SMA Ken Preston and CSM Troy Welch coming by on 5/16 for a live Q&A. What questions do you have for us?

2017-05-09T16:21:18-04:00

*RP Staff Will Be Monitoring This Discussion*

From RP Staff: RallyPoint is honored to host a live Q&A with both SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch. Thanks to AUSA, these two leaders have offered to stop by RP Tuesday afternoon, May 16th, to discuss leadership, the Army, AUSA, and more. Please post your questions below!

The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit organization dedicated to the professional success of our Army. For over 66 years, AUSA has gathered tens of thousands of loyal members across 119 chapters in a mission to serve our Soldiers as they advance the security of our nation. Strengthen their force and join today. http://www.ausa.org/join

About CSM Welch:
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Troy Welch entered active duty in June, 1977. He enlisted as a Food Service Specialist (94B later changed to 92G). Welch served in every leadership position from First Cook, Shift Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major. After serving 30 years, CSM Welch retired in July, 2007. His last tours of duty included Command Sergeant Major, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea and Eighth United States Army, and the first Army G4 Sergeant Major. CSM Welch is the first Food Service Specialist to serve at the Major Command Level.

About SMA Preston:
Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston served as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army from January 15, 2004 to March 1, 2011. He retires as the longest serving Sergeant Major of the Army with more than seven years in the position.

As Sergeant Major of the Army, Preston served as the Army Chief of Staff's personal adviser on all Soldier and Family related matters, particularly areas affecting Soldier training and quality of life. He devoted the majority of his time in this position to traveling throughout the Army serving as a force provider for leaders at all levels of responsibility, overseeing Soldier and unit training, manning and equipping challenges, and talking to Soldiers and their Families to understand their needs, personal hardships and challenges serving a Nation at war.

Preston is a native of Mount Savage, Md. He entered the Army on June 30, 1975. He attended Basic Training and Armor Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Throughout his 36-year career, he served in every enlisted leadership position from cavalry scout and tank commander to his final position as Sergeant Major of the Army. Other assignments he held as a command sergeant major were with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division; 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; 1st Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany; and V Corps in Heidelberg, Germany.

His most recent assignment prior to serving as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army was as the command sergeant major for Combined Joint Task Force 7 in Baghdad, Iraq.

His military education includes the Basic Noncommissioned Officer's Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer's Course, First Sergeant's Course, M1/M1A1 Tank Master Gunner Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer's Course, and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. Preston holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Trident University International.

His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Good Conduct Medal 11th award, National Defense ribbon with bronze star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NCOES Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon 5th award, the NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with bronze star, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Department of the Army Staff Badge.

He continues to support military service members and their families through his volunteer work serving on the Board of Directors for the United Services Organization (USO); Homes for Our Troops, a national non-profit organization assisting severely injured Veterans and their families by raising money, building materials and professional labor, and by coordinating the process of building a home at no cost to the Veterans and their families; the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, the Armed Forces Benefit Association, the Army Historical Foundation, and the Armor and Cavalry Historical Foundation. He volunteers as the parish treasurer for Saint George’s Episcopal Church in Mount Savage, MD.

He serves as the vice-chairman of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) and is a member of the Army and Air Force Exchange Retiree Council. He continues to support soldiers and their families as the Vice President of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).

Membership - Make the Jump | Association of the United States Army

Discounts on insurance, car rentals, event tickets, hotels and more which could easily cover the cost of your membership.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 9 at 2017 4:35 PM

2017-05-09T16:35:56-04:00

No questions at this time. Just wanted to say it was a privilege to have met you several years ago and thank both you and CSM Welch for what you've done for the Army and this country.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made May 9 at 2017 4:39 PM

2017-05-09T16:39:36-04:00

I would like to thank both SMA Preston and CSM Welch for answering questions and fielding opinions. My question is: Would it benefit new Enlistees to have a Soldier/Mentor (use to be called the Buddy System) assigned to each new Enlistee, mostly through Basic and AIT? Veterans could be recalled to AD, and could spaces where Cadre might not be able to. Thank You.
Spc. Lewis, Sheila (Vet/Student)

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made May 9 at 2017 6:43 PM

2017-05-09T18:43:17-04:00

RALLYPOINT CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO ITS MEMBERS!

RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH CSM KENNETH PRESTON AND CSM TROY WELCH ON MAY 16, 2017 IN THE AFTERNOON.

WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT LEADERSHIP, THE ARMY, AUSA AND MUCH MORE.

