US Army Training Center - Yearbook (Fort Leonard Wood, MO)

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NH Idl I . Emulmtff K u p, ' mammal - MAJOR GENERAL JAMES W. VAN LOBEN SELS General Van Loben Sels was born in Oakland, Caltfornt'a on 10 October 1935. He was commissioned a second lieute- nant and awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science in 1959 from the United States Military Academy. He also holds a Masters degree in Space Physicsfrom the Air Force Institute of Technology. His military schooling in- cludes the United States Army Command and General Stag? College and the United States Amy War College. General van Loben Sets was initially assigned to the 23d Engineer Battalion in West Germany. There he served as Platoon Leader, Assistant S3 IOperatz'ons and Training; and Company Commander. In 1963, General van Loben Sets was assigned as a Training Instructor with the Ist Ranger Company at Egtin Air Force Base, Florida. His next assign- ment was as a Combat Engineer Battalion Advisor with the United States Military Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam. During his second tour in Vietnam, General van Loben Sets served as the Assistant G4 ILogz'stt'csL the Deputy G3 tOperatz'ons and Training; and the Assistant Chief of Staff, 1013t Airborne Division IAt'rmobz'tet. Returning to the United States, he became Deputy District Engineer for the United States Army Engineer District, Norfolk, Virginia. In June 1974, he took command of the 8th Engineer Battalion, Ist Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. In January 1976, he became an Assistant to the Director of Facilities Engineer- ing at Fort Hood. He was next assigned as Chief, Installation and Construction Division, Headquarters, United States A? - my Europe and Seventh Army in Germany. In June I 978, General van Loben Sets became Commander of the 18th Engineer Brigade and Community Commander for the K arlsmhe M t'litary Community in Germany. He then took command of the North Pacific Division, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Oregon. In July 1984, he became Commander of the Europe Division, United States Army Corps of Engineers in Germany. In October 1985, he assumed his current duties as Commander, United States Army Training Center Engineer and Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. General van Loben Selst decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star th'th two Oak Leaf Clusterst, the Meritorious Service Medal Iwz'th Oak Leaf Clustew, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal thth two Oak Leaf Clusters; He is married to the former Joan Pisko. They have three sons, James, John and Jejfrey.

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A Message to the Troops . . . from the Commanding General DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS US ARMY TRAINING CENTER ENGINEER AND FORT LEONARD WOOD FORT LEONARD WOOD. MISSOURI 65473-5000 REPLY TO A TTENTION OF CONGRATULATIONS! You have successfully completed the intensive basic training program required of each individual in order to graduate to the ranks of the best trained, best equipped, and best informed soldier in the history of our Army. In accomplishing the transformation from civilian to soldier, you have attained your primary purpose outlined to you in your first day of basic training--to become a disciplined, motivated soldier who is qualified with his basic weapon, physically conditioned and drilled in the fundamentals of soldiering. As you move on to advanced individual training, or an assignment with an active Army or reserve component unit, you should be aware that the officers, drill sergeants and noncommissioned officers of your cadre are proud of you. You have proven yourself in the trials and pressures of basic training. You have developed your mind and body, and accepted the challenge of soldiers before you; you have demonstrated that your generation has all the determination and ability necessary. To each of you, I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes for your continuing success in the years ahead. x li$y ' S W. VAN LOBEN ELS ajor General, U Commanding