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Vol. 7, Issue 7 October 2013 143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY) ESC TODAY SUPPORTING THE DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM pg. 12
Vol. 7, Issue 7 October 2013143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY)
ESC TODAY
SUPPORTING THE DEFENDERS OF FREEDOMpg. 12
Vol. 7, Issue 7
October 2013
143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY)
ESC TODAY
SUPPORTING THE DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM
pg. 12
ESC Today is the monthly command information magazine of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense, according to provisions in Army Regulation 360-1. The opinions and views expressed in ESC Today are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Defense Department, Department of the Army or the headquarters, 143d ESC. The editorial content
of this publication is the responsibility of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs officer. This publication is written, edited and published by the public affairs office of the 143d ESC, 9500 Armed Forces Reserve Dr., Orlando, Fla. 32827. Submit comments to: [email protected] or call 800-221-9401 ext. 1132. Send editorial and photographic submissions to: [email protected].
Inside This Issue >>Messages from the top..........................................................3
YLEAD Summit in Puerto Rico...............................................9
Soldier on the street...............................................................10
Supporting the defenders of freedom.................................12
Around the ESC..................................................................16
Sustaining friendship............................................................20
‘I.A.M. Strong’.......................................................................22
873rd Quartermaster Company activates.............................23
143d ESC safety message...................................................24
‘Droit et avant:’ How IG sustains victory................................25
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CONTRIBUTORS:
Lt. Col. Terrence P. Murphy143d ESC Staff Judge Advocate
Lt. Col. Brian Ray143d ESC Chaplain
Maj. Mark L. Carpenter143d ESC Command Inspector General
Maj. Sandra L. Gosciniak143d ESC SHARP Officer
1st Lt. Nicole Rossman143d ESC Public Affairs Executive Officer
Master Sgt. Daniel Lopez143d ESC Safety NCOIC
Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn1st Theater Sustainment Command
Staff Sgt. Ian B. Shay143d ESC Public Affairs NCO
Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado204th Public Affairs Detachment
Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg204th Public Affairs Detachment
Sgt. Tracy l. Korff210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Spc. Aaron Ellerman143d ESC Public Affairs Specialist
Saul MarreroArmy Child, Youth & School Services
ESC todayCommander
143d Sustainment Command(Expeditionary)
Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler
Command Executive Officer143d ESC
Mr. Fred Guzman
Command Sergeant Major143d ESC
Command Sgt. Maj. Don B. Jordan
Public Affairs Officer/Editor143d ESC
Maj. John Adams
Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV“ESC Today” Layout & Graphic Designer
Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman, 143d ESC
Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler, commanding general of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), places a 143d patch on the right shoulder of a Soldier during a ceremony held Sept. 20 in Doha, Qatar. The ceremony signifies a Soldier’s commitment to the unit during operations conducted in a designated combat zone.
<< On the Front Cover
October 2013
The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) is performing beyond expectations on a global
scale, and I am so very proud of all the hard work of our Soldiers, civilians and family members who are making this reality possible. Today’s total Army represents 1.1 million Soldiers, 266,000 Army civilians and 1.4 million family members who are standing united around the world. The Army’s primary purpose remains steadfast and the 143d ESC, now more than ever, is contributing on a global scale accomplishing numerous missions both home and abroad.
Many of you may ask yourselves what exactly does the ESC do for the Army? Well, we plan, prepare and execute operational sustainment, conduct Coalition and Joint Reception, Staging and Onward Movement, along with redeployment and re-posturing to support operational requirements. This is our mission when forward deployed, and we are currently engaged doing just that.
At home, we perform mission command functions for units across the nine Southeastern states. Our mission command functions and daily tasks set the143d ESC apart from other operational commands in the Army Reserve. To put it simply, the members of the 143d ESC are very good at what they do. None of this could be possible without our most precious resources: Soldiers, Army
civilians and their families.We need to continue to do all in our power
to support the Army as an institution. That is why we will not assume risk in five critical areas. They are:
1. Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention (SHARP)
2. Suicide Prevention 3. Safety4. Risk Mitigation5. Comprehensive Soldier and Family
Fitness Commanders and leaders must continue to
establish and sustain a positive climate, free from sexual assault and harassment while upholding standards and fostering teamwork. Sexual harassment and assault is inconsistent with Army values and the Army culture. Incorporating the Battle Buddy program and building a strong team is fundamental for all solutions.
For more information concerning SHARP, please follow this link http://www.sexualassault.army.mil/ or contact the 143d ESC SHARP coordinator Annamaria Doby at 800-221-9401 x2410 or [email protected]. In addition, please contact Maj. Sandra Gosciniak SARC/SHARP officer in charge, at [email protected].
It is so important that we create a climate and an environment in which every person is
able to thrive and achieve their full potential. Please work to build trust and let’s all work to create a positive climate through continuous education and training, peer involvement and transparency.
Leader development is one of the pillars of the Army, which is a deliberate, continuous and progressive process that grows Soldiers and Army civilians into competent, committed professional leaders of character. Our strategy focuses on providing opportunities for our members to complete training, educational opportunities and gain experience through diverse assignments. It is so important that all leaders within the command support our members in taking advantage of institutional training, operational assignments and self-development courses. Through these opportunities, our members will develop vision and lead change, maintain a moral and ethical compass, and learn, think, adapt, balance risk and opportunity, build agility, construct effective and high performing teams, empower subordinates and underwrite risk.
As always, stay safe out there, foster a profession at arms environment and continue to jealously protect the reputation of this great organization, the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)!
Sustaining Victory! Army Strong!
Brig. Gen. Bryan WamplerCommander
143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
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Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC
The Command Post
How many of you have seen an officer doing a task usually reserved for a noncommissioned officer? I wouldn’t be surprised if the answer is, “all of us.”
But this observation brings a more important question to bear: Why is an officer doing an NCO’s job in the first place? That answer requires no verbal reply because all we need to do is look in the mirror and read the first line of the last paragraph in the NCO Creed:
“Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties. They will not have to accomplish mine.”
