WIESBADEN, Germany - Over 50 senior enlisted leaders representing the U.S. European Command, U.S. African Command, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and U.S. Dept. of the Army Headquarters attended the 2016 USAREUR Senior Enlisted Symposium November 9 and 10 at Clay Kaserne.
Command sergeants majors, sergeants majors and other senior non-commissioned officers attended the training, hosted by USAREUR Command Sgt. Maj. Cheryl Lyon. This year's theme was, "Embracing Change and Enabling the Future."
"It was a phenomenal group of speakers and leaders present," Sgt. Maj. Daniel Pinion, USAREUR key organizer of the symposium said. "It was simply inspiring to see who we have leading our Soldiers at such an important time in USAREUR."
Attendees and presenters interacted and shared ideas, plans, communicated recent changes in the U.S. Army and shared best practices.
"We are at a very important time for our Army and especially in Europe as we transition from assurance to deterrence," said Pinion. "It is important to ensure leaders understand the current changes in our Army, the current mission and vision as we move forward and to gain open discussion and dialog on what we can improve on in Strong Europe to ensure we are ready to 'Fight Tonight.'"
"Fight Tonight" is the motto of the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, but has now expanded in recent usage to encompass the entire U.S. Army's ability to respond quickly as a ready and resilient force.
Some of the subjects discussed during the Symposium were current USAREUR operations, NATO updates, changes in human resources with everything from evaluations to promotions and the new blended retirement options, TRADOC updates, and much more. In addition to many of the presenters, Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, USAREUR commanding general and Command Sgt. Maj. (Retired) Thomas Capel, a previous command sergeants major of USAREUR, addressed the audience.
"We have a tremendous group of talented and experienced Command Sergeants Majors and Sergeants Major whom I am so proud to work with," said Pinion. "They are committed, they are focused, and they always have the Soldiers, Families, Civilians and communities foremost in their minds and hearts. I have no doubt that we have the right leaders at the right time, ready and prepared."
Social Sharing