2021 US Black Engineer & Information Technology | VETERANS - VOL. 45, NO. 4

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V E T E R A N S

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NAVY IS READY

FOR TOMORROW

Learn how America’s Navy is powered by people, ideas, and culture Admiral Michael M. Gilday 32nd Chief of Naval Operations United States Navy (right)

Vice Admiral John V. Fuller USBE&IT Winter 2021 www.blackengineer.com

42nd Naval Inspector General United States Navy (left)

Discover a STEM Career in the Military Remembering those who served on 9/11

EXCLUSIVE LISTS:

Top Black Military Generals Top Blacks in the Federal Senior Executive Service

CONTENTS

FEATURES

US BLACK ENGINEER & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BRINGING TECHNOLOGY HOME TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY

COVER STORY 12

In this exclusive interview with USBE, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday lays out the future of a Navy that is always ready

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2021 STARS & STRIPES KEYNOTE: Gen. Charles Q. Brown, U.S. Air Force

TOP BLACKS IN THE MILITARY:

2021 marks the 16th year of USBE’s salute to Black flag officers

BLACKS IN SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE (SES): This exclusive list honors SES members in defense

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GENERAL LARRY O. SPENCER, USAF (RET) PUBLISHES MEMOIR: ‘DARK HORSE’

USBE & Information Technology | WINTER 2021

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PUBLISHER'S PAGE VOLUME 45 NUMBER 4

DEPARTMENTS

U.S. MILITARY AND DEFENSE—VETERANS ISSUE

People and Events.............. 8

Three years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks against the United States, US Black Engineer (USBE) magazine held a historic town hall meeting on national security.

The discussion brought together four distinguished veterans—all past BEYA winners. Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard (U.S. Army retired), Gen. Johnnie E. Wilson, (U.S. Army retired), Gen. Lester Lyles (U.S. Air Force retired), and Lt. Gen. Albert J. Edmonds (U.S. Air Force retired) shared their thoughts on Black participation in the global war on terror. A few months later, in one of the first USBE issues focused on homeland security and defense, Lloyd Austin III, newly promoted to major general on Jan. 1, 2005, led the USBE list of more than 50 admirals and generals from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Nationals Guard, and Coast Guard. USBE magazine’s end-ofyear issue has proudly featured decorated soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen for more than a decade. Austin continued to appear in this annual USBE list until he was appointed commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and subsequently retired in 2016. As the 28th United States secretary of defense since Jan. 22, 2021, Austin is the first African American to serve in this role. During a Pentagon ceremony held on Sept. 11, 2021, Austin said Americans must remember what happened 20 years ago. “We cannot know what the next 20 years will bring,” he said. “We cannot know what new dangers they will carry. But we do know that America will always lead.” During a visit to the Naval Station at Pearl Harbor, HI, earlier in 2021, Austin called for developing a “new vision” for American defense in the face of emerging cyber and space threats and the prospect of fighting bigger wars.

Catch up with the latest retirements, promotions, upcoming events, and other news.

Education .......................... 14 LEGACY is a game-changing Air Force program. Read more about it here.

Corporate Life ................... 16 Relationships Matter! The ability to connect is the most critical investment you can make for your career. Find out why.

Career Voices .................... 18

The Naval inspector general shares five lessons learned from his 30-year career in the Navy.

Leading Voices.................. 68

• Cdr. Chris Williams, Naval Air Forces - 9/11: 20 Years Later • MSgt. Bonnie Rushing, U.S. Air Force - Changing the Narrative: Women in the Military

Career Outlook .................77

20 things to know about STEM careers in the U.S. military. .

Tyrone D. Taborn Publisher and Chief Content Officer

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PEOPLE &EVENTS Promotions for Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, Lt. Gen. Donna Martin, and SES Renata Spinks Following a promotion, Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson assumed command of America’s First Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) during a ceremony at I Corps Headquarters on Oct. 6. “When I handed [Brunson] these colors in June, I trusted him to command I Corps just the same as I trust him now,” said Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commander of U.S. Army Forces Command. Brunson acknowledged the Corps’ importance to the Indo-Pacific region and said that both people and the mission were at the forefront of his priorities as the Corps’ commander.

Above: Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth, left, swears in Lt. Gen. Donna Martin as the Army’s inspector general during a ceremony Sept. 2, 2021. Martin previously spent a year as the Army’s provost marshal general.

(Courtesy photo)

Donna W. Martin was promoted lieutenant general. She has served as the inspector general of the U.S. Army since Sept. 2. She is the first female

Left: Renata Spinks now serves as deputy chief information officer and senior information security officer at the Marine Corps.

inspector general of the Army. “I was honored to preside over the promotion and swearing-in of LTG Donna Martin as the Army’s 67th Inspector General,” tweeted Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. “She is the right leader at the right time,” she added.

Wormuth also shared a photo taken at the swearing-in ceremony.

Renata Spinks now serves as deputy chief information officer and senior information security officer at the Marine Corps. “Congratulations to my

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Bottom: Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, passes the I Corps colors to Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson during an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Oct. 6, 2021. Brunson assumed command of America’s First Corps and JBLM. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Larsen, 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade)

fellow (Advanced Technology Academic Research Center) Board Member Renata Spinks on her promotion to Assistant Director of I.T./Deputy CIO and Senior Information Security Officer for the United States Marine Corps,” wrote Darryl E. Peek II on LinkedIn. Peek is head of federal strategic partnerships at Google.

