I’ve been retired for about 18 years now, but if there is one place that I wouldn’t mind reenlisting and heading to, it would be America’s First Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. After talking this week with Lieutenant General (LTG) Xavier T. Brunson and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Shawn F. Carns, Commanding General and Command Sergeant Major of I Corps, I’m more ready than ever. It was very apparent throughout our entire conversation that “people first leadership” is something they put into action every single day.

About I Corps

America’s First Corps is home to more than 44,000 Soldiers and their Families who serve across the Pacific, to include Alaska and Hawaii. Their mission to “Deploy, Fight and Win” as well as rapidly transform headquarters types means they are prepared to drive deployment readiness, shape the battlefield, and stabilize regional missions through sustainment and oversight. This is obviously no small task, but Brunson and Carns know just how to get it done. It starts and ends with taking care of people.

People are Always First

“We don’t expect anything from our people other than the things we would do ourselves,” said Brunson. “The key for us in this command is human interoperability that starts from relationship to relationship, nation to nation, (and) not only reassures our partners, friends and Allies, but also makes them understand that we‘re counting on our Soldiers and NCOs to get things done.”

America’s First command team also doesn’t believe in a zero-defect environment. When you create a space that people aren’t afraid to make mistakes, it allows them to focus on getting better rather than being afraid to try. Both Brunson and Carns agree that every decision needs to be seen through a “people aperture” and that all leaders must be fully engaged to get things done. They key is communication.

“All we care about is that you’re talking to somebody,” said Carns. “We build the relationships professionally and personally.” That means talking to your buddy, your squad leader, your chaplain. This level of engagement also means getting ahead of small issues before they become major problems. If there’s one thing the I Corps command teams wants you to remember, it’s this: Know your Soldiers well enough to understand when something is happening to get them to the right resource for help.

I Corps Retention

The I Corps team views retention in today’s Army in a very positive manner. “The Army can be the beginning of an adventure. I need Soldiers to finish their first term,” said Brunson. “Get through your first term. It gives you a win.”

Retention also goes back to those personal and professional relationships. Have a conversation that helps you find out what people want, where they want to be, and what they want to do. For Carns, that can be done in a variety of ways, to include social media. “You’ve got to get on social media. That is where the Soldiers are at now. It does not take away from face to face or a phone call. Knowing the key is balance,” said Carns.

If you’re looking for an assignment where people don’t just have their back, they’ll also walk beside you, check out I Corps. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed one bit.

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.

www.yournextmission.org www.americanfreedomfoundation.org