The Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District hosted a District Command Course in the district office October 24 – 28.
Seventeen new district commanders from throughout the United States as well as Japan converged on Louisville for continued learning and to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of corporate executive leadership and to share command experiences and
knowledge. Developing new Commanders in training such as this allows them to have the tools they need for success in command after the first 90 days.
The senior mentor for the course was the Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Chief of Engineers, Maj. Gen. Richard Stevens. He led each day’s discussions. Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Mark Toy, spoke to the group emphasizing his key message "taking care of people," and what it means to him and how district commanders can best implement and pass on the message to evoke positive change. Army Corps of Engineers Commander, Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite rounded out the week-long course briefing the participants on his perspective of the "Total Engineer Force."
Briefers included USACE Leadership, major subordinate command leadership, district leadership, a congressman, construction firm executives, a business school professor, NORTHCOM staff, sponsors, customers, and stakeholders.
In addition, 21 deputy commanders received a two-day training led by Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Deputy Commander Col. Benjamin Bigelow, on business management, human resources, district safety and emergency operations programs.
Phase II of the Pre-Command Course began this summer.