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Gen. James McConville presents a retirement plaque to Lt. Gen. Leslie C. Smith during a ceremony on Aug. 27. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. XaViera Masline)

Lt. Gen. Leslie C. Smith retires after 35 years of active-duty service U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville presented a retirement plaque to Lt. Gen. Leslie C. Smith during a ceremony on Aug. 27. Smith retired after more than 35 years of active-duty service. “Today was my last day in the U.S. Army Inspector General Enterprise,” Smith shared on LinkedIn. “Thanks to all of our Army teammates serving on the staff and secretariat who helped us accomplish the mission!

So proud of TIG 67 Donna Martin assuming the mission.”

Department of Defense tackles climate crisis

In Memoriam New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ordered flags lowered to half-staff to honor four-star Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. Odierno was a Rockaway native. The general was featured on the cover of US Black Engineer magazine in 2013 and was a regular presence at the annual BEYA Stars & Stripes event.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 5 at the Washington National Cathedral following the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Oct. 18. The retired general spent 35 years in the Army, and his career as a soldier and a diplomat was a visible example to many. S

SAVE THE DATE BEYA STEM GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS DIGITAL CONFERENCE Feb. 17-19, 2022 Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, D.C.

WOMEN OF COLOR STEM DIGITAL TWIN CONFERENCE Oct. 6-8, 2022 Huntington Place Detroit, MI

The Department of Defense (DOD) has announced that it now integrates climate change considerations at all levels, including risk analyses, strategy development, planning, modeling, simulation, and wargaming. Launching the DOD Climate Risk Analysis (DCRA) report in October 2021, the DOD said it is critical to incorporate climate change security at a strategic level. “As the global and cross-cutting consequences of climate change increase the demands on the Department, the DCRA provides a starting point for a shared understanding of the mission risks of climate change—and lays out a path forward,” said the foreword signed by Lloyd J. Austin III, secretary of defense.

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ONE ON ONE - COVER STORY

by USBE magazine editors editors@ccgmag.com

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS ADM. MIKE GILDAY

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dm. Mike Gilday is the son of a Navy sailor. A surface warfare officer, he is a native of Lowell, MA, and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. In addition, he holds master’s degrees from the Harvard Kennedy School and the National War College.

At sea, he deployed with USS Chandler, USS Princeton, and USS Gettysburg.

He also commanded destroyers USS Higgins and USS Benfold and subsequently commanded Destroyer Squadron 7, serving as sea combat commander for the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. As a flag officer, he served as commander of Carrier Strike Group 8 embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and as commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, and U.S. 10th Fleet. His staff assignments include the Bureau of Naval Personnel, the Chief of Naval Operations staff, and the vice chief of Naval Operations. Joint duties include executive assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and naval aide to the president.

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Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday presents Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals to Masterat-arms 3rd Class Lakayla Clark, left, and Josuha Reed during a visit to Naval Air Station Patuxent River. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)

“While most Americans associate the strength of the Navy with greyhulled ships at sea, the true source of our naval power are the people and the loved ones who support them,” the admiral said in a recent interview with US Black Engineer magazine.

“Ultimately, it comes down to the people we serve and lead. I’m a student of Col. John Boyd, the legendary Air Force pilot, and military strategist. He used to say, ‘People, ideas, machines— in that order.’ Success in our profession does not simply come from ships, sensors, or bombs. It comes from the intersections between technology and people, the ideas of those people, and

“America is a maritime nation— our security and stability depend on the seas,” the admiral said. “The U.S. Navy is America’s away team, and alongside our allies and partners, we defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free.” the culture to which they belong.”

As a flag officer, Gilday served in joint positions as director of operations for NATO’s Joint Force Command Lisbon; as chief of staff for Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO; director of operations, J3, for U.S. Cyber Command; and as director of operations, J3, for the Joint Staff.

He has served on teams that have been recognized with numerous awards and is the recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Distinguished Service Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal (four awards); Legion of Merit (three awards); Bronze Star, Navy, and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V;” and the Combat Action Ribbon.

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32ND CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS Gilday began serving as the chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Aug. 22, 2019. As CNO, he is the head of the U.S. Navy. The CNO works at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and supervises Navy organizations as the designee of the secretary of the Navy. The admiral’s goal is for the Navy to become the most diverse service in the U.S. military over the next 20 years and one of the nation’s most diverse organizations. In 2020, the Navy stood up Task Force One Navy to look at diversity issues and held listening sessions across the fleet.

“People came forward—I would say courageously—with stories of discrimination they have experienced— both negative and positive experiences that have opened the eyes of many people, including me,” the admiral said. “It has been enlightening and empowering to recognize how terrible the scourge of racism and discrimination is, whether it be racial, whether it be ethnic, or whether it be gender,” he said, adding that the problem is not going to be solved in six months or six years. “This is a longterm challenge, and we as a Navy must do our part.”

BEYA STARS & STRIPES The Navy is featured for the 2022 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) Stars & Stripes event at the 36th annual BEYA STEM Conference. Stars & Stripes is one of the nation’s most prominent events honoring active and retired African-American admirals, generals, and federal senior executive service (SES) members. Each year the featured service of the Stars & Stripes event alternates between the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and National Guard Bureau on a rotating basis.

