Army Reserve Careers Group Holds Yearly Mission Brief, Welcomes Distinguished Visitors

By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher StewartOctober 15, 2024

Yearly Mission Brief with DVs
1 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Sgt.Maj. Subretta Pompey, (right) senior enlisted advisor to the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, engages with the U.S. Army Reserve Careers Group command team, Col. Cory Critchley (center), and Command Sgt. Maj. Jamie Rogers, (left) during the USARCG Yearly Mission Brief held at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10, 2024. The event brought together battalion leadership to discuss key objectives and strategies for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring the readiness and retention of Army Reserve Soldiers. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL
MG Klein visits 79V students
2 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Raphael N. Byrd, (standing, left) assigned to 13th Battalion, area 1, Senior Leader Course student of class 007-24 asks a question to Deputy Commanding General of the Army Reserve, Maj. Gen. Martin F. Klein during his brief visit with students of the Army Reserve Career Counselors course (79V) and the 79V Senior Leaders Course at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10, 2024. “(Klein) wanted to reinforce self-motivation in his Army Reserve Career Counselors,” said Byrd. “He wanted us to know what we do matters to the greater mission of Big Army… I learned that even at his level, he does recognize the importance of supporting ARCG and giving us support when needed.” (U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL
MG Klein speaks to 79V students
3 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Deputy Commanding General of the Army Reserve, Maj. Gen. Martin F. Klein (right), met with students of the Army Reserve Career Counselors course (79V) and the 79V Senior Leaders Course at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10, 2024. Klein stressed the importance of their roles in the Army Reserves mission to retain the fighting strength of America, while also answering some questions about the Army Reserve vision for the future. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL
Yearly Mission Brief discussion
4 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Michael Hunter, 7th Battalion commander, U.S. Army Reserve Careers Group, addresses the senior enlisted advisor to the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, Sgt. Maj. Subretta Pompey, during a discussion at the USARCG Yearly Mission Brief at Fort Knox, KY, Sept. 10, 2024. The event brought together battalion leadership to discuss key objectives and strategies for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring the readiness and retention of Army Reserve Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL
MG Klein visits 79V students
5 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Morrisson-Green, an Army Reserve Career Counselor student of class 007-24 asks a question to Deputy Commanding General of the Army Reserve, Maj. Gen. Martin F. Klein during his brief visit with students of the ARCC course (79V) and the 79V Senior Leaders Course at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10, 2024. “(Klein) visited our class to share his thoughts and vision to us as new Army Career Counselors,” said Morrison-Green. “His presence was very motivating, captivating and inspiring as he is an exceptional speaker. I truly believe it's important for Senior Leadership to show support for the Career Counselor Career Management Field because it inspires the force. It is very clear that our Deputy Commanding General has a strong passion for the Career Counselors and the work that we do.” (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL
Yearly Mission Brief
6 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Careers Group command team, Col. Corey Critchley and Command Sgt. Maj. Jamie Rogers lead the annual Yearly Mission Brief at the U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10, 2024. The event brought together battalion leadership to discuss key objectives and strategies for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring the readiness and retention of Army Reserve Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL
MG Klein Talks to 79V Students
7 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Deputy Commanding General of the Army Reserve, Maj. Gen. Martin F. Klein (right), met with students of the Army Reserve Career Counselors course (79V) and the 79V Senior Leaders Course at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10, 2024. Klein stressed the importance of their roles in the Army Reserves mission to retain the fighting strength of America, while also answering some questions about the Army Reserve vision for the future. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL
MG Klein listens to 79V students
8 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Dates, an Army Reserve Career Counselor student of class 007-24 asks a question to Deputy Commanding General of the Army Reserve, Maj. Gen. Martin F. Klein during his brief visit with students of the ARCC course (79V) and the 79V Senior Leaders Course at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10, 2024. “(Klein) was here to brief his subordinate Commander on his expectations, listen to leadership feedback, and while he was here he seized the opportunity to see the next generation of leaders that will assist him in his mission to sustain the force of the Army Reserve,” said Dates. “I believe that this is important for him to visit both classes so they understand his strategic intent of "Increasing the Citizen Soldier experience." (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL
Yearly Mission Brief Discussion
9 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Careers Group command team, Col. Corey Critchley and Command Sgt. Maj. Jamie Rogers listen to a battalion commander speak at the annual Yearly Mission Brief held at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10, 2024. The event brought together battalion leadership to discuss key objectives and strategies for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring the readiness and retention of Army Reserve Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Knox, KY – The U.S. Army Reserve Careers Group (ARCG) held its Yearly Mission Brief (YMB) at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10-12. The event brought together battalion commanders and leaders from across the Group to discuss the strategic direction and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The brief served as a platform for leaders to align unit goals, identify challenges, and foster collaboration within the Army Reserve community.

