Col. Douglas M. McBride Jr., commander of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, visited Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade July 20-22.
The purpose of his visit was to discuss the III Corps initiatives and material management and to set up a framework and battle rhythm where all sustainment units are linked into a working group weekly, monthly and quarterly to better integrate. He also took the time during his visit to see the "Durable" brigade's processes on the tactical level.
"It was great having the senior sustainers come check out our processes and systems to let us know how we can improve our techniques and procedures," said Lt. Col. Russell W. Klauman, commander of the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Inf. Div. Sust. Bde. "He gave us some great mentorship."
McBride, who took command six weeks ago, is responsible for synchronizing and integrating sustainment units and enterprises across the III Corps footprint. He stressed the fact that collaborating is critical in accomplishing those tasks.
"If we integrate and synchronize, we can mass effect to meet the Corp and division commander's intent," McBride said. "Right now we are a little decentralized so we have to collaborate so we can bring more power to sustainment units."
Not only was McBride's visit focused on discussing initiatives and how to make the team better, but he also got the opportunity to meet with Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers across the Durable brigade.
"My favorite part of the visit here was actually getting out to the formations," McBride said. "I saw a sense of pride that the Soldiers take in ensuring they get back to sustainment and logistic fundamentals based on our core competencies as sustainers."
McBride also discussed the importance of resiliency across the Army and within the formations.
"Not only is it critical for Soldiers to be resilient in what they do, but that's what keeps them in the fight," McBride said. "Being resilient allows them to be able to tackle tough problems and deal with the friction of realistic training as well as adversity and tough situations of combat."
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