What message does the Navy have for the audience of veterans, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) in high schools and middle schools across the United States?

“America is a maritime nation—our security and stability depend on the seas,” the admiral said. “The U.S. www.blackengineer.com

Navy is America’s away team, and alongside our allies and partners, we defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free. Today, we are engaged in longterm competition. China and Russia are rapidly modernizing their militaries to challenge the international order that has benefited many for so long.

To defend our nation and interests around the globe, we must be prepared to flawlessly execute our Navy’s timeless roles of sea control and power projection. There is no time to waste; our actions in this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of the century.”

CAREER TIPS In addition, the admiral shared five career tips that have helped him along the way:

1. All of us have a role to play in

protecting and contributing to the prosperity of our nation. My general Order #1 on life is balance for you and your staff.

2. People will continue to be the most

important and key competitive advantage over any adversary or competitor. You will be successful if your subordinates are successful.

3. We must be committed to making

sure we harness the full talent and diversity of our organizations… because we need diversity to outthink and outpace our competitors.

4. Talk openly about tough topics. Shine the light on your blind spots and recognize where policies have led to unintended consequences.

5. You cannot surge trust; you must

develop it during times of calm to exist during times of trial.

‘MISSION ONE FOR EVERY SAILOR—ACTIVE AND RESERVE, UNIFORMED AND CIVILIAN’ Reflecting on what he would like his legacy to be, the admiral said: “Mission one for every sailor—active and reserve, uniformed and civilian, which is the operational readiness of today’s Navy.”

“Our nation expects a ready Navy— ready to fight today—and our

commitment to training, maintenance, and modernization that will ensure a Navy ready for tomorrow,” he said. “We will deliver that Navy.”

On his plans for the future of the Navy, the admiral spoke of what the Navy would like in 2025 and what he saw as engagement in a long-term competition where multiple nations are working to undermine the free and open rulesbased international system that has benefited so many for so long.

“My navigation plan outlines how we will grow our naval power to control the seas and project power ashore across all domains by focusing our efforts across four key areas— readiness, capabilities, capacity, and our sailors,” he said. “We must be cleareyed today so that we can compete, deter, and win while we accelerate the development of a more capable future fleet for tomorrow. We cannot afford to fall behind our competitors. We need to stay in front of them. We need them looking at us and trying to catch us instead of us catching them.”

Gilday added that “In terms of the future force if I look at the undersea domain, all our Virginia-class Block IIIs and Block IVs will be delivered in the next few years. We will be on the cusp of delivering Virginia-class Block Vs, with a greater missile capacity, and we will deliver a long-range, more lethal torpedo. If I look at the surface domain, we will deliver FFG-62, the Constellation-class frigate. We will put Flight III DDGs in the water. And we will invest in weapons with range and speed that give us more punch— like Hypersonic and Maritime Strike Tomahawk. Finally, if we look at naval aviation, our first F-35 squadron is currently deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson. In a few short years, we will have six air wings that will be F-35 capable. We are also closer to a fourthgeneration, fifth-generation fighter mix and will have MQ-25s flying off our aircraft carriers by 2025. We are also updating our networks and making significant investments in cyber as well.

Ultimately, we are investing in a future Navy that will be more capable, more lethal, and more ready.” S

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EDUCATION

by Lango Deen editors@ccgmag.com

LEGACY IS A GAME-CHANGING AIR FORCE STEM PROGRAM In 2019, the 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office, which serves as the link between the community and Hill Air Force Base (AFB), announced an Air Force program designed to attract, inspire, and develop the next generation of America’s scientific and technical workforce.

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he Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth, or LEGACY, was described as a program to build interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Kerry Reed, LEGACY program site lead, explained the objective of the innovative approach to foster and maintain youth interest in STEM. “The program’s primary goal is to create a STEM pipeline by taking children and young adults ages 11–22 through the LEGACY program,” Reed said. “The program exposes them at a young age to STEM subjects using fun and interesting hands-on experiments

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and projects, with combined interactive education and field trips. The children see and experience how STEM principles are making a difference in their daily lives.”

Students in the LEGACY program participate in age-based camps and internships designed to stimulate their interest in these areas of study, leading to future career opportunities within the Air Force.

The Air Force LEGACY program was started at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio and has been in existence for three years. The program is intended to address possible personnel shortfalls in STEM-related career fields throughout

the Air Force.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in math and interested in a STEM career. Contrast that with employment demands in STEM occupations growing at a rate of more than 24 percent over the last decade versus 4 percent for non-STEM fields.

The program has been tailored explicitly toward expanding the pool of STEM-career qualified individuals and is intended to positively influence recruiting and hiring scientists, engineers, and technical subject matter experts in the future.

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LEGACY According to the U.S. Department of Education, 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in math and interested in a STEM career.

“Many programs have given children the opportunity to attend a week-long, STEM-related camp,” Reed said. “What makes LEGACY new and different is the program provides a pathway, year after year, for students to continue to learn and develop an interest, talent, and career in a STEM field.”

