FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, commanding general of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C., visited Fort Drum from Sunday through Tuesday for his first orientation here since taking on his new role.
On Monday morning the commander started his day by having breakfast at the division headquarters with Maj. Gen. Mark A. Milley, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander, and his staff.
After breakfast, they moved to the Eagles Nest, where Allyn received an orientation briefing by Col. Thomas D. Macdonald, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum chief of staff.
"I have always had great admiration for this division," Allyn said. "I want to identify what the XVIIIth Corps can do for the Soldiers and Family Members here at Fort Drum."
After the orientation briefing, staff members accompanied Allyn on a flyover of Fort Drum's training areas before stopping at the 10th Sustainment Brigade's dining facility for lunch.
At the DFAC, a round table discussion was held with brigade commanders' teams. Among the topics discussed were lessons learned at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., and fielding of a fully integrated Capability Set, known as CS 13, composed of vehicles, network components and associated equipment and software that, for the first time, deliver an integrated voice and data capability throughout the infantry brigade combat team formation down to the tactical edge.
In the afternoon, the staff returned to the division headquarters, where seven Soldiers from various brigades of the division each received a coin from Allyn. Brigade command sergeants major introduced their Soldiers and explained why each was being nominated to receive a coin.
"Continue doing what you have been doing," Allyn said. "I would also ask you all to inspire others to desire to achieve excellence in their field like you guys."
Immediately after the coin presentation, Allyn, his wife, Debbie, and staff members accompanied Milley to the Mountain Functional Fitness Facility.
James W. Corriveau, Public Works director, gave them a tour of the facility, which will be opened Nov. 16.
After visiting the fitness facility, the group toured the Medical Simulation Training Center, where they received a briefing and a demonstration by four medics who will represent the division in the Army's Best Medic Competition this fall.
The day concluded with a town hall meeting at the Mission Training Complex, where battalion commanders and command sergeants major expressed their concerns to Allyn. In response, he offered guidance and advice concerning the future of the Army and the need to stay focused and trained-up for any contingency if the need should arise.
"We need to treat our Soldiers with dignity and respect," Allyn said. "Press to have high impact effect on our best commodity -- 'the American Soldier.'"
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