FORT CARSON, Colo. (May 3, 2012) -- Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III spoke to Fort Carson Soldiers and family members at McMahon Auditorium, May 2, as part of a three-day visit to the "Home of the 4th Infantry Division."
Chandler addressed topics ranging from Army forces drawdown to regulation changes and the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program.
In his opening remarks, Chandler informed the crowd that the questions the audience posed would go to the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army to help them make informed decisions on future changes for the Army.
"Our job is to be scouts for the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army," Chandler said. "The past two years, we have been looking at ourselves and asking ourselves what we need to make changes on in how we train, in our leader development programs, the Army uniform, and our commitment to the American people."
Chandler told soldiers what to expect upon their next re-enlistments, and how the drawdown would affect their career paths.
Soldiers of character, commitment and competence will succeed in today's Army, he said.
"We are not a zero-defect Army but when you compromise the Army Values, you are really digging yourself into a place you do not want to be," Chandler said. "Can you recover? Yes, but if you continue to display a pattern of misconduct or unsatisfactory performance, you are at risk."
Chandler then opened the forum for a question and answer portion, where attendees asked questions on topics such as the Army's Noncommissioned Officer Education System, Physical Readiness Training, Army Combat Uniform changes, Army SHARP program, and changes to Army regulations and policies.
"Soldiers of Fort Carson need to see the senior enlisted leader of the Army take time out of his busy schedule to come here and talk to soldiers," said Command Sgt. Maj. Tramell Finch, outgoing maintenance sergeant major, logistics, 4th Inf. Div.
The meeting concluded with the Sergeant Major of the Army handing out his personal coin to 31 Fort Carson Soldiers nominated by their units for exceptional performance.
"I am going to take the knowledge I gained today back to my unit and share it with my Soldiers and peers," said Spc. Jacob Tyler, cavalry scout, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.
The town hall meeting marked the start of a three-day visit for Chandler, signifying his first tour of Fort Carson, since becoming the 14th Sergeant Major of the Army.
Related Links:
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III on Facebook
Social Sharing