The program is broken into three phases: The first phase, “Craftsman Camp,” is designed for youth ages 11–15. These free camps offer students opportunities to engage with their peers by participating in hands-on activities while building self-confidence, learning teamwork, and developing an interest in STEM. www.blackengineer.com

Phase two, “Junior Apprentice,” is for youth at least 16 years old in grades 10–12. Students experience a six- to eight-week paid internship, allowing them the opportunity to work side-byside with multiple mentors from their respective base while getting exposure to real-world research and showcasing their projects at the end of the session.

The third and final phase, “Apprentice,” is an Air Force paid summer apprenticeship for college students. Building on their experience from the Junior Apprentice phase, students work under the tutelage of a mentor and are expected to be more independent and have more responsibility while preparing for a

STEM career after graduation.

“The program involves lessons and skills that can help students throughout their lives, regardless of the path they choose,” Reed said. “Our goal is to give them exciting and new opportunities that lead to STEM-related degrees and, eventually, STEM career paths. A child cannot grow up to be something that they don’t even know exists.”

In addition to Hill and Wright-Patterson AFBs, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, Robins AFB in Georgia, and Eglin AFB in Florida also have programs. For more information on the LEGACY program, visit http:// wpafbstem.com. S

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CORPORATE LIFE

by Christopher Zacher editors@ccgmag.com

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER:

How to Create and Maintain Successful Partnerships Interpersonal relationships are crucial to any successful career.

Whether you need a sponsor for a letter of recommendation, an advocate within your department, or advice about how to manage a particular problem in your career, you need people around who trust you and can vouch for you.

N

o man is an island,” says Charity Ikpe, a structural engineer and project manager at The Boeing Company.

“There’s no way to climb to the top without interacting and connecting with people. It’s essential for us to seek out mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching.”

At the 2021 BEYA Conference, Ikpe and a group of STEM professionals came together for a virtual chat about the importance of networking, connecting with mentors, and how business relationships have helped them in their careers. Here is what they had to say:

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NETWORKING IN BUSINESS Networking can be anxietyinducing, especially for early-career professionals. But Ikpe explains that there are significant benefits to taking the initiative to build and maintain business relationships.

First, she says, is the fact that everyone has a different set of skills. It is essential to have access to the resources you lack and to be able to share your resources with those who lack them.

“We seek out partners to help us do things we’re unable to do on our own,” she says.

She also says the act of reaching out to build relationships can earn you respect from the people around you, especially those in leadership. This benefit, she says, is particularly applicable to mentor-mentee relationships.

“Reaching out for a mentor shows a level of humility,” she says. “It’s you admitting that you don’t know it all, which means that you’re willing to learn and to listen, and that’s valuable.”

BUILDING PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Kim Arrington, a business strategist, public speaker, and founder of Courageant Consulting, points out that business relationships are a two-way street—go into them expecting to give as much as you want to get out.

Your emails and messages to potential mentors or business connections should reflect your understanding of this.

“Instead of reaching out and just asking them to do something for you, ask what you can do for them,” she says. “Make it clear that you’re not just asking for their resources and support, but that you want to be able to support them in the future if needed.”

“There’s no way to climb to the top without interacting and connecting with people. It’s essential for us to seek out mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching.”

Arrington emphasizes that you should make your message concise and easy to read. “Be direct and make your intentions clear,” she says, explaining how to write an outreach message to someone who is a potential business connection. “All you have to say is, ‘This is who I am. I’m looking for a sponsor in this field, and I’d love to connect with you further.’”

HOW RELATIONSHIPS BENEFIT PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Relationships and connections play a big part in careers. For example, Ikpe, who was recently promoted to project manager, says that she calls her former professor—who is now the president of the University of Maryland, College Park—whenever she needs a letter of recommendation.

Christina Ware, an account manager in Aerotek’s talent department, agrees that connections have been enormously helpful.

“I’ve used my network to build deep relationships with people who aligned with my industry, and it’s opened a lot of doors both within my company and www.blackengineer.com

“There’s no way to climb to the top without interacting and connecting with people. It’s essential for us to seek out mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching.”

Top to bottom: Charmaine Thomas, Kim Arrington, Charity Ikpe, and Christina Ware

externally,” she says. “[There’s always a chance] that you might meet someone over here who knows another person over there, and they’re talking about you. That’s worked numbers for me.”

However, Ware adds a crucial point: Building relationships will not just help you ascend in your career; it will also help you perform better in most jobs.

Speaking from her perspective as a salesperson for a staffing agency, she says, “I never want to be the person

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who is just pushing resumes at you to try to get the sale. I always present myself as a strategic partner who can help you build your business.”

To Ware, understanding a potential partner’s goals and needs is the key to building professional relationships.

“Focus on understanding their ‘why’ and what their true goals are,” she says. “That goes a long way with any individual you’re trying to build a relationship with.” S

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CAREER VOICES

by Ada Romano editors@ccgmag.com

THE NAVAL INSPECTOR GENERAL SHARES LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIS 30-YEAR CAREER

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he youngest of three children, VADM John Fuller was inspired by his father, who retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army. Fuller took his dad’s advice to “commit to being excellent,” and, at 17 years old, he set out to join the Navy. But indoctrination at the Naval Academy, or Plebe Summer, was a “shocking” experience, he said.

