IMCOM Leaders Stress Importance of Leadership Development, NCOs, Sharp during Wiesbaden Visit
From the Army News Service:
June 28, 2013
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A visit by Installation Management Command leaders Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter and Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Rice drew garrison leaders from throughout Europe to Wiesbaden, Germany, to share ideas and discuss issues.
IMCOM’s commander and senior NCO took an inside look at how transformation is changing the face of U.S. Army Europe. The pair toured U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s Warrior Training Center on McCully Barracks and talked about the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program.
After watching as community members engaged in combatives, boxing and martial arts training, Ferriter and Rice talked about the importance of building self-confidence, self-reliance and warrior skills through regular physical fitness training.
“It doesn’t cost a dime,” said Rice, about staying in shape through regular PT, runs, marches and combatives training. “Fill up your tank, come back and you’re ready to roll. Don’t let anything get in your way of that. After you fill up that tank with a good day of PT, nothing can stop you. Do it every day and be ready.”
Ferriter emphasized how important it is for Soldiers to learn and maintain combatives skills and confidence to be ready for any situation.
“It’s what we do every day as Soldiers that is right,” said Rice, explaining that having a dedicated PT time is critical — whether during inprocessing or when on leave. “Do it every day and be ready.”
Both leaders stressed that noncommissioned officers are the role models who lead by example — looking out for their Soldiers, encouraging and motivating them to stay in shape and to always do what’s right to help prevent fellow Soldiers from falling victim to sexual harassment or abuse.
During a roundtable session with IMCOM-Europe garrison commanders and command sergeants major, leaders agreed that SHARP is a sergeant’s program — one that may get support from civilian subject matter experts, but a program that ultimately relies on NCOs to set the example and to take preventive or corrective actions when required.