FORT CARSON, Colo. — Sgt. Francisco Funes, left, and Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Alexander, right, with 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, talk to Acting Secretary of the Army Honorable John E. Whitley May 13, 2021, in an M1064 Mortar Carrier.
By 2nd Lt. John E. Fitzpatrick
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Sgt. First Class Nathan Weeden, left, with 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, talks to Acting Secretary of the Army Honorable John E. Whitley May 13, 2021, in an M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Photo by Pfc. Collin MacKown)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Acting Secretary of the Army Honorable John E. Whitley visited Fort Carson May 13, 2021, and met with leadership and Soldiers from 1st Space Brigade and the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), 4th Infantry Division.
While visiting the 3rd ABCT, leadership briefed Whitley on the unit’s capabilities and training, including a recent rotation to the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, California. Whitley discussed the future of mechanized Army formations, and how their roles in the forward combat environments will evolve as the Army continues its modernization efforts.
“These are two textbook cases of the future,” said Whitley, referring to the armored and the space brigades. “You look at Europe and what a near-peer fight there would look like, what these units are preparing for, it’s going to be an all-domain fight.”
Whitley toured a motor pool and met with Soldiers across the 3rd ABCT. During vehicle tours, Soldiers discussed their careers and recent NTC rotation with Whitley.
“Getting this unit to the field is a huge undertaking; from the vehicle maintenance to the training, to all the other steps involved,” said Whitley. “To go to NTC and be so effective is really impressive (for) the leadership of the (brigade) and the Soldiers.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Acting Secretary of the Army Honorable John E. Whitley and Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, discuss the future of Army policies May 13, 2021. McFarlane discussed “People First,” foundational readiness and predictability to ensure the 4th Inf. Div. stays battle ready. (Photo by Pfc. Collin MacKown)
Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, and other Fort Carson leaders talked to Whitley about the Army’s “People First” initiative and the division’s work toward readiness and modernization. McFarlane emphasized that while significant progress had been made, much work remained as the initiative continues to be implemented.
While visiting the 1st Space Brigade, leaders discussed the evolving nature of combat theaters, the upcoming operational and tactical development of space systems and the envisioned future of Army space assets as tactical resources. Col. Donald K. Brooks, commander of 1st Space Brigade, said his unit was honored to be able to show its mission, skillset and Soldiers during the visit.
“Being able to take this opportunity in a time of decreasing resources to show him where we are now and how we are postured to fight that future fight is critical,” said Brooks. “Especially in today’s day and age as our adversaries increase their capabilities and their anti-access and area denial mindset, space is going to be the way that we win that future fight.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Col. Donald K. Brooks, commander of 1st Space Brigade; and Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, commanding general of the U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command, welcomes Acting Secretary of the Army Honorable John E. Whitley to the 1st Space Brigade Headquarters May 13, 2021. (Photo by Pfc. Collin MacKown)