“You see all the movies and everything, but nothing prepares you for dealing with the stress,” Fuller said. “I thought it was shocking, but it was really good,” he added. “I was impressed that I, along with the other people, as we formed a team, were able to get through things that you never thought you could do.”

As Fuller’s confidence and self-esteem grew, his family began noticing how he 18

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VADM John V. Fuller salutes the sideboys during Carrier Strike Group One’s change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, CA. Fuller relieved Rear Adm. Jim Kilby as commander of CSG-1 during the ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class D’Andre L. Roden/Released)

was maturing. Fuller credits the Naval Academy for helping him become a responsible young adult.

“It was nice to see this organization focused on leadership, improving me to be the best person I could be—that’s pretty comforting,” Fuller said.

On top of the professional experience, Fuller also formed connections that have lasted decades. He said some of his close friends today are people he met as a Navy Midshipman; Fuller believes the melting pot of different backgrounds and experiences made the team stronger.

“We didn’t say diversity back then, but what an enlightening and just inspiring group of people to be with,” Fuller said. “It’s so nice to learn from people that don’t look like you, and it’s so nice to be treated well just based on your abilities.”

Still following his father’s advice, Fuller didn’t believe in doing things “halfway.”

Instead, he wanted to test his potential and make a difference while creating a sense of purpose. This drive and dedication took Fuller to new heights in the military. However, he said being a follower was also essential to his www.blackengineer.com

“Understand with eyes wide open what you’re signing up for, and obviously you won’t know everything about it, but be very steadfast in your commitment to serve. And if you do that, there are fantastic opportunities to do some of the greatest things that you could ever imagine,” Fuller said. success because he got to experience other leadership styles.

Leaders need to know their mission to be effective, according to Fuller. He said leaders must be aware of their purpose and follow that goal. This, along with earning respect from the people he is leading, is what makes him a successful leader, he said.

“It’s better to be respected than to be liked,” Fuller said. “When you’re respected, that’s when you start engendering trust and loyalty, and that’s one of the most important things www.blackengineer.com

about what we do. There’s got to be trust and loyalty; there’s got to be dignity.”

Fuller added that leading by fear isn’t ideal. He emphasized the importance of people genuinely wanting to support you rather than being afraid you will reprimand them.

Fuller’s leadership training took him to Destroyer Squadron 22, where he became a commodore, also known as the sea combat commander.

The small staff he worked with was responsible for supporting other carrier strike group staff by conducting anti-submarine and surface warfare missions to protect the whole group.

Additionally, being accountable for ships deployed around the globe helped Fuller prioritize better and communicate more effectively.

“It was just a totally rewarding experience,” Fuller said. “One of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had. We were running hard—we were doing so many things.”

According to Fuller, STEM careers are abundant on a destroyer because they are a 10,000-ton marvel of engineering systems. Running a destroyer involves maintaining water, electrical, and warfare systems and radars to keep track of ships and aircraft operating in the area. In addition, some people are responsible for designing and building destroyers, along with other available careers. As a result, the Navy has plenty of room for people who think about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

“We are dependent and reliant on people who can think that way; it’s essential for our success to value STEM because we are a technologically based organization who relies on smarter people to make the technology work,” Fuller said.

Top: VADM John Fuller shakes hands with Council Member Brandon Eleftante during a presentation of honorary certificates at Honolulu Hale in Honolulu, HI. (Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Laurie Dexter) Bottom: VADM John Fuller receives sideboy honors during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. (Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Troutman)

Fuller believes applicants need to know exactly what they are getting themselves into as far as joining the military. Then, they must decide for themselves not to satisfy anyone else.

He said it is a commitment you make to sacrifice your life for others.

“Understand with eyes wide open what you’re signing up for, and obviously, you won’t know everything about it, but be very steadfast in your commitment to serve. And if you do that, there are fantastic opportunities to do some of the greatest things that you could ever imagine,” Fuller said. S

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Honoring all who serve.

We salute the members of the armed services, who have made it their mission to create a safer, more secure world.

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www.rtx.com/military COLLINS AEROSPACE | PRATT & WHITNEY | RAYTHEON INTELLIGENCE & SPACE | RAYTHEON MISSILES & DEFENSE

by Christopher Zacher editors@ccgmag.com

Stand up! Step up!

Make the Change Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.

is the chief of staff of the United States Air Force. As the senior-most uniformed officer in the Air Force, Brown is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping more than 685,000 active-duty guard, reserve, and civilian forces members serving in the U.S. and overseas.

At the 2021 BEYA Stars & Stripes Event, Brown was gracious enough to join us via Zoom to speak on the event’s overarching theme: Stand up! Step up!

Make the Change. Below are excerpts from Brown’s speech: “Three individuals come to mind: Katherine Johnson stood up as the trusted ‘human computer’ for NASA in the race to the moon against Russia.

She wasn’t a uniformed member, but she was one of our strongest civilians, and she certainly served our country.

One of the first African Americans to attend West Virginia University, she later enrolled in graduate studies in math and took a position in the allBlack West Area Computing Unit at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the precursor to NASA. In 1956, the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik changed history, but Katherine Johnson answered the call by providing trajectory analysis for Alan Shepherd’s 1961 Freedom 7 mission—America’s first human space flight.

