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Acting SecArmy visits JBLE

By Staff Sgt. Teresa J. ClevelandMarch 22, 2017

SA JBLE Visit
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer, speaks with Gen. David Perkins, TRADOC commander during a visit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 17, 2017. TRADOC leadership discussed the needs and demands placed on recruiting, training and reta... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
SA visit JBLE AIT
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer, speaks with a 128th Aviation Brigade Advanced Individual Training student during a tour at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 17, 2017. During the tour, Speer spoke with students about the technology a... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
A SA visits JBLE
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer, talks a selfie with a Advanced Individual Training instructor working with the 128th Aviation Brigade during a visit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 17, 2017. Speer asked the students about the t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
A-SA visits JBLE
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
A SA visits JBLE
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer, introduces himself to Advanced Individual Training students assigned to the 128th Aviation Brigade during a visit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 17, 2017. Speer asked the students about the trai... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
A SA JBLE Town Hall
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer, speaks with U.S. Army Soldiers and civilians during a Town Hall meeting at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 17, 2017. During the meeting, Speer communicated his priorities with the attendees and emph... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. - Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer visited Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command here, March 17, 2017, to assess the needs and demands placed on recruiting, training and retaining forces.

"The future Army doesn't start when a Soldier gets to a unit; it starts today," said Speer. "People don't always realize that you can't build and sustain an Army into the future unless you're investing in the institutions that have to recruit and train them."

Speer discussed initial and advanced training resources and future force development with installation leaders including Gen. David Perkins, TRADOC commander.

"The number one priority is readiness, and we cannot generate that without a well-resourced TRADOC command," said Speer.

He also toured the Operating Environment Training Support Center, viewed skills training and ate lunch with students from the 128th Aviation Brigade. During lunch, Honorable Speer talked to students about the challenges the tight budget had created.

"The pace and tempo of the last 17 years, coupled with a shrinking budget has put an enormous strain on the force," said Speer.

During a town hall later in the afternoon, Speer addressed his commitment to the Army's fight to prevent sexual assault and harassment, referencing current social media events.

"I believe we've got the right policies and procedures; we've instructed Soldiers and Civilians about the proper use of social media and our expectations are that all people will treat others with dignity and respect," said Speer.

The Army consistently reviews its policies and training for online conduct updating its Social Media Handbook and ensuring Army Regulations are current.

"While we can't completely guarantee it won't happen, there is a zero tolerance when we know there has been misconduct. It's not acceptable, and we have to police each other and live the Army values."

Looking to share insight on how the Pentagon has changed since the election, Speer explained that the Army is working with the Office of the Secretary of Defense to conduct the readiness and national strategy reviews that were ordered by the President.

"One of the things that I'm very proud of in this Army is no matter which administration is in charge, the Army continues to operate and accomplish its ultimate mission to win the wars for our nation," said Speer.