GREENVILLE, Ky. – The Kentucky National Guard hosted a pre-command course for incoming commanders and first sergeants at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, Aug. 13-16, bringing together leaders from across the state to discuss the responsibilities, challenges and expectations associated with command and senior enlisted leadership.
Participants received instructions designed to strengthen their ability to lead Soldiers, manage organizations and accomplish the mission.
On the second day of the four-day training, the participants joined Kentucky senior leaders in a 5-mile ruck march. This allowed them to interact with and learn from experienced leaders.
Senior leaders, including Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, the adjutant general of the Kentucky National Guard; Brig. Gen. Brian Wertzler, deputy adjutant general of the Kentucky National Guard; and Col. Michael Armstrong, incoming land component commander, spoke to the incoming command teams.
On the third day, Senior Enlisted Advisor John T. Raines III, senior enlisted advisor to the chief, National Guard Bureau, visited and spent time with the Soldiers. Raines participated in the Army Combat Field Test alongside more than 50 new leaders.
Wertzler addressed the group, sharing lessons from his years of military service and emphasizing the importance of decisive, engaged leadership.
“At the company and battery level, the success or failure of the organization is at your level,” Wertzler said. “So, the responsibilities you’re taking on are truly important to us.”
He challenged the leaders to be involved in the unit and not become so busy that they could not interact with the Soldiers they lead.
“Know your Soldiers,” Wertzler said. “You directly impact and change the lives of the Soldiers in your units. You can help develop them to be great citizens, future leaders and whatever they want to be.”
Raines spoke with the leaders, sharing his perspective on the responsibilities of senior enlisted leadership.
“My job is to communicate what our priorities are to you all,” he said. “The General and I talk every day with the Secretary of War, and he shares the same values that I do. We want to place God first, family second, then country and service. And that’s what he would want you all to do at your level.”
Raines said the leaders need to set an example and be a positive influence to help accomplish the mission.
“Ninety percent of Soldiers live at the company level and below,” he said. “It’s crucial for leaders at these levels to own their climate and culture of their organization. It doesn't matter what group I'm talking to; leadership is the same, and it doesn't matter what level you go to.”
Wertzler closed by expressing his appreciation for the incoming leaders and reminding them who they should focus on serving.
“Thanks for what you do,” Wertzler said. “This is about servant leadership – one hundred Soldiers don’t work for you; you work for a hundred Soldiers.”
The lessons and experiences shared throughout the course will provide the incoming command teams with a solid foundation as they assume responsibility for leading their units and Soldiers.