The commanding general of U.S. Army Human Resources Command and senior leaders met a delegation from the Colombian army in the unit headquarters at Fort Knox Nov. 19 as part of the Army's commitment to strengthen ties with allies.
Following a traditional gift exchange between Maj. Gen. Joseph Calloway and Col. Jair Castillo, deputy director of the Colombian Army's Personnel Command, the two leaders discussed U.S. Army personnel programs and policies, Soldier management and development, and force optimization for readiness.
Calloway explained that his HRC staff members focus on three areas.
"In terms of readiness, our job is to make sure that for both our officers and enlisted [in the] regular Army and active Reserve, we put the right person with the right skills at the right place at the right time to meet unit readiness for the Army across the globe," Calloway said.
He said the command also provides world-class Soldier services and support to Soldiers and Families across the world.
"That runs the full gamut of making sure their personnel information is correct, casualty notifications happen, and their records are updated and accurate -- making sure we do all the things to take care of Soldiers and Families so they can focus on their jobs," Calloway said. "That also includes awards and evaluations for officers and enlisted. These things are very important to make sure they remain competitive for promotion and key assignments."
In addition, Calloway said HRC provides information technology and support for human resources specialists worldwide, as well as information technology and automation support for U.S. Army Recruiting Command and U.S. Army Cadet Command across the United States.
The Army's executive agent for army-to-army staff talks with partner nations in Latin America is U.S. Army South, which coordinated the Columbian army visit to HRC.
Castillo said he was interested in gathering information in a number of areas, including how the U.S. Army commissions officers, protects critical and personally identifiable information, recruits enlistees, promotes Soldiers, and develops the talent management process.
Calloway discussed with Castillo the warrant officer program, retirement process, medical boards, and how the Adjutant General Branch operates.
The delegation received an overview of how HRC's Personnel Information Systems Directorate protects personally identifiable information prior to wrapping up the two-day visit with senior leaders and personnel from USAREC and Cadet Command.
"The purpose of this visit is to share our knowledge and exchange ideas," Castillo said. "Being that we're always partners between our armies, it has been a mutual cooperation to improve our processes in the management of human talent in the Colombian army."
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