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE BIOGRAPHIES ON BOTH THESE GREAT WARRIORS ABOVE IN THE ORIGINAL POST BY THE RALLYPOINT STAFF:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/sma-ken-preston-and-csm-troy-welch-coming-by-on-5-16-for-a-live-q-a-what-questions-do-you-have-for-us

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.

YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

CAPT Michael Moran Claudio Alpaca Sgt Bruce C.[988439:SSgt James Carter]1LT J Neil Jednoralski MSgt Guillermo Ybarra III (HVAC Recruiter)1SG James Matthews COL Brian Ludera

SMA Ken Preston and CSM Troy Welch coming by on 5/16 for a live Q&A. What questions do you have...

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 9 at 2017 6:55 PM

2017-05-09T18:55:05-04:00

Thanks SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch for your many decades of service to this nation and for taking the time to read and respond to questions.
For decades AUSA has attracted commissioned and non-commissioned officers to membership and participation.
Disclaimer: I have been involved with AUSA and have presented at and attended many national conventions over the decades.
How does AUSA benefit junior enlisted and NCO soldiers and their families?
How best can this message be spread far and wide?
Thanks COL Mikel J. Burroughs for reminding me.
FYI LTC Stephen C. CW5 Private RallyPoint Member CSM Charles Hayden SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Robert Ruck CPL Eric Escasio SPC Private RallyPoint Member CPT Gabe Snell SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. CPT Gabe Snell MSG Andrew White SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made May 9 at 2017 9:28 PM

2017-05-09T21:28:23-04:00

Many Soldiers and Veterans alike face adversity/change/transition. How have you handled it and what is your advise on it now?

Also, do you think participation and supporting a VSO is something a veteran should do? Why?

Response by SSG Warren Swan made May 9 at 2017 9:51 PM

2017-05-09T21:51:50-04:00

SMA and CSM thank both of you for coming and answering questions. We've been on a roll these past few days with good speakers who have relevant insights.

My question is simple yet hard; the Army is stretched beyond the breaking point. I could dress it up and put a bow on it, but you can see with the numbers lost through sequestration, and regular ETS.Retirements, we're taking a beating along with the sister services. When will this end? What is being done to stem the tide? I see a lot of experience being shown the door, and what have we (the Army) gotten in return? I do not see a decent or effective ROI. Sequestration was not implemented by DOD, and I know that, but with the number and level of deployments rising, your tried and true leaders leaving, what are we leaving the younger troops? I could train all day long for battle, and while it would be "effective", it would be even more effective if I had someone who's been over there a few times, who could tailor the training to focus on what I would do vs. running through all the battle drills believing I've done something. DOD has a plethora of troops who would gladly, openly, and willingly go back in and train the youth, go with the youth, or save the youth from the pitfalls and realities of battle. I cannot think of anyone I know who would want a young man to see the realities of war, both on the battlefield and when you get home. Why are we not pushing harder to harness this knowledge? Why aren't we heeding their calls, and using AKO and the Lesions Learned portion will never come close to a salty SQD LDR or PSG who might never make the next rank, but could give you a mean lecture on how to make every battle drill more efficient in a real-world situation. Train as you fight, fight as you train. I've used almost every simulator imaginable, and while effective, did not compare to my Team Sgt's guidance the second I got to him. Most of what I thought I knew, proved I didn't know anything. He was a MSG over 20 who should've made SGM/CSM LONG ago, but life and career choices can change your prospects for promotion. He to this day I credit for showing me real life vs. "training" for real life. He is also while both of us are retired, the first person I'll call to ask questions on regular lie items, military related items, and ways forward.

"“Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day
you have stopped leading them.” GEN Colin Powell.

We have a LOT of great leaders who are still capable. Why not use the skills to harness the future?
Thank both of you for coming and I hope I asked my question correctly and not with any malice taken. While I am one who would come back tomorrow, there are many better than me, who could do better, faster, and more expedient than I could. Use them and their knowledge while we can. Every war has found new ways of making this mistake. We need to end it now.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 9:58 PM

2017-05-09T21:58:19-04:00

Excellent opportunity, thank you, Col. !

Response by Maj John D Benedict made May 9 at 2017 10:09 PM

2017-05-09T22:09:09-04:00

I'll be traveling out of state during the event, but I want to say thanks to Col Mikel Burroughs for the invite, and thanks to SMA Ken Preston and CSM Troy Welch for giving those of us on RallyPoint this opportunity.
I do have some concerns about readiness, but I see SSG Warren Swan covered them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 11:57 PM

2017-05-09T23:57:15-04:00

No questions from me, just like the questions of others and comments to follow. Thank you COL Mikel J. Burroughs for the invite, and thank you SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch for your continued service. God Bless.

