FORT HOOD, Texas – Today, Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy and III Corps Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. Scott L. Efflandt met with civic and political leaders from surrounding Fort Hood communities to discuss ways to strengthen their relationships.
“The world is a complex and dangerous place,” said McCarthy. “We need our community leaders more than ever right now to support the Army.”
Civic and political leaders asked questions concerning Army policies on sexual assault and sexual harassment, mental health support, education, recruiting and military and civic collaboration efforts.
Secretary McCarthy said the Army is the most lethal, battle-hardened force in the world. Whether it is the operational tempo and or frequent rotations, he understands how these things can be an impact on the well-being of the force. Instead of constant head-to-toe rotations, the Army must ensure Soldiers have head-to-pillow opportunities and are able to spend more time with their families.
Civic leaders expressed a desire to work with the Army to communicate why Fort Hood is a great place to be assigned. Examples included community engagements with civic sponsored events for Soldiers and military families, town hall meetings, and community outreach programs for the Fort Hood surrounding areas.
“We need to be an institution that not only run towards the sound of gun fire, but who runs to the side of a teammate who is being sexually harassed or assaulted,” said McCarthy. “There is a way through this together.”
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