The Army’s new program – the Army Profession – applies to every Department of the Army and non-appropriated Civilian and Soldier at the National Training Center. I consider everyone serving and working at the NTC a professional!
One of the many reasons I conducted, Sept. 17, an inaugural Town Hall meeting with NTC Civilian supervisors was to clearly state that we are one team at the NTC! Whether you are a Soldier directly involved in training rotational Brigade Combat Teams or a Civilian involved in fulfilling one of the myriad of essential, critical tasks necessary to conduct an NTC rotation, each and every one of you plays a vital role in our mission accomplishment. Next to being in combat, what we do at the NTC is the most important job in the Army.
Another reason why I chose to engage the supervisor community was to determine how effectively we are messaging information about ceremonies and events occurring at the NTC. I posed six, survey-like questions during this meeting. One of the questions I asked: “How many of you are aware that the Post conducts a combined Civilian and Military Retirement Ceremony, and a separate Awards Ceremony?” By a show of hands, less than 50 percent of attendees were aware! Based on this response, as well as others during this inaugural Town Hall, I concluded that we need to do a better job of communicating specific information about these NTC events and ceremonies that recognize exemplary service, performance of duty, and further demonstrates “the solidarity of the NTC team.”
Another important reason for conducting this meeting was to summarize the realm of changes on the horizon for the NTC from my perspective, and most importantly, hear the group’s questions, issues, concerns and suggestions. Most of the questions dealt with manpower issues, such as: the NETCOM hiring process; hiring NAF employees, and; loss of experienced employees and the process to attract replacements. On a positive note, an effective observation was presented – why can’t we cross train within our organizations? (By the way, you can!)
Your questions, issues, and suggestions were illuminating and I appreciated your candor. The NTC, Garrison and my staff are reviewing your issues to determine workable solutions. Your input is essential!
Finally, I enjoyed this inaugural meeting with NTC Civilian supervisors. I have directed that this will become an NTC quarterly event. The next Town Hall meeting will occur just before Opportunity Leave in December.
Finally, I would like to personally thank each of you for what you’ve done, and for what you will do in the future for the NTC.
LEAD TRAIN WIN!
