Coronavirus is changing the way we work, socialize, train, and live. The novel coronavirus swiftly spread throughout the world and has changed our daily lives and the way we interact. In the last few months, we have all had to hurdle unprecedented challenges that we never imagined we would encounter. As cities shut down and shelter in place orders were initiated, social distancing, mask wearing, continuous hand washing, constant disinfecting and quarantine would become the new normal.
Video communications have become essential to associate with others at a time of uncertainty and isolation. For Capt. Michael C. Miller and 1st Sgt. Emmanuel G. Nesbitt, Alpha Co, 2nd Battalion, 319th Regiment, 1st Brigade, Fort Lee Virginia, there was a determination to safeguard the force, while continuing operational readiness and maintaining the effort to fight against COVID-19. They immediately engaged orders and procedures to their sustainable leaders initializing communication and connection with all Soldiers.
Leaders forged ahead reaching out to Soldiers via phone calls and messaging applications which allowed them to send and receive direct and group messages from mobile devices. Command continually communicated with all Soldiers confirming accountability and wellbeing. Appropriate measures were systematized and mission planning was persistent in order to assess, ensure, and support the health and safety of the Soldiers and their families, while continuing to maintain force readiness and meet the challenges head on.
After stabilizing accountability and support, Alpha Company unified through communication platforms that served as its virtual Battle Assembly workplace during the months of April and May.
As the uncertainty of this pandemic is evolving, strategies for future training are continually transitioning to meet training requirements, but the adaptation from ‘training as normal’ will not impede Alpha Company’s capability to focus on its mission.
Our Heartfelt Thanks
To Sgt. 1st Class Waddell C. Lucas, Sgt. 1st Class Tena M. Direny, Sgt. 1st Class Helen Zavala, and Sgt. Marta Ortiz, Alpha Company’s full time administrative, operational support, and supply team, that work vigorously in planning, coordinating, and deciding methods to achieve the goals to make the mission happen.
The 104th Training Division (LT) has many members that wear dual uniforms. To all first responders, essential workers and volunteers, we thank you.
Stay Safe!!