ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois - First Army leaders discussed and applied the latest lessons learned during a commanders’ forum here November 20-21.
The two days enabled division and brigade command team members to gain a deeper understanding of First Army operations and planning. In addition, the forum addressed vital issues involving Reserve Component readiness, support, and mobilization. A team-building physical training session was also held.
It added up to time well spent, according to Col. Charles Wells, 181st Infantry Division commander.
“This is my third one and they’ve definitely progressed,” he said. “They’ve brought in a lot more experts and speakers who bring relevant topics to the discussion.”
The week also enabled leaders to further build on working relationships with their fellow commanders, as well as with partnered units.
“These build a lot of camaraderie and encourage progress,” Wells said. “I will impart what we learn here upon my Soldiers and ask them to impart it upon our partners in the Reserve Component. This helps with the readiness and partnership, 100 percent. It brings relevant topics to our partners, who are eager to learn. We have got keep equipping our OC/Ts with materials that enable them to succeed.”
In addition, the forum allowed leaders to keep their knowledge fresh and up to date, said Command Sgt. Maj. Adrienne Wilson, 4th Cavalry Brigade:
“This current conference shows how First Army is solving big Army problems and is on the cusp on innovation and is in tune with where the Army is moving with regard to AI and data analysis,” she explained.
As one example, Wilson touched on how the First Army ORSA had helped keep the leaders informed on emerging technology.
“Lt. Col. Melissa Sayers brings the energy, she is really good. It is awe-inspiring to be on the team that is on the cusp of solving big problems,” Wilson said. “Understanding how we are in line with what the Army does and being able to message that is exceptional. We understand how to collect, count, and write, put in data, and message that to the formation, while also understanding that the human element never goes away.”
From there, the information is passed down through the ranks, enabling the First Army mission of providing combatant commanders with trained and ready troops to continue.