Maj. Gen. (MG) James P. Isenhower and Command Sgt. Maj. (CSM) Michael C. Williams, 1st Armored Division Command Team, are both men of generational military service. With more than half a century of combined military service under their belts and a knack for understanding what matters most to Soldiers, they’re more than qualified to lead America’s Tank Division. This week I was lucky to chat with both about the history of the division, their leadership priorities, and the future of the force.
The History of Old Ironsides
“There are Iron Soldiers and those who wish they were” joked Willliams. I couldn’t agree more. With more than five years in the “Old Ironsides” division myself, I know how exhilarating it is to be at the forefront of lethality. Funnily enough, the most recognizable armor division in the U.S. Army received its moniker from the unit’s first commander, MG Bruce Magruder, who named the unit after the USS Constitution; built in 1797, it’s a three-masted wooden-hulled frigate that is the world’s oldest ship still floating.
Today “Old Ironsides” is home to more than 17,000 Soldiers who are trained in tanks, artillery, attack helicopters, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and a host of sustainment capabilities. “More combat power than most countries,” said Isenhower. “We deploy to finish the job. Americas Tank Force is Americas finishing force.”
Iron Leaders, Iron Soldiers
With that many Soldiers and that much combat power, good leadership has to be at the forefront of day-to-day business. We put young adults in situations to care for millions of dollars of equipment and choose whether to take a life.
“Our most important weapon system is our Soldier, supported by their Families,” said Isenhower. “When the phone rings, we have to be ready to help lead the Army into a multi-domain environment to deny the enemy.” The Old Ironsides command team agrees, this must be tackled a couple of different ways.
“Where my Soldiers live, what they eat, and where they work (are my priorities),” said Williams. He added, “Our Soldiers are adults, and we trust them and treat them that way.” This translates to the removal of alcohol restrictions on post, and improved quality of life in their homes, recreational areas, and workplaces. It also means constant communication through the NCO Corps to ensure that leader development is happening. “You can solve a lot of problems with leadership development and communication,” said Williams. “Duties, responsibilities, and engagement. If they understand that, you can teach them the science of war fighting.”
Sewing the Installation and Community
For Isenhower and Williams, communication doesn’t stop with Soldiers and Families. It extends to the community. As generational service men themselves, they understand that military service often boils down to awareness. They bring this awareness by dispelling myths and sharing Soldier stories. Being in the Army is “statistically safer than being a truck driver,” said Isenhower. They also send active duty Soldiers to schools to talk about their experiences and what the Army has done for them.
They’ve taken active steps to make this happen by opening the post to civilians who want to learn more about the largest employer in El Paso, their military, their (military) families, who they are, and their values. “Being IN the community is key,” said Isenhower.
If you want to learn more about America’s Tank Division, check out their webpage. You also won’t want to miss learning about Fort Bliss and El Paso, one of the top five safest large cities in the Nation. The city offers a host of sporting events, great culture, and multi-ethnic foods to try.
For More Information
Please watch the full video of this week’s Your Next Mission® video podcast episode on our website, our YouTube channel, or our newly launched Rumble video channel.
Your Next Mission® is a program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation, a non-profit
dedicated to serving our Veterans and Families. Your Next Mission® video podcast with host
12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley features insightful conversation with subject matter experts from the
military and civilian communities. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest
conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.
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