Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"A Day of Remembrance"
The Army has declared Tuesday, November 10, 2009, "A Day of Remembrance" to grieve for and honor Soldiers and Civilians who died as a result of the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, TX and for fallen Soldiers from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom as represented by the 5-2 Stryker Brigade at Fort Lewis, WA.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Garrison Commanders Conference Focuses on Contributions of Spouses
Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of the Army Installation Management Command, deeply appreciates the spouses of garrison commanders and their command sergeants major. “Every great thing that happened at Fort Hood when I was in command there happened because of the hearts and minds of spouses,” he told the Command’s 2009 Garrison Commanders Conference.
Spouses participating in the Conference offered their counterparts guidance on how to more effectively support Soldiers and Families by:
-- identifying their particular personal skills and focusing on the activities where they feel they can make a special impact;
-- prioritizing their tasks in support of their installation and its Soldiers and Families;
-- training themselves to be alert to receive – and to seek out – feedback from Soldiers and Families about installation programs and services;
-- relying on the command spouse team for information to gain a broader range of feedback and insights into the programs and services that are working, and identify the areas where their installation needs to improve;
-- understanding that they don’t have all the answers to questions from Soldiers and Families, they just need to know who to direct questions to;
-- sharing the positive and negative aspects of their installations openly and honestly with dignitaries and other special visitors, taking care not to speak for the Army but to convey their individual views as personal perspectives; and
-- growing a “tough skin” and learning to let go of small issues, because mistakes will be inevitable.
The spouses explained that most Army programs are working well in meeting the needs of Soldiers and Families. The Army Family Covenant was cited for helping connect with Families, although the program’s meaning is sometimes unclear to spouses and Families “on the ground” because communications about the Covenant seem intermittent and its actual results need to be highlighted more prominently.
Spouses cited Army education opportunities as effective, along with the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, because single Soldiers and single Army parents can sometimes feel left out of programs aimed at Families. The Army’s new technology for connecting geographically dispersed Soldiers and Families – ArmyOneSource.com – was singled out for its value.
One spouse urged Soldiers and Families to take the initiative in getting assistance when they need it. “Family support and counseling is out there,” she said, “you just have to go out and find it.”
Spouses were appreciative of the increase in new and improved housing but noted that more is needed to meet the demand of a growing Army, particularly to accommodate the influx of younger Soldiers. A spouse who works as an installation nurse commented that the system for obtaining medical appointments is working.
The spouses were as realistic about potential challenges ahead for Soliders and Families as they were appreciative of the improvements they have already seen. A general concern was voiced about maintaining the quality and scope of Soldier and Family programs should future funding shortfalls occur. A more specific concern was voiced about difficulties in identifying Gold Star Families associated with installations and caring for them long-term.
Lt. Gen. Lynch thanked the spouses for their contributions – and their candor – in the vital role they play in support of Soldiers and Families. “The Army experience – because of what we are called to do – can sometimes make us callous,” he observed. “We don’t want to be callous. Spouses help us maintain balance and help us grasp reality. For spouses, it’s all about communication. They often have better ideas and better communications, and we need to tap those strengths.”
Mrs. Lynch added a strong, knowing voice to the conversation when she thanked the spouses for participating in the Conference and encouraged them “to care of yourself and know that you’re empowered to do that so you can take care of Soldiers and Families.” She offered herself as resource to spouses by assuring them that when they bring their issues and concerns to her, “I’ll take them to the general.”
Spouses participating in the Conference offered their counterparts guidance on how to more effectively support Soldiers and Families by:
-- identifying their particular personal skills and focusing on the activities where they feel they can make a special impact;
-- prioritizing their tasks in support of their installation and its Soldiers and Families;
-- training themselves to be alert to receive – and to seek out – feedback from Soldiers and Families about installation programs and services;
-- relying on the command spouse team for information to gain a broader range of feedback and insights into the programs and services that are working, and identify the areas where their installation needs to improve;
-- understanding that they don’t have all the answers to questions from Soldiers and Families, they just need to know who to direct questions to;
-- sharing the positive and negative aspects of their installations openly and honestly with dignitaries and other special visitors, taking care not to speak for the Army but to convey their individual views as personal perspectives; and
-- growing a “tough skin” and learning to let go of small issues, because mistakes will be inevitable.
