Lt. Col. James R. Cutchin, civil military relations officer, 4th Infantry Division, makes a pass during a new staff orientation physical training session on Pershing Field Aug. 21, 2015. (Photo by Sgt. William Smith)
By Sgt. William Smith
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
New staff officers and NCOs received an introduction to the 4th Infantry Division, learning about each of its war fighting functions, Aug. 20-21, 2015.
During the orientation, new staff members developed an understanding of what all of the sections that make up a division do and the importance of working together to make the division stronger.
Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, stressed the need for his staff to work together to provide Soldiers with what they need.
“Those men and women have a lot on their shoulders,” he said. “This is the busiest division in the A
rmy. If you just look at 2nd (Infantry Brigade Combat Team) alone, they came back from deployment and had to reform. They went down to Fort Knox (Kentucky) to train cadets, they will come back, take a few days and go to the National Training Center (at Fort Irwin, California).”
Maj. Ryan Nugent, exercise planner, 4th Inf. Div., said the training was an eye-opening experience.
“I have never worked at the division level,” said Nugent. “I really enjoyed learning about what the Mission Command Element is doing in Europe. It is of great importance, and I look forward to doing a rotation over there.”
Gonsalves said the high operations tempo has taken a toll on leaders taking care of their Soldiers.
“We need to care for people like they are one of our Family members,” he said. “Call and check on them. If they need some help, you help them, give them guidance and counsel them. A simple conversation goes a long way; I want you to engage your folks, understand each other, care for each other, visit their houses, visit their Families and understand what is going on in their lives.
“Some people have a lot of stresses in their lives,” said Gonsalves. “I think we have lost that care and concern for one another. Does that mean be easy on them? No, hold them to the standard.”