The newest under secretary of the Army, Brad Carson, receives a brief of the capabilities and skills learned during the Jungle Operations Training Course during a demonstration from one of the senior cadre, at the Lightning Academy, on East Range Training Complex, 25th Infantry Division. The under secretary of the Army conducted his first visit to the Army installations in Hawaii to gain valuable first-hand insight on the capabilities and functions of the units. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew G. Ryan, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs/RELEASED)

Newest under secretary of the Army visits Hawaii

by Staff Sgt. Matthew Ryan, DVIDS

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Soldiers were pulling security from a ridge, deep in the jungle, as the squad leader gave the command for four Soldiers on top of the ridge line to start hoisting the Soldier in a tactical Sked Rescue System up a 50 foot ravine. One by one, the Soldiers maneuvered into position and set up the hoisting system using pulleys and ropes.

Slowly and safely, the team pulled the Soldier up through the dense jungle terrain and up a steep hill, until he reached the ridgeline and was secured by the team to finish the demonstration.

The Jungle Operations Training Course (JOTC) cadre, from the 25th Infantry Division, recently hosted this demonstration for the second-highest ranking civilian in the Army, the Under Secretary of the Army Brad R. Carson.

"The ability to operate in the jungle is important, not only for troops aligned with Pacific Command, but also potentially for those working in Africa and other places around the world," Carson said.

The Army’s 31st under secretary recently visit the island of Oahu to conduct a tour of the Army installations here to get a first-hand view of capabilities of the units and meet with Soldiers.

During his tour of Schofield Barracks, Carson met with Soldiers during a luncheon to discuss the family condition and the effects of recent updates to Army policies and regulations.

After the meeting with Tropic Lightning Soldiers for lunch, he toured Schofield Barracks to gain an insight on conditions of the infrastructure and troop space that impact daily operations.

After the tour of the base, he visited the Lightning Academy, where he observed a demonstration by the cadre of the JOTC, displaying just one of the many capabilities and skills taught throughout the course.

The JOTC is part of the 25th Infantry Division’s regional alignment with the Pacific Command and the Defense Department’s rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region.

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