FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (Aug. 1, 2012) -- Thomas R. Lamont, assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, visited Fort Campbell, July 25, to discuss force manning and manpower issues as well as observe several aspects of training.
Lamont, along with Sgt. Maj. Michael Byrd, senior enlisted adviser to the assistant secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, began their visit with an overview of the 101st Airborne Division's history, given by Maj. Gen. James C. McConville, commander, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell.
A working lunch was then held at the 101st Sustainment Brigade Dining Facility where the two had a discussion with leaders from the division.
"I had some great briefings from Major General McConville and had lunch with the brigade commanders so we caught up on a lot of stories," said Lamont.
Lamont and Byrd then visited some of the training centers on Fort Campbell where they received briefings as well as a hands-on experience with some of the rotary wing training equipment.
"After engaging with senior leaders and having witnessed the discipline of the Soldiers of Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division, I am confident that they are properly manned, trained and capable for their next rendezvous with destiny," said Byrd.
Soldiers at the Sabalauski Air Assault School gave a brief about what is taught during the various courses offered at the school and provided a demonstration that included some stations from the obstacle course and rappelling techniques from the 34-foot rappel tower.
"It's my first time here, and it's a great opportunity to see a lot of great training at the (Sabalauski) Air Assault School and the confidence course," said Lamont. "We certainly appreciate all they (the 101st Airborne Division) have done for us over the last several years. We understand how many deployments they have been through. Some Soldiers have been up to six deployments and we're well aware of that. We appreciate not only the Soldiers but the Soldier's families for what they have allowed their Soldiers to do and the support they have given to all of us over the last 10 years of war. I can't say enough to thank them."
Related Links:
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Army.mil: Inside the Army News
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs)
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