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made May 10 at 2017 1:44 AM

2017-05-10T01:44:20-04:00

SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch thank you for your service and leadership to our great country and thank you for this opportunity for the members of the RP. While I have no questions for you, I do have a request. I would like to ask both of you, if you would use your considerable influence to lobby our Congress, DOD and POTUS to get what ever you think our services need to be rebuilt. Our warriors need the best of everything to stay the mightiest military in the free world. I'd really appreciate the hell out a that. Best of luck to you both and God Bless.
Ooha

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 10 at 2017 6:37 AM

2017-05-10T06:37:21-04:00

No questions at this time, would like to thank you and SMA Preston for your service and dedication to your country and to the service.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made May 10 at 2017 10:12 AM

2017-05-10T10:12:59-04:00

SMA Ken Preston and CSM Troy Welch, Thank you very much for taking you busy time to answer all the QA here on RALLY POINT. I just wanted to say what an honor it was to meet you back in the in 2006 when I returned back from Iraq and you where wearing the new ACUs. You came to our TSBN command for a command briefing and I got to meet you. WOW, I still have the photo I show my 9 year daughter. you still look the same but I do not look like the warrior I was. But inside I still am, because she is young and I have to be young for this kid. Thank you for everything you do, the both of you..

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 12:31 PM

2017-05-10T12:31:48-04:00

SMA Preston, many Soldiers I knew felt you did an amazing job during some of the hardest years the Army faced operationally between two major wars, although we don't get to see much at company/battery levels. What was your greatest victory, and your hardest fought battle (if different) as SMA 13?

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 10 at 2017 1:11 PM

2017-05-10T13:11:31-04:00

I have no questions, SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch. However, I wish to extend my thanks to you both for your service to our country.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 15 at 2017 11:51 AM

2017-05-15T11:51:55-04:00

Several small cities in Southern California and local charities as well as VFW and AL posts are contributing food, furniture, diapers, money, and much more to help young families at Camp Pendleton struggling with inadequate pay and resources. Is this situation endemic at Army bases and, if so, is it part of the AUSA mission to address it?

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made May 15 at 2017 11:56 AM

2017-05-15T11:56:17-04:00

Why is the 1800-suidice line being used to collect data on the soldier and what he claims he did. What is it being used for?

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made May 15 at 2017 12:21 PM

2017-05-15T12:21:24-04:00

The CSM's need to get Army University to be a stronger advocate to send enlisted and NCO's to higher quality colleges through the use of Tuition Assistance (TA) and the various forms of GI Bill funding. Today, the highest TA spending that the Army does is to the schools with the lowest quality in terms of graduation rate, highest student debt, etc.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made May 15 at 2017 12:25 PM

2017-05-15T12:25:03-04:00

Thanks SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch for your many years of selfless service to our nation, our Army and our Soldiers & families. We appreciate your time reading and responding to questions.

My concern is with Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay (CRDP). The initiative to overhaul/reform this benefit is wrong. As you know, Military pensions are earned by the very small fraction of the American population that protects our great nation. I am all for our Government to cut spedning in areas to support and finance other areas, however, our CRDP shouldn't be touched. " Can you provide an update on the vote of this change? Thank you! MSG(R) Scott McBride.

H.R. 303 was introduced by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) on January 5, 2017. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that military retired pay should not be reduced because a military retiree is also eligible for veterans' disability compensation awarded for a service-connected disability. It also allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability."

Response by COL John Hudson made May 15 at 2017 1:45 PM

2017-05-15T13:45:09-04:00

I was (am) extremely disappointed in the recent controversy over hair styles demanded by representatives of some groups. The larger surprise was the seeming acquiescence to such demands by senior leadership. I devoted 30 years of my life to a set of standards that incorporated ALL service members into ONE family with ONE set of rules for all. Our military environment is fully explained prior to any enlistment as well as expectations of dress and appearance. I have no understanding as to how or why this even became an issue. I ask why any such demand would ever see the light of day and what resolution came as a result?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-05-15T15:04:38-04:00

Is there anyway we can setup a waiting list for NCOES for those who are not promotable. Instead having to go through your command with a 4187, can we instead setup a system where NCOs who are motivated, energetic and go getters can place themselves through ASK or some similar system who are willing to go on a moments notice, on a waiting list to go to ALC/SLC. This way the slots don't go to waste, the ARMY won't lose money on empty slots and you get those students who want to be there.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made May 15 at 2017 5:47 PM

