Army Chief of Staff Visits Fort Bliss
Friday, December 2, 2011
by: by Sgt. Valerie Lopez, Headquarters 1st Armored Division

Section: Bliss Garrison


by Virginia Reza, Fort Bliss Garrison Public Affairs
Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Staff, Unites States Army, visits 1st Armored Division Headquarters during his tour of Fort Bliss, Nov. 17.

by Sgt. Valerie Lopez, Headquarters 1st AD
Gen. Raymond T. Odierno addresses Department of Defense budget changes at 1st Armored Division Headquarters during his tour of Fort Bliss, Nov. 17.



U.S. Army’s top military officer, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Staff, visited Fort Bliss, Thursday Nov. 17.

“It’s been about two months since I became the chief of staff but a long time since I’ve been to Bliss,” said Odierno. “I wanted to look at the things happening here.”
Odierno assumed the duty of the 38th CSA in September. His visit to Fort Bliss included going to White Sands Missile Range to review the Network Integration Evaluation (NIE), sessions with brigade and battalion commanders and he received updates on the family and Soldier supports programs here.

The NIE is a key piece in the Army’s modernization programs, said Odierno.

NIE is a series of semi-annual field exercises designed to evaluate deliberate and rapid acquisition solutions to integrate and mature the Army’s tactical network. Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division and the Brigade Modernization Command conduct the tests.

During his visit, Odierno addressed the current budget cuts and possible affects on the Army and Fort Bliss.

The budget cut will restructure how we do business,” said Odierno. “Everyone will be affected, though Fort Bliss will see minimal changes.”

Odierno said it is important to lower Army costs and work on the overall budget.
Fort Bliss’ energy projects and goal of reaching net zero by 2015 is projected to save tax payers approximately $2.8 million a year.

“Renewable energy will help us save,” said Odierno. “Fort Bliss’ renewable energy project is leading the way in renewable energy.”

With the brigade modernization and the renewable energy Fort Bliss is vital to the Army, said Odierno.

Before leaving Fort Bliss, Odierno attended a reception with Fort Bliss leaders, El Paso civic and business leaders and representatives from the Association of the U.S. Army.

The Franklin Mountain Star -- 459 feet by 278 feet and 459 light bulbs on the Franklin Mountains -- was lit in honor of Gen. Odierno and Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III’s visit. 
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