3ID Command Sergeant Major visits Mustangs in Ukraine

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Onuoha | YAVORIV, Ukraine - Spc. Lee Sarduy, a scout with the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division carries 3ID Command Sgt. Maj. Walter Tagalicud, using the fireman’s carry during physical training with the Mustangs here, September 6, 2016. 6-8 CAV is here in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. JMTG-U focuses on building a sustainable and enduring training capacity and capability within the Ukrainian land forces. (U.S.Army photo by Spc. John Onuoha / Released)  

YAVORIV, UKRAINE

09.06.2016

Story by Spc. John Onuoha 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. John Onuoha, 6-­8 CAV., 2IBCT UPAR

YAVORIV, Ukraine -­ Command Sgt. Maj. Walter Tagalicud, the 3rd Infantry Division sergeant major, visited Soldiers of 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3ID here, September 6.

Tagalicud toured the International Peacekeeping Security Center where 6-8 CAV is training Ukrainian Soldiers to help increase capabilities within the Ukrainian Land Forces.

“I think the International Peacekeeping and Security Center is a great place,” said Tagalicud. “It is great to see the Soldiers partnering with our Ukrainian teammates. It is important because I personally see what the Soldiers and their leaders are doing.”

Tagalicud emphasized that his primary mission is to simply visit soldiers and ensure that they see him and know he cares. “For a leader to be around Soldiers and be able to do things like PT (physical training) and to do the things that they do and do it with them, that is a standard bearer for non-commissioned officers.”

During his visit, he explained his enthusiasm for Soldier development and how he intends to pass the same knowledge on to other Soldiers in order maintain the correct system of leadership and keep the Army growing stronger.

“I started as an E1 (private) and worked my way up as a command sergeant major. I know what the Soldiers go through,” Tagalicud said. “I have 30 years of experience and share that to develop leaders, to develop Soldiers to become leaders for the future of the Army.”

“That is why I have so much passion for Soldiers to do the right thing, to be fit and to be professional and carry on the profession of arms. If we do that, our Army will continue to be the best Army in the world,” said Tagalicud.

In addition to touring the facilities and conducting morning PT with the Soldiers, Tagalicud visited the training sites where 6-8 CAV Troopers are training Ukrainian Soldiers. He said he was impressed by the level of training and emphasis placed on both individual and collective skills training.

In addition to their ongoing training mission, 6-8 CAV continues to focus on professional development for its junior leaders and Soldiers. One of these programs is the team leader course, which Tagalicud had the opportunity to observe.

“Leaders create more leaders, they do not create followers,” Tagalicud said. “As a great leader you are the first line of defense to ensure our Soldiers have standards and discipline. Good leaders improve themselves, they do self study, they grab things that can make them better. Take this opportunity to learn and grow as a leader.”

The visit was short, but Tagalicud said he was impressed by what he saw.

“I like the morale that I see here, the Soldiers are happy doing their mission,” said Tagalicud. He also advised Soldiers to represent the 3ID like professional Soldiers: respectful, competent and confident.

• Date Taken: 09.06.2016
• Date Posted: 09.08.2016 10:40
• Story ID: 209032
• Location: YAVORIV, UA