2017-05-15T17:47:04-04:00

I just want to say thank you for visiting Rally Point.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made May 15 at 2017 5:51 PM

2017-05-15T17:51:42-04:00

SMA Kenneth Preston, I believe we served together in the Blackhorse 11th ACR in Fulda Germany. I worked in the RS1. I knew then you were a great leader and I know now your are even a better leader. Thank you for all that you have done.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 15 at 2017 5:58 PM

2017-05-15T17:58:56-04:00

SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch-
In your respected opinion, is today's Army ready for a Nuclear war; should that indeed be necessary?
-Best Regards to the Two of You,
Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army (Ret): Coach/Photographer

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made May 15 at 2017 6:42 PM

2017-05-15T18:42:52-04:00

Respectfully SMA Preston and CSM Welch my question and concern is how are we bridging the gap in prevention and intervention of PTSD. Many families leave the Army not realizing the trauma and pathway to homelessness. We are finding our Reserve and National Guard Soldiers missing two Battle Assemblies are committing suicide.

V/R

CH (CPT) Heather Davis
33 years and still serving!!

Response by TSgt James Carson made May 15 at 2017 6:47 PM

2017-05-15T18:47:19-04:00

I have a question, please. My son joined the Air Force in the fall of 2013. His medical was fine before going into service as stated by his doctor. My son completed basic training and was awaiting his entry into tech school after the holidays. While in P.A.T.S., he was performing details with others in his group. The red rope, or person in charge, one morning ordered all airmen to remove their winter gear because two airmen had lost theirs, and work in very cold weather for several days. My son became ill of course. When he reported to sick call there at Lackland AFB TX., my son was checked out, then several days later discharged from the Air Force. He received his DD-Form 219, without a discharge status, ie, Honorable, medical, or other. We have done inquiries on this matter, but without getting assistance in this matter. We have contacted military sources as given him to do, but still no satisfactory answer has come forth.

Response by TSgt James Carson made May 15 at 2017 6:57 PM

2017-05-15T18:57:02-04:00

I have retired from the Air Force since April 1991. I fulfilled 22 years service. My question is, why have military retiree services contact offices when you are treated as a 5th class citizen when you are required to contact those offices. Believe me. If I didn't have to bother them, I wouldn't ever. It seems I cannot be left alone and the offices I'm told I have to deal with, most certainly don't want to help me or know of me or my fellow retirees I talk to often. Is there, besides a Congress person, a place or offices that truly wish to leave me and my fellow retirees alone since they really don't wish to be of help?

Response by CSM Michael Sweeney made May 15 at 2017 9:18 PM

2017-05-15T21:18:01-04:00

Not a question. Just a statement of how proud I have been of CSM Welch. I saw his potential as a SSG in 3/4 CAV and I was in Div Food Service. I was ecstatic when I heard he was selected for USFK, ETC in Korea. Troy, You continue to serve, also no surprize. CSM Mike Sweeney.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 15 at 2017 11:24 PM

2017-05-15T23:24:54-04:00

SMA Kenneth Preston CSM Troy Welch thank you for your honorable service to the Nation. I would like to know from your experiences as a Soldier; what leadership style worked the best for you to motivate Soldiers and why? Now that you've transitioned from the military; what Veterans issues do you advocate the most and why?

TSgt Joe C. SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC Stephen F. CSM Charles Hayden ] SPC Margaret Higgins SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan LTC Private RallyPoint Member MSG Andrew White SGT Private RallyPoint Member SFC Dave Beran SP5 Robert Ruck SGT Philip Roncari SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SFC Shirley Whitfield MSgt George Cater SSG Shavonde Chase

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 16 at 2017 12:44 PM

2017-05-16T12:44:14-04:00

SMA Kenneth Preston CSM Troy Welch - thanks for being here with us today. My question is- with the obvious threat of cyberwarfare and such attacks happening more and more these days, do you think the Army is evolving fast enough to handle this non-traditional type of enemy threat?

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made May 16 at 2017 1:14 PM

2017-05-16T13:14:47-04:00

I wonder what are you're thoughts on the posting of imminent military strikes and battle plans on social media. My personal thoughts on this are that we give our adversaries just what they need to defeat us or at least minimize our success. I find it foolish to put anything other than perhaps casualty or successful military operations on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media sites.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made May 16 at 2017 2:37 PM

2017-05-16T14:37:22-04:00

SMA, CSM, have been seeing a lot of conversation and articles on revamping the rifles to 7.62mm. Like the idea of more take down power/ range but thought the reason the Army went from .30 Cal to 5.56 was originally to reduce load while allowing Soldiers to carry more rounds in basic load.
Was interested in what has changed, or if this was to put our folks more in line with NATO partners like the Germans and Brits?