To become leaders of Soldiers, NCOs must earn the trust and confidence of not only their subordinates but their superiors as well. A key element in creating an environment of mutual respect lies in the relationship between NCOs and their officers.
Shortly before his retirement in 1989, Maj. Gen. Donald Infante, the former chief of Army air defense, said, “the officer and NCO relationship is like a marriage. When you’re married you take care of your partner. Together, you make sure things come out right.”
Many of us know firsthand the time and effort needed to cultivate a successful marriage. Much like married couples who work together to enrich their relationships and raise their families, NCOs must work closely with the officer corps to understand every leadership level and how each one relates to leading the team. In my experience, the most effective teams build around those NCOs who continuously took initiative in projecting the unit’s needs and providing sound advice to their battle buddies.
Our Army benefits greatly from NCOs who make decisions and seize opportunities that corresponded with their leadership’s intent. Rarely should NCOs wait for officers to tell them exactly what to do and how to do it. Rather, they must empower officers—particularly young lieutenants—by giving them the time and resources to concentrate on unit effectiveness. I know of no better way to support the officer corps than upholding the standards, care and professionalism of enlisted Soldiers. NCOs do this by facilitating individual training programs while fostering camaraderie among the ranks.
NCOs and officers have distinct duties
and responsibilities. However, their goals of accomplishing the mission and promoting the welfare of their Soldiers should never deviate from one another. By demonstrating sound character traits, confidence and initiative, NCOs will not only earn the respect from their officers, but also that of our next generation of leaders.
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Command Sgt. Maj. Don B. JordanCommand Sergeant Major
143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
“On the Way to the LZ”
Illustration by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 1st TSC
‘Officers of my unit . . .’
‘Lights on After School’The Army Reserve Child, Youth and School Services program will host its inaugural ‘Lights on After School’ event at the David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. This free event offers tutoring and other educational activities for children of 143d ESC Soldiers. For more information, contact Saul Marrero at [email protected].
Army Family Action PlanThe Army Family Action Plan is the primary tool to communicate to leaders issues of importance to Soldiers, retirees, family members and civilians. AFAP provides a “people’s perspective” of adjustments and improvements that will improve recruitment, retention and work-life satisfaction. AFAP issues encompasses a wide spectrum of issues to include benefits, entitlements, education, medical, child care, employment and relocation. Submit your issue today at http://www.arfp.org/index.php/programs/army-famiy-action-plan.
Free tutoring from Tutor.comTutor.com, a professional online tutoring resource that has hosted more than 9 million study sessions, offers free tutoring lessons for military families from all DOD branches and components. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade may work one-on-one with qualified tutors available online 24/7 who specialize in one of more than 20 subjects from English and social studies to chemistry and calculus. Visit www.tutor.com/military/ for eligibility, access, services, software and other pertinent information.
Command Chaplain143d Sustainment Command
(Expeditionary)
Lt. Col. Brian Ray
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Dear Soldiers and families of the 143d ESC,I’d like to take this opportunity to build on the
momentum that we as an Army Family built during September which was Army Suicide Prevention Month. Our commanding general, Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler, has stressed many times that this is one area in which we will not accept risk. Each of us in the 143d ESC Family . . . Soldiers, civilians, and families . . . must maintain the highest vigilance in this extremely important area. Moreover, the Army’s senior leadership . . . Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler and Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh . . . stressed in a recent letter the “team effort” that must be part of our vigilance if we
as an Army family are to succeed in this critical endeavor.
Suicidal ideations and high-risk behaviors continue to be a huge concern for the Army. Suicide affects every segment of the force, and no rank, component or family is immune to its effects. Suicidal and self-destructive behaviors have mental and physical dynamics that adversely impact both Soldiers and their dependents. These impacts are not always visible from the outside and often require intentional engagement at the Battle Buddy level in order to reduce the risk of individuals engaging in destructive actions and/or thoughts. Across the 143d ESC, I would like for us all to address this very real threat to our Soldiers in the following manner.
Individual Soldier Level: At the individual Soldier level, each service member should have a 143d ESC Shoulder to Shoulder Stay Army Strong card with current point of contact information for his or her Battle Buddy, first line leader, chaplain and trusted family member or friend.
Battle Buddy Level: Battle Buddy teams are the “center of gravity” in suicide prevention. During each battle assembly, first line leaders should ensure that every Battle Buddy team in his or her section conducts a “link up operation.” The nature of this monthly link-up involves battle buddies talking with one another about the current events in their life (e.g., positive, negative, challenging, overwhelming, etc.). This monthly “link up”
reinforces the shoulder-to-shoulder theme and builds trust and communication at the individual Soldier level.
Squad/Section Level: During each battle assembly, first-line supervisors should conduct at least one ten to fifteen minute section-level “resiliency map check.” This map check reinforces the shoulder-to-shoulder model and provides a second level of risk reduction. The intended outcomes of the “map check” are stronger section cohesion and greater esprit de corps.
Soldiers of the 143d ESC, you and I can meet this challenge. Standing “shoulder to shoulder” with our Battle Buddy is the best line of defense. To quote a Maori proverb, “Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you.” When the dark shadows of life come—and they come at various points in life for all of us—let us turn to our Battle Buddy or other trusted confidant to help guide us back into the light of resiliency and strength. Together we will all stay ARMY STRONG!
Reflections by the Chaplain
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER STAY ARMY STRONG!
Staff Judge Advocate143d Sustainment Command
(Expeditionary)
Lt. Col. Terence P. Murphy
In deciding the subject of this month’s article, I thought about discussing the pitfalls of having a “too easy” attitude in
the execution of our mission. To be sure, when I speak of “too easy”, I interpret the words to mean having a misunderstanding that a tasking is simple and easily accomplished. In many instances, such an erroneous belief leads to mission failure.
