Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston –
Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Seamands, commanding general of U.S.
Army Human Resources Command, briefed Fort Sam Houston officers and NCOs about upcoming impact and
changes in force structure, reductions forecast, professional development
programs and officer evaluation report changes at the Evans Theater Jan. 7.
“The brief cleared many of my doubts in reference to the new
evaluation process and concerns of drawdown,” said Maj. Vic Esparza, U.S. Army
North Engagement Cell information operations officer. “The briefing was
detailed and gave a clear vision on what to expect in the near future.”
Seamands discussed a number of topics that captured the
interest of attendees and answered questions to ensure clarity. Most of the
questions were referenced to officer professional development opportunities and
requirements, promotions and downsizing.
The general also talked about the importance of quality
versus quantity and how promotion board processes have changed.
“The most fundamental
change is that now we are going to assess officers, based on leader attributes
and competency to recognize is how important the investment we make,” Seamands
said. “We are assessing our officers consistent with our Army doctrine,
identifying our very best performers and identifying those officers with the
greatest potential.”
Seamands reiterated that Soldiers are people too, with plans
and aspirations and they need to be informed on current changes so they can
prepare for the future.
“We are trying to do
this right,” Seamands said. “So when an NCO or an officer is told that they
have to leave early they are set up for success after the Army.”
“The drawdown affects Soldiers and their families, their
dreams, aspirations and goals. It’s important for us to never lose sight of the
fact that there are Soldiers and families involved in the process,” he added.
New changes now show officers and NCOs the required career
course before attaining their next promotion or expand their knowledge and help
them understand the bigger picture.