At the same time see a lot of articles about reducing troop loads. was thinking it seemed out of concert with each other to reduce equipment weight and gain it back in ammo and rifle weight.

Thank you for your time and service. Respectfully Rick St.Cyr.

Response by Kathlean Keesler made May 16 at 2017 4:00 PM

2017-05-16T16:00:17-04:00

At this moment I am without a question. At this moment I am filled with gratitude, specific to what you are active in. Thanks for your contribution and assisting (serving) our active ARMY members. Respectfully, Kate

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 16 at 2017 4:13 PM

2017-05-16T16:13:05-04:00

Good Day SMA,

Thanks for your time. My question is about accountability of NCO's by NCO's. What should junior enlisted and younger NCO's do when they see their leadership not meeting the standards they are tasked with enforcing? For example, last year when CSM Flournoy story came out there were many comments on both RallyPoint and WTFM that said this had been going on with this individual for a long time and no one wanted to say anything or when someone did they were told to stay in their lane. Ultimately it took an act of social media and bad PR to correct this however, as a professional, this seemed like the wrong way to approach this problem. IMO, it made the unit, the NCO corps and the Army look bad.

What should young leaders do in these kinds of situations? What is the best way to make sure we are properly policing ourselves and meeting the same standards?

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-would-you-do-if-your-csm-was-ignoring-uniform-and-grooming-standards-csm-flournoy

What would you do if your CSM was ignoring uniform and grooming standards? (CSM Flournoy) |...

So this CSM from the the 8th MP BDE seems to be out of regulations. From the comments she has been corrected but she claims she is being harassed. I don't even understand how she got to be a CSM at a BDE. What COL out there is letting this happen? In one of the photos she is wearing stilettos in uniform. WTF? What kind of example is this. The worst is from a Facebook user that said: "This one!!!! Holy **** she was in charge of us in...

Response by SMA Kenneth Preston made May 16 at 2017 4:19 PM

2017-05-16T16:19:57-04:00

Thanks to the Rally Point Team for inviting us to come by. Many thanks to all who participated, your questions were appreciated. Please check out NCO and Soldier Programs at ausa.org and sign up for [login to see]
V/r
SMA Preston and CSM Welch.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 16 at 2017 4:36 PM

2017-05-16T16:36:59-04:00

SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch Gentlemen, thank you for coming to this forum. I was not able to participate live. I served for over 20 yrs achieved numerous goals and as I was not wanting to retire I forged on until the BASD change to promotions and I was told I had reached my service limit. This was a hard thing to accept, as you can imagine.

I am curious how do you feel about the streamlining of our ranks based on time in service?

Response by CSM Troy Welch made May 18 at 2017 11:08 AM

2017-05-18T11:08:30-04:00

On Tuesday, 23 May, 2017 SMA Preston and CSM Welch will attend the NCO panel discussion during LANPAC. For the complete agenda click here: http://ausameetings.org/lanpac2017/

LANPAC 2017

The Association of the United States Army’s 2017 LANPAC Symposium & Exposition is a world-class, international event highlighting the role of land forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific theater and their contributions to the Joint Force in peace and war. The strategic location of Hawaii brings together government and industry representatives from our allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific theater.

Response by SGT Jeffrey Dennis made May 30 at 2017 8:48 PM

2017-05-30T20:48:10-04:00

First, let me think both of these fine NCOs for their Decades of honorable service. Everyone knows that the Army is facing huge challenges. I'd like to know what the sergeant major of the army thinks are its most pressing issues and how he would address them.

Response by CSM Troy Welch made Jun 1 at 2017 2:21 PM

2017-06-01T14:21:47-04:00

President Trump’s long-promised hotline for veteran complaints officially launches Today!! The phone line — live now at [login to see] — is designed to “collect, process and respond to the complaints of individual veterans in a responsive, timely and accountable manner,” according to Department of Veterans Affairs officials.

http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/white-house-veterans-complaint-line?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%206.1.17&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Military%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief

white-house-veterans-complaint-line

Response by Kathlean Keesler made Jun 29 at 2017 3:44 PM

2017-06-29T15:44:07-04:00

Thank you for this amazing dialect; there remains so much I do not understand, let alone comprehend - this helps. Sponge brain - Kate