TRADOC's Top Enlisted Soldier Visits

By T. Anthony Bell, Fort Lee Public Affairs OfficeApril 9, 2008

Focused on Training
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Lee, Va. (April 9, 2008) -- The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's top enlisted Soldier paid a visit to Fort Lee April 2.

Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Bruner was here last week to familiarize himself with various aspects of training at the Quartermaster Center and School and to talk with troops.

Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony T. Aubain, Combined Arms Support Command and Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan J. Hunt III, QMC&S, were hosts for the visit that included a barracks tour, a stop to observe training at the rigger course and the Warrior Training Center.

Bruner also had the opportunity to talk with Soldiers and noncommissioned officers in separate forums. After speaking with senior noncommissioned officers at the Aerial Delivery and Field Services Department auditorium, he said that he was impressed with the Soldiers at Fort Lee.

"When you enter the gates at Fort Lee, you feel that sense of pride," said Bruner, who has carried the TRADOC command sergeant major title a mere four weeks. "I had the opportunity to talk to 70-80 Soldiers at the dining facility, and I'd have to say that it puts a lump in my throat to sit down with these great Americans who joined the Army in a time of war, a time when their country needs them and stand up to do a hard job."

Bruner, who attended the rigger course here years ago, was also positive about the training.

"It's world class," he said. "I don't even know if I can pass the training anymore. "

The Warrior Training Center was the last stop on the command sergeant's major tour. He was given a quick brief on the concept and operations of the facility which is used for combat training in urban terrain.

Hundreds of Soldiers of all components have trained at the facility. Bruner often responded with the adjective "awesome" after being shown the facility's numerous training stations.

TRADOC is responsible for developing training doctrine, establishing standards and recruiting, training and educating Soldiers. It oversees operations at the many basic training and advanced individual training installations around the country. Bruner is the TRADOC commander's senior advisor on enlisted matters to include health and welfare and training effectiveness.