Later, she calculated the orbital equations that controlled the trajectory of the capsule for John Glenn’s missions as he orbited the earth. Glenn didn’t trust the computers. He said, if Katherine’s good, I’m ready.

And although she passed a year ago, she’ll never be forgotten. We celebrate her accomplishments and remain thankful that she stood up, made a difference, and set an example for all of us.

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Guion Bluford, Jr. stepped up as a successful combat fighter pilot in Vietnam, but he also made history as the first African American to travel into space.

After flying 144 combat missions in Vietnam, Bluford attended the Air Force Institute of Technology, receiving both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering. But never one to settle, he wanted to reach higher, and out of the 10,000 applicants to the NASA program, Bluford was one of 35 to join the new space shuttle team in January of 1978.

In just four short years, he became the first African American to launch into space, going on to participate in four more space shuttle missions after that.

Becoming a pilot is an accomplishment, but Guion Bluford is a war hero. He stepped up and reached for the stars to show kids everywhere that no matter their skin color, they can one day become an astronaut just like him.

Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. made the change by commanding the Tuskegee Airmen [the first Black military operations group in the United States Air Force].

It made a difference for all African Americans who wanted to be combat fighter pilots, including myself.

Gen. Davis advocated on behalf of the units under his command, and the Tuskegee Airmen led the integration effort within the Department of Defense, becoming synonymous with confronting social challenges under combat conditions.

Under his leadership, the Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 15,000 sorties, shot down 112 enemy aircraft, and destroyed or damaged another 273 aircraft on the ground. The famed “Red Tails” [a nickname given to the Airmen because of the deep-red paint on their plane tails] earned a reputation for being the best unit in the Force and the

Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. Chief of Staff of the Air Force

one most feared by the enemy.

Gen. Davis embraced his leadership position and unified his group around a common cause. He persevered through adversity at uncertain times when the odds were against him. He made a difference.

These were just a few of the individuals who committed to making a difference even during challenging times. But they remind us that our actions will be remembered. Just like so many before you, there’s always somebody standing behind you saying, “I want to be just like you.”

So, I challenge each of us to stand up, step up, and make the change, just like Katherine Johnson, Guion Bluford Jr., and Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.” S

Watch the Stars & Stripes event as well as Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.’s keynote speech here: https://l.ead.me/ bcgCpU

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IN THE UNITED STATES MILITARY

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four issues of US Black Engineer (USBE) magazine provide information on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers, as well as insights into professions in the United States military and the federal government. Since 2005, it has become a tradition that the biographies in USBE’s end-of-year edition highlight the accomplishments of Black leaders, some of whom have risen from the enlisted ranks to officer ranks. Since USBE magazine’s first “African Americans in the Military,” the entries have grown to include federal Senior Executive Service (SES) members.

Suppose you were to compile all the volumes of USBE magazine’s military-focused lists—the “African American Military Leaders” list, “Top Blacks in the U.S. Military” list, “Top Black Generals and Admirals & Senior Executives-Defense” list, “Top Blacks in Military & Defense” list, “Top Blacks in the Military” list, “Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military,” and “Top Blacks—Senior Executive Service—Defense” list—you would find a rich history of career soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, coast guardsmen, and guardians.

Dig deep, and you will not miss the significant role that U.S. service academies have played in educating and training a generation of African Americans for high-level military jobs. But aside from the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, there are also historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that have educated African-American general officers.

Some of the HBCUs with the most African-American officer graduates are Hampton University (6), Howard University (8), Jackson State University (3), Morgan State University (10), Norfolk State University (3), North Carolina A&T State University (6), Prairie View A&M University (8), South Carolina State (20), Southern University and A&M College (9), Tuskegee University (3), Virginia State University (12), and West Virginia State College (11).

Notable career biographies in USBE magazine’s prestigious list include those of Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., the first African-American chief of staff of the Air Force; Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, the first Black superintendent at the U.S. Air Force Academy; and Lt. Gen. Donna Martin, the first female inspector general of the U.S. Army.

No doubt, Lloyd James Austin III, the first African-American to serve as the United States secretary of defense, is not on this year’s list. But since he made his debut in 2005/2006, USBE chronicled his career moves from the chief of staff of the United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, in Tampa, FL, to director of the Joint Staff (2009), and commanding general of United States Forces in Iraq, a role that Austin assumed from the late Gen. Ray Odierno. Early in 2012, Austin took office as the vice chief of staff of the Army.

He became commander of the United States Central Command in 2013.

Two years later, in what must be a momentous day in the timeline of military history from the American Revolution to the present day, Brown received the U.S. Air Forces Central guidon from Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, during a change of command ceremony at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. Austin’s retirement ceremony took place at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall on April 5, 2016.

In 2020, we updated the annual list featuring an extensive interview with Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., the first African American to lead any United States Armed Forces branch. Other officers who have made the cover of USBE magazine include Lt. Gen. Larry O. Spencer. In addition to serving as a mentor to hundreds of Junior ROTC cadets at a high school in Maryland, Spencer adopted cadets at a high school in southeast Washington, D.C. He also developed a plan to increase the recruitment of minority engineers at events such as USBE magazine’s BEYA STEM Conference.

