Photo By Dustin Senger | "We are here to discuss issues our troops look to us, as their senior enlisted...... read more read more
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – U.S. Central Command senior enlisted leaders discussed urgent topics affecting troops serving throughout Southwest Asia at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, March 29. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, CENTCOM senior enlisted leader, requested an immediate gathering of the region's top enlisted non-commissioned officers.
"We are here to discuss issues our troops look to us, as their senior enlisted leaders, to fix," said Hill, addressing the assembly of senior enlisted leaders inside the CENTCOM forward headquarters briefing room. "We must determine ways to expand the impact our commanders have on the battlefield." According to Hill, numerous training, manning and equipping issues could not wait for the next senior leaders' conference, which was recently postponed. For everyone in attendance, it was the largest assembly of enlisted leaders without their respective commanders.
The urgent matters included: training programs that prepare troops for service in CENTCOM contingency areas; recovery procedures for vehicle rollovers; staffing procedures, requirements and updates; shifting troop focus to Afghanistan; battlefield promotions; employment of military working dogs; protecting service culture in joint environments; regional policies and procedures; widespread concerns with military clothing and equipment items; transportation problems during leave; and rest and recuperation pass program participation.
Crucial regional issues and service-specific updates were presented by: Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard C. Kimmich, Special Operations Command Central; Command Sgt. Maj. Iuniasolua T. Savusa, U.S. Forces Afghanistan; Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, Multi-National Force Iraq; Command Sgt. Maj. John D. Fourhman, U.S. Army Central; and Chief Master Sgt. Scott H. Dearduff, U.S. Air Force Central. Other key CENTCOM staff members were also in attendance and communicated ongoing concerns in the region.
"My fellow senior enlisted leaders are in contact with airmen all the time," said Dearduff, after presenting an overview of Air Force accomplishments in support of CENTCOM war fighters. "I want them to be able to talk about our latest and greatest." Dearduff proudly explained the latest tactical gear distribution for airmen: Airmen Battle System-Ground. The ABS-G combat shirt and pants offer fire-resistant gear that is more durable and comfortable than the current airman battle uniform. In the next 30 days, thousands of airmen will receive ABS-G gear in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. The items will replace improvised protection; such as flight suits and wearing Army and Marine Corps uniform items.
"We are working to improve improvised explosive device training," said Savusa, concerned with the tactical courses servicemembers attend prior to deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. "The way troops are training focuses too much on Iraq, which doesn't reflect the reality of what is found in Afghanistan. IED's are placed differently in each environment. We need to be sure our troops are more appropriately trained, before arriving, and units are manned with the right skill sets." Savusa said the three main concerns for servicemembers in Afghanistan are training, manning and R&R transportation.
"Participating in the R&R program is important," said Savusa, regarding the four-day respite offered in Qatar. "Senior leaders need to be sure troops maintain a high level of moral. Right now, commanders are hesitant to send troops on pass because they worry about timely transportation back to their units." According to Savusa, troops returning to their units from leave are frequently stuck in transit.
"We are quickly creating a new list of tasks to bring to the commanders," said Hill. "Once approved, they will be pushed out to resource and execute."
| Date Taken: | 03.29.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2009 07:05 |
| Story ID: | 31766 |
| Location: | CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA |
| Web Views: | 540 |
| Downloads: | 462 |
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