Army People Sync Conference Focuses on Recruiting and Retention
Story by Abigail Carey:
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. — The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command hosted the biannual Army People Sync Conference from Feb. 26-29. This conference provided a forum for coordination across policy, strategy and operations with a focus on people concerns related to current and future readiness.
U.S. Army senior leaders from across the force converged for large group presentations and small working groups to discuss different topics to include talent acquisition, recruiting transformation, and building the Army civilian team for 2030 and 2040.
Dr. Agnes Schaefer, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, expressed to attendees what she expects to see over the next several months.
“We have done a lot over the past year, especially with recruiting on both the Soldier and civilian sides,” Schaefer said. “My challenge this year is to keep up those efforts.”
Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer brought forward some of the concerns he has been hearing from forces on the ground.
“My number one concern is trust in our people,” Weimer said. “Our people need to know that we value them, but they need to trust the process. One of the things I hear most often is lack of transparency and trust in the process. The trust in the institution among our people is what we should use as a backer.”
Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general, TRADOC, encouraged attendees to make the most of the working groups during the conference.
“Continuous transformation is linked to strengthening the profession,” Brito said. “We need you to roll up your sleeves and provide a solution. Just as the Army has always stepped up to the challenge, we will step up to the challenge now.”
Smaller working groups focused on specific topics and offered a venue to share ideas from across the Army enterprise. These working groups also provided Soldiers an opportunity to meet with the Army’s most senior leaders.
First time attendee Lynne Merriweather, human resources director from U.S. Army Forces Command, found excitement in the working groups.
“I loved interacting with others to share ideas and listen to what they had to say,” Merriweather said. “I am looking forward to seeing progress in the working groups and the changes we will make over the next year.”
Lt. Col. Amber White, assistant chief of staff, G-1 from the 25th Infantry Division, appreciated the opportunity to hear from Army leadership.
“Attendance at this conference provides an amazing opportunity for human resources professionals to hear from some of the Army’s senior leaders regarding their priorities, concerns, challenges and issues,” White said. “The information provided helps me, as a Division G-1, to make informed decisions regarding personnel initiatives and actions, and to better advise my commander.”
The Army People Sync Conference will be held again later this year as Army leadership continues to adapt and make the necessary changes to the initiatives and programs to create a more people-centric Army Enterprise.