Photo By Sgt. Gerald Hill | BAUMHOLDER, Germany – Thomas Howe, a safety specialist with the 16th Sustainment...... read more read more
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BAUMHOLDER, Germany – Thomas Howe has dedicated over three decades to military service, taking on various roles throughout his career, including infantryman, Special Forces operator, supply specialist, and currently, safety officer. Despite the diverse positions he has held, one principle has remained unwavering: his belief that protecting people is essential for mission success.
Now serving as a safety specialist with the 16th Sustainment Brigade, Howe marked 35 years of federal service on June 3, 2025. His career spans both military and civilian roles, providing a unique perspective on how safety supports readiness at every level.
Howe enlisted in 1978 on an open contract as an infantryman. He later completed both Ranger and Airborne schools and served with the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, California, before joining the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry in Italy.
He eventually completed the Special Forces Qualification Course, earning assignments with the 10th Special Forces Group in Bad Tölz, Germany, and later at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After sustaining an injury that ended his jump status, he reclassified as a supply specialist. His leadership roles continued, serving in Korea as a first sergeant, Brigade S4, and Property Book NCOIC.
Howe retired from active duty in 2000 after 22 years, with his final post at Fort Hood, Texas.
“I still wanted to serve,” Howe said. “I wanted to keep helping Soldiers, and safety was the way I could do that.”
Since transitioning to civilian service, Howe has used his operational background to improve safety standards at both garrison and tactical levels. He ensures compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and Army safety policies, efforts he sees as essential to mission continuity.
“Mission dictates everything,” Howe said. “But if we don’t take care of our people, the mission doesn’t happen.”
During deployments, he focused on high-impact basics, such as generator grounding, ammunition storage, and hygiene in dining areas, areas he said can make or break operational success.
“The little things can hurt us and impact the mission,” Howe said.
A significant change Howe has witnessed over the years is a stronger command involvement in safety planning. Deliberate risk assessments, including rest cycles and driver rotations for convoys, have become standard practice. According to Howe, these changes reflect a broader cultural shift.
“They’re investing in safety, and that’s investing in mission success,” Howe said.
Beyond the Army, Howe also worked with the Navy at Naval Air Station China Lake, where he paused a weapons testing operation due to safety violations, a decision backed by senior leadership. At the Naval Postgraduate School, he advocated for proper repairs to a specialized pool, a move later supported by the base admiral.
Today, Howe works alongside another safety officer at Baumholder, a rare arrangement that he says demonstrates the brigade’s serious commitment to safety.
He also advocates for increased access to risk management resources throughout the force, including safety handbooks and accident investigation tools, for both non-commissioned officers and officers.
From junior Soldiers to senior leaders, Howe said, safety is no longer an afterthought; it is a shared responsibility.
“Safety isn’t a checklist,” Howe said. “It’s about people. And people are what make the Army go.”
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2025 07:42 |
| Story ID: | 499613 |
| Location: | BAUMHOLDER, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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