BUILDING LEADERS – The Transatlantic Division’s investment in the future

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division
Published Dec. 17, 2020
Updated: Dec. 17, 2020
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, speaks with participants during the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, speaks with participants during the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander (left) and Scott Cilley (right), Business Integration Division chief and primary program manager of the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course , speak with participants during the LDP Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander (left) and Scott Cilley (right), Business Integration Division chief and primary program manager of the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course , speak with participants during the LDP Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, listens to participants during the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, listens to participants during the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, listens to participants as they introduce themselves during the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, listens to participants as they introduce themselves during the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

Participants stand for a group photo during the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

Participants stand for a group photo during the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, shares her leadership philosophy during the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, shares her leadership philosophy during the Transatlantic Division's Leadership Development Program Level III course in Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Sherman Hogue)

Winchester, Va. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division kicked off its fourth and largest Leadership Development Program Level III course at a socially distanced and mostly virtual meeting at its headquarters in Winchester, Virginia on Oct. 28, 2020.

The Leadership Development Program is a U.S. Army Corp of Engineers initiative designed to provide a progressive avenue to develop and train leaders at all levels as part of “building the bench.”

The Transatlantic Division’s LDP Level III is an 18 month course that provides employees with the opportunity to experience a regional perspective on leadership, identify and develop their own leadership qualities, and participate in various senior-level Army Corps of Engineers activities within the organization.

The Transatlantic Division’s Business Integration Division leads the planning and execution of this program for its division and has seen first-hand what building leaders can bring to an organization. 

Scott Cilley, the Business Integration Division chief and primary program manager of the LPD Level III course, explains how the program has evolved.

“This class is really a series of firsts,” Cilley said during his opening remarks. “Not only do we have an expanded and updated curriculum, we have ten students, which is by far more than we have ever had. We also have professionals from diverse backgrounds from across the Transatlantic Division, including the Middle East District, as well as participants from the U.S. Army and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.”

“The program is really designed to develop you in many ways,” Cilley went on to explain. “It’s going to go beyond just traditional leadership development. You are going to learn about problem solving, strategic thinking, critical analysis, team building, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and threat analysis.”

The program will also dive deeper into sharpening supervisory skills such as workforce planning, human capital planning and performance management, as well as dealing with poor performers and conflict resolution Public speaking was a new addition to the curriculum this year and there will be an opportunity for the class to participate with the local Winchester Toastmasters Club.

“I am really excited about this class and about the learning opportunities ahead,” Cilley continued. “Of the 18 months, the first 12 months will be the guts of the program and the next six months will be utilization assignments and other opportunities to put into practice the skills you have learned.”

Scott Sawyer, Programs Integration Division Chief of the Transatlantic Division’s $6 billion overseas program, introduced himself to the class.

“Back in 2004 I took my first LDP class never looked back.” Sawyer said. “You’re going to get tools in this class that are just awesome. Take this opportunity to polish yourselves and learn from each other. This is a non-threat environment. Use it. Get ready to lead your staffs. I couldn’t be more excited about the people gathered together for this class. Welcome aboard and thanks so much for putting this effort into yourselves.”

Brigadier General Kimberly M. Colloton, Transatlantic Division commander, spent some time getting to know the class participants and shared her background, command priorities and framework of expectations and values which are based on courage, candor, character and commitment.

“I want us all to strive for excellence not just meet the standard,” Colloton shared. “This is an investment into being better personally and being better professionally. I hope you enjoy this course. It’s good to get the know each other and it’s a good opportunity to share and grow.

Building a team starts with a foundation of building trust,” Colloton went on to explain, “It takes getting to know each other, a willingness to share, respecting that we are all different and trying to leverage those differences to improve what we are delivering.

Achieving our vision of providing engineering solutions for not only our nation’s but our partner nation’s toughest challenges is that much easier as a team,” Colloton continued. “But it starts with developing our people, investing in our people, treating each other with dignity and respect and creating an organization where people thrive.”

The Transatlantic Division continues to be just that kind of organization. Elaine Lawson, Business Integration Division program manager, has been with the LDP Level III from its inception and encourages professionals to continue to grow as a leader by becoming a mentor for the course.  

“The Business Integration Division encourages Army Corp of Engineers professionals to consider fostering the personal and professional growth of our future leaders,” Lawson stated in a request for volunteers. “Similar to training, mentoring encourages knowledge transfer, a more inclusive work environment, employee engagement, and promotes organizational commitment.

Mentoring can be a very easy, natural process,” Lawson wrote. “You’ve probably already been a mentor for years! Are you respectful of others, supportive, respected, self-confident, patient, people oriented, a good motivator, a teacher or coach, an achiever, a great listener, willing to share corporate and technical knowledge, and one who values the Army and work?” Lawson asked. “Then you should volunteer to be a mentor. Stop for a moment to remember those individuals who made an impact on your life, family and career. Then, consider “Paying It Forward” by volunteering to be a mentor.”  

The LDP Level III course will continue into 2021 with most of the program conducted virtually to ensure the health and safety of all participates. The Army, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Transatlantic Division remains committed to building competent and confident leaders, both military and civilian, in order to strengthen the foundation and deliver the program – today and tomorrow.