The more I thought about whether this was an appropriate subject, however, the more observant I became of the tremendous effort of the 143d ESC’s contingency planning team led by Lt. Col. Chris Howard. There was nothing “too easy” about executing the planning mission. Howard’s solid leadership was demonstrated by working long hours, expressing a willingness to listen, learning to adjust, and a 24/7 professional attitude. His team has achieved great results even though the job is not yet done. Based on my observations, I determined that writing of a “too easy” attitude would not do justice to the hard work, determination, dedication and professionalism of the many Soldiers involved in the planning mission. Indeed, to speak of Soldiers having a “too easy” attitude would not do justice to the overwhelming number of our Soldiers in
various locations who are doing an exemplary job in their assigned tasks while under severely understaffed circumstances.
We all know we’re doing more with less during this deployment. Success in our mission requires the vigilant exercise of discipline. As explained in Army Regulation 600-20, chapter 4-1(a) (b):
“Military discipline is founded upon self-discipline, respect for properly constituted
authority, and the embracing of the professional Army ethic with its supporting individual values . . . [Military discipline] is the result of effective training, [and] it is affected by every feature of military life. It is manifested in individuals and units by
cohesion, bonding, and a spirit of teamwork; by smartness of appearance and action; by deference to seniors and mutual respect between senior and subordinate personnel; by the prompt and willing execution of both the letter and the spirit of the legal orders of their lawful commanders; and by fairness, justice, and equity for all Soldiers, regardless of race, religion, color, gender and national origin.”
The above excerpt reveals the standard to which – as Soldiers – we commit ourselves. It also explains in words the character, quality and professionalism of our 143d Soldiers. It describes the how and why all of our Soldiers are doing such a great job, wherever and in whatever capacity they are serving.
We’re trained, we’re ready, and we have demonstrated the unit’s ability to get the mission done even with reduced manpower and added mission requirements. We are prepared for all contingencies. The 143d ESC will continue to understand our mission even as it changes; we will adapt and overcome without complaint; and execute the mission however structured.
As the Soldier’s Creed states, “[we are] disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in [our] warrior tasks and drills”. We will succeed. We will serve with honor and return with honor.
Sustaining Victory!
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Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV 143d ESC
Soldiers from the 143d ESC’s Judge Advocate General section sit atop of a T-55 tank Sept. 19 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The section provides legal services for scores of units currently deployed throughout the Middle East.
ACHIEVING SUCCESS THROUGH DISCIPLINE
The Legal Corner
Kuwait: Maj. Sandy Gosciniak(772) [email protected]
Afghanistan: Master Sgt. Christine Wilkens(808) 429-5690
CONUS: Charity E. Albritton(800) 221-9401 [email protected]
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – In the backdrop of beautiful Old San Juan, more than
40 teenagers of Army Reserve families from Puerto Rico attended the Youth, Leadership, Education and Development Summit Aug. 29 through Sept. 2.
The Children, Youth, and School Services hosted the YLEAD summit. Some of the objectives of the summit are to connect youths from Army Reserve families with one another, learn about the Army Reserve, and participate in activities that promote success at home, in school and within the community.
Many of the teenagers in attendance have experienced deployments in which their parents have been away from home for extended periods of time, while other young teens are currently experiencing their first deployment in which their mother or father is overseas supporting continuing operations.
“This is a very significant program,” said Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, commanding general of the 1st Mission Support Command. “During the past 11 years, the 1st MSC has mobilized
[more than] 5,000 Soldiers from Puerto Rico in support of contingency operations.”
Fernandez said it’s extremely important to provide any information and services to family members of Soldiers.
“In this particular event, we’re dealing with teenagers that are mostly from our command,” said Fernandez. “This is a difficult age. We must make sure the children know why their parents are deployed and to give them the tools to deal with the separation.”
The summit provides teens with group sessions lead by program directors from the Army Family Advocacy and Military Family Life Counseling. They participated in several different sessions like
Family Values, When Deployment Hits Home and Stress Management. Altogether there were 10 different topics concerning military life for the children to attend.
VIP guests such as former Puerto Rican senator Lucy Arce and Army Reserve ambassadors Luis Berrios and Horacio Cabrera were in attendance to talk with the group of teenagers.
“I’m honored to have the privilege to be part of this event on behalf of our nation to speak with the youth of our military families,” said Arce. “They are our future leaders.”
Arce said the summit is an excellent program to share information that helps teens cope with military life. The program shows them they are not alone
in Puerto Rico, and that they experience the same issues and concerns as military families in the U.S.
The former senator not only spoke to the children as a VIP guest, she volunteered the weekend to support the summit and CYSS members who hosted the event.
“I’m very surprised at the maturity level of most of them,” said Arce, after spending the weekend with the teens. “The sky is the limit for them in the future. The tools and knowledge they received over the weekend will also help them develop into young leaders.”
Along with group sessions, the teens experienced a field trip to the historic site of Castillo de San Cristobal, a tour of the Puerto Rico Capitol building and a visit to Hogar Intermedio de Mujures community service project.
The teenagers bonded together in team-building activities throughout the weekend. On the final night, many of them enjoyed showing off their singing and dancing skills in a talent show. The summit was able to create new friendships, lasting memories and
See YLEAD, pg. 10 >>>
PHOTOS AND STORY BY STAFF SGT. RAUEL TIRADOPublic Affiairs NCOIC, 204th Public Affairs Detachment
Teens of Army Reserve families listen to a U.S. Park Ranger tell stories of the building of Castillo de San Cristobal National Historic Site during a field trip at the Youth Leadership Education and Development Summit held Aug. 29 to Sept. 2.
YLEAD Summit held in Puerto Rico
Sgt. Lisette VeraHuman Resources Specialist
Orlando, Fla.“The 135th’s guidance has helped gel and create strong professional relationships with our counterparts and my fellow 143d ESC colleagues. This has fostered a team approach to support those strong relationships while adding value and meaning to my job position.”
Sgt. 1st Class John A. RosadoSenior Mortuary Affairs NCO
Clermont, Fla.
Master Sgt. Emily J. CatalaOperational Contract Support NCOIC
Orlando, Fla.
Capt. C. Russell GreenBattle Captain
Midlothian, Va. “My counterpart gave me an overview of what the 135th is doing [in Qatar]. [Its mission] is different than what the 143d did in 2009, but his detailed explanations were helpful and will prepare me when we RIPTOA (Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority) with them in October.”
