An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN THE NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS | Nov. 21, 2022

V Corps, reserve component leaders sync efforts in lively symposium

By Sgt. Maj. Michael Pintagro V Corps

Around two dozen V Corps, National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve senior leaders synchronized organization and efforts in Eastern Europe during a dynamic Reserve Component Symposium held Friday and Saturday (Nov. 18-19) at Victory Corps headquarters on post.

State adjutants general – known throughout National Guard circles as TAGs, commanders of relevant U.S. Army Reserve formations and their deputies joined Maj. Gen. Jeffery D. Broadwater, the corps deputy commanding general, and key host unit staff officers for the two-day forum.

Other senior leaders – including Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski, the corps commanding general, staff officers and subject matter experts from formations overseeing efforts in Eastern Europe participated remotely.

The first day featured a tour of corps facilities and overview of unit history and mission set, punctuated by social activities. The second day sessions featured strong substantive briefings, presentations and discussions.

The corps CG greeted participants virtually and set the tone for a substantive and spirited discussion. Other CGs, TAGs and deputies subsequently discussed their organizations and efforts, emphasizing opportunities for improved synchronization across components, echelons and units. Kolasheski offered reflections, asked questions and guided discussions following each brief.

TAGs and other National Guard leaders emphasized their formations’ role in the State Partnership Program. The SPP, administered by the National Guard Bureau, aligns U.S. states with partner nations in support of Department of Defense and whole of government goals. Army Reserve senior leaders focused on their units’ unique structures, missions and functional capabilities.

Event planners, who envision the forum as an annual gathering, described the event as productive.

“This was a rare opportunity for active, Reserve and National Guard leaders to speak directly with each other and discuss future plans, initiatives and training opportunities,” said Maj. Brad W. Young, a lead symposium organizer. “The ‘offline’ discussion and ‘cross-talk’ were equally important. Very enthusiastic dialogue throughout the symposium – I think they really embraced the opportunity.”

“Everything went exceptionally well,” added the Quakertown, Pennsylvania, native. “All the feedback has been very positive so far. I think they’re already looking forward to meeting up next year.”

Brig. Gen. Roger F. Deon, Jr., CG of the Army Reserve Aviation Command and a key event architect, praised the symposium as an enduring forum for strategic discussion among senior corps and component leaders.

"The V Corps Annual RC Symposium is the primary opportunity for both Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve commands to synchronize our strategic efforts with those of V Corps – towards our common goals in the European Command area of responsibility,” he said. “We must ensure a multi-component effort -- over an extended period of time -- in order to, one, forge an integrated deterrence, two, synchronize our campaign plans, and three, build enduring advantages for our NATO Allies and partners.”

The Newark, New York native connected his organization and the symposium with broader regional and national strategic goals.

“Together with V Corps, ARAC will help ensure the necessary forces to execute the National Defense Strategy and build the long-term capacity to rapidly deploy forces in support of the European Deterrence Initiative,” he said. “Together, we can enhance the operational depth of theater aviation assets -- and help V Corps achieve the (U.S. Army Europe and Africa) CG’s intent."

Other National Guard and Army Reserve (known colloquially as “Components 2 and 3” respectively in military force management circles) senior leaders seemed equally enthusiastic about the event.

“We really appreciate General Kolasheski putting this together,” said Maj. Gen. Tim Thombleson, the Indiana deputy TAG. “It was a great opportunity to discuss how we support operations across the theater, and especially great to have senior reps from Compo’s 2 and 3 present – we rarely have such a perfect opportunity for cross-talk.”

“It’s great the corps leaders brought us together like this,” added Brig. Gen. Joseph Dziezynski, CG of the Military Intelligence Readiness Command and a native of Utica, New York. “The better we understand each other, the better we can help each other.”

Senior leaders from the host command seemed gratified by the outcome of the event and optimistic about future endeavors.

“V Corps was honored to host the symposium,” said the Corps DCG, a native of nearby Ratcliff. “It brough our great military leaders together to strengthen our efforts to improve interoperability and security cooperation with our NATO Allies and partners.”