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in the U.S. Military LT. GEN. GARY BRITO Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1

GEN. MICHAEL X. GARRETT

Commander of U.S. Army Forces Command

Gen. Michael X. Garrett became the 23rd commander of United States Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, NC, in 2019. As a leader of the Army’s largest organization, he commands 215,000 active-duty soldiers and 190,000 members of the Army Reserve while providing training and readiness oversight of the Army National Guard. In total, the Forces Command team includes 745,000 soldiers and 96,000 civilians. The son of an Army command sergeant major, Garrett has spent his entire life in the Army. A career infantry soldier, Garrett received his commission in 1984 upon graduating from Xavier University. Following his initial military training courses, including Ranger, Pathfinder, and Jumpmaster, he served his formative years in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Over 11 years, Garrett served in and wore the scroll of each of the Regiment’s three Ranger Battalions. Garrett commanded 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. He also activated and commanded the “Spartan Brigade,” 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Fort Richardson, AK, and deployed the unit to support Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006. Following brigade command, Garrett served as the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command and, subsequently, chief of staff, XVIII Airborne Corps.

In support of Operation New Dawn, he deployed to Iraq as the deputy chief of staff for U.S. Forces—Iraq. He returned to Alaska in 2012 as commanding general, U.S. Army Alaska. In 2013, Garrett spent six years focused on military operations in the Middle East, first as chief of staff, U.S. Central Command, and later as commanding general, U.S. Army Central and Coalition Forces Land Component Command. Garrett holds a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University, and his military education includes U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a Senior Service College Fellowship.

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Lt. Gen. Gary Brito assumed duties as the U.S. Army’s 49th deputy chief of staff, G-1, on Aug. 3, 2020. Before this assignment, he served as the commanding general, Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE), and Fort Benning. Brito was commissioned as an infantry officer through Penn State University and entered active duty in March 1987. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses, Airborne and Ranger Schools, Combined Arms Staff Services School, Command and General Staff Officers Course, and Senior Service College at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS), Norfolk, VA. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in community studies from Penn State University, a master’s degree in human resource management from Troy State University, and a second master’s degree in joint strategy and campaign planning from the Joint Advanced Warfighting School.

He is also a graduate of the M.I.T. Seminar XXI Program.

Brito has served in a variety of command and staff assignments throughout his career to include Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and Fort Polk; National Training Center, Training and Doctrine and Command (TRADOC); III Corps and Fort Hood; DIV West-First Army; 25th Infantry Division; 3rd Infantry Division; and 4th Infantry Division. He has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is married to the former Michelle Harper of Washington, D.C. They have two sons, Matthew and Patrick.

LT. GEN. X AVIER T. BRUNSON Commanding General of I Corps

Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson has served as the commanding general of I Corps since Oct. 6. He served as deputy commanding general of I Corps from May 2021 to September 2021 and commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division from August 2019 to May 2021. As a major general, he served as chief of staff, Combined Joint Task Force—Operations Inherent Resolve, Iraq, and XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, NC. He also served as the assistant commanding general—support, United States Army Special Forces Command (now 1st Special Forces Command) (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, NC, and Operation Inherent Resolve. Following his duties, Brunson was assigned as the deputy commanding www.blackengineer.com

general, operations, 10th Mountain Division (Light) at Fort Drum, NY. Other operational assignments include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He most recently served as the commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division at JBLM, WA, before assuming duties as the deputy commanding general of I Corps. Brunson was commissioned as an infantry officer upon graduation from Hampton University in 1990. He holds a B.A. in political science from Hampton University, an M.A. in human resource development from Webster University, and an M.S. in national security strategic studies from the United States Army War College. He is married to Col. (retired) Kirsten Brunson. They have two daughters and one son.

LT. GEN. RONALD PATRICK CLARK Commanding General of U.S. Army Central

Lt. Gen. Ronald Patrick Clark serves as the commanding general of U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base, SC. Additionally, he recently served as chief of staff, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and previously as commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Hawaii.

He has commanded with distinction at every level from company through Army service component command and held key leadership positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels throughout his 33 years of military service. Of note, Clark served as commander of the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); director of the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at West Point; commander of the 192d Infantry Brigade; deputy commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division; and deputy chief of staff—operations for the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Clark’s civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a Master of Military Art and Science degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College Fellowship at Duke University. He is also a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI National Security Studies Program.

LT. GEN. R. SCOTT DINGLE Surgeon General of the U.S. Army

Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle is the 45th surgeon general of the United States Army and the commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command. He previously served as the deputy surgeon general and deputy commanding general (support). Other assignments include commanding general, Regional Health www.blackengineer.com

Command—Atlantic; U.S. Army Medical Command deputy chief of staff for operations; chief, medical plans and operations, 18th Airborne Corps Surgeon’s Office; chief, medical plans and operations Multinational Corps—Iraq Surgeon’s Office; commander, 261st Multifunctional Medical Battalion; director of health care operations/G-3, Office of the Surgeon General, and commander, 30th Medical Brigade, Germany. Dingle is a distinguished military graduate of Morgan State University. His degrees include a Master of Science in administration, a Master of Military Arts and Science, and a Master of Science in national security strategy. Dingle’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (two), Legion of Merit (three), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (eight), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Order of Military Medical Merit, Order of Kentucky Colonels, and the Army Surgeon General’s prestigious 9A Proficiency Designator.