“The 135th ESC has taken the time to make sure I have all the tools and training I need to keep the mission moving forward. They’ve done an excellent job here, and our OCS team will continue to do the same!”
“The 135th has allowed me to step in and perform my job while providing oversight and resourcing where needed. This ‘hands on’ approach has allowed a more rapid integration of lessons learned through training with real world mission requirements.”
143d ESC Soldiers deployed to Kuwait and Qatar were asked:“How has the 135th ESC helped you conduct your mission overseas?”
on the street
lessons learned. For brothers and sister, Sergio,
16, Fabio, 15, and Isabella, 11, this was their first YLEAD Summit. It comes at a time when their father, Spc. Jorge Guzman of the 49th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, is deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“I thought it was important to learn about dealing with deployments and knowing that everything is going to be okay while my father is away to Afghanistan,” said Isabella.
For Fabio, his experience at the Capitol building and sessions of values will be most memorable.
“I enjoyed studying about values and self esteem,” said Fabio. “It will help me make it through the year while my father is in a dangerous place.”
As the oldest sibling, Sergio is
ready for the responsibilities. “Now that my father is away, I
have to take charge. I have to take care of my brother and sister, just like my father,” said Sergio. “The classes in coping with this situation have helped me a lot. Staying busy will help me keep my mind off thinking about him, I know he’ll come home safe.”
One of the main purposes of the YLEAD Summit is to educate the youth’s participants on the culture of the Army Reserves and provide an understanding of deployments.
“By doing these events and keeping your kids involved in your military career, the children are having a better understanding what mom and dad do in the military,” said Elsa Cortes, 1st MSC Family Program Director. “It makes them feel that they’re part of the Army family, that they are important and not alone. A happy family makes for a happy Soldier.”
<<< YLEAD, continued
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Teens of Army Reserve families tour the Castillo de San Cristobal National Historic Site during a field trip at the Youth Leadership Education and Development Summit held Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Child, Youth, and School Services, a program that supports the readiness and well-being of Army Reserve families by reducing the conflict between parental responsibilities and mission requirements, hosts YLEAD summits throughout the country.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY SPC AARON ELLERMANPublic Affairs Specialist, 143d ESC
Soldiers from the 143d ESC pose in front of the U.S. Army Central Command sign Sept. 18 at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar. The group arrived here in August to conduct planning missions for contingency operations throughout the region.
Supporting the defenders of freedom
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DOHA, Qatar — “Have a CAS-tastic Day,” the electronic sign flashes at the entrance to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar.
The expression, familiar to thousands of service members and personnel that traveled here, sums up the astounding quality of life and joyous attitude on camp. CAS is home to Area Support Group-Qatar, which serves as the Army component headquarters for assigned Army forces and joint tenant units in this region. ASG-QA facilitates countless numbers of service members traveling through the AOR since establishing in 1993. A prior rest and recuperation destination, CAS became known as an oasis in this region. ASG-QA however, has another important purpose; one that provides support to the war fighter.
“Our main mission is to support and provide force protection for our forces that pass through CAS,” said Col. William Wozniak, commander, ASG-QA. “That’s our charter; supporting the defenders of freedom.”
ASG-QA also provides housing facilities for Army Prepositioned Stock, a program which allows rapid deployment of equipment and goods to forward areas of operation.
“I think a lot of people hear Qatar and they think that it’s just a rest and recovery spot,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Earla Reddock, Command Sgt. Maj., ASG-QA. “But this base has done a lot more than rest and recovery.”
“ . . . the biggest issue is getting over the mindset that Qatar is only a rest and recovery location,” said Maj. David Bornn, deputy commanding officer ASG-QA. “We are here specifically to support many different missions. The rest and recovery program is just a small facet of what ASG-QA has been doing since 1993.”
Setting off on a new endeavor, a group of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), an Army Reserve unit from Orlando, Fla., arrived at CAS in late August. Their mission: to conduct sustainment planning for contingency operations throughout their area of responsibility. The support from ASG-QA was critical to the success of this mission.
“When Col. Wozniak and I received the brief on why the 143d ESC was coming and what they needed, the key thing for me was to make sure we had the barracks space and a bed available for every Soldier,” said Reddock. “ [We} gave the 143d ESC a location where they could conduct
business, [and] we ensured their Soldiers were well taken care of so the command could focus on the mission.”
Fatigued from a more than 17 hour journey here, the group of 143d ESC Soldiers welcomed the smooth transition onto CAS.
“I think the most important thing to do in preparing for new arrivals is the way we bring them into CAS,” said Reddock. “When we found out when the 143d ESC was coming, we ensured transportation was set up, rooms were ready, and the senior leadership was met and taken care of. We had a reception for the 143d the first night they arrived. If people feel they are part of a team and valued, they really want to do more.”
“It was incumbent upon us to make sure the 143d ESC knew all of the things that were available to them on CAS,” said Wozniak. “We provided the
143d ESC with the office space and furnishings they needed, but we really tried to see how we could make their move onto CAS seamless.”
An element from the 135th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and 143d ESC arrived weeks prior to start preparing for the main group’s arrival. The elements worked closely with ASG-QA to identify and communicate what needs were required.
“I did not think the office space was going to be this big,” said Lt. Col. William Schermerhorn, distribution management chief, 143d ESC. “The 135th ESC did a great job of communicating our needs to ASG-QA.”
Having only a small group to accomplish the demanding workload of its monumental operation, the 143d ESC received help from the
See ‘FREEDOM,’ pg. 14 >>>
Soldiers from the 143d ESC help rotate medical supplies and inventory a warehouse Sept. 12 in Doha, Qatar. The Soldiers volunteered to help for two weeks during a medical logistics inventory. The warehouse serves as a site for Army Prepositioned Stocks, a program that allows quicker deployment of equipment and goods for forward areas of operation.
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135th ESC and ASG-QA to ease distractions, allowing Soldiers to better focus on their mission.
