VICENZA, Italy – U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa (SETAF-AF) is hosting a Company Commander and First Sergeant Pre-Command Course for the new Vicenza Military Command Teams, at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, from November 27, 2023 to December 1, 2023.
The course provides a unique leader development opportunity for new enterprise-level command teams by providing information on policies, programs and procedures critical to success in these demanding leadership positions.
“It’s a big responsibility,” says the brigadier. Gen. Brian Cashman, deputy commanding general of SETAF-AF, addressed the crowd of leaders: “You are burdened with the enormous weight of responsibility to care for the sons and daughters of our nation.”
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U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Brian Cashman, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa (SETAF-AF), addresses the company commander-first sergeant pre-command course at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, November 27, 2023. The course provides a unique leader development opportunity to new enterprise-level command teams by providing information on policies, programs and procedures critical to success in these demanding management positions. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Bobbi-Jo McGinley)
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During the week, the command teams of the two USAG-Italy And SETAF-AF spoke to course participants about the importance of being a leader in the U.S. military and provided them with leadership tips and advice they have learned during their years in command positions. Soldiers received advice on how to better prepare and develop as company-level leaders.
“I think one of the biggest benefits leaders will take away is collaboration and networking,” said 1st Sgt. James Barton, SETAF-AF, “All the leaders on this course have a wealth of knowledge and through the discussions we can all learn from these lessons learned.”
Course topics included how to establish and maintain a positive command climate, maintaining good order and discipline among Soldiers, health promotion and family programs. Subject matter experts from Army programs briefed course participants on the facilities and programs available to them and their Soldiers.
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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. 1st Class Natasha Handy, U.S. Army Southern Europe Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) senior sexual assault response coordinator, teaches a course on sexual harassment and sexual assault response and prevention assaults during the Company Commander-First Sergeant Pre-Command Course at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 29, 2023. The course provides a unique leader development opportunity to new company-level command teams by providing information on policies, programs and procedures critical to success in these demanding leadership positions. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Genesis Miranda)
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Sgt. 1st Class Natasha Handy, the Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention (SHARP) program manager, taught a section on the SHARP program and discussed the role of leaders in prevention and intervention. Maija Winesberry, a DoD Financial Preparedness program manager, also reviewed Savings Savings Plan (TSP), Army emergency relief (AER), and how understand a leave and earnings statement (THE).
The course teaches new command teams how to prepare to take command and all the resources available to assist Soldiers when they seek guidance, ensuring commanders and leaders can care for Soldiers and ensure Soldiers know the resources the military has to offer.
About SETAF-AF
SETAF-AF provides US Africa Command And US Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe.
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