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While visiting U.S. Army Europe Soldiers in Heidelberg Oct. 24, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston echoed what he said during a tour to Kosovo in 2000 – that USAREUR Soldiers demonstrate what right looks like.
During a speech at the Patrick Henry Village theater, Sergeant Major of the Army Preston said USAREUR Soldiers remain an important part of the Army in a time of ongoing transformation.
“Over here, Soldiers are ambassadors of their country and the American people,” he said. “I’m proud of what’s been accomplished over the decades here.”
During the visit, Sergeant Major of the Army Preston also discussed transformation, growth of the Army, and quality of life for Soldiers and family members.
“Despite what’s being said, we’re not a broken Army,” he said. “But we’ve had a problem with being stretched and unbalanced. We’re in the process of changing that.”
With recruiting numbers on the rise, the creation of new brigade combat teams and adjustments to the length of deployments and dwell times, life in the Army is now more predictable and stable, he said.
He emphasized the outstanding work Army NCOs are doing, citing successes in the Global War on Terror and increased recruiting as examples.
“Across the board, you have done an awesome job,” he said. “What the Army needs now is for people coming into the Army to aspire not just to be good Soldiers, but outstanding NCOs.”
Sergeant Major of the Army Preston said today’s Soldiers represent the best America has to offer.
“Our quality of Soldiers is the best we’ve ever had,” he said. “The all-volunteer Army is exactly what our nation needs.”
He also talked about initiatives to improve job satisfaction and education for enlisted Soldiers as they move up in the ranks.
Several Soldiers in the audience said getting the big picture straight from the Army’s senior enlisted member made an impact.
“He made it clear to us that becoming an NCO is worth it,” said Pfc. Treven Lagerman of the 66th Military Intelligence Group. “It was also nice to hear what the Army is doing about uncertain dwell times and deployments.”
“The Army is changing in a positive way,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Carten, also from the 66th MI. “Hearing that we’re growing our forces back is great, and knowing that the caliber of civilians we are recruiting into our Army (is high) shows that we’re getting people who really belong here.”
