WASHINGTON –
A recent visit by the U.S. Army Financial Management Command’s senior enlisted advisor to the District of Columbia Army National Guard highlighted the importance of the National Guard to Army financial management operations in the future.
Command Sgt. Maj. L. Allen visited the 1946th Theater Finance Company May 3-4.
“The Reserve Component makes up the majority of our combat capability in the Finance Corps, so it was really a great experience for me to engage with them," said Allen. "The 'Capital Paymasters" lived up to their motto of 'striving for excellence' and gave me incredible insight into the operational tempo, readiness, and lethality of our Finance and Comptroller Minutemen."
During her time with the 1946th T-FICO, Allen observed Soldiers conducting training in preparation for their upcoming annual training with a specific focus on disbursing operations. She also met Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, DC National Guard senior enlisted leader, strengthening the partnership between USAFMCOM and the DC National Guard.
“[The National Guard] has the highest number of finance and comptroller Soldiers in the Army,” said 1st Sgt. Sahib Singh, 1946th T-FICO first sergeant. “We are structured to not only support our state missions with domestic operations, but we are built to effectively operate in theater.”
She also took time to engage directly with the Soldiers, answering questions and sharing her perspective on leadership, career development and the vital role finance Soldiers play in supporting the force.
“Anytime we can find opportunities to engage in common training outside of familiar environments and foster firsthand understanding of shared capabilities and contributions across all three components, active, guard and reserve, we get stronger," said Allen. "I strongly encourage our senior leaders at all levels to actively seek these engagements and opportunities so we can build a comprehensive, well-trained, professional, and lethal Finance Corps total force."
To close her visit, Allen recognized Spc. Devin Montgomery, 1946th T-FICO disbursing analyst, and Spc. Khalil Ragland, 1946th T-FICO commercial vendor services analyst, for their dedicated service to the DC National Guard and the nation.
“Their professionalism and commitment exemplify the best of the Finance Corps,” she said.
USAFMCOM delivers precision enterprise-wide financial operations to integrate, synchronize and sustain the battlefield through the Joint Strategic Support Area. The two-star command also directly supports the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller in their role as the principal advisor on all matters related to financial management and comptrollership.