104TH DIVISION (LT) INSPECTORS GENERAL BUILD TEAM COHESION THROUGH PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

By Maj. Chloe Chung Inspector General 104th Division (Leader Training)

One of the guiding principles for the Army Inspector General (IG) is to promote readiness for the Commander. The 104th Training Division’s IG Office accomplishes this through inspections, teaching and training, and assistance visits with a cohesive team built through shared experiences. The teambuilding avenue of choice for this IG Squad is fun physical challenges (outside of lunches during BA to enjoy our favorite chicken sandwich). In September 2022, the IG team participated in the March of Diekirch, embarked on a hiking excursion, and developed a physical training regimen for the 104th Division’s Green Tab Huddle.

The March of Diekirch is an annual occasion organized by the Luxembourg Army where civilians and military personnel across the world can participate in a one-totwo-day march in honor of John of Luxembourg, a.k.a. John the Blind (1296-1346). The march was first held in 1968 in the town of

Diekirch. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the march has been conducted virtually in the past three years. Its requirements range from 1x20km over the course of one day to 2x40km over the course of two days.

During the 40km march that spanned almost seven hours, the IG Squad formulated their FY23 inspection plan, discussed best practices for assistance, cheered as distance milestones were accomplished, and encouraged each other to cross the finish line. It is through this type of experience (and the sharing of post-march-feet photos) that trust and commitment are built, solidifying the foundation for a cohesive team.

Similarly, the IG Squad completed a six-mile hike within Mount Rainier National Park. This outdoor event removed barriers of the workplace, allowing a mental reset while inspiring more organic interactions between team members. This in turn allows the squad to know each other on a more personal level to build relationships.

Following the IG Office’s internal team building model, the squad volunteered to develop a physical training plan for the 104th Division’s FY23 Green Tab Huddle. The product was an obstacle course emphasizing buddyteam tasks for division command teams and staff. The intent is to create more effective teams through activities designed to increase motivation and cooperation.

All in all, building team cohesion is one of many ways the 104th

Division IG promotes readiness for the Commander. Additionally, the IG acts as the eyes, ears, voice, and conscience of the Commander. As personal staff of the Commander, the IG determines and reports on the economy, efficiency, discipline, morale, esprit de corps, readiness, and resources of the command. To become an IG in the Army Reserve, visit: https://xtranet/usarc/ InspectorGeneral/Pages/Becomean-IG.aspx (ARNet required).