KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Oct. 22, 2011) -- The command sergeant major of the Army Reserve visited the Army Field Support Battalion--Kandahar, 401st Army Field Support Briagde, Oct. 19, 2011.
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Schultz came to AFSBn--KAF as part of a multiday visit to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. He spoke with Soldiers and Civilians assigned to the battalion and visited the Joint Robotics Repair Detachment on the battalion compound.
"I think it's a once in a lifetime experience, especially for a lower NCO. We would not see that anywhere else." said Sgt. Allison Johnson, battalion supply non-commissioned officer in charge.
While at the battalion, Schultz also visited the Joint Robotics Repair Detachment--Kandahar. He spoke with the Soldiers and Civilians that train Soldiers how to use robots to investigate possible improvised explosive devices. The team also repairs the robots if they break down or are blown up.
"It gives the senior leadership a better understanding of the robot platforms in theater and gives them a better understanding of what we can do to help maneuver units to give them a bigger standoff distance between them and IEDs," said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Moon, non-commissioned officer in charge of the Joint Robotics Repair Detachment.
"I think it's important for senior leadership to reach out to guys on the ground and get their take on the war and listen to their concerns and bring those up to higher headquarters," said Moon. "We see the everyday stuff that goes on in Kandahar and it's good for them to come out and get a better understanding of what it's like for the guys on the ground here."
Schultz also had the opportunity to speak with junior NCOs about the business of being NCOs.
"The speech he gave … encouraged the NCOs to continue to progress in their career and learn as much as they can and ensure that their subordinates are trained and equipped and see them progress through the ranks as well," said Moon.
"He really cares about the Soldiers," said Johnson. "I think it just drives all NCOs to drive harder."
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