GENERAL SCAPAROTTI HOLDS FIRST ALL HANDS CALL AS COMMANDER U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND

Photo By Eric Steen | STUTTGART, Germany - U.S. Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Commander, U.S European Command, and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, held his first All Hands Call for several hundred members of his headquarters staff at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart.  

STUTTGART, BW, GERMANY

06.22.2016

Story by Master Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr 

U.S. European Command   

During the hour-long event, Gen. Scaparrotti laid out his enduring priorities as EUCOM Commander and took questions from an audience that included both military and civilian staff.

In framing his priorities, Gen. Scaparrotti said that "we're serving with our strongest allies in an alliance that started shortly after World War II. We have a strong relationship with partners who share our values and in many cases, our heritage."

Gen. Scaparrotti said that his four enduring priorities are readiness; building partner capacity; becoming more adaptive, and taking a comprehensive approach to fitness.

"At EUCOM, our greatest assets are our people, said Scaparrotti. “Individually, each of you is crucial to the achievement of our mission. It is vital that we take a holistic approach to individual fitness-physical, mental, emotional and spiritually fit.”

He went on to highlight that as leaders everyone should strengthen these areas as part of their daily routine.

The Commander also challenged his staff to have high standards and set high standards for others. "I've never seen a high performance unit that didn't have high standards, he said. “Hold yourself accountable first, and hold those around you accountable. It's the small things that we don't hold people accountable for that develop into bigger problems. Don't walk by a problem."

Gen. Scaparrotti also emphasized the need to strive for balance and to be good ambassadors as they explore the many different European cultures. "There is opportunity here for you and your family. Embrace the many extraordinary opportunities that Europe has to offer.”

When asked by a member of the audience to name one personal goal he has for his time at EUCOM Commander, Gen. Scaparrotti joked "is to enjoy as many of the various types of foods available here and not gain any weight. Right now I'm losing that battle, so I have to pick up my PT routine."

Also participating in the All Hands Call, was Fleet Master Chief (SS/SW) Crispian D. Addington, Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. European Command.

Fleet Master Chief Addington, who echoed many of the same points made by Gen. Scaparrotti, assumed his duties in May 2016.

Fleet Master Chief Addington said that he had basic expectations for the military and civilian members of the EUCOM organization. "Do your job to the best of your ability every day. That includes taking care of your families and that includes making sure we take care of our people. Provide them (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines) with opportunities to succeed."

Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, EUCOM is a joint forces community of approximately 1,000 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and government civilians, who work and live at four different locations around the city.

Gen. Scaparrotti assumed command in Spring of 2016 after serving as Commander, United Nations Command / Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea; Director, Joint Staff.

General Scaparrotti is a native of Logan, Ohio, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, in 1978, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

• Date Taken: 06.22.2016
• Date Posted: 06.23.2016 09:43
• Story ID: 202209
• Location: STUTTGART, BW, DE