SMA visits servicemembers at Camp Eggers

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Shawn Graham | Sgt. Maj. Kenneth O. Preston speaks to a group of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, July 23, during his tour of bases in Afghanistan.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.24.2008

Story by Chief Petty Officer Shawn Graham 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn D. Graham
CSTC-A Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – The U.S. Army's top enlisted leader visited the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, July 23. Sgt. Maj. Kenneth O. Preston toured Camp Eggers, observed Afghan national army training at the Kabul Military Training Center, and conducted a town hall meeting with the service members stationed at Camp Eggers.

"It's impressive to see how everyone is doing their part to support the mission," said Preston. "We want a military that is strong and flexible, with interchangeable parts that look and function the same."

Throughout his 33-year career, Preston served in every enlisted leadership position, from cavalry scout and tank commander to his current position as sergeant major of the Army.

"It is good to see someone who has been in our shoes," said Pfc. Adam Smith. "He gives you so much insight on what policies the president and secretary of defense are passing down to us. He is our voice to them."

Preston said he was impressed by the mentoring and training CSTC-A provides for the ANA and Afghan national police.

"We have given them the basics, and they have really flourished," said Preston. "The men and women of CSTC-A should be proud of what they've done here. It is quite remarkable."

During the town hall meeting, Preston answered questions that ranged from pay to deployment issues. Service members listened intently as Preston described the Army's new cycle of mobilization.

"Our citizen-soldiers sacrifice a lot," said Preston. "(Army) National Guard and Reserve units will be given a 12-month notification that they are deploying, to give them time to utilize their drill weekends efficiently and effectively. Once those units are mobilized, they will not be on active duty beyond one year."

Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman Jr., CSTC-A command sergeant major, spoke to the importance of Preston's visit.

"It's a morale booster for the service members here," said Coleman. "It's always good for troops to see their top leaders. Sgt. Maj. Preston's job is making sure they are getting correct information from our soldiers, to make correct decisions that affect them."

• Date Taken: 07.24.2008
• Date Posted: 07.27.2008 04:58
• Story ID: 21876
• Location: KABUL, AF