CFTs, partnerships, military spouse employment opportunities and recruitment discussed at address

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LAWTON – During the Fort Sill State of the City address held Thursday, Oct. 10, Major General William A. Shoffner, Commanding General, United States Army Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, spoke of ways Lawton and the surrounding communities can help ensure the base’s continued success.

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  • Military spouse employment opportunities and recruitment
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LAWTON – During the Fort Sill State of the City address held Thursday, Oct. 10, Major General William A. Shoffner, Commanding General, United States Army Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, spoke of ways Lawton and the surrounding communities can help ensure the base’s continued success.

Fort Sill is home to the Long-Range Precision Fires and Air and Missile Defense Artillery, two of the Army’s eight CFTs (Cross-Functional Teams) that were established to modernize military defense technology. The base is also one of four places in the world for Basic Combat Training. CFTs are focused on developing technology for new systems and training soldiers how to use the technology once it's developed, he added.

“CFTs really are an important part of where the Army’s going,” said Shoff- ner. “We want to make sure that the training is absolutely the most rigorous and realistic training they could possibly get. Fort Sill is unique in that the two cross-functional teams that are associated with artillery” are located here.

“I think there’s also opportunity to form partnerships with colleges and universities,” said Shoffner. “Between Cameron, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State ... wouldn’t it be great if we could figure out how to ensure the work they’re doing is actually the work Futures Command needs? We’ve had some initial discussions with the University of Oklahoma, and I believe there’s a lot of potentials there,” said Shoffner.

In strengthening the relationship between Fort Sill and Lawton Public Schools, Shoffner met with interim Superintendent Dr. Tom Thomas and Lawton High School Principal Charlotte Oates. “We’re aware that we have Fort Sill kids at all the Lawton schools and those relationships are extremely important to us.”

Shoffner also asked how Lawton and the surrounding communities are promoting employment opportunities to military families.

“We know there are opportunities out there,” Shoffner said. “We do have a huge need for healthcare providers. How can we make it easier for military spouses to get hired in the healthcare profession?” he asked.

He added that by promoting employment opportunities at local healthcare facilities, it would benefit the region. We must “provide access to that healthcare locally so somebody doesn’t have to go to Dallas or Oklahoma City,” he added.

With recruitment lagging last year, Shoffner seemed surprised by the numbers.

“One of the top priorities for us and for the Army is recruiting,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll find a more supportive state than the state of Oklahoma. [But,] for some reason we’re not doing well in recruiting. I honestly think it’s a lack of knowledge and awareness. So that’s what we need your help.” Use “every opportunity to help get the word out – promoting every opportunity available to our young men and women in the state of Oklahoma.”

Lawton Mayor Stan Booker relayed that he and members of working groups are being proactive in exploring measures to develop and promote positive relationships between Lawton and Fort Sill. The teams are also finding ways in which the State can continue to support the base and increase business outside the gate.

“We must be ready for those opportunities to evolve around that connection,” he added.

Referencing an earlier statement from Senator James Inhofe, Booker stated, “The time is now!” We must “support and help build businesses that will support Fort Sill ... including opportunities for military spouses. Our community obviously is directly related to Fort Sill and we must strive to make individuals who come to Fort Sill for their service to our country” want to stay and grow in the community. The highest priority is that we continue to develop and work better together, because we are better together.”