Army Command Holds Mercury Rising Event to Strengthen Readiness

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command's Headquarters and Headquarters Company took part in the first "Mercury Rising" event of the new fiscal year at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Oct. 2.

Led by Army Capt. Ara L. Gahan, the company commander, and Army 1st Sgt. Ruben Chavez, the event combined physical training and professional development aimed to strengthen readiness, cohesion and individual accountability.

"Mercury Rising/payday activities strengthen readiness by combining physical training, professional development, mandatory training and barracks inspections to reinforce standards, discipline and individual accountability," Gahan said. "Conducting these events together also builds camaraderie and unit cohesion by creating regular opportunities for soldiers to train, communicate and maintain pride in their appearance, living areas and organization."

Mercury Rising is the command's approach to traditional payday activities, combining physical training, professional development, mandatory training and barracks inspections.

Soldiers began with a physical training circuit designed to support the Army Fitness Test. They then competed in a timed team race carrying a 365-pound sandbag.

The day also included professional development sessions for leaders covering suicide awareness and prevention, the sexual harassment and assault response and prevention and equal opportunity. In small groups, soldiers discussed their responsibilities for maintaining a professional, supportive environment.

The physical challenge and professional development combination reflects the Army's focus on preparing soldiers to meet changing demands such as performing under pressure. Shared training and communication help build trust among teammates. Professional discussions reinforce knowledge and standards needed for disciplined, effective organization.

The program also provides a recurring opportunity for leaders and soldiers to connect outside their daily duties. Unit leadership said the event supports the command's efforts to build the Army of 2030 through greater resiliency, adaptability and lethality. By bringing soldiers together to train, learn and uphold unit standards, Mercury Rising contributes to the preparedness and unity needed for the force to respond to future challenges.