing position only.
• Total Rounds: 15 rounds of ammunition.
• Structure: 3 distinct firing phases of 5 rounds each.
• Time Limit: 120 seconds total across all phases.

Scoring & Badge Tiers

Badges are awarded based on two different types of targets used during the event:

1. Full-Size Silhouette Target
• Bronze: 13 hits with a minimum of 104 points, OR 14 hits with no point requirement.
• Silver: 14 hits with a minimum of 119 points, OR 15 hits with no point requirement.

2. International Six-Part Disc (0.5 Meter)

• Bronze: 12 hits with a minimum of 84 points, OR 13 hits with no point requirement.
• Silver: 13 hits with a minimum of 95 points, OR 14 hits with no point requirement.

3. Gold Tier
• Earning the gold badge requires fulfilling the Silver tier criteria across five different calendar years within the pistol weapon group.

Design & Regulations

• Appearance: The medal features crossed Krag–Jørgensen and Madsen machine guns, enclosed by a wreath and crowned by the Norwegian coat of arms.

• U.S. Uniform Wear: Under AR 600-8-22 regulations, the badge is fully approved for wear on U.S. Army dress uniform variants. It serves as a visual anchor alongside other authorized Norwegian skills like the Foot March.

05/16/2026

Yesterday, members of the 80th TC G3 shop conducted a ruck march and farewelled COL Greg Fairbank as he prepares to retire after successfully serving our nation for decades. Congratulations to COL Fairbank and thank you for all the years of dedication!

The team also did a staff ride to Drewry's bluff on the same day the battle occurred 164 years ago! Team building events like this are important for improving cohesion to execute both peacetime and wartime duties.

05/16/2026

Congratulations to our own Master Sgt. Crystal Harlow as she pins on her well-deserved rank!

05/15/2026

The 80th Training Command continues to set the pace for U.S. Army Reserve transformation, leading from the front as modernization efforts accelerate across the force. With a clear focus on readiness and realistic training, the 80th is preparing to stand up three new Army Reserve Readiness Training Centers (ARRTCs) in 2027, an expansion that underscores its growing role in shaping the future of USAR training.

That commitment to excellence was on full display with the arrival of a C 130 fuselage at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, on May 14, 2026. This major capability upgrade represents a significant leap forward in hands on, scenario driven instruction for Soldiers across multiple specialties.

The new training asset directly enhances instruction for 88N Transportation Management Coordinators the Soldiers responsible for tracking, coordinating, and scheduling the global movement of military cargo, personnel, and equipment across air, rail, highway, and sea. By integrating real world equipment into the training environment, the 80th ensures Soldiers gain the practical experience needed to excel in complex logistical operations.

05/15/2026

Starting off our day with an AFT to test out Soldier’s fitness and combat readiness.

What is your morning workout routine?

05/14/2026

We were honored to have a special guest visit our headquarters this afternoon. Army Reserve CSM Gregory Betty met with our Soldiers and Civilian staff to discuss Army Reserve transformation leadership, and to address questions from the crowd.

A few special Soliders and Civilians were given U.S. Army Reserve CSM coins for their outstanding contributions to the unit. Congratulations to all.

05/04/2026

Happy Star Wars Day. May the Fourth Be With You!