ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- First Army's "Bold Shift Initiative" was the focus of a briefing to six regional Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army at the unit's headquarters, Nov. 21.
First Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker led the two-hour presentation to the CASAs, who last visited First Army headquarters in April.
"This CASA visit is important because we should leverage the CASAs to help us communicate the Army's message and how important the land force is to the national security strategy," Tucker said. "The CASAs are the link to the local communities and they become spokespeople and diplomats for us. They're the voice of the American people in their actions. It's important we keep the CASAs informed with good, accurate information."
The CASAs attending the briefing were J. Daniel McGowan, Iowa; Paul E. Lima, Wisconsin; Sam H. Kupresin, Illinois (Western sector); Dr. Michael O. Ayers, Illinois (Southern sector); E. Tracy Beckette, Missouri (Eastern sector); and Keith W. Pritchard, Missouri (Western sector). John Newman, retired Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Resource), also attended.
The Bold Shift Initiative improves First Army's ability to provide post and pre-mobilization training across the Reserve Component while achieving directed downsizing requirements.
Tucker said it is important for the CASAs to understand First Army's mission of providing integrated training among the Army's Active and Reserve Components.
"I'm excited to share with you where we're at in this update," Tucker told the CASAs. "Now, we are in execution mode in regards to Operation Bold Shift and the Army Total Force Policy -- having total integration of all components under one standard. We received the execution order from the Department of the Army. We have crossed the line of departure and have started our journey."
Tucker said he appreciates feedback from the CASAs because many of them have Army National Guard and Army Reserve experience, along with staff experience at the Pentagon.
"I try to serve as a source of information to the Secretary of the Army and Army leadership on local community issues that may affect the Army in my area of responsibility," he said.
"(Today's briefing) allows us to receive current information and issues concerning First Army," Kupresin added. "We can learn: 'what operations First Army is currently engaged in', 'what issues they face in accomplishing their mission', 'what are their potential issues in the future', 'what changes in operational scope and/or tempo may occur in the future', '(and what are some) First Army issues with the community that its Soldiers and civilian employees live in.'"
Earlier in the day, the CASAs visited the Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center.
CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of ten years of service, followed by possible appointment as a CASA emeritus. To date, more than 500 individuals have served the Army and the nation as a CASA.
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