Kilted Training Conference

[A Hay]

Tuesday through Thursday this past week I attended a training conference on Lean Six Sigma, the Army's latest improvement program.
We make jokes about the latest fad training, but this program was actually interesting and may have some usefulness.
I took along a kilt, but didn't really get a chance to wear it until the last day.
One of the instructors had an accent. I thought it was Scottish, but his name is Italian. On the morning of the last day I asked him about it and he said yes, his parents were italian, but he grew up south of Edinburgh. He also has a kilt. So after lunch, for the afternoon session, I put on my Ancient Hay kilt and a red tie. He was pleased!, and I had several nice comments from the other conferees.
Here is a pic of the two of us.
Also attached are some pictures of the lower Alps near Garmish-Partkirchen and the new Edeiweiss Lodge. The lodge is run by the Army for Soldiers and attached Civilians. Primarily it serves as a place for Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afganistan to get some relaxation with their wives and children. Good for them!

[cessna152towser]

Excellent pics and an interesting report, thanks for posting.

[McMurdo]

Lovely pictures, and a smart outfit.

[Splash_4]

Nice photo and a good story! (and my sincerest condolences on Six Sigma. I obtained my black belt earlier this year.... And you are right about it being the current certification fad)

[Graywolf]

1) Great work with the instructor and kilts,
2) Great work pics of the stopover for the guysreturning from Iraq and their families, and
3) I am not sure what Lean Six Sigma is, but if it is like Six Sigma, it is:

a. A mathematical hoax,
b. Management tool to "save" money on paper, while changing nothing and;
c. The latest fad that management uses to justify, its existence.

- A cynic

PS I was formerly in management and saw 6-sigma in action.
PPS It originated and was touted by GE and Motorola as why they made money in the late nineties. Of course, until the bubble burst, everyone was making money in the late nineties.

[BEEDEE]

I've been retired for four years and did not realize that six sigma has not yet been replaced by yet another fad. The BIG QUESTION - is the Army driving six sigma down to the platoon level in Infantry companies?

Brian

[Splash_4]

I've been retired for four years and did not realize that six sigma has not yet been replaced by yet another fad. The BIG QUESTION - is the Army driving six sigma down to the platoon level in Infantry companies?

Brian

Please God, No!

[Kiltman]

Thanks for the wonderful pictures of Garmish-Partkirchen and the new Edeiweiss Lodge. It's been several years since I was last there.

[IEScotsman]

Very cool story and good photos of the lodge.

[terraedwin]

We too are pushing Six Sigma at my workplace. I was lucky enough to switch departments, so my training will have to be postponed. I also agree with Splash 4 in saying "not at the platoon level."