FORT LEE, Va. - The Combined Arms Support Command hosted Congressman Bobby Scott, Virginia 3rd District, for a tour of its schools and the installation Dec. 16. The visit provided insight into the curriculum, technology and techniques used to train logistics Soldiers and showcased quality-of-life initiatives at the Home of Sustainment.
Scott started his visit with a command brief that focused on Fort Lee's impact on the local community as well as the regional economy. Other topics included CASCOM's role within the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and the many training and credentialing initiatives offered to Soldiers to further their careers, while in uniform or after they transition to civilian life.
During his visit, Scott toured the U.S. Army Women's Museum where he learned about the role of women in the Army dating back to the Revolutionary War. He also viewed the archives where much of the museum's donated artifacts are stored. As he was leaving, Francoise Bonnell, museum director, explained the significance of the museum's newest outdoor exhibit; the 1st Lt. FAWMA statue that pays tribute to the women who have served in the Army for the past 10 to 20 years. The full-size figure draws attention to the contributions of the modern Army female warrior.
The next stop was to observe training at the Quartermaster School's Joint Culinary Center of Excellence, where service members learn basic and advanced food service skills. During the visit, he learned about the joint training facility that houses Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force culinary specialists. Scott also had the opportunity to speak with each branch's representative to discuss training unique to each service.
His final destination was the U.S. Army Ordnance School, where he spoke with Soldiers attending the Allied Trades Course. The course instructs Soldiers in welding and machining skills as well as provides credentialing opportunities. Scott also observed a demonstration of the virtual welder simulator that allows students to hone their skills before proceeding to the actual welding machines.
After leaving the Ordnance School, the Congressman toured the post to learn about quality-of-life initiatives and view the U.S. Army Transportation School's multi-modal training area. The facility instructs Soldiers how to load rail cars and aircraft on decommissioned C-5 Galaxy and C-130 Hercules aircraft for realistic training.
As the tour concluded, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Lee officials then talked about how the Base Realignment and Closure initiatives contributed to a higher quality-of-life for the service members and their families. Scott viewed the new Army Lodging, post housing units and day care facility and learned how their construction was completed using "green" technologies to make them more energy efficient.
At the conclusion of the tour, Scott said he learned many things and is looking forward to coming back for a more in-depth visit.
CASCOM is responsible for training over 180,000 students annually, through 541 courses taught by the Ordnance, Quartermaster and Transportation schools, Soldier Support Institute and Army Logistics University. It is also a major subordinate command of TRADOC.
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