OBSC grads build banking bench, extend Army readiness

The U.S. Army has recently bolstered its capability to secure and sustain operations worldwide with the graduation of six expert banking specialists.

On September 12, six dedicated Soldiers successfully graduated from the U.S. Army Financial Management Command’s Operational Banking Short Course held at the Maj. Gen. Emmett J. Bean Federal Center.

The graduates from Class 03-25 include:

• Master Sgt. Toya Culwell, senior enlisted advisor of the 93rd Finance Battalion;

• Capt. Hydeia Pickett, disbursing officer with the 15th FIBN;

• 1st Lt. Jonathan Padilla, deputy disbursing officer of the 125th FIBN;

• Capt. Kali Rose, disbursing officer of the 125th FIBN;

• Capt. Jasmine Thompson, banking officer at USAFMCOM; and

• Capt. Marcques Walker, disbursing officer in the 1128th Finance Company.

“The OBSC delivers extensive training to finance and comptroller Soldiers across all three Army components, providing essential knowledge about the Army Banking Program,” stated Shawn Crocker, Deputy Banking Officer at USAFMCOM. “Post-graduation, these Soldiers are equipped to assist commanders in setting up financial establishments and ATMs on Army bases, assess foreign banking institutions for limited depositary accounts, and conduct banking infrastructure evaluations for economic analysis.”

This initiative has a significant influence on battlefield commanders and the troops.

“By strategically assessing foreign banking institutions for stability and compliance, the Army aims to enhance operational readiness and minimize the risks and logistical challenges associated with cash transportation,” elaborated Thompson. “Through the establishment of LDAs and thorough assessments of local banking systems, we ensure a reliable channel for funds, enabling commanders to maintain focus on fulfilling the mission while ensuring prompt payments to local vendors and contractors, all with complete accountability for every dollar used.”

Crocker further supported that one of the Soldiers preparing for deployment next year will quickly apply the knowledge gained from the course, while the two Soldiers from the 125th FIBN are already utilizing their education as the Army develops LDAs across the Pacific theater.

For Thompson, the OBSC offered more than just adherence to regulations; it provided her with vital skills for her future.

“Comprehending the internal workings of banks and the relationships within the Department of War’s banking program and the Army Financial Management Center’s banking teams was incredibly valuable,” she remarked.

Launched in 2022, the OBSC was implemented to enhance the Army’s yearlong Training with Industry banking program, which only accommodates the Active Component and allows two graduates per year.

Since its inception, nearly 100 Soldiers, consisting of around 75 officers and 25 NCOs, have graduated from the OBSC, solidifying their expertise in banking.

The hybrid course of the OBSC encompasses a self-paced online module, typically requiring four weeks, followed by a concluding week spent in-person at the Armed Forces Bank in Kansas City and at the USAFMCOM Headquarters in Indianapolis.

——————————–

USAFMCOM delivers precise enterprise-wide financial operations to integrate, synchronize, and support the battlefield through the Joint Strategic Support Area. This two-star command also directly assists the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller in their role as the principal advisor on all financial management and comptrollership matters.

The 45th Finance Center functions as the sole Army Financial Management Center assigned to USAFMCOM, serving as the command’s operational arm and primary deployer for theater preparation operations.