JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Sept. 26, 2019) -- Since assuming responsibility of the Mission and Installation Contracting Command in August 2017, I've witnessed this command grow to become better postured to operationalize contracting. We truly understand that it's not about the number of contracts or dollar amounts that are being executed but the output of those efforts in delivering capabilities for our Soldiers on the ground.
As I take on my next leadership opportunity at the Army Sustainment Command, the Army Materiel Command's primary provider of logistics to Army units, I'm grateful for the opportunity and really humbled by my selection.
Serving as your command sergeant major over the last two years provided valuable insight in piecing together critical links between the tactical and strategic sides of the Army. And it couldn't happen without the integration of our civilian contracting professionals who bring to this command and the Army acquisition enterprise a wealth of experience and mentorship for our Soldiers. I'm amazed at how critical a role civilians play in sustaining our Army. We as an Army couldn't do what we've done for the last 18-plus years of war without civilians making up the bedrock of acquisition expertise for the Army. I've personally learned a lot from our civilian corps and am a better Soldier and leader because of everyone at the MICC.
A better understanding of contracting puts another tool in my kit bag so that I'm better able to advise leaders on how to acquire supplies and services they require to accomplish their respective missions during my travels as part of my battlefield circulation. I'm able to explain exactly what it is that the MICC delivers to the Army. Parallels can be drawn to virtually every organization in the AMC enterprise. Dotted lines can be drawn connecting the contract support provided by the MICC to a Soldier who is walking patrol right now in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan. It all comes together, and we all have a part in that. From basic training to advanced individual training, the MICC integrates with the Training and Doctrine Command and Combined Arms Support Command to prepare that Soldier for the day he or she goes outside the wire on that patrol.
That integration with our mission partners has drastically improved to more effectively deliver contracting support to the Army enterprise. Representatives from the Installation Management Command now participate in our key briefings, and we're doing a better job of tying into the rest of the enterprise during IMCOM and ASC briefings. By developing a better understanding of who we're supporting, the MICC is definitely going in the right direction and proving itself as an indispensable partner.
This also extends to our Army readiness efforts. Our readiness is at an all-time high. Contracting Soldiers are ready to go and have been supporting a number of contingencies. We've been doing it, and doing it well because of improvements in that process that included nesting with staff and leadership at ACC as well as better managing personnel with the Human Resources Command. We've also managed to bring greater stability for our families by being on par with Army time-on-station and dwell rates.
As many leaders are still transitioning across the Army, it may still be a handful of weeks until you lean who you next enlisted leader may be. The nominative process is a deliberate one ensuring the Army identifies the most qualified leader to advise the commanding general and our workforce. In the meantime, Sgt. Maj. Sandra Hypolite-Bernard, our command's operations sergeant major, will serve as the interim command sergeant major following my departure. I ask that you give her the same level of support I've appreciated over the last two years.
Thank you for all of your support. I'll leave the MICC confident that I can convey your contributions as a valuable resource dedicated to providing the best for our Soldiers in the joint fight. The Army acquisition workforce is held to the highest standards of accountability. As the premier contracting organization in the Army, your words match your deeds in delivering capability and warrant the highest confidence by the American public.
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Mission and Installation Contracting Command
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