Army Reserve Soldiers, Civilians, and Families:
Over the past two years, Command Sergeant Major Lombardo, Command Chief Nelligan and I have visited thousands of Soldiers to listen, learn, answer questions, and fix problems. This past year I emphasized Changing Culture by re-prioritizing focus onto tough, realistic training, done safely. Key to success will be good training and maintenance management. Also, leaders at echelon need to alleviate overburdened staffs by clearly prioritizing tasks and eliminating unnecessary requirements.
We also started a Recruiting and Retention Campaign to grow and retain our top talent, while bringing in the next generation of Army Reserve Soldiers. My Big Hairy Audacious Goal is to be over strength 3,000 Sergeants and 500 Captains by the end of my tenure in July 2024. This would enable progress toward eliminating the aggregation strategy.
To achieve this Goal, we need empowered and engaged leaders demonstrating presence (two levels down). Their top priority is: Tough, Realistic Training, Done Safely. Given our focus on Large Scale Combat Operations, we need greater proficiency in Training Management. Division and Brigade leaders and staffs need to help Battalion and Companies build, resource, conduct, and critique achievable training plans. Leaders need to assume risk when approving subordinates' training calendars and plans. Don't assume risk for safety.
Execute a maintenance management plan so that equipment is ready at a moment's notice. Focus on the basics: do preventative maintenance, use your equipment, and if it breaks, have the maintainers fix it. Build a positive relationship with your ECS/AMSAs.
I need everyone's help with closing the knowledge divide between American Citizens and the military. Be a part of the "Meet Your Army" initiative. Te// Your Stories. Connect with the American public. Educate community and business leaders. Inspire others to serve. Talk to friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates about who you are and what you do for the Army Reserve and the Nation. Your amazing backgrounds and stories build bridges, help us recruit the best and the brightest, and let us remain an All Volunteer Force.
Ready Now! Shaping Tomorrow…
Jody J. Daniels
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army
Chief of Army Reserve/Commanding General,
U.S. Army Reserve Command