FORT KNOX, KY –
Soldiers from the 138th Fires Brigade assembled at Fort Knox for two days and received specialized training in seven key areas, known as “resiliency training”.
Approximately 750 soldiers participated in the training, which is now an annual requirement. While most mandatory training soldiers receive is field-related soldiering skills, the new resiliency training is geared towards making today’s soldier a more well-rounded individual.
Soldiers received instruction on financial planning, employment and education opportunities and health awareness. Brigade leaders, including Sgt. 1st Class Scotty Turner, said the courses prepared senior non-commissioned officers for assisting and mentoring younger soldiers here on the home front even if the unit isn’t in a drilling status.
“Being a member of the National Guard is not just a part time duty, as we have come to recognize over the past several years,” he said. “We as leaders, have a full-time obligation to be readily available for the troops for any situation they may encounter, professionally or personally.”
The mandatory briefings were a welcomed change from the typical outdoors warrior and field artillery specific training soldiers in the 138th typically receive during a drill weekend.
According to 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery Commander, Lt. Col. Jeffery Hughes, today’s soldier must not just be physically and mentally prepared for battle, but also personally and professionally responsible to his family and civilian employers.
“In today’s military our soldiers are dealing with issues that are so easily overlooked and often go unaddressed,” he said. “Current conflicts that our Armed Forces are facing, with deployments and the high tempo that we are sustaining, it takes its toll on our soldiers and their families.
“Families are a very vital part to the success of our organization, as well as employers and communities. This training provided some of the tools to strengthen those relationships, and keep us a resilient force,” he said.
Brig. Cmdr. Col. Rondal Turner agreed with Hughes, and said a resilient soldier is an asset to the unit, Family and the community.
“We covered the gamut from job training, financial assistance, health and fitness and soldier readiness,” he said. “All these things help make our soldiers competitive both in the civilian and military environments. That was my intent and from what my soldiers have reported back, they were well pleased with the training and information they received.”