WIESBADEN, Germany - A visit by Installation Management Command leaders Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter and Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Rice drew garrison leaders from throughout Europe to Wiesbaden to share ideas and discuss issues.
IMCOM's commander and senior NCO took an inside look at how transformation is changing the face of U.S. Army Europe, toured U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden's Warrior Training Center on McCully Barracks and talked about the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program.
"It's a real privilege to get to see real Soldiers and Airmen training," said Ferriter, while interacting with service members and civilians at the Warrior Training Center.
After touring the center and watching as community members engaged in combatives, boxing and martial arts training, Ferriter and Rice talked about the importance of building self-confidence, self-reliance and warrior skills through regular physical fitness training.
"It doesn't cost a dime," said Rice, about staying in shape through regular PT, runs, marches and combatives training. "Fill up your tank, come back and you're ready to roll. Don't let anything get in your way of that. After you fill up that tank with a good day of PT, nothing can stop you. Do it every day and be ready."
Ferriter emphasized how important it is for Soldiers to learn and maintain combatives skills and confidence to be ready for any situation.
"It's what we do every day as Soldiers that is right," said Rice, explaining that having a dedicated PT time is critical -- whether during inprocessing or when on leave. "Do it every day and be ready."
Both leaders stressed that noncommissioned officers are the role models who lead by example -- looking out for their Soldiers, encouraging and motivating them to stay in shape and to always do what's right to help prevent fellow Soldiers from falling victim to sexual harassment or abuse.
During a roundtable session with IMCOM-Europe garrison commanders and command sergeants major, leaders agreed that SHARP is a sergeant's program -- one that may get support from civilian subject matter experts, but a program that ultimately relies on NCOs to set the example and to take preventive or corrective actions when required.
"I think it's all part of the leader development program," said Ferriter. "At the end of the day, if we get that right" mission readiness is improved and everyone becomes cognizant that there is no place for sexual harassment or assault in the organization.
Leaders must foster a climate of trust, he said. "We have to look at it through the eyes of our young Soldiers and their families."
Leader development among civilian employees is equally important, said Ferriter. "We are all working toward a common goal. What we do with them (civilian employees) is what we'll get back in return."
"We have to take it as an investment," added Rice, explaining that making sure future leaders have the opportunities and time to attend training is critical.
Other issues discussed during the roundtable included the impact of sequestration on IMCOM-Europe communities, sustainment challenges with reduced funding, improvements in the sponsorship and transition programs, and the differences in the operational environment in Europe as compared to stateside installations.
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