I want to start off by saying thank you to Maj. Gen. Stall for selecting me as the Command Sergeant Major for 108th Training Command (IET). I look forward to working with Maj. Gen. Stall and all the Soldiers of the 108th Training Command (IET). I am excited about the coming years and honored to have been selected for this position.
Throughout my career I have been honored to serve with Soldiers from the 98th Training Division (IET) and the 95th Training Division (IET). I have deployed to Iraq as one of the first combat advisors with the 98th Training Division (IET), and most recently, to Afghanistan in support of the 95th Training Division’s NTM-A mission. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the finest NCO’s and officers the Army has to offer. I would like to say thank you to all the Soldiers I served with on these missions. It is your support and hard work that have helped me achieve my goals. We were a team and the dedication you gave went above and beyond the normal duties and responsibilities of a non-commissioned officer or an officer. |
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Having received the commanding general’s intent, as the 108th command sergeant major, my major focus will be on producing drill sergeants and instructors. I intend to work with NCO’s within the 108th Training Command to put processes in place that will ensure our success in this endeavor. We have outstanding leadership in the 95th, 98th and 104th Divisions and I am sure with your hard work the 108th Training Command will increase drill sergeant strength within the coming years. My past experience has shown me how versatile drill sergeants and instructors are within the 108th Training Command. Our drill sergeants not only have the ability to take a civilian off the street and in a few short weeks turn him into a highly motivated Soldier, but they also have the ability to mentor and advise instructors from other countries to do the same.
I would encourage each of you to constantly strive to improve your skills as an NCO. In today’s world, we must always stay one step ahead of our adversaries which means we must be prepared in all aspects of training including tactical skills, communication skills, and our physical, mental and emotional development. Many of you that know me know I believe it’s important that we stay physically fit. This is one of the areas that we need to communicate to our young Soldiers that are preparing for Drill Sergeant School or preparing to become an instructor.
I want to stress to our senior NCO’s how important it is to mentor our junior NCO’s. You have the experience and knowledge from your years of training and combat that must be shared. You have the task of making sure your Soldiers are prepared and you have been tasked with the responsibility of providing your Soldiers with all opportunities available to them to help them grow as an NCO. Mentor them, lead them and motivate them. Communication is a must. We are a team and we need to take the time to talk with our Soldiers and listen to them and answer questions. This is how we learn from each other and gain strength from that knowledge. I know that I would not be where I am today if I had not had mentors to guide and care for me.
Finally, my expectations for the Soldiers of the 108th Training Command are for each of you to be professional, skilled, trained, and ready around the clock. In return, you can expect me to be the strongest advocate for you and your families.
Victory starts here.
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