REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. –
Employees of the Aviation and Missile Command heard directly from their new commander, Brig. Gen. Todd Royar, on what matters to him and what he expects of them during his first town hall July 2.
“What matters to me is the Soldier in the field,” Royar said as he focused on a silhouetted photo of a Soldier. “Their gender, race or religion does not matter. They are American Soldiers and we are all here to support them. Every individual Soldier matters.”
Royar, in front of the standing-room crowd in Bob Jones Auditorium and AMCOM units watching via a video feed, described the values that underpin his actions and decisions.
“I value teamwork. The teams we are on are more important than the team we lead. The broader team that we are all on, the DOD, the Army or Army Materiel Command, are more important than the team I lead here at AMCOM,” he said.
Royar said he also values disciplined initiative. “I am willing to underwrite the risk you take. I am good with you going out and trying something new, even if it fails. As long as those risk decisions are made at the appropriate level and we learn from them.
“Third, I value candid dialogue. I will come around to your work areas. I want and expect you to be honest and tell me what you think. In return, I will be honest and transparent with you,” he said.
He told those in attendance what they can expect from him every day.
“I will provide commander’s intent, tell you what I want done and then get out of the way and let you go do it. I am 100 percent committed not only to the organization but to you individually as well. Finally, I will provide transparency and honesty … I think that is what everyone in the organization deserves,” he said.
As for what he expects from the AMCOM team, Royar asked for leadership, communication, commitment and accountability. He explained the accountability aspect again through the individual Soldier’s perspective.
“It is not the Army holding us accountable,” Royar said. “It is us holding ourselves accountable. If we know we need to get something done in the best interest of the warfighter, then we should hold ourselves accountable to get it done. You should hold me accountable for the exact same thing.”
Royar wrapped up his remarks by returning to the individual Solder in the field. He wanted everyone there to be crystal clear where his focus lies.
“I owe it to them, and I hope you feel the same way, that we absolutely owe that Soldier our best every day,” he said. “Shame on us if that Soldier doesn’t have what they need in battle to get the job done. Please remember that individual Soldier, because that is why this organization exists.”