Prevention, Winning Are Key Words In Preparing For Future

FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 15, 2015) -- Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, command sergeant major of U.S. Forces Korea, spoke to students at the Maneuver Center of Excellence about intent and vision as part of the Combat Leader Speaker Program.

Troxell spoke to the students about the chief of staff of the Army's key words for intent and vision, and the actions associated with those words: prevent, shape and win.

"How do we prevent conflict? What allows us to make sure that nobody is going to do anything stupid to us?" Troxell asked. "Anticipation. Having credible readiness rather than just readiness."

Troxell defined readiness as "saying that you're able to accomplish a mission," and credible readiness as "everyone knowing that you can and will accomplish a mission."

The difference between the two, he said, was the difference between telling people that you're capable and people knowing you're capable without you having to say a word.

Credible readiness is crucial during times of war, and in partnered operations to deter conflict, he said.

Troxell told the students that shape was important, because all of the dynamics of power - diplomacy, economy, information and military power - come into consideration when shaping a situation. He encouraged the students to study those subjects, because ultimately it would help them become better leaders.

Finally, Troxell discussed the importance of winning.

"How do we win? Decisively," Troxell said. "With overwhelming superior firepower, overwhelming superior strategy, overwhelming superior leaders and overwhelming superior warrior athletes."

Troxell told the students that decisive winning starts with how they do physical fitness training and physical readiness training every morning.

"For a guy who's been active duty for 33 years, it has been the most important thing I have done every day; what I do to challenge myself physically," Troxell said. "Not only has it built into me a sense of fitness, that I can accomplish any mission that we are required to get after, but it's built a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual resilience in me."