INDIANAPOLIS — More than 100 Soldiers attended a town hall at the Indiana National Guard headquarters on Wednesday to ask questions and voice their opinions about the force.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey visited Hoosier Guard members at Stout Field to discuss readiness and modernization, the Army total force concept, physical fitness and how to improve as an enlisted Soldier.
"There are a few big topics we want to discuss," said Indiana National State Command Sgt. Maj. James Gordon. "We are on our way to improving the physical fitness test, creating more opportunities for education and training for enlisted soldiers and narrowing capability gaps to enhance the soldier's ability to fight, win and survive."
During the one-hour-long meeting, many Soldiers expressed excitement about the new and improved Army Combat Fitness Test, or ACFT, that will focus on the high physical demand tasks soldiers perform in combat.
"What you grade becomes important," said Dailey. "The new fitness test is designed to prove that you can complete your combat mission."
Dailey also voiced his support for modernizing the force and reshaping our image. Topics ranged from the new "pinks and greens" uniform to improving soldiers tactical equipment.
"We are working on modernizing everything from the weapon you hold, to the vest you wear, to the tank you drive, to the helicopter you fly in," said Dailey. "We are not the only nation that benefits from an economy and the intellectual capacity to build things anymore, so we have to maintain that tactical edge."
The meeting gave Dailey the opportunity to address Soldier's issues firsthand, and pay gratitude to them for serving their country.
"You all chose to be Soldiers, so thank you," said Dailey. "We couldn't do what we do as an Army without our National Guard and reserve forces."