FORT EUSTIS, Va. (March 1, 2016) – The command sergeant major who oversees the training and education for the backbone of America’s Army will conduct the service’s first live-streamed town hall focusing on noncommissioned officer development, March 3, from 5-7 p.m. EST.
The State of NCO Development Town Hall, which will cover recent and upcoming changes in NCO professional development, provides an opportunity for Command Sgt. Maj. David Davenport Sr., command sergeant for U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, to talk directly to Soldiers via live stream and social media.
“Their voices and feedback have been an important part of everything we’ve done so far,” Davenport said. “We want to continue the dialogue and share information — that’s why this town hall is such a great event.”
Davenport said there will always be uncertainty and questions whenever major changes take place in large-scale organizations like the Army, but Soldiers need to know and understand what’s going on, and that’s the purpose of the upcoming town hall. Here are four reasons why the town hall matters to Soldiers:
1. The questions answered during the town hall will be taken directly from Soldiers.
Whether through social media, live chat during the event or a direct email to Davenport, all questions are coming straight from the force. In order to have as many voices heard as possible, Davenport and the TRADOC Public Affairs Office will continue to solicit questions leading up to and during the event.
“In order for us to have a great discussion, I need a lot of great questions, and that’s why I’m reaching out to you all, personally, so that I can get those questions,” Davenport said in a recent selfie video promoting the town hall.
2. There will be a number of experts on hand to answer questions from across the Army, Reserve and National Guard.
Davenport and four additional panel members — subject matter experts on NCO development and education and the command sergeants major from the Army Reserve and Army National Guard — will be at the table to answer questions from town hall participants. Additionally, there will be several staff members from the Institute for Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development on hand to answer questions through live chat and social media.
3. Leaders are listening and changes are being made.
Throughout his time at TRADOC, Davenport has stressed the importance of Soldier feedback. On his blog, Davenport regularly requests Soldiers share their thoughts and ideas, using that feedback to improve training and education.
“I have been in the Army for a few days and understand the doubts that senior leaders are listening, but I assure you, I am,” Davenport said. “Many of the comments I have received are about fixing issues rather than complaining — that’s what professionals do.”
One example Davenport provided was improving Structured Self Development, noting that he received a number of comments and emails from Soldiers containing well thought out solutions to fix SSDs.
“I shared the comments with the working group, and each will be a part of the out brief as we determine the way ahead for SSDs,” he said.
4. This is a chance to learn about the future of your career and your Army — and help shape it.
Davenport said he looks forward to discussing the current Noncommissioned Officer Education System and describing the way ahead so NCOs can visualize the solutions senior leaders are working toward.
“More importantly, with that understanding, you can offer your comments to how NCOPDS will prepare NCOs to lead our Army well into the future.”
There’s still time to ask questions about NCO development and education, and there are several ways to ask. Type a question or post a video question to TRADOC’s Facebook page or Twitter using the hashtag #Talk2TRADOC, or submit your question on the live chat during the town hall, March 3, at 5 p.m. EST at www.tradoc.army.mil/watch.
For those who are unable to watch or participate in the town hall, the recorded session will be posted to TRADOC’s YouTube channel and social media, March 4.