Maj. Gen. Leslie Smith, commanding general of the 20th Support Command -- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives, visited Pine Bluff Arsenal April 9-10.
Smith met with members of the U.S. Army 22nd Chemical Battalion/Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives Analytical Remediation Activity, also known as CARA West. Smith also visited the site of an ongoing environmental restoration program investigation and assessment on PBA during the first day of his visit.
"The general met with our CARA team down range, as well as the contractor and Corps of Engineers folks as he toured the remediation site," said Marvin Hubanks, chief of CARA West. "He talked to us about the challenges we are facing involving the current situation with the sequestration, as well as the Army's future."
The general's second day on PBA kicked off with a breakfast at the fire department, and continued with a briefing about the installation's missions, and tours of various production lines, including the M40 mask line and the Quality Evaluation Facility.
Special guests at the briefing included Lt. Col. Jeff Foster, professor of Military Science, Reserve Officer Training Corps, at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Cadets Shannaya Williams and Menaria Morris. Both cadets have been selected for active duty with the U.S. Army in the chemical field.
During the briefing, Smith focused on the present fiscal uncertainty surrounding sequestration and furlough.
"As leaders it is important to tell the facts and present the facts as they are without emotion. This is important in maintaining our readiness," he said. "This is a challenge and is what leaders do even when it is painful. Leadership is hard during these times. That is why we need good leaders who are upfront and frank about what the challenges are."
As 20th Support Commander, Smith is in charge of all the Explosive Ordnance Detachment and CBRNE units in the Army, which includes 16 states, 19 installations and three to five countries. "This summer I will become the commander of the new support center right up the road at Fort Leonard Wood (Mo.). This is where all the engineers, military police and chemical training are done, and where all their people and assets are," he said.
Closing out the briefing, Smith said that it was important during these uncertain times that leaders lead through this era of tough change. "We have been through this multiple times in the Army. We will go through this and we will make it through this," he said. "Cool heads will prevail. We just need to focus on taking care of our people and being upfront, but also being responsible with the mission and being flexible."
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