FORT MONMOUTH, N.J. -- As momentum builds this year for the eventual relocation of CECOM LCMC personnel to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., employees will understandably face some difficult decisions regarding their futures, Maj. Gen. Randolph P. Strong, the commanding general, said last week.
Speaking at a command information forum March 18 at the Expo Theater, Strong presented an overview of CECOM's mission and vision while noting the critical role of the command's "human capital."
"These are incredibly challenging times," Gen. Strong said, describing the simultaneous drawdown in Iraq and buildup in Afghanistan as a period when CECOM is involved in many aspects of supporting the Soldier. "They need the best possible support that we can give them."
Strong also said CECOM is in a good position to sustain its vision to be the Department of Defense's premier provider of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities.
CECOM has acquired a reputation as the organization of choice to provide the services and equipment that serve the Warfighter, Strong said.
"We are in a competitive business," the general added. "A lot of the work that we do within CECOM, organizations could go elsewhere and get it done. But they come to us. Why' Because of all of you, and the skills, the professionalism, the dedication and the hard work that you all provide them. They get great value."
CECOM priorities are supporting overseas contingency operations, including the efficient transfer and use of equipment; reset operations that entail bringing equipment back up to useable status and synchronizing with the training of Soldiers, as well as continued implementation of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) law.
Construction of the Team C4ISR Campus at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) remains on schedule and will ultimately provide 2.4 million square feet of space for more than 7,300 people.
Focusing on the "human capital" aspect of the BRAC move, Strong asked employees to discuss with supervisors their ultimate plans as soon as they've made up their minds so that the command can get a clearer picture of how the workforce at APG will take shape.
"You are a great work force," he said, "and you are incredibly important to us. I value the work that you do. I know this is an emotional time; this is a stressful time for a lot of you."
The general said he recognized that many employees are part of a "sandwich generation" that still has children in school and may also be providing care and support to elderly parents.
Gen. Strong noted that as an active duty officer he is accustomed to moving frequently. However, as someone who lived in the same town in California from the time he was born to the time he joined the Army, he knows what it's like to have deep roots into a community.
"I assure you that no matter what your decision is, to stay or to move, you will have my full support and I will do whatever I can to help you."
Turning to the future of CECOM, Gen. Strong said the command is in a growth mode as information technology takes an ever increasing role in modern warfare. As an example, he cited the use of remotely controlled drones that have been used in places like Afghanistan. "A lot of that technology comes out of this place right here, Fort Monmouth," he said.
In other highlights during the command information forum:
-- G2 reported that security clearances are being processed much faster than in the past, making it possible to hire people sooner.
-- G3 reported that since the tragic shootings at Fort Hood, the Army has placed more emphasis on greater vigilance for internal threats and in providing personnel with information on how to react to an "active shooter" incident.
-- G4 provided information on schedules for completing work spaces at APG and reported that food service will be provided at various locations throughout the campus. An overall movement schedule is expected to be complete by April 15.
-- G1 underscored the need for all employees to be aware of the various deadlines for submitting paperwork based on their personal decisions regarding BRAC options. Employees are encouraged to visit the Army Benefits Center-Civilian Web site: www.abc.army.mil. The BRAC Web page links on both the Knowledge Center and the CECOM Army Knowledge Online portal are good resources for BRAC-related information.
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