sergeant. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston speaks to soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Nov. 22, 2022. Grinston visited the peninsula to better understand the mission in Korea and to connect with the soldiers serving there. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Evan Cooper/2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade)
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CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea (November 22, 2022) – The U.S. Army’s most enlisted soldier has traveled to the Korean Peninsula for the first time in years, following a period of restrictive travel that canceled trips previously planned.
sergeant. Army Maj. Michael A. Grinston’s stop in South Korea Nov. 22 follows a brief visit to troops in Japan, where he discussed the Integrated Personnel and Pay System, or IPPS-A, and other topics on US Forces Network Radio. He will continue the trip Nov. 23 to see soldiers at Camp Casey and the Joint Security Area in Panmunjeom before returning to Washington, D.C.
During the visit to Camp Humphreys, Grinston answered questions from Soldiers and civilians during a “town hall” meeting with Soldiers and their families, toured the barracks to learn about the Soldiers’ quality of life, and participated in a re-enlistment ceremony for a combined ROK-US 2nd Infantry Division/Division. During the town hall, he stressed the importance of the alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States.
“We have to know how to fight together,” Grinston said of the importance of ROK-US interoperability. “You have to know how to work together. We got to know the terrain.
Grinston added that maintaining an “ironclad engagement” with the Republic of Korea is necessary for the United States to ensure that the forces of both nations remain strong and capable of mission success in the challenges that they share.
During the town hall, Grinston spoke briefly about the future of the U.S. military and how every soldier, especially noncommissioned officers, can contribute to the future success of the force.
“There’s one thing I ask of all the young NCOs in this room,” Grinston said. “..be an expert in your job. Know the Doctrine. Take it out and actually read it. …know the programs of the army.
In addition to answering questions about the quality of life of soldiers residing in stationed barracks and the future of the military, he listened to suggestions to improve the link between the schools of educational activities of the Ministry of Defense Abroad and Schools Administered by Local Governments in the United States. . According to a commentator, a challenge facing students abroad is that gaps in information sharing between DODEA and school districts in the United States may cause some students to miss out on opportunities offered to their peers. not affiliated with the military. An example provided at the town hall was that academic achievement in DODEA schools was not always transferable to other school systems.
Grinston promised to take the information provided during the town hall and seek solutions upon his return to the United States. He also asked that others who see areas for improvement file Army Family Action Plan cases so leaders can learn and track the status of issues.
“We need your feedback,” Grinston said.
