Two U.S. Army Contracting Command units joined forces Oct. 16 on the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania battlefield to learn about contracting during the Civil War.
The 926th Contingency Contracting Battalion, ACC-Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and Soldiers from ACC-New Jersey rendezvoused at the Gettysburg Visitor Center for a day-long staff ride led by Mikhael Weitzel, ACC historian.
"It's important that ACC personnel learn from historic events, such as Gettysburg, to understand the significance of Army contracting to the battlefield Soldiers," said Weitzel. "This knowledge reinforces the importance of what they do today and builds esprit de corps. An interesting aspect of Gettysburg history is that most of the today's laws associated with contracting were initiated during the Civil War timeframe."
Almost 60 ACC members participated and visited various battlefield sites with Maj. Robert Massey, ACC-NJ contract team leader, reciting the Gettysburg Address to the group.
"Listening to Maj. Massey recite the Gettysburg Address was a powerful way to end the staff ride," said Lt. Col. Jim Craig, officer-in-charge of the contingency contracting teams at ACC-NJ. "The speech recognized those who gave their lives to embrace equality, freedom and national unity, which represent the core values of today's Army."
According to Lt. Col. Derek Draper, commander,926th CCBn., not only did this staff ride provide an historical overview of Gettysburg, but it also offered ACC members with important leadership development.
"The lessons learned about the battlefield strategies, situational leadership, sacrifice and commitment served as a powerful learning tool for current and future Army leaders," Draper said.
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