“My main job in preparing for the 143d ESC’s arrival was to identify shortcomings and issues as far as resources. I think everything worked very smoothly,” said Bornn. “The level of professionalism I see among the units is amazing.”
Bornn emphasized the importance of ASG-QA supporting the 143d ESC Soldiers, which are managing higher levels of responsibility, many of whom are the only point of contact for their section.
“The Soldiers are doing a real world mission that is more focused here, and they all took on a significant amount of responsibility,” said Bornn.
This burden of responsibility did not prohibit the Soldiers of the 143d ESC to participate in many activities on camp during resiliency periods. CAS offers a plethora of things for Soldiers to do including monthly marathons, miniature golf, bowling, a 3-D movie theater, off-post trips sponsored by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office and more.
With tensions in the region rising, the need for the 143d ESC to conduct real world exercises and planning missions is imperative. With the support from the 135th ESC and ASG-QA, the 143d turned bare walls and carpet into an efficient and productive operations center where they execute their mission while maintaining communication with other elements spread throughout the region.
Having an operational center in Qatar allows the 143d ESC and its counterparts to come together in a strategic centralized location.
“I was shocked at the number of strategic partners that were here,” said Schermerhorn. “It’s great when you can walk over and talk to a person face to face.”
ASG-QA was pivotal in helping the 143d ESC become operational and provided support at every opportunity.
“ASG-QA was over here on a constant basis making sure everything was functioning,” said Schermerhorn. “They have been extremely responsive.”
During its stay on CAS, the 143d ESC established many great relationships with the units it worked with.
“What I really like about the 143d ESC is that they jumped in and became a part of the CAS team immediately,” said Wozniak. “With the 143d ESC, 135th ESC and ASG-QA all working together, I know there is no limit to what can be done.”
<<< ‘FREEDOM,’ continued
Soldiers from the 143d ESC, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., act as wounded victims during a Mass Casualty Exercise at an undisclosed location Sept. 24. The exercise is designed to test the effectiveness of every first responder on base such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, quick response forces, explosive ordnance teams and military police.
Col. William Wozniak, commander, Area Support Group-Qatar, answers questions during an interview Sept. 11. Wozniak, who took command of ASG-QA in July, is the main proponent in upholding the ASG-QA charter to support the defenders of freedom. ASG-QA serves as an Army component headquarters for assigned Army forces and joint tenant units.
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AROUNDTHE ESC
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Col. Chris Bagley, chief of staff for the 143d ESC and 1st Theater Sustainment Command (forward), places the 143d ESC’s patch on the right shoulder of Cpl. Chuck Kwon, the unit’s only aircraft maintenance supervisor, during a patching ceremony held Sept. 20 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Dating back to the Second World War, this tradition signifies that a Soldier served in a forward theater of operations during a time of war.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC
Lt. Col. Brian K. Woodford receives the 362nd Quartermaster Battalion colors from Lt. Col. John Perrel during the 362nd Quartermaster Battalion change of command ceremony Aug. 10 in Winterville, N.C.
Photo by Sgt. Tracy Korff 210th MPAD
Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler (front), commanding general of the 143d ESC, leads his fellow Soldiers on a unit run Aug. 26 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Wampler and more than 150 troops from the 143d ESC arrived in Kuwait several days earlier in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV 143d ESC
Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Wofford (left), ultrasound technician with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, applies moulage or medical training material Sept. 24 to Spc. Kayla Farrar, a signal support specialist with the 143d ESC. Several Soldiers from the 143d ESC acted as victims in a mock attack to test emergency response procedures.
Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 143d ESC
AROUNDTHE ESC
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Teens of Army Reserve Families take a moment for a group photo during a field trip to the Castillo de San Cristobal National Historic Site during a Youth Leadership Education and Development Summit held Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Child, Youth, and School Services hosts the YLEAD Summit, which is a program that supports the readiness and well-being of Army Reserve families by reducing the conflict between parental responsibilities and mission requirements.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD
Spc. Brian Torres, a signal support systems specialist with the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), replaces a defective laptop screen Sept. 9 in Doha, Qatar.
Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 143d ESC
Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 143d ESC
Soldiers from the 143d ESC pose for a group photo after competing in the Camp As Sayliyah annual Patriots Day 5k run Sept. 11 in Doha, Qatar. Chief Warrant Officer Rui Wu, the 143d ESC’s support operations air mobility chief, took third place with a time of 20:49, beating more than 300 participants. The Morale, Welfare and Recreation department here hosts at least one run every month.
Master Sgt. Alejandro J. Arroyo, the 143d ESC’s G3 Operations noncommissioned officer in charge, poses next to a young cowboy during the 76th annual Gatesville Riding Club Rodeo held Aug. 15 in Gatesville, Texas. Arroyo and scores of other Soldiers from the 143d ESC received free admission to this uniquely American tradition that included various events from barrel racing to bull riding.
Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV 143d ESC
AROUNDTHE ESC
18 ESCTODAY• http://www.facebook.com/143dESC
Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) show off the shirts they earned after running five kilometers in the 9/11 Patriot Run held Sept. 11 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Hundreds of service members and Department of Defense civilians displayed their patriotic spirit by wearing red, white and blue attire and waving old glory as they ran across the desert landscape.
Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV 143d ESC
Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) take part in a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Sept. 24 at the Zone 1 Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The celebration included live song performances, a Zumba cultural dance demonstration, and guest speakers honoring Hispanic culture.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC Brig. Gen. Duane A. Gamble (left), deputy commanding general of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, presents a 1st TSC combat patch to Chief Warrant Officer 1 Sandra Hawkins (right), a 143d ESC Soldier now serving as the 1st TSC’s property book officer, Sept. 20 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Hawkins and more than 70 Soldiers from the 143d ESC received combat patches that day as part of their deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 1st TSC
Soldiers from the 143d ESC break tradition to bolster teamwork and camaraderie by playing kickball during their Saturday physical training session Sept. 14 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Here, Spc. Sunni Phan, class six operator and maintenance, attempts to boot the ball out of the court.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC
AROUNDTHE ESC
UNIT PHOTOS WANTEDThe “ESC Today” wants to show
off photos of Soldiers from your unit performing operational duties and basic soldiering skills. Include a caption with
names, ranks, place, date and a short description of what is happening in each
photo, then send your images to:[email protected]
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Command Sgt. Maj. Luther Thomas, Jr.(left), the senior enlisted advisor of the Army Reserve, meets with Sgt. Maj. Ferdinand Collazo Jr. (center), chief signal sergeant major for the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)’s G-6 section, and Sgt. Maj. Thai Ly (right), operations staff sergeant major G-3, during his visit to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 20.