The spouses explained that most Army programs are working well in meeting the needs of Soldiers and Families. The Army Family Covenant was cited for helping connect with Families, although the program’s meaning is sometimes unclear to spouses and Families “on the ground” because communications about the Covenant seem intermittent and its actual results need to be highlighted more prominently.
Spouses cited Army education opportunities as effective, along with the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, because single Soldiers and single Army parents can sometimes feel left out of programs aimed at Families. The Army’s new technology for connecting geographically dispersed Soldiers and Families – ArmyOneSource.com – was singled out for its value.
One spouse urged Soldiers and Families to take the initiative in getting assistance when they need it. “Family support and counseling is out there,” she said, “you just have to go out and find it.”
Spouses were appreciative of the increase in new and improved housing but noted that more is needed to meet the demand of a growing Army, particularly to accommodate the influx of younger Soldiers. A spouse who works as an installation nurse commented that the system for obtaining medical appointments is working.
The spouses were as realistic about potential challenges ahead for Soliders and Families as they were appreciative of the improvements they have already seen. A general concern was voiced about maintaining the quality and scope of Soldier and Family programs should future funding shortfalls occur. A more specific concern was voiced about difficulties in identifying Gold Star Families associated with installations and caring for them long-term.
Lt. Gen. Lynch thanked the spouses for their contributions – and their candor – in the vital role they play in support of Soldiers and Families. “The Army experience – because of what we are called to do – can sometimes make us callous,” he observed. “We don’t want to be callous. Spouses help us maintain balance and help us grasp reality. For spouses, it’s all about communication. They often have better ideas and better communications, and we need to tap those strengths.”
Mrs. Lynch added a strong, knowing voice to the conversation when she thanked the spouses for participating in the Conference and encouraged them “to care of yourself and know that you’re empowered to do that so you can take care of Soldiers and Families.” She offered herself as resource to spouses by assuring them that when they bring their issues and concerns to her, “I’ll take them to the general.”
Command Sergeant Majors in the Spotlight at Garrison Commanders Conference
The Army Installation Management Command wrapped up its 2009 Garrison Commanders Conference by highlighting the role of command sergeants major – an influential group that makes a major difference every day in supporting garrison commanders and Soldiers and Families.
The CSMs provided valuable feedback from their special perspective as key non-commissioned officers on installations. They identified two significant communication elements they believe must be strengthened to help build support for IMCOM’s approach to installation management: telling other Army organizations about the Command and its mission, and strategically conveying the intent and priorities of IMCOM’s leadership to Soldiers and Families.
IMCOM CSM Neil Ciotola said that serving as a CSM is grounded in basic Army commitments and standards. “With every new generation and with every new commander, someone comes up with a new jingle about the Army, but it all comes down to the Army Creed and the Warrior Ethos.”
Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, IMCOM’s commanding general, wrapped up the conversation with CSMs by saying, “It is an honor and privilege to command IMCOM and to touch Soldiers and Families on our installations on a daily basis. We can’t serve anywhere more impact than we can as a garrison commander or a command sergeant major in IMCOM. We control the resources that make the quality of life for Soldiers and Families equal to the quality of their service.”
Looking ahead, Lt. Lynch announced the formation of a new transition team that will begin meeting in November with the objective of producing an IMCOM campaign plan to be released in March. He also announced that a new Web site will be created to encourage the sharing of best installation management practices and added that he would begin regularly scheduled “virtual meetings” with garrison leaders starting in early 2010. “As long as I’m commanding general,” he concluded, “it’s all about communication.”
The CSMs provided valuable feedback from their special perspective as key non-commissioned officers on installations. They identified two significant communication elements they believe must be strengthened to help build support for IMCOM’s approach to installation management: telling other Army organizations about the Command and its mission, and strategically conveying the intent and priorities of IMCOM’s leadership to Soldiers and Families.
IMCOM CSM Neil Ciotola said that serving as a CSM is grounded in basic Army commitments and standards. “With every new generation and with every new commander, someone comes up with a new jingle about the Army, but it all comes down to the Army Creed and the Warrior Ethos.”
Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, IMCOM’s commanding general, wrapped up the conversation with CSMs by saying, “It is an honor and privilege to command IMCOM and to touch Soldiers and Families on our installations on a daily basis. We can’t serve anywhere more impact than we can as a garrison commander or a command sergeant major in IMCOM. We control the resources that make the quality of life for Soldiers and Families equal to the quality of their service.”
