FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (April 25, 2014) -- The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood showcased its one-of-a-kind training to the Army Chief of Staff's personal advisor on all enlisted-related matters, Wednesday and Thursday.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler's visit to the MSCoE encompassed special training aspects of the installation that is one of the Army's eight centers of excellence.
"Fort Leonard Wood is awesome," Chandler said, responding to a question on how he was enjoying his visit. "Being primarily a TRADOC (U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command) installation, it provides the training for Soldiers to be successful."
The 14th sergeant major of the Army challenged all NCOs to serve a tour at a TRADOC installation.
"If you haven't served at a TRADOC installation, you are in fact missing out on something. Whether that is an AIT (advanced individual training) platoon sergeant, drill sergeant or small-group leader in an NCO academy -- all of those contribute to our nation's success," he said.
Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S. Army's Engineer, Military Police and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, or CBRN, schools and regiments. In addition, all motor transport operator training takes place here.
The largest Marine and Air Force detachments on any Army installation are on Fort Leonard Wood -- one in seven Marines train at the post.
Chandler, making his second trip to the installation in less than two years, received a hands-on training perspective when he got behind the wheel of truck and convoy driver training simulators and an inside perspective of an NBC Stryker training.
The MP Stem Village overview provided him the chance to observe the engagement skills trainer, corrections training facility, forensic science training facility and crime scenes and analysis training.
He also rode aboard a float bridge and steered a boat of the 1st Engineer Brigade. The unit trains the Army's combat engineers, combat bridge crew members, engineer divers, heavy construction equipment operators, quarry specialists, geospatial engineer and conducts the Sapper Leader course.
Speaking to CBRN specialists, Chandler told them they will be the subject-matter-experts in their field, and each of them has knowledge that can help someone else stay alive in the future.
"That's important," Chandler said. "Coming to a place like Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Benning or Fort Huachuca -- they all do something to help our Soldiers be successful.
"You need to come back and help our Army continue to grow. Your experience means something to young people. One of the most important things we do in the Army is train -- from new recruits going through their initial training, to officers and enlisted Soldiers developing a variety of leadership and specialized skills, to units synchronizing their war-fighting skills -- it all happens here."
Related Links:
SMA presents Soldier's Medal to Fort Leonard Wood Soldier
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III
Fort Leonard Wood Guidon newspaper online
Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonad Wood
Social Sharing