Photo by Sgt. Tracy L. Korff 210th MPAD
Several Soldiers from the 135th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and the 143d ESC took a few hours out of their precious resiliency time Sept. 9 to volunteer at the Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitat, the country’s only animal welfare organization. Here, Staff Sgt. Lance Stewart, the G3 operations noncommissioned officer for the 143d ESC, pets a horse recently abandoned by his owners.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC
After seven years in hibernation, Soldiers from the 873rd Quartermaster Company celebrate their return to duty during an activation ceremony held Sept. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Here, Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Licea, command sergeant major for the 332nd Transportation Battalion, joins the 873rd’s youngest Soldier in cutting the ceremonial cake.
Photo by Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg 204th PAD
[ “We’re always there for each other. We balance each other out pretty well. He can be the bad guy, and I am the the nice guy.”]
www.flickr.com/143dESC •20 ESCTODAY• http://www.facebook.com/143dESC
It’s zero dark thirty in Kuwait International Airport, and the heat has already
announced its presence to the new arrivals. Like the fire from a dragon’s mouth it has sucked out the oxygen around them. A selected group of noncommissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers prepare for baggage detail outside the recently landed 747.
It’s been a long day. Two flights consisting of more than 14 hours flying time in addition to an eight hour loss of time has left the Soldiers aboard exhausted, but hundreds of bags must be unloaded from the 747 that took them to their destination.
Soldiers from multiple units—some of whom have never met before now—start to take off their uniform blouses, strap on gloves and stretch out for the detail. Most of the bags are bulging at the seams, many weighing more than 70 pounds ready to draw all the energy from the worn out Soldiers unloading them.
Among the stubble covered faces
dripping in sweat are two young Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary): Spc. Colin Bucko, a paralegal specialist, and Spc. Duncan Hayward, a human resources specialist. It’s their first time overseas and their first introduction to Kuwait’s climate. Details like this one are nothing new to these fresh faced specialists. It comes with the rank in a unit structured at a command level where smooth faces are seldom seen in a sea of wrinkled skin and gray hair.
For most of the younger Soldiers, the first deployment overseas can come with added anxiety and stress having never been away from family and friends for such an
extended period of time; but Bucko and Hayward share a bond that was forged far before their time in Army green.
It’s a new day for blonde haired,
blue eyed Bucko. He has just moved to Florida from Chicago and is about to start the 2nd grade. Colin enters the Saint Mary Magellan schoolhouse in Altamonte Springs,
Fla., and glides into an empty seat. The friends and faces he was accustomed to are ghosts now, replaced with child sized strangers.
One student takes a particular interest in the skinny pale kid from Chicago and decided to introduce himself.
“I remember he didn’t have anyone,” said Hayward, who’s much smaller physique and darker features contrast those of the outsider from Chicago. “We were both reading ‘The Magic Treehouse’ books, which are fantasy books like King Arthur, where two kids go off on these adventures.”
Like the children in the stories,
Colin and Duncan would soon set out on their own journey together. Their childhood days were spent doing normal kid things, like playing video games, soccer, reading books and building forts. “Lord of the Rings” would hold particular interest to the boys, culminating in both of them getting tattoos later in life. Colin’s can be seen on his upper right arm, bearing the elvish words seen on the popular one ring and Duncan’s white tree of Gondor, can be seen on his lower leg and calf.
Few things have ever tested their friendship. They have avoided ever coming to blows, but they did encounter a few bumps along the way.
“All through middle school, we liked the same girls,” said Duncan.
One girl, Lauren, had predominantly caught the eyes of both boys.
“He (Colin) was dating her and I
SUSTAINING FRIENDSHIPSoldiers stand shoulder to shoulder since second grade
BY STAFF SGT. IAN SHAYPublic Affairs NCO, 143d ESC
Childhood friends Spc. Duncan Hayward (left) and Spc. Colin Bucko (right) reunite as Soldiers assigned to the 143d Sustainment Command (Expedtionary). The pair is deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Photo by Cathie Bucko
Photo by Tracy Hayward
Fifth graders Bucko (left) and Hayward (right) attend a Drug Abuse Resistance Education forum at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School in the sping of 2003.
See ‘FRIEND,’ pg. 21 >>>
DID YOU KNOW?Operation Giveback, a nonprofit organization created by veterans of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, will host its first annual Operation Giveback Golf Tournament Oct. 11 at the Champions Gate International Course in Orlando, Fla. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit Giveback Section 60, a program that makes dreams a reality for up to 200 children who lost a parent in the recent wars. The $100 entry fee includes golf, range balls, lunch, contests, prizes and more. Register today at http://www.operation-giveback.org/inaugural-ogb-open-golf-tournament/ or contact [email protected].
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liked her,” said Duncan. “They kept breaking up, and I had known her since preschool.”
But as teenage boys do, they quickly forgot all about the Lauren incident and their friendship prevailed.
“We’re always there for each other,” said Colin. “We balance each other out pretty well. He can be the bad guy, and I am the nice guy.”
Even their families have grown close, and that was never more apparent than during Hurricane Charlie in 2004, when Duncan’s family home was destroyed and for a time they moved
in with Colin’s family. The disaster illustrated the close knit connection their friendship forged within their own families.
After high school the young men took another step in their friendship when they decided to push open the doors at the local recruitment center and signed up for the Army. Duncan’s parents responded with support while Colin’s mother was less than enthusiastic about her baby boy leaving the nest.
