IRC facilitates reception, integration of new Soldiers

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - The Fort Cavazos Installation Reception Center stands ready to welcome new Soldiers and their families 24/7.

From the time Soldiers touch down at Killeen Regional Airport to the day they join their new units, the IRC provides support and guidance through the process of acclimating to their new duty station.

"The Installation Reception Center's mission is to facilitate the reception and integration of all newly arrived service members and their families to Fort Cavazos," said Capt. William Scott III, IRC commander.

Scott has been at The Great Place for three years but in command of the IRC for just shy of two months. He recognizes the value of the IRC in supporting service members, civilians and their families as they transition to Fort Cavazos.

"The IRC maintains 100% accountability of all newly arrived service members, guides them through our five-duty day reception and integration process and provides them with the initial support that occurs because of a permanent change of station move," he said.

Pfc. Jason Kindred, 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, arrived at the IRC from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, nearly two weeks ago.

"It's been really easy so far," he said of his time at the IRC. "Setting our expectations for what's going to happen makes it easier to know what we need to do and why things are being done. Having a friendly and convenient environment when you get to a new place is important because you need just a little bit of time to adapt."

Soldiers spend several days addressing medical, dental and financial needs and attending a series of briefings and orientations from organizations such as the Army Substance and Abuse Program, Exceptional Family Member Program and the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program.

With the help of the Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army, or IPPS-A, the IRC is well-equipped to address administrative issues for incoming service members and "rapidly provide tenant unit commanders with a ready force," Scott shared.

Scott shared the most challenging part of his new role has been ensuring that his team of Soldiers are receiving the support they require to drive the in-processing mission.

"I have placed much of my emphasis on improving our company facilities and providing them training opportunities in-house and sending them to military courses to better themselves professionally," he explained.

"I have also worked to give them more predictability with weekly training meetings, with unit plans at least four months out so they can plan time off with family and friends appropriately," he added.

Scott said he has enjoyed his time commanding the IRC and he's most proud of the relationships he has formed on the installation.

"I have had an opportunity to make a larger impact on service members' and their families' lives in just a little over a month in command," he expressed. "My greatest reward so far is building a strong network with military and civilian agencies on post.

"Knowing who to communicate with has helped improve the efficiency of in-processing for new Soldiers," he continued. "Through this position, I have also received a lot of mentorship from senior leaders on the installation that can help me grow into a better leader able to better support Soldiers, civilians and their families."

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