Photo By Maj. William Carraway | Senior leaders of the 3rd Infantry Division and Georgia Army National Guard celebrate...... read more read more
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The Georgia Army National Guard's 3rd Infantry Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment (3ID MCPOD) was activated during a ceremony at Fort Stewart Saturday, August 20, 2016. Senior leaders of the 3rd Infantry Division and Georgia Army National Guard were present to welcome the new unit and celebrate the latest chapter of partnership.
“This is a great day for the 3rd ID,” said 3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. James Rainey who noted that the Georgia Guardsmen of the 3ID MCPOD would be part of future division deployments.
With an authorized strength of nearly 100 Soldiers, the 3ID MCPOD’s mission is to provide additional personnel and support to the 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters. This support is critical as Army force structure changes have reduced division staff manning.
“We have Soldiers that embed with each warfighting function within the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters," said Lt. Col. Shawn Workman, commander of the 3ID MCPOD.
A veteran of 25 years of military service, Workman enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman in 1991. He completed officer candidate school and served as an infantry platoon leader and company commander in the Indiana National Guard. Transferring to the Georgia National Guard, Workman began a long association with the 1st Battalion 118th Field Artillery Regiment and deployed to Afghanistan as the battalion’s operations officer.
“This is an incredible, historic opportunity,” said Workman. “I am very fortunate to be in command of this unit at this time.”
The activation ceremony included the unfurling of the 3ID MCPOD guidon by Workman and Operations Sergeant Major Timothy Baker. Additionally, Soldiers of the 3ID MCPOD changed their shoulder sleeve insignia from the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to the 3rd Infantry Division symbolizing their new assignment.
“Putting the 3rd ID patch on is an incredible honor,” said Workman.
Brigadier General Tom Carden, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard praised the teamwork developed between the 3rd Infantry Division and the Georgia Guard under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Rainey and Command Sgt. Maj. Walter Tagalicud. He noted that the 3ID MCPOD not only benefits the 3rd Infantry Division, it also brings opportunities for growth to Georgia Guardsmen.
“The Georgia National Guard is a leadership factory,” said Carden. “What better place to grow leaders than the 3rd Infantry Division?”
In December 2015, when the first elements of the unit were established, the 3ID MCPOD was assigned to the Georgia National Guard’s 648th MEB. While the 3ID MCPOD will still be administratively assigned to the 648th, the 3rd Infantry Division will have operational control over the unit during deployments and will shape the mission, staffing and training.
The 3ID MCPOD is the latest Georgia Guard unit to embark on a partnership with the 3rd Infantry Division. In June, the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team became the first National Guard BCT to associate with an active-duty division when it entered into a pilot association with the 3rd Infantry Division. The 648th MEB is also a total force partner with the 3rd Infantry Division.
Brigadier General Carden recalled how the Georgia National Guard had previously worked with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart and in Iraq, and how they will work together in the future.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the Soldiers, the families and all those who have had part in making this a success,” said Carden.
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.21.2016 10:41 |
| Story ID: | 207813 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,577 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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