ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Improving readiness for Army National Guard and Army Reserve units was a topic of discussion from First Army's Mission Training Brief held here Aug. 9.
First Army provided the brief to Gen. Robert B. "Abe" Abrams, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, at First Army headquarters.
The briefing included a comprehensive overview of First Army's plans for executing fiscal year 2017 training support and mobilization mission requirements in fiscal year 2017.
First Army has a continuing mission as the coordinating authority for implementing the Army Total Force Policy. First Army executes the readiness requirements during both pre- and post-mobilization training for the Army National Guard and Army Reserve.
Along with Abrams and FORSCOM Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott C. Schroeder, briefing attendees included First Army Division West and East commanding generals, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt and, Maj. Gen. Todd B. McCaffrey, respectively, as well as their command sergeants major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey R. Dillingham, Division West, and Command Sgt. Maj. Royce B. Manis, Division East. First Army Deputy Commanding General-Operations Maj. Gen. Charles M. Willingham, and First Army Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Sam K. Young, also attended.
The MTB focused on areas such as supporting training for the Army National Guard's 29th and 35th Infantry Divisions; improving training for observer coach/trainers upon their arrival at First Army; supporting the Associated Unit Pilot program, which provides collective training opportunities for reserve- and active-component units; and providing a concept on a Scalable Mobilization Force Generation Installation. This concept describes how mobilization centers would be reactivated in the event of an increase in mobilization orders for reserve-component units. Currently, First Army operates two MFGIs at Fort Bliss and Fort Hood, Texas.
First Army will continue its high operational tempo in supporting major training exercise events in the coming year, demonstrating the large role First Army plays in supporting the readiness of reserve-component units.
Jimmie Ring, First Army's deputy for operations, training, and plans, believed the briefing was well-received from Abrams.
"First Army thought the briefing and discussion went very well. The discussion of the topics ensured a free exchange of ideas and a clear understanding of the FORSCOM commander's priorities and guidance."
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