Two distinguished visitors attended the event: Deputy Commanding General of the Army Reserve, Maj. Gen. Martin F. Klein, and his senior enlisted advisor, Sgt. Maj. Subretta Pompey. Their presence underscored the importance of the brief, providing an opportunity to engage directly with battalion leadership. Maj. Gen. Klein emphasized the significance of ARCG’s role in maintaining the readiness and retention of the Army Reserve.

Maj. Gen. Klein emphasized the significance of ARCG’s role in maintaining the readiness and retention of the Army Reserve.

“The need to retain and maintain a strong force is greater than I’ve ever seen it,” Klein said. “The surge in Iraq and Afghanistan between 24,000 Soldiers. Our requirement now is at 70,000. We need your help to place people in units who can deploy, but also increase the citizen Soldier experience, to develop systems and practices to enable us to do that, and to connect with who you’re serving with.”

During their visit, Maj. Gen. Klein also met with students of the Army Reserve Career Counselors course (79V) and the 79V Senior Leaders Course at the ARRTC. The students, who graduated September 26, have been preparing to either join or enhance ARCG in the field to help retain top talent and uphold the Army Reserve’s standards of excellence.

Students shared the positive impact his visit made.

“He seized the opportunity to see the next generation of leaders that will assist him in his mission to sustain the force of the Army Reserve,” said Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Dates, a 79V ARCC class 007-24 student based out of Stuttgart, Germany.

Maj. Gen. Klein encouraged the students by stressing the importance of their future roles in supporting the Army Reserve’s retention mission by citing what he believes to be the true vision of the U.S. Founding Fathers; Citizen Soldiers.

In 1774 (our Founding Fathers) were discussing what this country would be outside of the British rule… they agreed on this concept called democracy. Alexander Hamilton wrote what the land force should be: service in the military of the United States should be composed of citizen soldiers who are engaged in commerce, academia and other pursuits, who are trained and when called upon will come forth and defend the nation and win our nations wars. And just as soon as they’re finished with their call to service, that they return to their communities and forever speak of the tales of our nation.

During the YMB, battalion leadership also shared insights on their plans for the upcoming year. Lt. Col. Tawanda Murphy, Commander of the 1st Battalion, highlighted their focus on returning to the basics by creating a more efficient training platform.

“We’re streamlining the training process to reduce time and provide our Troop Program Unit Soldiers with the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “Our Army Reserve Career Counselors are operating more independently, which clarifies expectations and ensures accountability.”

Sgt. Maj. Laqueena Carmack, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 6th Battalion, emphasized the value of the YMB and USARC’s leadership visit.

“Attending the YMB and engaging with other battalion leaders allowed us to implement effective strategies for mission success,” said Carmack. “It’s always beneficial to have senior leaders talk and clarify our objectives.”

Sgt. Maj. Lacy Kutz, Senior Enlisted Advisor of 8th Battalion, echoed the importance hearing directly from senior leaders, even at her level.

“We had a chance to listen to their priorities, internalize them and look for ways to implement them in our battalions,” said Kutz. “It’s important because ARCG is directly supporting the top priority of filling units to prepare them for mobilization, ensuring the readiness of the Army Reserve.”

The Yearly Mission Brief concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment from all leaders to support the mission and objectives set forth by the Army Reserve Careers Group, ensuring continued excellence and readiness across the force.

Each battalion has since returned from the YMB and briefed their teams on the next fiscal year.

“You exist to contribute to something else that really matters,” said Klein. “You are breathing life into a democracy that was envisioned by our founding fathers that makes people, societies better. I want you to remember that when you’re out in the field, retaining America’s future.”