FORT LEE, Va. - The Combined Arms Support Command hosted a visit by Paul Terry, House Appropriations Committee professional staff member, Aug. 15, for an up-close look at training and professional development initiatives.
While at the Army's sustainment think tank, Terry focused on the command's modernization efforts, training initiatives and future requirements. He arrived at Fort Lee after stopping at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the previous day, to tour the Training and Doctrine Command's headquarters as well as learn about Army watercraft and training at the multi-modal training site. He was also given an overview of the requirements to perform Logistics-Over-the-Shore missions, a process of discharging cargo from vessels anchored offshore.
CASCOM is responsible for training over 180,000 students annually, through 541 courses taught by the Ordnance, Quartermaster and Transportation schools, Soldier Support Institute and Army Logistics University. It is also a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
After an extensive windshield tour of Fort Lee and the training facilities providing state-of-the-art educational opportunities to sustainment service members, Terry visited the U.S. Army Logistics University for an opportunity to speak with students.
He addressed a group of Soldiers attending the Combined Logistics Captains Career course. The course prepares military personnel to function in assignments involving planning and executing multi-functional logistical tasks and missions.
"From what I hear and see in this classroom, you all have a great opportunity to advance," Terry said. "You are in a field that is judged harshly, but when you get it right the rewards are great."
After leaving the university, Terry met with leaders and employees of the Directorate of Logistics to learn about their mission and strategic initiatives including the Global Combat Support System -- Army. GCSS-Army is the tactical unit and installation logistics system that tracks supplies, spare parts and organizational equipment.
His next stop was the Quartermaster School's Aerial Delivery and Field Services Department. Terry viewed Soldiers learning to pack parachutes, observed a demonstration of the virtual reality parachute simulator and learned about the Laundry Advanced System, which is used to wash and dry clothing in the field.
After departing ADFSD, his final stop was at the Ordnance School. Instructors provided demonstrations of various simulators used in training service members including the virtual welder and Stryker interactive classroom. By using simulators, students can learn the basics of a specialty before engaging in hands-on training.
After spending the day at the home of sustainment, Terry commented on the quality of training he viewed and the professionalism of the Soldiers and civilians providing it.
"It is nice to see all the new equipment and technologies being used, but it is much better meeting with the Soldiers and civilians who are operating it," he said in his final remarks.
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