SMA visits Third Army soldiers at Camp Arifjan

Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Calvert | Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III poses with a Third Army soldier at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, June 21. During his visit, Chandler addressed Third Army troops on upcoming changes to the Army’s retention policy, semi-centralized promotion system, Army Combat Uniform, and an overall budget cut to take place over the next year. Dining alongside Chandler, Third Army soldiers gave input on what they would like to see sustained for the fight today, as well as suggested changes for years to come to help shape the future.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

06.21.2011

Story by Cpl. Christopher Calvert 

13th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III visited and dined alongside more than 20 Third Army soldiers at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, June 21.

Throughout his visit, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Chandler briefed Third Army Soldiers on upcoming changes, while also answering questions and concerns voiced by Soldiers of Third Army.

“I need soldiers’ opinions on what to eliminate in order to better the Army,” Chandler said. “We have to find out what programs work well, and which ones need to be cut. Your leadership is going to see us through this and make sure we accomplish the mission.”

Chandler informed Third Army soldiers of changes to the Army Combat Uniform, which now allows troops to sew on name tapes, service tapes, rank insignia, skill badges, and replaces the black wool beret with the patrol cap as standard headgear.

Additionally, Chandler addressed Third Army troops on upcoming changes to the Army’s retention policy, semi-centralized promotion system, and an overview on the budget cut taking place over the next year.

Staff Sgt. Lametris Campbell, Ocala, Fla., a Motor Transport operator with the 377th Transportation Company, 718th Battalion, 230th Brigade, attended the dinner and expressed her opinion on upcoming changes.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Campbell. “This is a once-in-a-career chance to meet the sergeant major of the Army and give my opinion directly to him. I’m so excited to be here, and happy to have a say in the direction the Army is going.”

Chandler’s visit furthered Third Army’s initiative to shape the future by allowing Soldiers, the strength of our nation, to provide essential feedback and voice their insight on how to improve the Army as a whole for years to come.

• Date Taken: 06.21.2011
• Date Posted: 06.24.2011 08:10
• Story ID: 72668
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW