As we move out of the traditional holiday season and into this New Year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the dedication and flexibility you show as we drive on to complete each and every mission put before us. CoVid-19 stretched us in ways we never imagined and yet you as Instructors, Drill Sergeants, Leaders, and Support Staff meet each challenge with professionalism and an innovative spirit that not only allows us success, but keeps us safe at the same time.
We are assigned to build the Army and a ready, lethal fighting force becomes even more critical as we struggle through uncertain and volatile times.
We are moving into 2021 with some of the same restrictions that we have been dealing with and I encourage you to stay the course and continue doing the right thing. Soldier readiness and training is a continuous mission, and despite the employment of various new protocols, this is a no-fail mission. Readiness is at the heart of everything we do. We cannot train the future of the force if we aren’t ready for the fight ourselves.
The core mission assigned to the 108th Training Command hasn’t changed. We are assigned to build the Army and a ready, lethal fighting force becomes even more critical as we struggle through uncertain and volatile times. Finding new and effective ways to train and mentor Soldiers and Cadets during these times will test our mettle and allow us the opportunity to grow like never before.
I implore you to take the high road during these trying times. As Soldiers, we don’t live the Army Values only when we put on the uniform. Our employers, neighbors, and friends look to us for leadership and guidance during these times and we owe them the respect to be an upstanding representation of the Nation. You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but you are bound to only share it in the appropriate tone and forum afforded you by the UCMJ and Army policy. Remember your sworn oath and act accordingly.
We have confident, engaged leaders at every level throughout the Command and this is the difference maker for us. Across the board, the skills and discipline shown by our Soldiers stand the test of time and circumstances. Leadership is honed in garrison but tested in the crucible of battle. From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, we are called to protect the interests of our Nation and the 108th Training Command (IET) is a huge stakeholder in the future of our Nation’s forces. Thank you for answering this call with everything you are.
Take this time as we move carefully back toward in-person training and assembly to ensure you are in your required fighting shape. Be physically ready. If you aren’t ready, start today. Ensure that you have the required PME. Several courses are offering virtual attendance, check with your training NCOs and get your name on the list to attend. We are still doing some virtual battle assemblies – take the time to update and scrub your records. You are the only one who can ready yourself for the next promotion, the next duty assignment, the next challenge. If you need help in any dimension, please ask! And don’t forget to check on your squadmates, family, and fellow team members.
Griffon 6