“As I became an officer, I took my experiences as an enlisted Soldier and used them to help shape who I am now.”
— Capt. Mia Hansis
By Staff Sgt. Robert Duran
4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Capt. Mia Hansis, Bravo Det commander, 230th FMSU, 4th STB, 4SB, 4ID. (Courtesy photo)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — For some Army leaders, the burden of command can weigh heavily upon their shoulders. For others, it’s an opportunity to work directly with Soldiers and affect change at the lowest levels.
One such officer from within the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, has stood out amongst her peers — Capt. Mia Hansis, currently serving as commander of Bravo Detachment, 230th Financial Management Support Unit (FMSU), 4th Special Troops Battalion (STB), 4th SB, 4th Inf. Div.
Hansis’ battalion commander, Lt. Col. Travis Hill, and the then 4th Sustainment Brigade commander, Col. Steven Putthoff, recognized Hansis’ ability to lead troops and effectively command the FMSU from the rear as the main body was deployed overseas last year.
“Capt. Hansis is an example I look to as a model of engaged leadership and exemplary character,” said Putthoff. “She consistently proves herself as a steadfast and loyal leader in the 4th Sustainment Brigade and 4th Infantry Division community.”
Having served in the Army for 15 years, Hansis first entered the service on the enlisted side as a medical laboratory technician. About seven years ago, she commissioned as a finance officer.
“As I became an officer, I took my experiences as an enlisted Soldier and used them to help shape who I am now,” said Hansis.
At any given time across the Army, there are roughly 120,000 junior officers and warrant officers.
“Mia Hansis represents the future of our Army leadership,” said Hill. “In true “Trailblazer” fashion, with care and empathy, she provides phenomenal support and guidance to the Soldiers, civilians and Families of the Mountain Post Community.”
Being hand-selected for command not only validates her leadership abilities, but it also reassures her that what she’s doing is working.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The Hansis family, Mia, Christopher (husband) and Axel (son) enjoy their time together during a warm Colorado summer. (Courtesy photo)
“What I’ve done throughout my command time is what leaders should do in any position they hold,” she said. “This leadership style is something I hope to pass on to everyone I come in contact with throughout the Army.”
“I understand that everyone is human and mistakes happen,” she said. “What I expect from my subordinate leaders and my Soldiers, is to learn from those experiences and seek improvement.” Hansis knows people are not perfect, but hopes to instill a sense of purpose, direction and pride within her troops.
Following her time as a detachment commander, Hansis will become the Special Troops Battalion operations officer. She said she hopes to one day move with her husband, Christopher, and son, Axel, to a finance position in Germany, and travel Europe.
“Chris is prior military, and with his job now he has to travel a lot,” Hansis said. “I’m extremely fortunate enough to have an amazing support system here within 4th SB. At any time, I can call any number of my friends and co-workers, and they would drop what they’re doing to help me. And I would do the same for them.
“I love my job, I love leading Soldiers, and I love planning. I think the pinnacle of my career would be becoming an FMSU battalion commander.”
Wherever she ends up next, one thing is for certain — the troops she works with will have a dedicated, passionate and driven leader.