CSM Redmore sees value in visiting battlefield

Multi-National Division-Central
Story by Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret

Date: 07.21.2008
Posted: 07.21.2008 07:37
News ID: 21681
CSM Redmore sees value in visiting battlefield

By Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret
Multi-National Division - Center

BAGHDAD – The Task Force Mountain command sergeant major must be able to look at a map of Multi-National Division - Center and know which brigades cover what areas.

Command Sergeant Major James W. Redmore knows more than the brigades in MND-C battle space; he knows the Soldiers.

"The focus of the battlefield circulation for senior enlisted advisors is to get a sense of the enlisted force level of motivation and morale, especially in the conditions they have to fight through today," said Redmore.

"It's very important that I have the best sense I can, so I can report accurately to my commanders so we can try make positive changes for [our brigades]," he added.

Redmore visited Forward Operating Base Delta, July 18, to talk with senior non-commissioned leaders from the 41st Fires Brigade, Task Force 49 and from multi-national coalition forces.

Redmore also visited junior Soldiers attending a class on countering improvised explosive devices.

Redmore's purpose in visiting the brigades is to learn about the conditions on the Forward Operating Base, ways to improve living, issues with equipment and other ways he can help them succeed in their mission.

"I take those issues, and I try to use my position of authority and help them get whatever they need to sustain their local efforts," Redmore said.

He also touched on several other topics with the leaders on FOB Delta: taking care of service members both during their careers in the military and after retirement; promotion among the NCO ranks; and improving the security in Iraq to provide its citizens a better future.

"It's amazing how the paradigm of the Army has changed in the past four to five years. It's all for the better, that's for sure," Redmore said.

When speaking of multi-national coalition forces, FOB Delta is among the most diverse. Several nations' Soldiers work there including the 1st Georgian Brigade; el Salvador's Cuscatlán battalion; 151st Infantry Battalion, 15th Mechanized Romanian Brigade; Lithuanian Contingent 10, Iron Wolf Brigade; an engineering platoon from Kazakhstan; Polish forces; and Ugandan security.

"I think when you got all kinds of different types of Soldiers from all different walks of life and different cultural backgrounds, it's pretty challenging for a leader to be able to bring them all together as a cohesive organization. I think the 41st has done a good job," Redmore said.

After the luncheon, Redmore visited a group of Soldiers training on the improvised explosive device lanes. Soldiers practiced detecting, reacting to and countering simulated IED threats to demonstrate they can handle any situation they may encounter during missions. Once there, he spent time talking to Soldiers and gathered their perspective on the FOB.

"I'm very inspired by visiting Soldiers because you get to see young men and women do great things in support of their country and the country of Iraq. And what can be more inspiring than seeing someone who sacrifices their time and effort as they do here in Iraq for their fellow countrymen as well as the country of Iraq," Redmore said.

One of the instructors supervising the training shared mutual respect for Redmore and appreciated the visit.

"From an NCO to an NCO, it lets me know he cares about the training of our Soldiers, and I know he sees us do our training correctly. Also, it gives Soldiers a sense of value," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Schimek, of Janesville, Wis., an instructor for the Counter IED Training Team attached to Task Force Troy.

Another NCO who spoke with Redmore agreed.

"It's good knowing that his approval for our training comes from the top down," said Sgt. Duane Johnson, of Fort Hood, Texas, an instructor for the Counter IED Training Team attached to Task Force Troy.

Redmore plans to continue the visiting Task Force Mountain units in order to support the brigades who support the people of Iraq. The other brigades serving under Task Force Mountain are the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); the 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Division; the 4th BCT, 3rd Infantry Division; the Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division; and the 4th BCT, 1st Cavalry Division.