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JCOC brings Captains of Industry to Kuwait

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Debralee Lutgen | Nearly 50 company CEOs, presidents, vice presidents and chairmen as well as various...... read more read more

05.02.2006

Courtesy Story

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Top U.S. civilian civic and community leaders visited Camp Arfijan and Udairi Range April 25 and 26 as part of their week-long tour on the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference.

Approximately 50 company CEOs, presidents, vice presidents and chairmen as well as various professors, deans and other influential community representatives spent April 25 touring the Forward Repair Activity/Up-Armor Facility and participating in humvee roll-over training on the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer at Arifjan.

After experiencing some of the things being done to train and protect servicemembers, the participants moved to the Zone 6 dining facility for dinner. They were able to talk to various Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines while they ate.

"Mike, the Soldier I was sitting with, really impressed me," said Mary Beth Anderson, JCOC participant. "He is from New Orleans and his dad lost his house in Katrina, but he is still very positive and excited to be here."

The participants were able to view static military displays, watch a Marine convoy negotiate a counter-improvised explosive device lane, fire an M4 rifle and three different sniper rifles April 26 at Udairi Range.

"It was so cool to fire those weapons," said Henry Ford, JCOC participant. "It was a lot harder than I thought it would be, especially to aim with the three-round burst."

"What I saw of the IED training will definitely stay with me," Anderson said. "It was pretty incredible to see what the Soldiers go through and have to prepare for."

The participants attended a farewell ceremony before heading to the next destination on their tour. During the ceremony, they received thanks from Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third Army commanding general, as well as his coin. He also encouraged them to share their experiences when they return to their companies, schools and organizations.

Many of the participants said they were impressed with their visit to Kuwait and the attitude of the servicemembers they met.

"It's been one of the most interesting experiences of my life," said Cathy Paige, JCOC participant. "The Soldiers have such passion being here. They're the best group of trained people I've seen " the military seems to have training down to an artâ?¦. Their discipline and work ethic is impressive."

"We're very lucky to have these people here " I don't think I could do it," she added.

The participants also said this was an opportunity they wouldn't pass up.

"It's a once in a lifetime experience," Ford said. "It's been unbelievable, eye-opening and informative."

The opportunity was unique and many participants said they were glad it came along so they could see first hand how servicemembers accomplish their mission.

"I'm a news junkie at home, so it's nice to come over here and see it instead of only seeing what they show on TV," Paige said.

"I was really impressed," Anderson said. "I had an idea, but when I got here I realized I had no idea. It was incredible to learn about their daily life."

"This trip has made me more confident about what's going on hereâ?¦. The Soldiers know what's going on and are pretty positive," Ford added.

The JCOC began in 1948, started by the Defense Department to give civilian leaders knowledge of programs and policies as related to national defense. The conference includes briefings in the Pentagon and field trip to Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps installations. The goal of the conference is to provide a better understanding of military posture so these participants can pass that knowledge to the American public.