Colin would morph into Pvt. Bucko while Duncan waited to enter basic until after a year of college. Hayward would start his career as a specialist with the 143d ESC. Spc. Bucko
would make his transition from the 174th Legal Operations Detachment, and when the opportunity presented itself for deployment, Bucko would finally get the chance to rejoin his friend, this time in uniform.
Their time in Camp Arifjan has just started, and Hayward and Bucko fill their nights with many of the same activities: video games, working-out at the gym and watching movies. Even though their present has been decided, their future is still a mystery. Both men attend different universities and have different goals in life. Whatever paths they take, their friendship is sure to endure.
The inseparable pair competed in several sports through their high school career. Here, Hayward (left) and Bucko (right) run in a cross country meet during their sophomore year at Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando, Fla.
Photo by Cathie Bucko
Photo by Tracy Hayward
Hayward (left) attends Bucko’s (center) high school graduation June 2010 at Lyman High School in Longwood, Fla. Bucko enlisted in the Army Reserve after completing his first year at Seminole State College in Sanford, Fla., while Hayward would follow in Bucko’s footsteps after his sophomore year at the Univeristy of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla.
<<< ‘FRIEND,’ continued
What is I. A.M. Strong?
What is Active Bystander Intervention?
How to intervene
Helping someone you know
22 ESCTODAY• http://www.facebook.com/143dESC
Intervene, Act and Motivate (I. A.M.) Strong is the Army’s campaign to combat sexual assaults by engaging all Soldiers in preventing sexual assaults before they occur. This month we’ll focus on ways to safely intervene to stop sexual assaults before they occur. The following information on Active Bystander Intervention was provided by the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office from www.sapr.mil.
This approach encourages people to identify situations that might lead to a sexual assault and then safely intervene to prevent an assault from occurring.
Active bystander intervention discourages victim blaming by switching the focus of prevention to what a community of people can do collectively.
The approach also allows for a change in cultural expectations by empowering everyone to say or do something when they see inappropriate or harmful behavior
This method of intervention places the responsibility of sexual assault prevention on both men and women.
There are three components to Active Bystander Intervention:1. Recognizing when to intervene: Some people might be concerned that
they are being encouraged to place themselves in jeopardy to stop crimes in progress. This is not the case. There are many situations and events that occur prior to a sexual assault that are appropriate for intervention. Active bystander intervention encourages people to watch for those behaviors and situations that appear to be inappropriate, coercive and harassing.
2. Considering whether the situation needs attention: The Department of Defense has chosen to link “duty” with sexual assault prevention. Service members need to understand that it is their moral duty to pay attention to situations that put their friends and co-workers at risk.
3. Deciding if there is a responsibility to act: A great deal of research has been done to understand the conditions that encourage people to get involved. There are situational factors that influence a person’s willingness to act. These include the presence of other witnesses, the uncertainty of the situation, the apparent level of danger or risk to the victim, and the setting of the event. Personal characteristics of the bystander also contribute to a decision to act.
When choosing what form of assistance to use, there are a variety of ways to intervene. Some of them are direct, and some of them are less obvious to the perpetrator:
Making up an excuse to get him or her out of a potentially dangerous situation
Letting a friend or coworker know that his or her actions may lead to serious consequences
Never leaving a his or her side, despite the efforts of someone to get him/her alone or away from you
Using a group of friends to remind someone behaving inappropriately that his or her behavior should be respectful
Taking steps to curb someone’s use of alcohol before problems occurCalling the authorities when the situation warrantsUnderstanding how to safely implement the choice. Safety is paramount
in active bystander intervention. Usually, intervening in a group is safer than intervening individually. Also, choosing a method of intervention that de-escalates the situation is safer than attempting a confrontation. However, there is no single rule that can account for every situation. Service members must use good judgment and always put safety first.
BY MAJ. SANDY GOSCINIAKSexual Assualt Response Coordinator, 143d ESC
Capt. Teria Belgrave (left), commander of the 873rd Quartermaster Company, and Maj. Joseph Hagge (right), commander of the 332nd Transportation Battalion, cut the ceremonial cake celebrating the 873rd’s reactivation. Approximately one third of the 873rd’s Soliders will temporarily leave the unit to complete Initial Entry Training.
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – After seven years of inactivation, the 873rd Quartermaster Company was reactivated in a ceremony in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Sept. 15 with friends, family, and dignitaries in attendance.
The approximately 150 troops have come from different units to the 873rd with about one third being brand new Soldiers, scheduled to attend Initial Entry Training before returning to the unit.
One of the ceremony planners, Spc. John G. Moore, from Daytona Beach, Fla., works full time for the unit as an Active Guard Reserve mechanic.
“I’m excited to bring everyone up to speed in Army readiness,” he said. “We have a good full-time staff, and lots of strong leadership.”
According to the 873rd’s senior enlisted Soldier, 1st Sgt. Jose L. Lopez, a new Reserve center is scheduled for completion in April 2014. Right now, the 873rd QM Co. and several other Army Reserve units are sharing limited space with the Army National Guard in the current building.
During the ceremony, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio addressed the crowd.“I personally appreciate the freedom of life granted to us and the American way of
life,” she said.Muoio thanked the 873rd and noted that the legacy 9/11 left to us requires a higher
level of devotion and dedication by our military.The new unit commander, Capt. Teria Belgrave, reminded her troops to live the Army
values and thanked those present for their continued support.Also in attendance was the commander of the 332nd Transportation Battalion, Maj.
Joseph Hagge, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Licea. The 873rd reports directly to the 332nd Trans. Bn.
“Victorious warriors win first, then go to war,” said Hagge.Hagge went on to explain that Soldiers win first by establishing relationships with
family, reaching proficiency with Army jobs and tasks, and developing partnerships with the local communities.
“The 873rd Quartermaster Company is a good asset to our own battalion,” said Licea. “Not only because of their skill level, but also because of the experience they have. I’m sure they’ll do a good job at peace time and at war.”
The 873rd QM Co. was inactivated Sept. 15, 2006, in Miami, Fla., and officially activated Sept. 16.
