FORT BELVOIR, Virginia – The U.S. military is constantly evolving and adapting to meet new threats and challenges. Each branch is a dynamic organization which must seek continuous improvement and innovation, looking for inspiration in the most unlikely of arenas. For Fort Belvoir, innovation came straight out of left field, as its leaders toured Washington Nationals Stadium, March 7.
U.S. Army Capt. Jack Morrissey, Fort Belvoir’s Headquarters Battalion S3 initially reached out to the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team, looking for a more creative approach to tackle mission essential tasks and rejuvenate their leadership development program. His idea was enthusiastically embraced by Sean Hudson, the Nationals’ Director of Military Affairs, who set up a free guided tour of the Nationals Stadium and its facilities. Throughout that morning, the group of about 40 Soldiers got an in-depth, behind the scenes look at what makes their organization so effective.
“We’re composed of military police and logisticians - people who are very administrative in the nature of their work,” said Morrissey. “The Nationals were able to organize their head of security to speak to us as well as one of the members of their logistics team to help broaden our scope of how we do our own jobs.”
After walking through the tunnels, the Headquarters Battalion Soldiers emerged inside the main stadium entrance. With opening day till several weeks away, the arena was empty except for Nationals’ staff. They were greeted by Greg Monahan, Vice President of Public Safety and Security.
Monahan discussed the continuously evolving security posture ahead of opening day which was of much importance to the MPs on the tour. The safety and security of more than 40 thousand fans relies heavily on risk assessments and cooperation with external partners, thorough screening procedures, and a high-tech command center keeping everything running smoothly under constant surveillance.
After traveling through the historical halls of Shirley Povich Media Center, the group made its way to the press box. From the lofty vantage point overlooking the stadium below, Logistics Lead Eric Mintz discussed the intensive planning required to fill every seat. Whether for home games, private and corporate events, or the Nationals’ Concert series, many logistical efforts are taking place behind the scenes. During the presentation, the battalion staff shops asked questions and shared some of their experiences as well.
“The best part about our tour at Washington Nationals stadium was seeing operations, security, and logistics from a different perspective,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald Smith, Headquarters Battalion Command Sergeant Major. “Both teams were able to share experiences, commonalities, and learn from each other during multiple interactions.”
Mintz shared some recent advancements as well that was of interest to Fort Belvoir leadership. For example, the installation last year of LED lighting dramatically decreased utility costs.
Morrissey said this type of community engagement – learning from a partner outside the Army’s scope – has the potential to benefit everyone.
“Engaging with the community, and showing that the Army is not insular, but we stretch outside our scope and outside of the influence of our chain of command really connects people to the community and helps people stay engaged,” said Morrissey.
At the tour’s conclusion, headquarters battalion, in coordination with Mr. Hudson and some of his Veteran staff members, recognized the promotion of a junior Soldier. Just above the home dug out, Las Vegas native, Private 1st Class Ariyana Stallings, was promoted to the rank of Specialist.
Stalling said she was completely surprised with how her organization recognized her first promotion.
“I was very surprised. I didn’t expect to see my name on a Jumbotron,” said Stallings. “I’m just very grateful right now.”
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