Commander's corner.

You know the old saying "the only constant is change" and you also now associated with any change are various levels of concerns, challenges and stress.

Whether you are military or civilian, it is only human nature to initially resist change since we are creatures of habit. But at the same time we all know the importance of being flexible when dealing with change in both our personal and professional lives to meet current and future demands that are placed upon all of us. Flexibility is the key to success and how we, as a command, remain relevant.

Since this command changed its name from the Military Traffic Management Command to the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command in 2004, we have evolved at a rapid pace. It was, and still is, critical to our nation's defense for us to advance our breadth of mission far beyond the mainstream mission of port management that we focused on for so many years. The reason our command is now successful in end-to-end surface deployment and distribution is because YOU changed with our new mission. You changed your way of thinking and, in some cases, elements within your personal life to help us achieve our current success. That alone is a testimony of your selfless dedication--especially since SDDC is the only organization in the world charged with managing Department of Defense surface movements.

As I have taken opportunities to visit our folks here in headquarters and subordinate commands around the world, I am continually impressed. The reason we are succeeding in changing and will continue to succeed can be articulated in two words--POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

We've probably experienced more changes and challenges throughout this past year than in any single year in the command's history:

(1) The year started off with us firmly planting our feet to plan for our move to Scott Air Force Base. This is a major change for everyone in all the three Virginia locations. People had to make decisions on what is best for them: whether to move with the command, take an early out, retire, or find a position with another agency. The status quo was not one of the options under BRAC.

(2) The Army reorganized and instead of us reporting directly to Department of the Army as a MACOM, we now fall under Army Materiel Command as one of their Major Subordinate Commands. Operationally, we continue to work for USTRANSCOM as their Army Service Component Command.

(3) This year, we've also had to learn a new way of creating travel orders and vouchers with the introduction of the Defense Travel System into the command. I appreciate everyone working this hard--we will truly benefit from this program and I thank you for the feedback on what is not working so we can get that fixed.

(4) We also started phasing in the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) for civilian employees. NSPS will bring more flexible and streamlined processes for staffing to include recruiting, hiring, advancement and promotion; pay administration and performance management; job classification; labor management relations; and discipline, adverse actions and employee appeals. DOD is implementing NSPS in a phased approach, each major phase is known as a spiral. Commanders are encouraged to educate themselves on the NSPS in order to prepare their workforce for this change. Current information is available at http://cpol.army.mil/ library/general/nsps.

Within SDDC, all supervisors, all attorneys and the professional positions at the Transportation Engineering Agency, for a total of approximately 200, were transitioned into NSPS in January and February 2007 under Spiral 1. The remainder of the workforce will transition in a later spiral with dates yet to be determined.

Since change is a constant and since we will relocate two of our three Virginia locations, I'd like to provide you some tips I've come across that will assist you in dealing with the stresses and challenges of this change. From my personal experience, I know they are worth bringing forth.

Accept change: Probably the most important realization regarding change is to accept it at face value. The cold hard truth is change really is a constant and is here to stay. You've changed many things before--think back on what you did to achieve successes when you were confronted with change.

Attitude: One of the key elements of managing change and stress is maintaining a positive attitude. Find the silver lining in the challenges you are facing and turn them into opportunities.

Communicate: Don't hold back on sharing what you think and how you feel about a change. Gather all the information you can and talk to your family, friends and co-workers. It may turn out someone you talk to had a similar experience and you can draw from that. Talking also helps suppress the anxiety as you learn more to make a better decision as to what to do.

Planning: Managing change successfully starts with new goals and a well-designed plan. You know where you are and where you want to be; now decide how you are going to get there. Clarify goals and expectations. Identify all the tasks you need to address and come up with a plan and a timeline on how to attach the tasks. Get feedback from others. Start with small, deliberate steps and measure your progress. Keep focused on the desired outcome.

Support: Develop a support network at work and home. People with friends on whom they can rely during stressful times experience fewer negative effects of the stress change can bring. It is also healthier. Don't go it alone.

Environment: Examine and change what you don't like about your work environment or accept what you can't change.

Yourself: Take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, exercise, get enough rest. Take time to relax with friends and family. Enjoy your hobbies. Listen to your body. If you don't think these suggestions are important, look around at others who aren't using them. You'll soon discover just how important these basic wellness tips are.

Self-esteem: List what you like about yourself and note your special talents. (Also, list what you appreciate about family and friends.) Tell them and make them feel good, too. Leverage what you bring to the table in helping your section make the change, and yourself--work to your strengths and identify those who can help you with areas you are not strong in.

Open and flexible: I mentioned that flexibility is the key to success. Knowing that change can happen at any time helps you accept and adjust when it occurs. Most people are eager to settle into comfortable routines. Realize that your present routine may only be temporary.

Take control: What can you do now that will help you cope with the changes in your life? Make a list of options. What are the positive and negative outcomes of each choice? Practice finding the good in each of life's changes. It's not what happens to you that causes you to be happy or unhappy, but how you react to what happens. Your reaction governs the outcome. Take charge of your thoughts and actions.

Resources: SDDC Transition Centers, self-help publications, support groups, friends, loving family members, special talents, good health, time and a positive attitude. All of these resources and more can help when you're facing a change.

We all have an opportunity this year to do great things. Some of you will move, some of you will retire and some of you will find other employment. We are all in this together. Whatever choice you decide to make, change can be a positive experience. Let change propel you to do things you have always wanted to do but never had a catalyst to propel you into action.

Maj. Gen. Kathleen M. Gainey Commander, SDDC