THE GRIFFON • Fall 2015 • 57 4.) In addition to the camouflage pattern change, the Operational Camouflage Pattern ACUs will incorporate minor design changes. These improvements were a result of Soldier feedback. Changes include redesigned shoulder sleeve pockets with a zipper opening, no trouser drawstring, a button on the lower calf pocket, two pen pockets on the sleeve instead of three, and the elimination of the elbow and knee patch hook and loop. Pocket Guide: https:// ako.us.army.mil/suite/ doc/44835743
SHARP WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 22, 2015) —Noncommissioned officers participating in an Army-wide leadership initiative known as “Not in My Squad” presented their ideas to lawmakers, June 18, 2015 on Capitol Hill, which was also shared during the CAR’s SHARP Summit in July. The 32 NCOs, identified for their unique perspectives and willingness to take ownership of issues affecting the force, gathered in the nation’s capital, June 16-18, 2015 for a threeday workshop to talk strategy and prepare to share their action plan with members of Congress. Associated with the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program or SHARP efforts, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey’s “Not in My Squad” is about taking responsibility for everything that happens in a squad -- both good and bad -not just prevention of sexual harassment and assault. While “Not in My Squad” was born from a need to find innovative ways to address sexual assault and sexual harassment, Dailey said, he quickly realized that if all members of the profession lived the Army ethic, sexual assault and harassment, among other things, would not exist in the ranks. The June workshop -- the first event under the “Not in My Squad” umbrella -- was designed to garner feedback from the Army’s mid-grade leaders in an effort to understand their unique challenges and to examine solutions that have worked for them. On the last day of the workshop, the squad leaders took their ideas to Capitol Hill and conducted 57 Congressional office calls: 28 with members of Congress and 29 with personal staff members, to share their experience as participants in this first-of-its-kind initiative.
One of the main findings shared with members of Congress was the need for junior and mid-grade leaders to have the freedom to lead by example and not by computer screen. Participants told lawmakers that squad leaders need face-toface time with their Soldiers to conduct scenario-based training that supports Army policy requirements as opposed to the litany of computer-based training they have now. Supervising the computer training programs, the
staff sergeants observed Soldiers haphazardly clicking buttons to complete the task. To better disseminate value systems that prevent lapses of discipline, the NCOs recommended moving offline to allow more time for personal interaction. Next Steps - Well-received by senior members of Congress and Army leaders, the inaugural group of squad leaders will now take “Not in My Squad” to the unit level and conduct similar workshops under the direction
and support of the Center for the Army Profession and Ethic. Feedback from these sessions will be gathered and quarterly progress reports will be evaluated for ways to promote positive behavior Army-wide. Senior career counselor for the 16th Sustainment Brigade, Staff Sgt. Efrain Garcia is looking forward to the future of the program.“It’s not effective if it stops here,” he said.