OSD SES Visits 3rd CAB's Air Assets

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. -- Senior Executive Service Elaine R. Simmons, director, Land Forces Division, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, visited 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade leadership Sept. 6 to better understand the capabilities and challenges facing today's high-demand aviation brigade.

Simmons and team -- to understand their strategic view from the Pentagon -- do not often get out viewing units on the ground. This visit allowed them to see the picture at the Soldier level. Simmons, whose duties are equivalent to a general officer, was briefed on operations by Col. Allan Pepin, Commander of 3rd CAB, and received a flight line tour.

"We participate in building the budget for the services and Department of Defense as a whole," Simmons said. "So, seeing firsthand their equipment, how they operate, and what they need I think is good for background and context."

This visit provides Simmons and her team the context to voice aviation concerns to those setting the bar for budget constraints.

Colonel Pepin said at the same time these budget constraints are being made, DoD is asked to create additional programs to modernize, and the ideal choice for some can compete against the demands from others. Soldiers, he says, have a long history of shouldering the mission and can adapt with the situation regardless of limitations.

"Throughout our history we've adapted. It has always been about the people," said Pepin. "They will adapt to make the mission happen."

Simmons, while sitting down with 3rd CAB Soldiers in the dining facility, agreed and said that modernizing the force is an investment in their greatest asset -- its personnel.

"Rather than any new procurement venture, it's to make sure everything you have is modernized prudently and supported in terms of readiness," Simmons said. "Avoiding hollowness -- we adequately invest in the assets we have rather than taking risks."