Community and State leaders met on Friday on Fort Riley to get a glimpse of the past, present, and future of the U.S. Army installation. Some of the changes coming in the future include a brigade being dismantled, and troop reductions. According to post officials by 2016 between 1,200 and 1,700 soldiers will be transitioned out of the forces on post. The outgoing brigade will be partially absorbed by the two remaining brigades on post as new combat elements.
1st Infantry Division commander Major General Paul Funk says with new technologies in such areas as force projection, and training will enable the remaining soldiers to maintain combat readiness. At the briefing local leaders were assured of the continued efforts of Fort Riley to work on improving synergy and cooperation with Fort Riley. One of the points revealed by General Funk was the move to privatization of utilities on Fort Riley, and efforts to help transitioning soldiers to integrate in the local job market.
After the briefing leaders were able to engage with soldiers and simulators at the state of the art training center. Some of the simulations included integrated combat operations in complex environments such as convoys, and open battlefield operations. Soldiers showcased their skills, and offered their positions to leaders to get a feel for some of the challenges faced by soldiers during combat operations.
