Story and photo by Capt. Tiffany M. Collins, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Division-Center Public AffairsCAMP RAMADI, Iraq – With less than 24 hours in-country, Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Devens, who recently took the reins as sergeant major for United States Division-Center, embarked on a whirlwind journey to acquaint himself with units within the USD-C footprint.  First stop, Camp Ramadi and the Soldiers of the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, who are responsible for the advising, training and assisting Iraqi Security Forces in Al Anbar Province. Throughout his visit Devens emphasized adaptability and stressed the importance of the development and progression of the junior enlisted ranks.“You’ll be responsible for the progression of this Army as an expeditionary force focused completely on brigade operations,” he said. “(Army leadership is) making brigades more capable, making sure they have all of the assets so that a brigade can function in any environment.”During an hour-long session with Soldiers and noncommissioned officers of the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th AAB, 3rd Inf. Div., Devens advised troops of coming changes to the Army’s force structure, talked about the NCO Education System, annual evaluations, and the Physical Readiness Test as well as other methods established to assess a Soldier’s potential for progression. “It’s key to recognize your role and responsibility in all of this,” he said “It’s a pretty big thing that were putting on your shoulders and I know you guys aren’t seeing it now, but you are the ones that are going to make the strategic decisions of what we’re going to be successful in and that’s a key part to recognize.”Devens finishes his tour of the Vanguard Brigade later this month during his visit to Camp Mejid and Al Asad Airbase.  He said he plans to observe training by the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th AAB as he tours the Tadreeb Al Shamil-partnered mission with the 7th Iraqi Army Division.