Warriors in Peace Operations - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army

ecause I was at the end of my tour as a battalion
commander. However, for the young lieutenants and
captains without any previous command experience who
were selected to be rear detachment commanders, it was a
great week. But all of us were required to attend, and it was
done well. The speakers were key members of the
USAREUR staff, to include General William W. Crouch, the
USAREUR Commander.
For the FSGLs, there were seminars with experts in
fields like stress management and interpersonal
relationships to help them handle the seemingly constant
demands of their families. These also provided them a
forum to share similar problems and solutions that have
worked. For the FSGLs, it was a great break from the daily
routine. Those who were able to attend found it to be a
valuable experience, but the often-short notification for
those seminars truly hurt the FSGLs that had young
children and had no day care solutions. Most of them never
attended. Day care was always a problem and, more times
than not, overlooked.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the training
sessions and get-togethers that our local base support
battalion held. Normally once a month, there were sessions
for rear detachment commanders, FSGLs, and family
members in general. The community was always trying to
make our lives easier.
LESSONS LEARNED
I have already related many of the points that were
learned. So as not to belabor the points, I will highlight the
important ones in bullet format.
• If the rose gets pinned on you, get interested quick.
• Stay interested in your FSGLs.
251