Briefing before the bosses

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Valentine | U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Scottie D. Carpenter, commander of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and Lt. Col. Michael S. Knapp, commander of the 39th Joint Movement Control Battalion, brief several Movement Control Team leaders March 21, 2013 during a commanders conference at Bagram Airfield, Parwan province, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Phillip Valentine/Released)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

03.21.2013

Story by Sgt. Phillip Valentine 

311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command   

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Commanders and their senior noncommissioned officers in charge came together March 21, to brief the new commander of the 39th Joint Movement Control Battalion, Lt. Col. Michael S. Knapp and Command Sgt. Maj. Gussie Bellinger, during a commander’s conference held here.

The 39th oversees several movement control teams throughout the Combined/Joint Operations Area – Afghanistan and has the responsibility of tracking, searching and moving cargo to ensure it safely reaches the customer.

In attendance were 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command’s commander, Brig. Gen. Scottie D. Carpenter and senior enlisted noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Copeland.

The conference started with opening comments from Carpenter, expressing his expectations of the new JMCB commander and his subordinate units.

“There’s a big difference between managers and leaders. Managers manage tasks, leaders manage people.” said Carpenter. “I can only rely on you as leaders to take care of soldiers; I count on you to accomplish the mission.”

Knapp briefed next, and he talked to his subordinate commanders and told them what he expects from them.

“Step outside your comfort zone and learn something new, it will make you a better leader,” said Knapp. “Stay flexible, stay open-minded and learn something.”

He wanted his leaders to know the 39th was there to support them, and help them become successful. To create an environment of mutual trust that empowers soldiers and families to achieve their full potential.

“I want the 39th to be the go-to unit for the 311th ESC and the 1st Theater Sustainment Command,” said Knapp.
Once the command introductions were complete, the MCTs individually briefed their new commander on their capabilities, current missions and unit status. They also explained any shortcomings that might affect their operations as the drawdown of forces begins.

Once the brief was concluded, the conference members gathered for an evening social. There, the leadership had the opportunity to foster stronger bonds, insuring a better working relationship.

• Date Taken: 03.21.2013
• Date Posted: 03.23.2013 01:25
• Story ID: 103994
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF