The climb to leadership

Photo By Sgt. Jesse Smith | Chief Warrant Officer 5 Anthony Reed and Maj. Kenneth Ferguson converse about the hike Dec. 15 moments after reaching the peak of Pinnacle Four, a mountain in South Korea.  

CAMP HUMPHREYS, 41, SOUTH KOREA

12.16.2014

Story by Sgt. Jesse Smith 

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – In the early morning hours of Dec. 15, a group of Warriors got ready for what would be a 7-mile ruck march and hike. It was still dark, and the air was cold enough that the Soldiers breathe was visible. They made sure they had everything they needed and threw their bags onto their backs. At the start of a watch, the Soldiers began the march toward Pinnacle Four, a 3,185 foot climb up a mountain in South Korea.

The Soldiers consisted of command teams and senior leaders from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade. Col. Hank Taylor, the commander of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, said he wanted to lead this group out to and up the mountain, where they had a discussion about the different levels of leadership in an organization. The group of senior leaders included 1st Lt. David Balthasar, a pilot with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd CAB.

“The hike along with the officer professional development at the top of the mountain was refreshing to accomplish with others and I learned more from it,” Balthasar said.

He said having events like this one are more beneficial because they create a better atmosphere to learn and grow. They are team building events and team work is key inside of an organization, Balthasar said.

The roads were covered in ice and the mountain white with snow. Once the group reached the base of Pinnacle Four, the trek up the slippery incline began. The Soldiers made sure the person in front of them was being safe and helped them make it the peak. At the top, they stopped to change into dry clothing and ate a small snack. All the while, the group marveled at the scenery and took pictures together while they waited for the discussion to begin.

The group also included Maj. Kenneth Ferguson, the brigade executive officer of the 2nd CAB.

“Sharing an experience like this allows senior leaders to work as a team and builds trust within the unit,” Ferguson said.

Climbing a mountain together is a much better way to learn from each other than sitting in a room. This way, you can get to know one another and this allows them to understand each other, Ferguson said.

Once Taylor began discussing leadership, all of the senior leaders gathered around into a horseshoe and they all had their own input on the subject.

“Trust is a centerpiece in the leadership of an organization,” Taylor said. “You cannot be leaders if you do not trust your subordinates, peers and yourself.”

Once the discussion concluded, the Soldiers waited for a CH-47 Chinook to arrive and land on the top of Pinnacle Four. About 15 minutes later, the Soldiers could hear the sound of the helicopter and prepared for its windy landing. As it approached, ice and snow kicked up and swirled into the Soldiers faces. When a crew member jumped out of the helicopter and gave the okay, the Soldiers rushed to the aircraft.

“The journey to the top isn’t easy, but it is what makes leaders who they are and shows Soldiers what they should become,” Taylor said.

• Date Taken: 12.16.2014
• Date Posted: 12.16.2014 02:54
• Story ID: 150402
• Location: CAMP HUMPHREYS, 41, KR