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    Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan welcomes new senior enlisted leader

    KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

    03.16.2016

    Story by Lt. Charity Edgar 

    Resolute Support Headquarters

    KABUL, Afghanistan - Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan welcomed a new senior enlisted leader during a change of responsibility ceremony at Resolute Support Headquarters.

    U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Clemens, a native of Republic, Missouri, returned to Afghanistan for a second tour most recently following two years as the Armor School Command Sgt. Maj. in Fort Benning, Georgia.

    CSTC-A commander and Resolute Support Mission deputy chief of staff for security assistance U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gordon “Skip” Davis, Jr. explained to the audience the qualifications he was looking for in the senior enlisted leader of the joint international command.

    “I wanted a proven leader of solid character and high repute with the right mix of operational and institutional experience,” said Davis. “Command Sgt. Maj. Clemens stood out.

    “NCOs [non-commissioned officers] are the backbone of our Army and our military. The Command Sgt. Maj. helps the commander set the mark by which unit and leader standards and discipline are measured. He is the commander’s right arm; an extension of his eyes and ears,” said Davis, explaining the significance of senior enlisted leaders.

    Clemens assumed responsibility of CSTC-A’s highest enlisted rank following U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Paul E. Biggs’ year-long tour.

    Biggs, who hails from Lebanon, Ohio, was recognized for his second tour in Afghanistan by Davis.

    “Command Sgt. Maj. Biggs has been the ‘not-so-secret’ special ingredient to our collective success and the success of our individual directorates and staff sections,” said Davis of the outgoing senior enlisted leader. “He has been a role model and standard bearer for competence, character and commitment.

    “He has been a champion for productive change, for improvement in training, readiness, in quality of support and quality of life for Afghan soldiers and police alike,” continued Davis. “He has demonstrated incredible judgement, insight, creativity, empathy and influence in designing and delivering solutions to complex problems involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.”

    Biggs thanked past and current leadership throughout CSTC-A, along with leaders of Resolute Support Mission, including Gen. John “Mick” Nicholson, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Delbert D. Byers, senior enlisted leader, who were in attendance.

    Biggs also recognized his Afghan partners in the army and police.

    “I especially want to thank our Afghan partners in the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of the Interior,” said Biggs. “You are the reason we choose to leave our families and come to Afghanistan. Not only are we protecting the future of our loved ones in our countries, but we hope to provide Afghanistan with a chance for its sons and daughters to grow up in an environment of security and prosperity.

    “This will only be possible with the combined efforts of leaders in both security institutes,” added Biggs.

    Biggs noted that this was the first CSTC-A change of responsibility he participated in.

    “I arrived one year ago to a position vacated by the passing of Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner. His death in November 2014 was a heavy blow to a family that had lost Maj. Gen. [Harold] Greene just three months prior,” said Biggs. “Both men are honored on this camp with the Maj. Gen. Harry Greene Memorial Pavilion and the Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner Dining Facility.”

    Biggs charged the audience in taking time to remember both men and honor their sacrifice.

    After recognizing his family, Biggs shared the command motto Davis tasked him with creating. He stated it was chosen because it exemplified the 12 separate directorates of CSTC-A working together to accomplish the same goals.

    “It not only applies to our team, but the entirety of Resolute Support,” said Biggs. “The unity of effort between the deputy chief of staffs, essential functions, Train Advise Assist Commands, advisory teams, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and the international community, as well as our State and NATO partners and associated allies make the composite Resolute Support structure a ‘Team of Teams.’”

    As he concluded his remarks, Biggs left his team members with one final request.

    “Believe in the mission and what you are doing. It doesn’t matter how much fluid is in the glass, the glass always has the potential to be full.”

    About DCOS-SA/CSTC-A: Deputy Chief of Staff-Security Assistance/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan trains, advises and assists within the Afghan Security Institutions to develop resource management, transparency, accountability, oversight and Rule of Law capability. The command also provides resources in accordance with Afghan National Defense Security Forces’ requirements while ensuring fiscal oversight and accountability of funds and materiel delivered. The command’s purpose is to develop a sustainable, effective and affordable ANDSF in support of the Afghan government.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.16.2016
    Date Posted: 03.16.2016 13:47
    Story ID: 192591
    Location: KABUL, AF
    Hometown: VICENZA, IT
    Hometown: LEBANON, OH, US
    Hometown: REPUBLIC, MO, US
    Hometown: THE PENTAGON, DC, US

    Web Views: 1,126
    Downloads: 0

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