Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Wyatt | From left to right, 1st Lt. Brenden Reber, Sgt. Brodrick Williams, Spc. Lyndell...... read more read more
By 1st Lt. Andrew J. Riley
23rd Ordnance Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Leadership training is a foundation for Soldiers of the 23rd Ordnance Company. In an effort to instill the competencies and attributes of leadership to Soldiers at the lowest level, the 23rd Ordnance Company created a series of training opportunities to develop and enhance their leadership skills, the Junior Enlisted Leadership Program.
“The Junior Enlisted Leadership Program is a great opportunity for privates, privates first class, and specialists to step up and show their ability to improve their presence as leaders, as well as improve their ability to assess requirements and achieve results,” said Capt. Nicholas Dunn, commander of the 23rd Ordnance Company.
“Soldiers are placed in low risk, high reward positions such as Morale, Welfare and Recreation Coordinator, Family Readiness Liaison, and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers representative, which can achieve great results when the Soldiers are committed to the programs,” added Dunn.
Soldiers in the leadership program have an opportunity to not only participate in meetings with the command team, but also provide information to Soldiers during formations.
“Putting Soldiers in front of formations helps eliminate any stage fright they may have, which will prepare them to become noncommissioned officers,” said 1st Sgt. Kerry Schnitz, 23rd Ord. Company. “It truly drives each Soldier’s ability to develop plans for events and ultimately execute.”
The leadership program showed marked results within the company. Soldiers in leadership positions develop team building functions, such as company barbeques, bowling events, and events geared towards families. For example, the MWR coordinator, Spc. Vandross Idiake of Albuquerque, New Mexico, created a sports club within the company.
“Allowing Soldiers to take charge of these programs really allowed me to run with the plan,” said Idiake. “We just finished our first season of basketball, and we are now beginning our volleyball and soccer seasons. We have 38 Soldiers who actively participate on our teams and it has really driven the pride of being in our company.”
In addition to morale, the leadership program improved discipline in the company. Since the launch of the leadership program in October 2014, the 23rd Ordnance Company has experienced a decrease in disciplinary issues.
“Keeping Soldiers busy, and giving them something to work towards really ensures that they don’t go out and find activities that will get them in trouble,” said 2nd Lt. Ryan Williams, the ammunition platoon leader and a native of Kansas City, Missouri. “Safety classes and stand downs put the information out there, but the sports and events that our company does keep Soldiers together, and ultimately get them to work together and stay out of trouble.”
“Our overall goal is to build a team of leaders, no matter what the rank is,” said Dunn. "By having leaders at the lowest level, it ensures that we maintain a professional organization and we prepare these young Soldiers to be the best they can be when they are given the privilege to serve as noncommissioned officers. When our Soldiers leave the 23rd, they will be prepared to lead Soldiers and accomplish any tasks ahead of them.”
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2015 10:51 |
| Story ID: | 161654 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE |
| Web Views: | 196 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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