Looking ahead, Lt. Lynch announced the formation of a new transition team that will begin meeting in November with the objective of producing an IMCOM campaign plan to be released in March. He also announced that a new Web site will be created to encourage the sharing of best installation management practices and added that he would begin regularly scheduled “virtual meetings” with garrison leaders starting in early 2010. “As long as I’m commanding general,” he concluded, “it’s all about communication.”
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Live From the IMCOM Garrison Commanders Conference
Soldier and Family Well-being
Soldier and Family well-being is a cornerstone of Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch’s Commander’s Intent – as commanding general, he wants active, visible commanders who are focused on delivering quality installations and the Army Family Covenant to Soldiers and Families.
Safe and secure installations are essential to the well-being of Soldiers and Families. Carlisle Barracks is expanding its connections to fire, rescue, and police resources in surrounding communities to achieve new synergies in security.
Building a strong sense of community and pride also contributes to well-being. Installations are using Army Family Covenant events to communicate that the Army is committed to providing Soldiers and Families a quality of life equal to their service. White Sands Missile Range engages local minor-league sports teams to highlight the Covenant and build community support for the Army Family. Fort Benning reaches out to its local communities with the “Houses and Heroes” program. This program demonstrates how the Army can be a good neighbor by engaging Soldiers to do home repair for local residents.
Lt. Gen. Lynch believes that support to Soldiers and Families begins on installations. “If we send a Soldier or Family off the installation to get a need met,” he said, “we’re not doing our job.”
Soldier and Family well-being is a cornerstone of Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch’s Commander’s Intent – as commanding general, he wants active, visible commanders who are focused on delivering quality installations and the Army Family Covenant to Soldiers and Families.
Safe and secure installations are essential to the well-being of Soldiers and Families. Carlisle Barracks is expanding its connections to fire, rescue, and police resources in surrounding communities to achieve new synergies in security.
Building a strong sense of community and pride also contributes to well-being. Installations are using Army Family Covenant events to communicate that the Army is committed to providing Soldiers and Families a quality of life equal to their service. White Sands Missile Range engages local minor-league sports teams to highlight the Covenant and build community support for the Army Family. Fort Benning reaches out to its local communities with the “Houses and Heroes” program. This program demonstrates how the Army can be a good neighbor by engaging Soldiers to do home repair for local residents.
Lt. Gen. Lynch believes that support to Soldiers and Families begins on installations. “If we send a Soldier or Family off the installation to get a need met,” he said, “we’re not doing our job.”
Live from the IMCOM Garrison Commander's Conference
Installation Energy and Sustainability
IMCOM’s Garrison Commanders Conference is shining a bright spotlight on the need for Army installations to use less energy – and use it smarter – as they continue to focus on the well-being of Soldiers and Families and on supporting an expeditionary Army at war.
Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general, said he has seen installation energy bills triple in recent years – a clear signal that garrison commanders and staffs must take new and different actions that have impact today and in the long-term. Building on Lt. Gen Lynch’s direction, Brigadier Gen. Al Aycock, IMCOM deputy commanding general, urged installations to make the security of their energy supplies a top priority, along with improving conservation and efficiency.
The leaders’ comments set off a sharing of “smart energy” practices. Installations mentioned posting an “electricity meter” icon on their Web pages to make energy use visible to Soldiers, Families and Civilians. Other installations are modifying their generating and heating systems to switch between fuels and get the lowest price. Fort Bliss, in Texas, declared its goal of being “The Army’s Center for Renewable Energy” and is exploring innovative energy-saving technologies as well as solar, biomass and geothermal energy sources. Detroit Arsenal is selling unused energy back to suppliers and is working to get tenant organizations to generate power onsite. Other installations are replacing conventional incandescent and compact fluorescent lighting with even more efficient light-emitting diodes, and more are expanding the use of hybrid and low-speed electric vehicles to reduce oil consumption.
Repeated Army deployments also present opportunities to save energy. Some installations are closely regulating allowable electricity use when Soldiers deploy and return, based on the varying occupancy levels of buildings. Some installations are applying private-sector business process improvements tools – Lean Six Sigma heads the list – to dig deep into complicated energy and sustainability issues.
