Photo By Sgt. Kammen Taylor | U.S. Army Master Sgt. Joseph Ernest Klingbiel III, serving on Active Duty Operational...... read more read more
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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — For Reserve and National Guard Soldiers serving on Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) tours, the assignment offers more than temporary active-duty service—it provides opportunities to grow as leaders, gain institutional Army knowledge and support critical missions across the force.
As the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Mobilization and Reserve Affairs Team at the 7th Army Training Command, Master Sgt. Joseph Ernest Klingbiel III oversees a small team responsible for managing ADOS personnel, overseas deployment training, and Reserve Component mobilizations throughout the command.
“Our job is to bridge the gap between the Reserve Components and the Active Army,” Klingbiel said. “We manage the program that brings Reserve and National Guard Soldiers here to support 7th ATC while making sure they have the resources they need to succeed.”
The office coordinates ADOS assignments and manages Overseas Deployment Training (ODT), which brings Reserve and National Guard Soldiers to Germany for annual training alongside their active-duty counterparts. Those Soldiers provide support across multiple organizations, including Trial Defense Services, while gaining valuable real-world experience.
One of the biggest challenges, he explained, is navigating the differences between the Active Army and Reserve systems.
“I feel there’s just not a very good understanding from the Active Army side on how the Reserve Components work,” Klingbiel said. “It’s not because anyone is doing anything wrong—it’s because the systems, regulations, and benefits are different.”
The team collaborated with finance offices, G1 personnel, and subject matter experts to enhance the overall organizational understanding and bridge the gap in knowledge about entitlements and pay for Reserve Soldiers.
“The solution has been education, collaboration, and bringing knowledgeable people together,” Klingbiel said.
That exchange of knowledge works both ways. Reserve Soldiers often bring valuable civilian experience that strengthens Army organizations.
“I really think it makes ADOS Soldiers more well-rounded,” Klingbiel said. “A lot of our Soldiers have careers outside the Army, and they bring different perspectives and problem-solving skills. They can look at situations differently while still accomplishing the mission.”
Serving on ADOS exposes Soldiers to responsibilities they might not encounter in their home units.
“I’ve briefed generals up to the two-star level because of opportunities I received while serving on ADOS,” Klingbiel said. “Those are experiences I probably never would have had otherwise.”
He talked about newer Soldiers in the office who routinely handle personnel actions, pay issues, and administrative processes that exceed the scope of their traditional Reserve assignments.
“They’re learning things they never would have learned back home,” Klingbiel said. “That experience helps make them better leaders when they return to their units.”
For Soldiers considering an ADOS tour, his advice is simple: embrace every opportunity.
“Go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go,” Klingbiel said. “Take advantage of schools, healthcare, education benefits and professional development. None of it lasts forever, so make the most of every opportunity while you have it.”
He also encouraged Soldiers to step outside their comfort zones both professionally and personally.
“Don’t let basic training be the last time you’re uncomfortable,” Klingbiel said. “Travel. Join sports leagues. Meet new people. Learn from your leaders. Those experiences will stay with you long after the assignment ends.”
After nearly two decades of service across the National Guard, Reserve and active-duty environments, he believes ADOS assignments continue to shape not only stronger Soldiers, but stronger leaders.
“You’re exposed to different experiences, different people, and different ways of thinking. That’s something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your career.” Klingbiel said.
His commitment to mentoring Soldiers and building understanding between the Active Army and Reserve Components has helped strengthen readiness across the 7th Army Training Command. By sharing his experience and encouraging others to take advantage of every opportunity, Klingbiel assists in developing more capable leaders while ensuring Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are prepared to support the Army’s mission wherever they are needed.
“Take advantage of every opportunity that’s in front of you,” Klingbiel said. “Learn from your leaders, get outside your comfort zone, and invest in yourself. The experiences you gain today will make you a better Soldier, a better leader and a better person tomorrow.”
| Date Taken: | 06.30.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2026 02:35 |
| Story ID: | 569123 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, BAYERN, DE |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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