BUILDING STRONG! 

 

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Transatlantic Division provides engineering solutions for our mission partner’s toughest full spectrum challenges in one of the most volatile construction environments in the world. With oversight of well over $6 billion in projects throughout the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, as well as dedicated support to the U.S. Special Operations Command, the Transatlantic Division is truly the Corps of Engineers’ tip of the spear when it comes to supporting the warfighter and promoting safety and stability throughout the Middle East and Afghanistan.  

The Transatlantic Division delivers its program through two districts, the Transatlantic Middle East District and the Transatlantic Afghanistan District, as well as Task Force Essayons, which specializes in providing timely engineering solutions directly to the warfighter.

 

 

 

 


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division serves as USACE’s tip of the spear in one of the most dynamic construction environments in the world, STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS, BUILDING CAPACITY, and ENHANCING SECURITY for our nation, allies, and partners. 

We deliver agile, responsive, and innovative, design, construction, engineering and contingency solutions in support of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and other global partners to advance national security interests.

Transatlantic Division News

  • February

    USACE Transatlantic Division: Setting Extraordinary Standards as ‘Partner of Choice’ in CENTCOM AOR

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division stands as a pivotal force in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. Since the 1950s, the Division has actively shaped the landscape of engineering, design, and construction across the Middle East. Transforming from its initial focus on basic military construction, the Division now leads sophisticated, large-scale infrastructure projects, demonstrating a deep commitment to building capacity and enhancing security in the region. By setting and consistently upholding extraordinary operational standards, it has established itself as the ‘partner of choice.’
  • January

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Commander Promoted to Brigadier General

    Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General during a ceremony here Jan. 16.
  • October

    On Solid Ground: Army Values are the Foundation of USACE Transatlantic Division’s Mission

    With a history of more than 70 years in the region, the Transatlantic Division oversees more than $5 billion in projects including military construction programs, force protection innovations, and security cooperation initiatives, strengthening Army readiness, enhancing vital infrastructure, and deepening global partnerships. Each action reinforces the Army's unwavering commitment to its service members and global partners.
  • USACE Innovation: The Key to 'Building Strong' in the CENTCOM AOR

    For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, innovation is the essential energy that drives success. From the initial development phase of a project, through the design and construction, and well into the operational phase, innovation drives the relentless pursuit of excellence, supporting sustainable strategies and fostering the development of long-lasting, reliable solutions.
  • September

    USACE Transatlantic Division supports Typhoon Mawar disaster relief

    A staff member assigned to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division was activated and sent to Guam from June until July to assist FEMA, federal partners and territorial officials’ response to the typhoon which caused significant impacts to essential services throughout portions of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, including water, energy and transportation.
  • ‘Go Army, Beat Navy’: A Time-honored Rivalry Transformed into Integrated Partnership in Bahrain

    In a series of key leader engagements, U.S. Army Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, visited Bahrain on Sept. 11, to fortify the already strong inter-service partnerships with the Naval Forces Central Command and Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
  • August

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division participates in Eagle Resolve 2023

    Two staff members assigned U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division traveled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 21- 25, 2023 to participate in Eagle Resolve 2023, a Combined Joint All-Domain exercise which improves interoperability on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace with the U.S. military and partner nations, enhances the ability to respond to contingencies, and underscores USCENTCOM's commitment to the Middle East.
  • June

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division welcomes individual mobilization augmentees for annual training

    Soldiers arrived here this month to participate in a variety of training and readiness events as part of their duties as individual mobilization augmentees assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division.
  • Being All We Can Be – The Transatlantic Division’s 70+ year legacy remains an integral part of the U.S. Army's enduring story

    As the nation commemorates the U.S. Army's 248th birthday on June 14th, the Army Corps of Engineers stands as a strong pillar of support, reaffirming its indispensable role in fortifying the Army's mission. With a rich and storied history dating back to the Revolutionary War, the Army Corps of Engineers has steadfastly provided a strong foundation, showcasing its significance in diverse operations, infrastructure development, and disaster response efforts. The Army's enduring motto, "Be all you can be," resonates deeply with the Army Corps of Engineers and our collective commitment to Building Strong as we march forward to the shout of “Essayons! (Let us try).
  • Safety at the Tip of the Spear – USACE Transatlantic Division highlights Safety program across the CENTCOM AOR

    The Transatlantic Division serves as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ tip of the spear in one of the most dynamic construction environments in the world. Ensuring that building strong is synonymous with building safely, the Transatlantic Division’s Safety Office maintains an unwavering dedication to the well-being of the service members and civilians who execute the nearly $5 billion dollar program in support of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Forces Command and other global partners across the Middle East and Central Asia. The CENTCOM AOR presents unique and varied safety challenges, from diverse environments like deserts, seaports, and urban areas, to wide ranging cultural considerations and diversity of languages, as well as security considerations surrounding ongoing military operations. The Transatlantic Division and its Districts overcomes all of this and continues to set the standard for Safety programs in the region.