FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Gen. Dennis L. Via met with military and civilian logistics personnel Tuesday in Hays Hall during his first visit to Fort Drum as U.S. Army Materiel Command's senior leader.
Via, who assumed command of AMC on Aug. 7, said 10th Mountain Division (LI) is the first division he has visited.
During the briefing, Via explained some of his plans for the future of Army logistics and AMC and listened to concerns that Soldiers and civilians raised.
"Our Soldiers are better equipped today than during any time in history, and that's what makes our Army the tremendous combat power that it is. We have tremendous capability," Via said.
He also explained that as Army leaders plan for the future, it's important to focus on both efficiency and effectiveness.
"As we look to the future, … there's a lot we can gain from industry (practices)," he said. "While (industry's) bottom line is profit, (the Army's) bottom line is Soldiers."
The Army is facing a reduction in funding and personnel, but there is opportunity in declining resources, Via explained.
"There's opportunity in declining resources that I think will force us to make the decisions we need to make to improve and make our force better as we go on," he noted. "Let's not focus on what we may not get; let's focus on what we get and how we can leverage that to make the right decisions.
"We want to be efficient, but we don't want to lose capability, so there's a balance," Via continued, adding that becoming more efficient will help eliminate duplication and waste.
It is important for logistics leaders to figure out how to leverage the capabilities and support from the Directorate of Logistics, 10th Sustainment Brigade and other sustainment units, and the Army Field Support Battalion, which is headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C., to become more efficient to meet the needs of 10th Mountain Division for the future, Via explained.
Lt. Col. Jered Helwig, 10th Mountain Division (LI) G-4, said Via's visit was an opportunity to discuss the partnership between the division and AMC. The group also discussed topics such as how AMC supports division training events and two rotations at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and how AMC can assist the division during future contingency operations.
"Having Gen. Via visit our installation is great because it gives us the opportunity to lay out our vision for the future, get his input and get insight into future transitions in the sustainment enterprise," Helwig explained. "Direct dialogue is very important. Gen. Via got a straight-forward assessment of the challenges and a look at some of the initiatives we are pursuing at Fort Drum. His perspective as an Army senior leader is also appreciated as we look forward into the future."
Another topic that was discussed was the Directorate of Logistics' transition from U.S. Army Installation Management Command to AMC.
While DOL now falls under a different command, its role will not change, according to Mike Levesque, director of logistics. DOL will still provide functions such as supplying rations, performing rail loads, operating the Central Issue Facility, supporting dining facilities, and repairing and maintaining equipment.
"Being aligned with (Army Materiel Command) … will bring some business practices, metrics and logistics power to DOL," Levesque said.
Before Via left, he told those in attendance that he was thankful for the opportunity to meet with those responsible for much of the installation's logistical operations.
"A lot of things are filtered for me," he said. "The only way I can figure out (what is going on) is to get out and talk to the folks who are doing the work.
"I want to thank you for what you do every day. The mission you're doing is critically important," Via continued. "This is the first division I've visited since taking command. The reason I came here is because of (the great things) you're doing here. My intent is to make sure we're meeting what you need to get your mission accomplished."
Via and his senior enlisted adviser, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald T. Riling, also presented Logistics Hero coins to several Soldiers and civilians during a brief ceremony: Paul Bursik, James Griffith, Robert Newton, Becky Tyler and Paul Williams, from DOL; Rodney Finch, Sgt. Raymond Hirst and Anthony Watson, from Army Field Support Battalion; and Staff Sgt. Jessica Toomer and Sgt. Angel Rivera from 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
"Thank you for all you do," Via told the awardees. "People probably don't thank you enough; they probably only come to you when things don't go well. That's just the nature of the business we're all in.
"I'm deeply appreciative of what you do every day, not only for Fort Drum and 10th Mountain, but also what you do for our great Army," he continued. "Thank you for your great service and continued service, and I look forward to serving with you as we continue our mission."
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