REGIMENTAL WEEK CELEBRATION

submitted by LTC Eric SURLES.

The Finance School hosted Regimental Week at Fort Jackson and the Adams Mark Hotel in Columbia, SC, from 14-18 May 2001.  The week started off with the Pre-Command Course attended by 20 officers who will assume command of active, reserve and national guard finance units over the next twelve months, and the NCO and Soldier of the Year competition.

The week kicked into high gear with the Finance Leaders’ Meeting (FLM) 2001.  Our theme, “The Evolution Odyssey”, focused events on transformation of the Finance Corps, as we continue to posture ourselves to deliver quality Finance Support into the 21st Century.  BG Michael Rochelle, Commander, Soldier Support Institute opened the session by welcoming members of the Regiment home to Fort Jackson.  LTG Billy K. Solomon, Commander, Combined Arms Services Command (CASCOM) gave the keynote presentation.  LTG Solomon skillfully explained how the Corps’ new enabler, Future Finance System (FFS) supports CASCOM’s future C4I architecture through GCSS-A; he left the audience with an understanding of how the Army will achieve successful Transformation.  Commanders and CSMs from Battalions, Groups, and Finance Commands, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and its Operating Locations joined us.  Senior leaders in attendance included Mr. Robert Young, Acting, ASA(FM&C), Mr. Ernest Gregory, BG Hugh B. Tant, and BG Edgar Stanton.

Some attendees shared FLM training comprised of enabler updates and demonstrations for FFS, Finance Training Management Program, the Smart Card, and the Defense Management Office Suite.  A second group participated in a workshop review panel on updating the Detachment Mission Training Plan, while a third group participated in an Officer Task Review Panel for OBC and FCCC.  Other highlights included leader Forums, interaction with Pre-Command Course students, and the Regimental Run.  The week culminated with the Regimental Ball with a record attendance of 509 guests.  The highlight from guest speaker Director of the Army Budget, MG Jerry L. Sinn, was a personal vignette of a Vietnam era NCO who portrayed the highest of Army values – duty, selfless service, personal courage, and honor.

A GO-level Financial Management Symposium followed on Saturday, 19 May, to discuss the Finance – Resource Management merger.  Overall, both events were a tremendous success.  Regimental Week is always a capstone event for members of the Regiment throughout the world.  Even before the dust has settled, we are planning for next year’s Regimental Week.  The tentative dates are 12-18 May 02.  I extend an invitation to all our Regimental Members to renew their commitment to the Regiment by renewing or once again becoming an active member.  Hope to see many of you at the 2002 Regimental Ball.