FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- In my nearly 30 years of military service, I've learned the value of periodic reflections. When done correctly -- that's with honesty, a focus on how we can improve our foxhole, and a positive perspective -- these snapshots can reinvigorate the resolve to accomplish the vision we've established.
That said, I am honored to be the 45th Commanding General of the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson, and am grateful to be able to celebrate one year as Commanding General.
As many of you know the vision we share for Fort Jackson is that it is:
The preeminent training center in the Department of Defense (DoD).
The best duty station, post, community and unit in which its team members have ever served.
An environment in which everyone can take initiative, learn, grow, make honest mistakes, have fun and accomplish the mission.
An Army Communities of Excellence (ACOE) award winner in 2014.
This past year has been a true eye-opener and I have truly been enlightened to the magnitude of what Fort Jackson does for the Army, the Department of Defense, and the nation. Based upon all that I have observed, we are without a doubt on track to being exactly what we aspire to be as stated in our vision. Using my four priorities as a framework let me take you through a few examples of the remarkable highlights I've experienced during my first year in command.
Training and Readiness
Our focus on Training and Readiness intensified in the last 12 months as we dug into the efficiency and effectiveness of our systems. We have enhanced training events by incorporating tactical scenarios. Additionally, with the TRADOC emphasis on the Army Learning Model (ALM) 2015, we have initiated pilots using simulations and software like Virtual Battle Space (VBS) 2 to allow our Soldiers to learn, train, and remediate using technology. Looking a bit broader in the area of training, we initiated and successfully implemented the Army's Master Fitness Program. Lastly, we have made significant progress in the modernization of our equipment and training facilities. I am proud of the improvements we've made at our ranges and training areas. For example, we've increased our number of on-hand M-4s and we're in the process of improving our vehicle fleet so that our Soldiers are training on what is actually being used in combat. When I look at the distribution of the training load that we have in BCT (more than 50 percent of the Army's annual load and increasing) and across the DoD, the meticulous efforts to meet/exceed POI standards, and the boldness to do Army Learning Model 2015 in 2013, I am ready to contend that we are the Preeminent Training Center in the DoD.
Responsible St ewardship
Probably the most noticeable highlight of the past year is in the area of responsible stewardship. This includes major Military Construction (MILCON) projects like BCT Star Bases, AIT barracks complexes, and the Quad Dining Facility. The other element of stewardship that I am extremely happy with can be summed up with one acronym VSOC -- Visual Signs of Change. If you were to look around Fort Jackson today, you would notice a significant difference from even a year ago. I am very proud of our ongoing plan to improve the overall appearance of Fort Jackson under the VSOC Campaign. The USATC and Garrison have co-headed this initiative to ensure the U.S. Army BCT Museum, Hilton Field, the Officers' Club Field, new road signage, Gate 2 renovation and the blue line to graduation improve the appearance and experience of every person who comes to Fort Jackson. We are also doing extremely well taking care of Mother Nature and our consumable resources.
Leader Development
Another significant part of our focus is Leader Development. Those familiar with our Leader Development program know that it spans from company through post level. I'm extremely proud that we host the LTG Maude Lecture Series, and LPD sessions on the Officer Selection Board Process, Health of the Force and Ready Resilience Campaign. But something that has really blossomed is helping organizations off the installation with their professional development programs. For example, in the last year, we hosted events for the University of South Carolina's men's basketball team and business/civic leaders from the Midlands. We were also privileged to host the Initial Military Training Conference, where brigade leaders from across all 27 IMT locations converged in Columbia to share experiences and learn how to improve the way we train our future Soldiers. Our knowledge management is also a large part of leader development -- our Share Point host a tremendous amount of current information, we publish a quarterly Jackson Journal and, of course, The Leader. We are doing a much better job sharing best practices and lessons learned cross our formation which is making all of us better professionally.
Quality of Life
We have accomplished a lot since last April. I am proud of our quality of life programs that we have for Soldiers and Families. These include, our on-post housing; health care; education; Army Community Service; Family Morale Welfare and Recreation; Sexual Harassment and Assault Response/Prevention and Family Readiness Groups. They have all made a huge impact on our community. Sometimes it is easy to think of quality of life only within the confines of the Fort Jackson border, but we have benefited from our positive relationships with our Partners in Excellence and our Team Members in the surrounding community. These relationships are extremely vibrant and mutually beneficial. Soldiers and Families are the source of $3 billion in revenue to the Midlands economy. I am truly grateful for these partnerships and all that we have been able to do for each other.
As you can see, this year has been full of some notable successes. Let me conclude with my Top 10 Highlights from my first 12 months:
10. Special Olympics. As you can guess, I cannot wait for this year's event.
9. Fourth of July Torchlight Tattoo. Bring on the Fireworks!
8. Army Ball. I look forward to seeing you all for this year's ball in our refurbished NCO Club.
7. Being an Honorary Captain at USC Military Appreciation Football Game. Go Gamecocks!
6. All of our Cultural Observances. Keep up the good work, EO staff.
5. Weekly BCT Graduations. It is exciting seeing the thousands of family members who come to graduation and our new Soldiers march across the field.
4. Volunteer and Helping Hand Recognitions. Fort Jackson is forever indebted to the countless hours and selfless service of our volunteers.
3. Honor Flight Welcome Home ceremonies. This is our opportunity to experience history and pay tribute to the heroes of yesterday, our WWII Veterans, as they return home to South Carolina after visiting Washington.
2. Riding the horse for the Columbia Veterans Day Parade. This is when I realized that City of Columbia is the most Military friendly city at which I've served.
1. Eating Wings at Magruder's Pub. If you've eaten their chicken wings, then you know what I'm talking about.
Let me just say that the people here and the dedication to our mission are what make Fort Jackson special. In my one year as Commanding General, I have not seen a more supportive and engaged local populace and civilian leadership than we have in the Midlands.
That is my take on my first year. Once again, I am honored to be the 45th Commanding General USATC and Fort Jackson and I think I have the best job in the Army. I think we are achieving the Fort Jackson Vision; we have the right Four Priorities, and are doing a good job performing them to the standards our Nation, Army and people deserve. Thank all of you for your service, for your commitment, for your professionalism and for making this the preeminent training center in the Department of Defense.
Let's agree to make this next year even better than the last.
Army Strong and Victory Starts Here!
Victory 6