873rd Quartermaster Company activates
PHOTOS AND STORY BY SGT. ELISEBET FREEBURGPublic Affairs NCO, 204th Public Affairs Detachment
Capt. Teria Belgrave (left), commander of the 873rd Quartermaster Company, and 1st Sgt. Jose L. Lopez, unfurl the unit’s guidon during its activation ceremony held Sept. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla.
24 ESCTODAY• http://www.facebook.com/143dESC
Did you know Oct. 6-12 is fire Prevention Week? This was established to commemorate the
Great Chicago Fire, tragically killing more than 250 people, leaving 100,000 homeless, destroying more than 17,400 structures and burning more than 2,000 acres. The fire began Oct. 8, 1871, but did most of its damage on Oct. 9.
While the Great Chicago Fire was a fiery two-day stretch, it wasn’t the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. The fire, which also occurred on Oct 8, 1871, roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres before it ended. Historical accounts of the fire say that the blaze began when several railroad workers clearing land for tracks unintentionally
started a brush fire. Before long, the fast-moving flames were whipping through the area ‘like a tornado,’ some survivors said. It was the small town of Peshtigo, Wis., that suffered the worst damage. Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed.
As we all know fires especially electrical fires, here in theater continue to be an enemy waiting for the opportunity to create havoc and destruction. Let us not feed this enemy with
negligence and avoidable mistakes. Instead, let’s lean forward. As our Command Sgt. Maj. Don B. Jordan says, “just do what we’ve been trained to do.” This includes prohibiting the possession and use of:
~ daisy chains~ coffee pots or microwaves in living quarters~ smoking within 50 feet of main entrance to
any building~ individual or personal heaters
Graduated Driver Licensing allows teens to practice driving
skills in low risk situations, moving through driver license stages with gradually increasing responsibility. Motor vehicle crashes kill more teens than homicide, suicide and disease combined, mostly due to inexperience and distractions.
Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teens. Teaching teens about GDL reduces teen driver crashes and deaths by up to 40 percent.
Parents need to make a commitment to work closely with their teens to manage their driving experience and also should set a good example by modeling the behavior they expect. You can implement life-saving GDL practices in your home by following these six tips:1. Extend the learner’s permit period2. Set a nighttime driving restriction3. Set a passenger restriction4. Ban cell phone use while driving5. Make safety belts mandatory6. Prohibit alcohol
TEEN SAFETYGRADUATED DRIVER
LICENSING SAVES LIVES
BY MASTER SGT. DANIEL LOPEZSafety NCOIC, 143d ESC
143d ESC SAFETY MESSAGE
how ig sustains victory
BY MAJ. MARK L. CARPENTERCommand Inspector General, 143d ESC
DID YOU KNOW?Check out the 143d ESC in action on the unit’s official Flickr page at www.filckr.com/143dESC. Flickr affords the opportunity to share all our best moments while overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. No matter the occasion, the 143d Public Affairs Office works hard to capture our Soldiers and their families on camera and share their stories to the world with only a few clicks. Spread the word to your friends and loved ones that they may view, print and share thousands of premium quality images through Flickr’s impressive social network.
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The eyes, ears, voice and conscience of the commander, the Inspector General (IG) conducts thorough
and impartial inspections and investigations and provides assistance and training. The overarching goal is to help unit leaders maintain Army values, readiness and effectiveness in order to promote well-being, good order and discipline. Everything we do is based on a standard.
All IGs serve their commanders and their commands by performing the four IG functions. The IGs use these functions to seek out systemic issues that adversely affect the command and the Army. They then inspect those systemic issues to identify problem areas and make recommendations that directly address the causes of these problem areas. The two main concepts that bear directly upon and often characterize the execution of these four functions are the IG tenet of confidentiality and the restrictions placed on the distribution and use of IG records. Although confidentiality is not guaranteed, it is protected to the utmost capacity.
IGs are responsible for:~Advising commanders and staffs on
inspection policy.
~ Advising commanders on the effectiveness of the Organizational Inspection Program.
~ Conducting inspections as the commander requires and monitoring corrective actions.
~Receiving allegations and conducting investigations and investigative inquiries.
~ Monitoring and informing the commander of trends, both positive and negative, in all activities.
~Consulting with staff sections, as appropriate, to obtain items for the special attention of inspectors and to arrange for technical assistance.
~Providing the commander continuous, objective and impartial assessments of the command’s operational and administrative effectiveness.
~Assisting Soldiers, Army civilians, family members, retirees, and other members of the force who seek help with Army~related problems.
~ Identifying and helping to resolve systemic problems.
The number one thing senior leaders are getting in trouble with is ignoring issues that bubble up in their sections by focusing on mission so much that they overlook the drama that is happening to the human element of the organization. When this happens it can create a toxic climate and an increase in complaints.
Three key elements that contribute to this climate are:
An apparent lack of concern for the well-being of subordinates.
A personality or interpersonal technique that negatively affects organizational climate.
A conviction by subordinates that the leader is motivated primarily by self-interest.
Leaders are Soldiers first and we are all Soldiers. In holding true to the Army values, the extensive wielding of respect can go a long way in mitigating even the most difficult leader interactions.
Leaders can protect themselves and their sections from toxic leadership perceptions by:
~Doing the right thing! A high standard doesn’t mean toxicity.
~Conducting professional counseling sessions to clarify expectations.
~Knowing their Soldiers better by communicating with them.
For IG support or additional information, your IG team can be reached as follows:
Command Inspector General, Maj. Mark Carpenter, command Inspector General: [email protected]
Master Sgt. Samantha St. Louis, IG noncommissioned officer in charge: [email protected].
Droit et Avant (right, then forward).
‘DROIT ET AVANT’
Training, discipline and standards are the bedrock of our Army, and as Soldiers, you’ve been taught what right looks like. As leaders, you have a duty and a responsibility to maintain standards in your formation. You also have an obligation to your Soldiers and their families to manage risk and take action to correct prproblems. In our fight against accidental fatalities, knowledge is the weapon of choice.
h t t p s : / / s a f e t y . a r m y . m i l
