FORT BRAGG, N.C. – The honorable Debra S. Wada, the assistant secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), visited the Total Army School System (TASS) elements of the North Carolina Army National Guard’s 139th Regiment (Combat Arms) on Nov. 5, 2015. The 139th Regiment is the headquarters for 139th Regional Training Institute (RTI), the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) both on Fort Bragg and Camp Butner Training Center a 5,000 acre training and range complex located north of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Beginning with a command briefing, Col. Manley James, commander of the 139th, and key members of his staff, briefed Wada on the mission and capabilities of the 139th as well as discussed several ideas they had for operating more efficiently.
The 139th’s mission is to provide combat arms and combat support training, including military occupational specialty training, additional skill identifier, noncommissioned officer education system training, and officer candidate school training for the Army National Guard, the United States Army Reserve, and the active component Army.
“At the heart of what we do is providing Soldiers with quality training so that they’re prepared to go back out and do their mission,” said James. “We want to train them to a higher standard so when they go back out and go downrange they’re prepared to do their jobs.”
After the briefing, James led Wada on an extensive tour of the 139th’s facilities. The tour included observing several classes, speaking with instructors and students, and showcasing their medical and mechanic’s course simulators.
It is vital to the mission of the Army and units like the 139th to keep senior leaders like Wada informed.
“I think it’s very important to get out and see all the different units,” said Wada. “Everyone has a role to play, and it’s important that I get out and understand what the contribution is and what people are doing.”
At the end of her visit, Wada applauded the 139th for its dedication and practice of training not just National Guard Soldiers, but Reserve and active components as well.
“Everyone here is obviously very committed,” said Wada. “It’s also great to see you folks working together with all three components. Right here is an example of total force working.”
Date Taken: | 11.05.2015 |
Date Posted: | 02.02.2016 13:42 |
Story ID: | 187712 |
Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 144 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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