Deployed soldiers in the next generation of Army enlisted leaders were able to complete the Basic Leaders Course in Kuwait without having to go back to the United States for classes or delay their promotion eligibility.
What you must do in order to become successful in this military is you must be a leader of character, competence and commitment.”
Army Maj. Gen. Steven Ferrari, commander, Task Force Spartan Shield and the 42nd Infantry Division
The newest graduating class included more than 40 soldiers from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, with about 120 more from throughout the U.S. Army Central Command area of responsibility.
“This is your first developmental class; hopefully, you’ll have plenty more,” Army Maj. Gen. Steven Ferrari, the commander of Task Force Spartan Shield and the Infantry Division, told the latest graduates.
Enlisted soldiers must take many courses as they progress through the Army’s ranks. Completing the Basic Leaders Course is the first step in that progression, and it gives future enlisted leaders a glimpse at what it takes to become a noncommissioned officer and what it takes to lead other soldiers properly.
“As you progress through your career, you will go to many courses, but none will be as unique as this one,” Ferrari said. “It gives you an overview on how to lead, but everyone will develop their own style in how to lead. What you must do in order to become successful in this military is you must be a leader of character, competence and commitment.”
BY ARMY SGT. ANDREW WINCHELL, TASK FORCE SPARTAN