Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Ayala, 1st Stryker Brigade Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks with NCOs from across the brigade about the importance of taking care of Soldiers and their Families at McMahon Auditorium Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)
“If we, as leaders, are not teaching them what is available … how do they know where to go to find the resources …”
— Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Ayala
By Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
NCOs from across the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, dressed in their Army Service Uniforms for payday activities, made their way to the McMahon Auditorium Dec. 2, 2016, to discuss engaged leadership and what they can do to support their Soldiers.
The purpose of this NCO professional development session (NCOPD) was to ensure the NCOs knew what resources were available to help them take care of their Soldiers and their Families, said Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Ayala, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div.
“There is a delicate balance for taking care of Soldiers,” he said. “I think we are continually focused on our wartime mission and don’t give enough time to train the art of caring for Soldiers in garrison. If we, as leaders, are not teaching them what is available to them, how do they know where to go to find the resources available to them?”
Army Community Service (ACS), Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), behavioral health and suicide prevention were among the topics briefed. Leaders heard from the brigade command team and chaplain, and were trained to respond to Soldier issues.
NCOs from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, learn about the resources available on Fort Carson during an NCO professional development session at McMahon Auditorium Dec. 2, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)
“The NCOs have to continually train themselves so they can better take care of their Soldiers. Many times Soldiers will come to (their NCOs) with problems they have never heard of, and (the NCOs) will think if they don’t know the answer right away (they may question) themselves as a leader,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Dutton, sexual assault response coordinator, 1st SBCT. “They don’t have to have the answer; they need to know who can get the answer for them and what resources they need to provide for that Soldier.”
The NCOPD is a way to help leaders tackle problems that may arise over the holidays, a time known to bring out the best and worst in people.
“I learned where some of the resources are for when the Soldiers have problems. I have been here about three months (so) it is good to know where ASAP and ACS are located,” said Sgt. Joseph Gutierrez, team leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment. “It will provide me with the tools I’ll need to help Soldiers when they come to me (for assistance).”