Some installations are taking decidedly low-tech approaches to save energy and improve sustainability. Banning Styrofoam containers and packing material reduces waste volumes – and disposal costs. Installing recycling containers that are larger than trash bins sends Soldiers and Families a subtle – but strong – message. Setting up a telephone tree to quickly initiate power-saving measures when electricity prices spike creates significant savings.
Lt. Gen. Lynch was clear in his energy message to installations: “I expect garrison commanders and their command sergeants major to embrace the idea that we can save money by saving energy. I’m going to ask every garrison what they’re doing to save energy. It’s right for the environment, and it’s right way for us to manage installations. Let’s be an impetus for a conservation culture in the United States.”
IMCOM’s Garrison Commanders Conference is shining a bright spotlight on the need for Army installations to use less energy – and use it smarter – as they continue to focus on the well-being of Soldiers and Families and on supporting an expeditionary Army at war.
Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general, said he has seen installation energy bills triple in recent years – a clear signal that garrison commanders and staffs must take new and different actions that have impact today and in the long-term. Building on Lt. Gen Lynch’s direction, Brigadier Gen. Al Aycock, IMCOM deputy commanding general, urged installations to make the security of their energy supplies a top priority, along with improving conservation and efficiency.
The leaders’ comments set off a sharing of “smart energy” practices. Installations mentioned posting an “electricity meter” icon on their Web pages to make energy use visible to Soldiers, Families and Civilians. Other installations are modifying their generating and heating systems to switch between fuels and get the lowest price. Fort Bliss, in Texas, declared its goal of being “The Army’s Center for Renewable Energy” and is exploring innovative energy-saving technologies as well as solar, biomass and geothermal energy sources. Detroit Arsenal is selling unused energy back to suppliers and is working to get tenant organizations to generate power onsite. Other installations are replacing conventional incandescent and compact fluorescent lighting with even more efficient light-emitting diodes, and more are expanding the use of hybrid and low-speed electric vehicles to reduce oil consumption.
Repeated Army deployments also present opportunities to save energy. Some installations are closely regulating allowable electricity use when Soldiers deploy and return, based on the varying occupancy levels of buildings. Some installations are applying private-sector business process improvements tools – Lean Six Sigma heads the list – to dig deep into complicated energy and sustainability issues.
Some installations are taking decidedly low-tech approaches to save energy and improve sustainability. Banning Styrofoam containers and packing material reduces waste volumes – and disposal costs. Installing recycling containers that are larger than trash bins sends Soldiers and Families a subtle – but strong – message. Setting up a telephone tree to quickly initiate power-saving measures when electricity prices spike creates significant savings.
Lt. Gen. Lynch was clear in his energy message to installations: “I expect garrison commanders and their command sergeants major to embrace the idea that we can save money by saving energy. I’m going to ask every garrison what they’re doing to save energy. It’s right for the environment, and it’s right way for us to manage installations. Let’s be an impetus for a conservation culture in the United States.”
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
“Live” from IMCOM’s Garrison Commander’s Conference – Day 2: “Taking care of Soldiers and Family, that’s my passion.”
At the IMCOM Garrison’s Commander Conference, Lt. Gen Rick Lynch, “Defender Six,” said he is excited about joining ACSIM and IMCOM. He is honored to wear the title of the ACSIM and CG IMCOM, but, the title he is most proud of is, “I am the husband of Sarah and the father of my children,” a proud title, he says, he will carry long after he retires from the Army. He also titles himself “the Family first general.”
A native of Ohio, his parents were blue-collar shift workers at his hometown paper mill. He went to work at the age of 13 and applied to West Point simply because he could not otherwise afford a college education.
After struggling through to a commission, he said, “All I wanted to do was command a battalion. I did that.” At first, he said, “…the Army was a job, then it became a profession, today it is a passion.”
“My passion is taking care of Soldiers and Families,” Lynch said, adding Sarah, his wife of more than 27 years, shares that same passion.
“Sarah will travel everywhere I go. She will focus on Families,” Lynch said. “I’m the commanding general. She’s the one who sleeps with the commanding general. When we visit installations Sarah will get information I could never get,” Lynch explained. “She will be another set of eyes and ears. We will focus on fulfilling the Family Covenant. We will focus on the Family,” he said.
