129th Regional Training Institute Earns Excellence Accreditation

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/25/2012)(readMedia)-- After months of preparation and an intensive inspection, the Illinois Army National Guard's 129th Regional Training Institute (RTI) in Springfield was awarded a rating as an "Institution of Excellence" by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). This is the highest accreditation level possible.

In the past, individual proponents or courses could be accredited, but this is the first time the entire 129th RTI was accredited as an institution. This new requirement was due to a recent change to TRADOC Regulation 350-18.

"We are ensuring what we do is to provide the best experience for the students," said Col. Richard Hayes of Buffalo Grove, 129th RTI Commander. "This rating demonstrates we are in the league of the best of the best."

RTI staff started preparations for this inspection in July 2010. Hayes said his staff looked across the RTI command and leadership along with Soldier and leader development programs to prepare. Some of the staff also travelled to shadow different states that had been through similar inspections.

For example, Capt. Kira Crocker of Springfield, 129th RTI Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment Commander, travelled to California to ask questions and get pointers on the accreditation process.

"I learned a lot more than what is in the regulations and actually had that 'ah ha' moment," she said.

Hayes said he is proud of Crocker and his entire staff who all worked hard to prepare for the inspection. He said this hard work and excellence has led the 129th RTI to stand out not only in the National Guard and Reserve component, but also to the Active Component.

He explained, in the past, only National Guard and Reserve institutions could teach Guard and Reserve Soldiers. Now, with the advent of the One Army School System, Active Duty Soldiers attend courses taught by National Guard and Reserve component institutions, such as the 129th.

"This accreditation tells us that we are doing the right things and we are doing them well," he said. "And the students who are attending...are getting the best instruction possible."

Many courses are taught within the 129th, including as transportation, military police, signal, field artillery, combatives and officer candidate school to name a few.

For more information, contact the Public Affairs office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil or call 217-761-3569.

Become our Facebook Fan!

www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard