FORT POLK, La. - The Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Operations Group held their second annual Distinguished Members of Operations Group (DMOG) ceremony June 24, 2015, in their Headquarters. Being added to the list of awardees are Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general, U.S. Army Central Command, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jack P. Hardwick, currently the collective branch manager for the mission training complex at Fort Polk, and David W. Hill, currently the deputy director for joint training, J7, at the Pentagon, responsible for providing and enabling joint training support for services and U.S. Special Operations Command. In a ceremony overseen by the Commander of Group, Col. Christopher LaNeve, these men were commended for their excellence in service to the nation and contributions to the Operations Group.
"These inductees are incredible leaders. The hallmark of a great leader is the legacy they leave behind," said LaNeve during his opening comments.
Terry commanded Operations Group from June 2002 to December 2003, during which time he oversaw the transformation of the JRTC unclassified instrumentation system into a classified enterprise with incorporated battle command systems. He also implemented changes that impact our training outlook today.
Terry led the changes that we currently use as the exercise rules of engagement and instituted the observer-controller handbook which implemented the "coach, train and mentor" methodology. Terry is renowned as the principal author of the warrior vision also known as the Fort Polk strategic vision statement.
Terry accepted his award by virtual teleconference stating, "JRTC is the very best Training Center in the United States, because of the Observe, Coach, Train concept ... You touch every soldier, every leader; every formation throughout the Army."
In closing he said, "This is truly humbling and I will cherish this for all time."
Hardwick served as the JRTC Operations Group command sergeant major from 1991 to 1993, during which time the relocation of JRTC from Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, to Fort Polk. He oversaw the development of the Division and Task Force model that was designed to support two maneuver battalions and one supporting battalion outfitted with constructive simulations. Under his mentorship, the organization reach the goal of receiving its first ever superior unit award for its excellence during the transition. Hardwick retired from the U.S. Army in 1995 with 30 years of service.
In his acceptance, Hardwick was clearly touched at the honor and stated, "JRTC is the best place that soldiers are trained and you save a lot of lives."
Hill served Operations Group as an observer, coach, trainer at the platoon level from October 1989 to September 1991. Mentoring platoon leaders of infantry rifle and mortar platoons. He served Operations Group again from November 1994 to October 2005 as the systems integration manager and TACSS chief and most notable he developed and implemented the original JRTC instrumentation system after the relocation in 1993. This system integration led to the planning, preparation and successful execution of two joint national training events hosted at JRTC. Hill's award was accepted on his behalf by another representative.
Current members inducted into the Distinguished Members of Operation Group are Lt. Gen. John M. Bednarek for his service from 2003 to 2005, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric G. Crabtree for his service from 1993 to 1996 and again from 1999 to 2002, and C. J. McCann for his service from 2003-2011.
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