The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command held a TRADOC Commanders’ Forum at Fort Eustis, July 31 - Aug. 2, for senior leaders from across the command.
The quarterly conference, led by Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, TRADOC commanding general, brought together 190 senior leaders and their spouses to discuss Townsend’s vision for the major command responsible for building and growing the Army.
The general’s opening comments focused on how TRADOC is working hard to recruit the future Army, increasing Soldier lethality, supporting the standup of Army Futures Command, and accelerating the adoption of Multi-Domain Operations.
“The command is working on a number of initiatives to make the future Army more lethal,” Townsend said.
The general explained TRADOC has already moved out on toughening Basic Combat Training with new initiatives such as the Forge (a four-day, 81-hour) field-training test piloted at Fort Jackson that is now spreading across the command.
“I have made it a priority to help fully resource Initial Entry Training, to increase the number of drill sergeants to trainees, and to ensure trainees are provided the most realistic training available,” Townsend said.
“Whatever training can be done in the field, versus CBT, do it in the field,” the general said.
The forum also included a briefing from the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James C. McConville, who lauded TRADOC for work being done on programs like the Army Combat Fitness Test, accessions and the modernization of the force.
The VCSA explained the Army is in line with, and being driven by, the National Defense Strategy which is leading to some positive results.
“We are looking to incorporate new talent management systems,” the VCSA said. “We are bringing in outsiders like gamers from the civilian sector to help incorporate advanced technology into training, and we are increasing the lethality of our Soldiers with the ACFT.”
In addition to the heavy hitting topics of MDO, Soldier lethality and Readiness, the three-day commanders’ conference also provided TRADOC senior spouses an opening to discuss supporting fellow Soldier families.
“This is a dynamic time in the Army and your leadership is very pleased with where we are and where we are going,” McConville said. “Thank you for everything that you do here TRADOC. The work being done here is helping the Army grow and improve.”
As part of the commanders’ conference, senior leaders were provided the opportunity to attend and recognize the 2018 TRADOC Instructors of the Year during a ceremony held at the Fort Eustis Officer’s Club, Aug. 1.