| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 2, 1997 |
CONTACT: Michael Orenstein (202) 606-1800 mworenst@opm.gov |
Washington, D.C. -- The United States Army Infantry School and Center, Fort Benning, Georgia, is this years recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award for Quality.
Fort Benning will receive the nations highest award for federal quality achievement during ceremonies in Washington, D.C. on July 10. The award ceremony begins at 3:15 p.m. (EDT). U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Jim King will present the award to representatives of Fort Benning.
Presentation of the quality award will be made during the 10th Annual National Conference on Federal Quality, which convenes July 9 - 11 at the Sheraton Washington Hotel, 2660 Woodley Rd, NW. In addition, eight federal operations will receive a Quality Achievement Award for implementing quality programs (see attachment).
The Presidential Award for Quality is given annually to federal organizations whose commitment to quality can be demonstrated through improved customer service or significant taxpayer savings. This much-anticipated yearly award, made all the more meaningful by the Clinton Administrations renewed emphasis on customer service, is the federal equivalent of the private sectors Malcolm Baldrige Award for Quality.
Commenting on the award winner, Director King highlighted Fort Bennings track record in customer service and product development. There is no doubt that the contributions Fort Benning employees have made, and continue to make, to the security of our nation and the safety of our soldiers are of the highest caliber, said Jim King. Their commitment to customer service and their can-do attitude are incontrovertible evidence of Ft. Bennings right to this years Presidential Award for Quality.
Almost as numerous as its accomplishments over the years are the many facets of Fort Benning.
As Visionary: Responding to a 1977 infantry need, Fort Benning developed a fighting vehicle system to enhance the lethality and survivability of soldiers on a high-intensity battlefield. American soldiers had long desired more than a battle taxi to ferry them to and from combat.
The Bradley Fighting Vehicle, with its 500 horsepower engine, 25mm chain gun, and antitank missile system with an infrared sight, gave them the chance to truly be part of a combined arms team with the new Abrams Main Battle Tank.
Using soldier feedback and advancements in technology, the next version of the Bradley included an improved missile system and greater survivability against the enemys 30mm cannons.
The Bradley Fighting Vehicles magnificent performance in Operation Desert Storm validated the work that went into the vehicle as it completely overmatched the enemys firepower.
Once again, soldiers were asked for evaluations. Their recommendations became reality in the next generation Bradley: a laser rangefinder; an embedded global positioning system; an advanced drivers thermal viewer; an anti-fratricide combat identification system; and, a missile countermeasure device.
And still the Infantry School works on new developments to make the Bradley more lethal and more survivable.
In designing weapons systems, Fort Benning has always made sure customers needs were priority Number One. Keeping to this philosophy, it answered the combat and safety requirements of infantrymen for an improved offensive weapon, the Javelin Antitank Missile. The shoulder-mounted Javelin is every foot-soldiers preference because it is 25 pounds lighter than its predecessor--the Dragon Medium Antitank Missile--has a longer kill range, can hit targets from the side or above, and gives soldiers better night visibility with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR).
Among the most valuable, soldier-safety features of Javelin is the fire and forget technology which locks the target into place, enabling the gunner to seek cover immediately after firing. The Dragon Medium Antitank Missile system required the
gunner to hold the cross-hairs on the target until impact, thereby exposing the soldier to enemy fire for a longer time.
Fort Benning remains a visionary force for Americas future
military needs. Over the years, its vision brought to fruition the Javelin Antitank Missile, and it soon will field the Land Warrior, an integrated soldier system that enhances a soldiers survivability and mobility, while improving his fighting effectiveness with night-vision and other capabilities.
Today, Fort Benning is preparing for Americas security needs through the year 2025 by participating in the Training and Doctrine Command Force XXI and Army After Next programs.
As Trainer: Another aspect of Fort Benning is its training function. With the multitude of advanced weapons systems developed, fielded and tested by Fort Benning, none is of value without trained and skilled operators. Fort Bennings Infantry School provides advanced weapons training, as well as Ranger and Airborne Training.
As the new millennium approaches, digitization will be the key word for Americas Army. Fort Bennings Land Warrior program is the means to include the infantry in the high-tech world of the digitized battlefield, where soldiers will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology for better communications, better protection, and better command and control.
To prepare for the digitized battlefield, Fort Bennings significant training resources will instruct infantrymen on the proper use of integrated field equipment. For instance, a better-protecting flak jacket with a built-in technology harness would allow a soldier under fire to send e-mail messages and detailed photographic images of enemy positions to a command post, or to view computer-stored maps through a monocular helmet attachment.
As Family: There is another side to Fort Benning, the sense of community for the 21,000 soldiers who live and work there. The Base Operations teams make sure that the Quality of Life program is available to all Fort Bennings soldiers and their families. In part, this program provides amusement, medical, educational and retail services. In addition, Base Operations personnel have worked with the neighboring communities of Columbus and Phenix City, Alabama to develop an exemplary support program for Fort Bennings extended family.
Recognition for excellence is nothing new at Fort Benning. It has earned seven quality-achievement awards since 1993, including the Commander-In-Chiefs Award for Installation Excellence (1994, 1995, 1997), a Soldiers Quality of Life Program award (1996), and now the Presidential Award for Quality.
Innovation, teamed with a commitment to quality and customers, distinguishes Fort Benning as a world-class producer of the finest, combat-ready infantrymen.
According to a colonel stationed at Ft. Benning: We do our job precisely and make it possible for our soldiers to return home from missions in one piece and give one more big HOOAH.
Media interested in attending the 10th Annual National Conference on Federal Quality, or receiving additional information, should contact OPMs Mike Orenstein at 202-606-1800.
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Attachment
Recipients of this years Quality Achievement Award:
| United States Office of Personnel Management |
Office of Communications |
Theodore Roosevelt Building 1900 E Street, NW Room 5F12 Washington, DC 20415-0001 |
(202) 606-1800 FAX: (202) 606-2264 |
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