Fury Leaders’ Conference gives leaders a break

by Maj. Michelle L. Baldanza
4th BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. PAO

	photo by Maj. Michelle L. Baldanza/4th BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. PAO Col. Brian M. Drinkwine, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, addresses officers and noncommissioned officers at the Fury Leader’s Conference at the Carolina at Pinehurst Resort July 30.

PINEHURST, N.C. — The leaders of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division took a break July 30 to 31 to meet in the plush surrounding of the Carolina at Pinehurst Resort for the Fury Leaders’ Conference.

“This was an opportunity to gather the leadership of the BCT and sit down to discuss our mission,” said Col. Brian M. Drinkwine, commander, 4th BCT. “We were able to bring in subject matter experts to talk about creative problem-solving techniques and give insight to some of the challenges that we will face.”
Leaders from company to brigade met to discuss rear detachment issues and hear from a variety of speakers during the two-day event.

The first day’s morning session was devoted to rear detachment briefings.

“I wanted to give leaders confidence that we will take care of their Families and non-deploying paratroopers,” said Maj. Fred Dela Cruz, rear detachment commander of the 4th BCT. “I was able to give the leaders throughout the brigade a good understanding of how the rear detachment will operate and discuss the casualty notification process.”

Two guest speakers spoke on leadership and relevant issues to the brigade’s upcoming deployment to Afghanistan during the second half of the first day.

Speakers included Navy Capt. Rich Ranier of the Navy War College and author Bing West.
“I enjoyed Captain Ranier’s briefing on fundamental leadership principles,” said Capt. Michael Fish, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th BCT.

The second day of the conference began with the company commanders briefing their unit missions in Afghanistan. “Commanders shared insights about their missions and reached common ground on what they expected to face in Afghanistan,” said Drinkwine.

The officers and noncommissioned officers also took advantage of the opportunity to golf the well-known golf course Friday afternoon. “Golfing was a great way to end the conference on a positive note,” said Maj. Gabe Barton, executive officer, 4th BCT.

“The conference was a good opportunity to sit down with fellow leaders in a casual setting and share ideas,” said Fish.