The conference hosted by America's First Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Gary Volesky, provided the opportunity to share information and facilitate discussions on multiple topics, which included resiliency and readiness. The forum also allowed command teams to address concerns and issues, while providing updates to the commanding general.
"This commander's conference was unique in that, this was the first time major subordinate command (MSC) commanders were able to provide a brief update as to how their units are aligning with I Corps campaign plan to deploy, fight, win, innovate and communicate," said Lt. Col. Andrew Swedberg, G5 plans officer with I Corps.
With I Corps area of operations stretching from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska and Hawaii, the centralized venue allowed supporting command teams clear understanding of Volesky's intent and vision for units within I Corps and guidance for the way ahead.
The guest speaker, Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Commander of European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, gave advice on executive leadership to the senior leaders.
Scaparrotti, a former I Corps commander, said he learned from his experience that sticking to the fundamentals in leadership is what will make you great.
Though much of his speech spoke to general officers, leaders at all levels were able to identify with his message.
"It was excellent to listen to a senior leader, a four-star general, give his insight through his years in the Army," Swedberg said.
Swedberg added that having sound competence and character was his key takeaway point from Scaparrotti's speech.
"That's what I think the expectation of any good NCO or officer of any rank," said Swedberg.
The final day of the conference, the command teams took part in a familiarization physical training event to assess the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) slated to replace the current Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in late 2020.
Following the 6-event test, Volesky addressed his command teams and explained that the new test directly supports America's Big Six and I Corps vision.
America's Big Six is a list of modernization efforts includes warrior tasks and battle drills, physical fitness, maintenance, marksmanship, medical training and mission command.
I Corps senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Walter Tagalicud, echoed the general's statement and stressed the importance of the role senior leaders have as enforcers of standards to junior Soldiers.
"The standard is the standard, but leaders have to be able to do the things that we ask our Soldiers to do," said Tagalicud.
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