FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Army Transportation Corps Soldiers gathered Aug. 16 at the Main Post Chapel for the 88M Motor Transport Operator NCO Symposium, organized by the 58th Transportation Battalion.
The 88M is the military occupational specialty code identifying the Army’s motor transport operators.
During the symposium, instructors and drill sergeants of the battalion — the Army’s only motor transport operator advanced individual training unit — heard from subject matter experts on topics, such as professional development, promotions and talent management.
“The overall purpose of the symposium was to educate noncommissioned officers on career progression, popular Human Resources Command questions, evaluation board procedures and opportunities with different agencies,” said Sgt. 1st Class Blanca Munoz Uribe, NCO in charge of operations for the 58th Transportation Battalion.
Soldiers kicked off the symposium by reciting the NCO Creed together.
“What a great way to start the morning. I recite the NCO Creed every morning. It motivates me and gives me an understanding of my purpose in the Army,” said 58th Transportation Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Marcos Rodriguez Baez.
Next at the podium, Sgt. Maj. Randy Rodriguez, proponent sergeant major for the Office of the Chief of Transportation, focused his remarks on the future of the force and personal professional development.
“I recommend you get your phones out and take photos of these slides or take notes. This information is going to benefit you in your future career,” Rodriguez said.
According to Rodriguez, 27% of the Transportation Corps’ training happens on Fort Leonard Wood, with the 58th Transportation Battalion training about 4,800 Soldiers each year in the 88M MOS.
“I went through training here almost two decades ago. You are constantly turning out 88Ms here. It never stops; your classes keep going,” Rodriguez said.
He spent several minutes speaking about force modernization, highlighting eight vehicles, vessels, drones and trailers being developed for the U.S. Army Transportation Corps.
“You might be saying to yourself, you are not a member of a composite watercraft company,” Rodriguez said. “But one day, you might be selected to be the first sergeant for a composite watercraft company that is coming out...That might be you, or one of the Soldiers you are training. You might not be doing it right now, but it is coming. You need to read the doctrine and be prepared for what is ahead.”
Turning his attention to personnel development functions, Rodriguez said Soldiers should keep striving to be the best they can be for their entire careers.
“I am a die-hard enlisted Soldier, but if you aspire to be a warrant officer, go for it. If you want self-improvement, go develop yourself. When you develop yourself, you are getting better, your family gets better and the Army gets better,” Rodriguez said.
Munoz Uribe said her favorite topic covered was, “learning what proponent does – their purpose and how they are a very knowledgeable resource to any Soldier in any MOS.”
She said the symposium gave her a renewed motivation to stay informed on HRC military personnel messages.
“Bottom line, they spearhead the change within what is required for enlisted Soldiers to promote and stay competitive with our peers,” Munoz Uribe said.
To learn more about the 88M Motor Transport Operator MOS, visit the Transportation Corps website.
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