By Command Sgt. Maj. Corbly Elsbury
Maneuver Support Center of Excellence

As I venture around post, I get to hear a lot of comments from service members, civilians and family members. Most of the comments I hear are either very positive or are concerns that need addressing — and I welcome this dialogue.

But lately I have been hearing comments that cause the hair on the back of my neck to bristle — and the root of the comments concerns the number of  Initial Entry Soldiers and service members using the commissary, the Post Exchange and other installation venues. To these comments I can only say, “Think before you speak.”

First, let me be very clear on this. These are our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors — American fighters — who have raised their right hand and swore to protect and defend your rights, no matter the cost. They have taken this oath freely, without reservation and during a time this country is in combat. They know the chances of them being deployed to a combat theater within their initial enlistment are very near 100 percent. And yet they accept this challenge because they are volunteers; willing to go the distance for something greater than themselves. If for no other reason but this, they have every right to be in our facilities. They are ID card holders just like most of us and are allowed to enjoy those privileges afforded them by their commanders.

The simple fact is that we (the permanent party members of Fort Leonard Wood) exist for the training and preparation of these young volunteers. Without the Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training and myriad of inter-service schools conducted on this installation, Fort Leonard Wood would likely return to its days of being just another sleepy Training and Doctrine Command post off I-44. Fort Leonard Wood is now a burgeoning Joint Service Training Center; welcome to the future. As for their right to shop our facilities, it’s a benefit granted to every service member — regardless of rank, trainee or otherwise.

In addition, the Trainees directly impact positively the quality of life on this fort. Without their buying power, Fort Leonard Wood would not be granted the size of current facilities — nor would we have the variety. The economic impact of our training population affords us larger AAFES stores and numerous concessions. Without them, our PX would likely be half its current size — or less.

Bottom line, think before you complain about the long lines and the inconvenience you perceive. When you see all of the young service members at our facilities, you should thank them for joining our ranks (heck, you should let them go ahead of you). Thank them for serving our country. They are the future of our Armed Forces and the best this country has to offer. Enjoy your tour.