Challenging training critical to ARSOF missions

The United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School must continue to focus on challenging training that prepares special-operations Soldiers and leaders at every level to fight unconventional warfare and to deploy as a joint, combined-arms team worldwide. The training this center and school provides is crucial for the tough missions ahead. The Warrior Ethos and Soldiers' Creed must remain deeply embedded in our training mission: mission first, never accept defeat and never leave behind a fallen comrade. Our cadre and instructors will instill in every special-operations Soldier the will to fight, win and prevail on the battlefield.

Because of rapid advances in technology, weaponry, training aids and training methods, we must continue to make bold changes and incorporate technological solutions. We must apply lessons learned immediately and understand where our Soldiers may be expected to fight and under what conditions. It is imperative our Soldiers understand that every Soldier is a rifleman first; this is the key to defeating our enemies. Always remember, Soldiers fight as their leaders have trained them!

Everyone's ideas are important in overcoming facilities issues. The quality of our facilities is critical to our Soldiers receiving proper and safe training, now and in the future. Facilities upgrades are often overlooked and under-funded because of a lack of leader involvement at every level. We, as leaders, need to work together and look into the future to upgrade our facilities, logistical requirements, storage areas and ranges and to apply transformation at our institution.

Our nation and Army are at war. The JFK Special Warfare Center and School is not only a decisive component but the centerpiece of America's national strategy for conducting the Global War on Terrorism. We are the nation's only unconventional-warfare training capability. The special-operations Soldiers that we train will be fierce warriors: well-trained, well-prepared and disciplined professionals who will not fail our nation. Veritas et Libertas!

Command Sergeant Major Dave M. Bruner is the command sergeant major for the JFK Special Warfare Center and School.

COPYRIGHT 2005 John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group