“We spend too much time fixing broken Soldiers and Families and not enough time giving them a break.” Lynch says his mission, his priority is all about balance, finding the right balance between work, family, health, and fun.
Lynch said, “The road to success is, one, surround yourself with confident people and delegate. Two, look down not up. Worry about those working for you, not catering to those above you. Three, never compete with sister units. Share best practices. Four, have fun.”
“Taking care of Soldiers and Family, that’s my passion.”
A native of Ohio, his parents were blue-collar shift workers at his hometown paper mill. He went to work at the age of 13 and applied to West Point simply because he could not otherwise afford a college education.
After struggling through to a commission, he said, “All I wanted to do was command a battalion. I did that.” At first, he said, “…the Army was a job, then it became a profession, today it is a passion.”
“My passion is taking care of Soldiers and Families,” Lynch said, adding Sarah, his wife of more than 27 years, shares that same passion.
“Sarah will travel everywhere I go. She will focus on Families,” Lynch said. “I’m the commanding general. She’s the one who sleeps with the commanding general. When we visit installations Sarah will get information I could never get,” Lynch explained. “She will be another set of eyes and ears. We will focus on fulfilling the Family Covenant. We will focus on the Family,” he said.
“We spend too much time fixing broken Soldiers and Families and not enough time giving them a break.” Lynch says his mission, his priority is all about balance, finding the right balance between work, family, health, and fun.
Lynch said, “The road to success is, one, surround yourself with confident people and delegate. Two, look down not up. Worry about those working for you, not catering to those above you. Three, never compete with sister units. Share best practices. Four, have fun.”
“Taking care of Soldiers and Family, that’s my passion.”
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Live From IMCOM's Garrison Commander's Conference -- Day 1
On his first day as commanding general of the Army Installation Management Command, Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch is moving quickly to continue delivering on the Command’s commitment, in the Army Family Covenant, to provide the best care and quality of life possible to Soldiers and Families in order to make them more resilient and to make the Army stronger and more capable.
Lt. Gen. Lynch and his command group brought together more than 400 garrison commanders and their spouses and non-commissioned officers, along with a wide range of installation management professionals, at the 2009 Garrison Commanders Conference to explore how they can create and sustain excellence on Army installations.
Lt. Gen. Lynch told the conference that over the coming six to eight weeks he intends to listen and learn about IMCOM, with the goal of creating a campaign plan that will guide the command’s mission focus over the next few years.
Lt. Gen. Lynch asked attendees at the Garrison Commander’s Conference to get to know one another, share best practices, and rededicate their efforts to sustaining excellence on Army installations. He tasked attendees with doing their jobs by always asking:
- are we doing the right things?
- are we doing things right?
- what are we missing?
Using his Commander’s Intent for IMCOM to be “The Sustainable Army Community of Excellence” as a frame of reference, Lt. Gen. Lynch is guiding conference participants to engage with leadership – and with one another – on four areas:
- installation readiness;
- Soldier and Family Well-being;
- leader and workforce development; and
- Soldier and Family readiness.
Watch this space for more information on IMCOM’s 2009 Garrison Commander’s Conference.
Lt. Gen. Lynch and his command group brought together more than 400 garrison commanders and their spouses and non-commissioned officers, along with a wide range of installation management professionals, at the 2009 Garrison Commanders Conference to explore how they can create and sustain excellence on Army installations.
Lt. Gen. Lynch told the conference that over the coming six to eight weeks he intends to listen and learn about IMCOM, with the goal of creating a campaign plan that will guide the command’s mission focus over the next few years.
Lt. Gen. Lynch asked attendees at the Garrison Commander’s Conference to get to know one another, share best practices, and rededicate their efforts to sustaining excellence on Army installations. He tasked attendees with doing their jobs by always asking:
- are we doing the right things?
- are we doing things right?
- what are we missing?
Using his Commander’s Intent for IMCOM to be “The Sustainable Army Community of Excellence” as a frame of reference, Lt. Gen. Lynch is guiding conference participants to engage with leadership – and with one another – on four areas:
- installation readiness;
- Soldier and Family Well-being;
- leader and workforce development; and
- Soldier and Family readiness.
Watch this space for more information on IMCOM’s 2009 Garrison Commander’s Conference.
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