ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Army Materiel Command’s Executive Deputy to the Commanding General Marion Whicker visited U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command on Feb. 8, 2024 to receive several synchronization briefings from CECOM major subordinate commands and discuss the objectives AMC and the Army will look to accomplish in the new year.
The briefings were part of AMC’s quarterly Management Business Review Level III, or MBR III, meetings.
In the past, Whicker has stated her intentions to facilitate these types of synchronization efforts from various locations throughout the AMC enterprise. She believes that it greatly benefits employees to have a clear understanding of AMC’s intent through face-to-face and virtual discussions.
The MBR III is a forward-looking review that monitors key performance metrics monthly and balances collective demands with supply at the AMC enterprise level. The review ensures that the Army’s significant Life Cycle Management Commands stay connected with the strategic intent of AMC leadership, allowing AMC and LCMC senior leaders to gauge overall performance in key performance metrics, identify efficiency gaps and trends, and confirm corrective actions are in place to facilitate success moving forward.
As the Army deep dives into requirement validation—LCMCs must prove to the fleet their strategies which are driving requirements and providing that validation.
During this MBR III, CECOM’s LCMC’s provided Whicker an update to their area and their challenges.
MBR III Content
AMC kicked off the review with briefers presenting information on overall supply availability, FY25 CRR considerations, and a recent AR 750-55, U.S. Army Materiel Command Organic Industrial Base Operations Management Update.
CECOM was next to present, discussing topics such as Nett Warrior and the fielding schedule impact for FY25.
Joint Munitions Command presented next on preparations for the upcoming OIB Commanders Summit next month.
Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command discussed OIB engagement with Arsenals on DPST updates, as well as an SSRI update during their portion of the brief.
Aviation & Missile Command briefed Ms. Whicker and the group on the Depot Rate Review, an update regarding the PATRIOT reset and CCAD workload (UH-60V) program for FY25.
Dislocation Allowance closed this portion of the brief with a discussion on Army CAT collaboration and disposition services.
Whicker also provided guidance to briefers and attendees about leaning in, especially with Army Contracting Command - APG, to understand the contracts and ensure they are being advocated for and followed.
During these discussions, Whicker opened the floor for questions.
“Did you always know you would be an SES?” asked one ACC - APG attendee.
“No,” Whicker replied in hopes of inspiring the workforce to be their best. “No one had ever talked to me about being an SES until a colleague said, ‘You could do this.’”
During this part of the MBR III, Whicker emphasized four topics which she considered “incredibly important” for CECOM’s leaders, in relation to the Army’s “People First” mentality.
- During DPMAPS conversations, ensure that you have good close out conversations with your employees.
- Even the “best” employees should be able to receive guidance and constructive feedback.
- Provide your employees with training opportunities—which should look different for each employee.
- Check in on employees on telework. “Ask them how they are, STOP, and actually listen to how they are doing. Really hear their answer.”
"These deep dive conversations are your opportunity to have a conversation and help us get where we need to be," said Whicker.
More about AMC and CECOM
AMC is the primary provider of materiel to the entire U.S. Army. The command's mission includes the management of installations, as well as maintenance and parts distribution. CECOM, a major subordinate command of AMC, delivers integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
Marion Whicker assumed duties as the AMC Executive Deputy to the Commanding General in June of 2022. Whicker was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in June 2018. As AMC EDCG, Whicker is responsible for materiel life cycle management, acquisition support, personnel and resource management, industrial base operations and enterprise integration for a globally reaching command with 175,000 military, civilian and contractor employees, impacting all 50 states and 152 countries.
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