Senior Ordnance Sgt. Maj. visits Sustainers

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Dave Mcclain | Sgt. Maj. Edward Brooks, the U.S. Army ordnance proponency sergeant major, joined Command Sgt. Maj. Sultan Muhammad, the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps regimental command sergeant major, in speaking with Fort Knox ordnance Soldiers at 3rd ESC headquarters May 11. Brooks said that there are about 105,000 ordnance Soldiers in the Army, against 108,000 authorizations  

FORT KNOX, KY, UNITED STATES

05.11.2010

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Dave Mcclain 

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The U.S. Army Ordnance Corps regimental command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Sultan Muhammad, spoke to 40 ordnance Soldiers from the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and 233rd Transportation Company at 3rd ESC headquarters May 11.

Muhammad talked to the group about career progression, education and the skills needed to be a good ordnance Soldier.

Muhammad said that the current emphasis in the career field on Skills Based Learning is meant to emphasize adaptable skills more than instruction on a given piece of equipment.

“If I teach you the theory behind a piece of equipment, the equipment is pretty much the same,” said Muhammad. “You should be disciplined and versatile enough to move around to different units.”

Muhammad stressed career progression with those in the audience noting that many of the top logistics jobs in the Army are currently held by sergeants major with an ordnance background. He highlighted a need for “talented, disciplined and transitionable” warrant officers and that all leaders should take advantage of educational opportunities but reminded those in attendance to ensure their Soldiers get the education they need as well. He said leaders should not keep Soldiers from going to schools by using the excuse that they can’t spare the Soldier.

“I don’t want you to be disadvantaged. Don’t disadvantage your Soldiers,” he said.

Muhammad encouraged the ordnance Soldiers to use the regiment’s website as well as other regimental resources at Fort Lee, Va., to improve their knowledge and professionalism.

Muhammad was impressed with both the ordnance Soldiers and their leaders at Fort Knox.

“The leadership shows career progression. They continue to meet expectations. I am excited to see that they like to perform as ordnance Soldiers,” said Muhammad.

For their part, the ordnance Soldiers from the ESC and the 233rd appreciated Muhammad took the time to visit and speak with them.

“I had never met with a regimental sergeant major before. I found what he had to say very educational,” said Sgt. 1st Class Alexis Briggs, a maintenance supervisor currently serving as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 3rd ESC’s Inspector General office.

While on Fort Knox, Muhammad also spoke to Soldiers from the 1st Bn., 81st Armor Regiment and is planning visits to Fort Bliss, Texas, and Korea.

• Date Taken: 05.11.2010
• Date Posted: 06.23.2010 16:38
• Story ID: 51854
• Location: FORT KNOX, KY, US