CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Inspector General of the U.S. Army, visited with troops of 34th Red Bull Infantry Division during a town hall meeting at Contingency Operating Base Basra June 12.

The visit was one of many Whitcomb, a resident of Madison, Ga., is making to speak directly with Soldiers about issues they are facing in their careers.

"I go out and talk to our Soldiers and units around the world on behalf of the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of Defense to report on what Soldiers are doing," said Whitcomb. "We are interested in what the Army is doing, how they are doing it and what we need to focus on at the Department of the Army to ensure mission accomplishment by Soldiers in the field. We want to get the right resources and policies in place to allow troops to do what we ask them to do."

"The Army is accomplishing many more great things than we get credit for," he said. "Our great Soldiers are quietly going about their business without any fanfare."

The town hall meeting was followed by a private dinner for 15 Soldiers, hosted by Whitcomb.

Whitcomb and Sgt. Maj. Henry W. Jackson II, IG sergeant major, fielded questions on a number of topics, including the process for noncommissioned officer promotions. Both stressed the importance of personal responsibility by Soldiers in taking care of their careers, to include keeping records updated and DA photos current.

Whitcomb ended the evening by thanking the troops in attendance for what they do and asking them to pass that sentiment on to their families. He also admonished non-commissioned officers to take care of their Soldiers and ensure that troops always have the tools they need to succeed both in mission requirements and personal career goals.