4th Infantry Division hosts Human Resources University
By CPT Davontae J. Hair
FORT CARSON, Colo. – The 4th Infantry Division and Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association Pikes Peak Chapter hosted the Human Resource University Oct. 22-24 at Fort Carson.
The four-day event was an initiative by the division’s personnel staff directorate (G-1) and designed to empower military and civilian human resource professionals and enhance the capabilities their provide to commanders and servicemembers.
More than 100 Soldiers, contractors, and Department of the Army Civilians participated in a collaborative environment that identified and addressed the unique challenges Fort Carson faces.
The event aimed to enhance the skills of human resource professionals, equipping them to serve their communities better and support the needs of every service member.
Additionally, Army-wide challenges and action plans were discussed to ensure units, Military Personnel Divisions (MPD), and Army Military Pay Offices have the most current tools and information to support the Army’s most important asset - people.
“It was inspiring to have senior human resource and Army leaders come to 4ID, take the time to understand our questions and concerns, and stay long enough to help us resolve some of our issues,” said Sgt. Cesar Trevino, a human resource specialist assigned to 4th Infantry Division G-1.
Subject matter experts from Headquarters Department of the Army Functional Management Division, Integrated Personnel and Pay Systems-Army (IPPS-A), U.S. Installation Management Command (IMCOM), and U.S. Financial Management Command were key contributors to the university and facilitated discussions that encouraged innovative and tailored solutions for the “Mountain Post”.
“Effective communication and timely processes are crucial, as each individual’s experience can influence their perception of Fort Carson and the Army, ultimately encouraging others to join based on their positive interactions,” said Lt. Col. Benetta Hamm, director, 4th Infantry Division G-1.
The small group breakout sessions produced IPPS-A solutions that tackled critical topics such as transitions, separation assignments, onboarding responsibilities, absences, and out-processing procedures.
“It’s always good to see how users in the field are using IPPS-A,” said Col. Rebekah Lust, director, IPPS-A Functional Management Division, HQDA. “We can take that end-user feedback to our development team to see how we can fix issues such as arriving and departing Soldiers to units and other issues that formations are experiencing throughout the Army enterprise.
These challenges identify a new and ever-changing baseline that all human resources professionals must master. As IPPS-A continues to evolve and add functionality, collaboration among human resource specialists will be essential to Army success.
“Each Military Personnel Division and installation faces unique challenges,” said Col. Kevin Poole, director, IMCOM G-1. “Together, they will continue to explore actionable strategies for improving human resources/military personnel division operations at Fort Carson and across the Army.”