YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER, Wash. – Continuity is important in the military where frequent moves are common. Since personnel are always shifting, having a good hand-off can provide key leaders a much-needed estimate of the unit they’re inheriting.
Capt. Andrea Johnson is the incoming commander for B Detachment, 9th Financial Management Company, 593rd Special Troops Battalion, and will be taking over command from Capt. Katherine Jarmusk. Johnson had the rare opportunity to participate in the unit’s pre-deployment training to get an overall assessment of the unit, before she officially took command.
The unit conducted battalion field training at YTC April 7-15. The purpose of the training was to prepare companies and detachments of the 593rd STB for upcoming deployments.
“I though it would be a good idea to participate because I wanted to get familiar with the training and the soldiers,” said Johnson, a Southeastern Louisiana University alumnus.
Soldiers in the unit maneuvered through a series of training lanes including convoy live fire, react to a roadside bomb, casualty evacuation and other unit-level training tasks.
“As a finance detachment we aren’t often faced with most of these scenarios,” Johnson said. “But at worst case we will be prepared.”
Jarmusk explained that introducing the team to their new commander during their deployment training would help make them successful.
“I wanted to bring her [Johnson] out here with us,” said Jarmusk, a United States Military Academy graduate. “It gives her a chance to evaluate the team during their tactical certification and see what skill level they’re at. I know they’re going to be in great hands with her. I care about this team and want to see them do really well.”
Johnson is not only observing the unit but also getting a first hand look at how they work together. She filled the role as the detachment’s commander during the convoy live-fire.
During her observation she noticed something about the unit that makes her job easy, yet also presents a challenge.
“I want them to maintain the high standards they already have in place,” said Johnson, a 13-year veteran. “With hard work we can only excel.”
Even though Jarmusk is on her way out the door she still maintains her leadership role and doesn’t forget how important this training is to her unit.
“I want to make sure that we’re one unified cohesive group that’s ready to deploy later this year,” said Jarmusk, a native of Plano, Texas. “Also I want to see communication flow going smoothly and that our noncommissioned officers are taking charge and leading the soldiers.”
Johnson feels that the unit will be more than ready to deploy and conduct their mission as a detachment.
Jarmusk is proud of the work her team has done and continues to do. Once she relinquishes command on April 17 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., she will begin transitioning out of the Army.
“It’s really been an honor and privilege working with them,” said Johnson. “I respect them very much and know that they are more prepared for the deployment than they know. I appreciate all they hard work they have put in.”