Sen. Jerry Moran said this past week that the importance of Fort Riley to the nation's defense was conveyed during a visit to the Post by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Gen. James McConville. "Certainly our work in Europe as it relates to Ukraine and Russia, and to demonstrate that if there are to be any increase in forces to be deployed any place in the United States that Fort Riley is an installation that will be considered for that. "
Moran noted that McConville understands the desire of local and Kansas officials for more troops, such as another brigade to be stationed at Fort Riley. That is not in the plan right now. "The issue that the Army faces today before we can look at the deployment of additional soldiers to Kansas, to Fort Riley, is the Army has to recruit and retain members of the military."
Recruitment is down so the Senator noted that much of the conversation involved how to improve the Army's opportunity to attract and retain members. "For us to have success in additional deployments to Fort Riley the Army has to do it's job of recruiting soldiers."
Measures that have been undertaken by Fort Riley include members of the Army across Kansas and this region showing the benefit of Fort Riley, what goes on at the Post and connecting with citizens. "Big Army including its recruitment battalions are working harder in schools connecting with teachers, guidance counselors and school superintendents with the effort of making sure we get members of the Army into their hometown schools." Moran added personal contact can be helpful.