Brig. Gen. Tony Aguto tours IPSC

By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth TarrAugust 23, 2016

Brig. Gen. Tony Aguto tours IPSC
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Tony Aguto, commander of 7th Army Training Command discusses possible range opportunities at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center with Col. Vikter Sphin, deputy commander and head of range operations at the IPSC, August 20, 2... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Brig. Gen. Tony Aguto tours IPSC
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Tony Aguto, commander of 7th Army Training Command discusses section live-fire with a Ukrainian Soldier, August 20, 2016, at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center. Aguto recently assumed command of 7th ATC and was visiting the... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Brig. Gen. Tony Aguto tours IPSC
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Tony Aguto, commander of 7th Army Training Command (center) discusses possible range opportunities at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center with Col. Thomas Mastel, G3 7th ATC, (far left) Lt. Col. Jay Wisham, commander of 6-8 ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

YAVORIV, Ukraine-- Brig. Gen. Tony Aguto, commander for the 7th Army Training Command visited the Soldiers and personnel of Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine Aug. 19 and Aug. 20 at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center here.

The 7th ATC is responsible for building training capabilities and ensuring readiness throughout all of U.S. Army Europe. As the Army's only unified training command, they have the ability to provide training from the individual Soldier all the way up to essential missions such as the JMTG-U.

Aguto began his two-day tour meeting with Ukrainian leaders to discuss the progress that has been made within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"I was very impressed with the Ukrainian army's leadership, professionalism, and experience," said Aguto. "The leadership has a vision for their army and knows what's best on how to become NATO capable."

Although Aguto was pressed for time, he was adamant about engaging with the Soldiers and observing the training that was being conducted at each range.

Aguto expressed that he thought the training was first rate, and that the JMTG-U Soldiers, NCOs, and officers have played an integral role in increasing the capabilities of the Ukrainian organization here significantly.

In addition to the ongoing JMTG-U training mission, the Departments of State and Defense are working to help meet some of Ukraine's security needs by providing defensive supplies such as lightweight counter-artillery and counter-mortar radars, body armor, night vision goggles, and other related items that will help increase Ukraine's capacity for self-defense.

"We have had an impact on helping them to develop tactical aspects like range capabilities," said Aguto. "We have sent them a lot of range and training aides in order to conduct the training that they want to do."

Aguto stated that he has spent approximately ten years of his military career working in Europe, but has never had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with another European Army.

"I'm excited to be in an organization that can help impact the readiness and capability within Ukraine," said Aguto. "The 7th ATC will do our best to help them with the execution, planning and success of this mission."

JMTG-U is responsible for training Ukrainian Land Forces and building a team of Ukrainian cadre who will ultimately assume that responsibility. The training is designed to reinforce defensive skills of the Ukrainian Ground Forces in order to increase their capacity for self-defense.