LT. GEN. JASON T. EVANS

Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 (Installations & Quality of Life)

Lt. Gen. Jason T. Evans was confirmed as the Army’s first deputy chief of staff G-9 (installations and quality of life), on Sept. 21, 2019. He last served as commander of U.S. Army Human Resources Command.

Evans was born in Baltimore, MD, and raised as an Air Force dependent.

He attended Wentworth Military Academy, where he earned an associate degree in business administration.

He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE. He holds master’s degrees in business administration and national resource strategy. Evans has served in command and staff positions in the continental United States, Italy, Somalia, Kosovo, Germany, and Iraq with the 13th Corps Support Command, III Corps, 510th Personnel Services Battalion, 1st Personnel Command, USAREUR, Installation Management Command, MultiNational Force—Iraq, office of the assistant secretary of the Army, and as the director, military personnel management, in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G-1. He is a graduate of the Adjutant General’s Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Staff School, Command and General Staff College, the Army Resource Management Course, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

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in the U.S. Military LT. GEN. DONNA W. MARTIN Inspector General of the U.S. Army

Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin assumed responsibility as the 67th United States Army inspector general on Sept. 2, 2021. Martin is a native of Yorktown, VA, and a graduate of Old Dominion University.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, and she was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1988. Martin also earned a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. Martin was previously the provost marshal general of the U.S. Army and the commanding general, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, serving as the Department of the Army’s independent criminal investigative authority. Martin has also commanded twice at the brigade level. In June 2014, she reported for duty as the chief of investigations, HQDA Inspector General Agency. She then served as the deputy commanding general, United States Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox, KY. After that, she became the chief of the Military Police Corps Regiment and commandant of the Military Police School. Additionally, Martin commanded the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, MO. After command in July 2020, Martin became the 18th provost marshal general.

LT. GEN. A .C. ROPER

Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command

Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper is deputy commander of United States Northern Command.

He previously served as deputy commanding general of the Army Reserve Command.

Other assignments include deputy chief, chief of the Army Reserve; commanding general, 76th Operational Response Command; commanding general, 80th Training Command; acting deputy commanding general, 335th Signal Command; commander, 415th Chemical Brigade, while dual-hatted as the Task Force operations commander, Joint Task Force 51, U.S. Army North for the Command and Control Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Response Element—A (U.S. Army) homeland response mission; chief of staff, 87th Division; and assistant chief of staff, 81st Regional Readiness Command. Roper is a graduate of the University of Alabama and the U.S. Army War 26

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College and holds master’s degrees in criminal justice and strategic studies. Roper’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (with oak leaf clusters), Legion of Merit (two oak leaf clusters), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (three oak leaf clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Badge. Roper has over 33 years of law enforcement experience, including his 10-year tenure as the Birmingham Police (AL) Department chief. He is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and National Executive Institute.

LT. GEN. DARRYL A . WILLIAMS

60th Superintendent of the United States Military Academy

Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams is a native of Alexandria, VA. He graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point, in 1983 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. A career field artillery officer, Williams most recently served as the commander, NATO Allied Land Command, in Izmir, Turkey. Prior to this, he served as the commander, United States Army Africa (USARAF), in Vicenza, Italy; the deputy chief of staff G-3/5/7 of United States Army in Europe, located in Wiesbaden, Germany; the deputy commanding general for support for the 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea; and commanding general for the United States Army Warrior Transition Command and assistant surgeon general for Warrior Care and Transition. In addition to these assignments, Williams has served in key leadership positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels to include battery commander deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; commander, Division Artillery, 1st Armored Division, and fire and effects coordinator, 1st Armored Division deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; deputy director for soldier comprehensive fitness, Department of the Army G-3/5/7; and while commanding USARAF in 2014, he was involved with Operation United Assistance, fighting against the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. He assumed duties as the 60th superintendent of the United States Military Academy in July 2018.

MA J. GEN. CLEMENT S. COWARD

Dir., DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

Army Maj. Gen. Clement S. Coward assumed the duties of director of the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) in September 2020. Coward graduated and received his commission in the Air Defense Artillery branch as a second lieutenant from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and entered active duty in 1989. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications, a Master of Arts www.blackengineer.com

in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College, and a Master of Science in strategic studies from the Army War College. Before joining SAPRO, Coward was the commanding general of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command based at Fort Bliss, TX. Coward’s key operational assignments include leading at all levels of command and service in support of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Spartan Shield. His key staff positions have also included serving on the Joint and Army Staff in the Pentagon. Coward’s military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

MA J. GEN. TELITA CROSLAND Army Deputy Surgeon General

Maj. Gen. Telita Crosland proudly serves as Army deputy surgeon general, the first Black woman to fill this role. As the second-highest leader in Army Medicine, she executes the vision of the Army surgeon general, champions military health system reform, and oversees a multibillion-dollar healthcare system. Crosland is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Crosland entered the Army as a Medical Corps officer in 1993. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) in Bethesda, MD. In addition, she holds a Master of Public Health degree from USU and a Master of Science in resource strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security. Throughout her distinguished career, Crosland’s clinical expertise and leadership include senior physician and officer in charge of health clinics, associate program director of family medicine residency, and Human Resources Command Medical Corps branch chief. She has commanded honorably at every level within Army Medicine.

MA J. GEN. JOHNNY K. DAVIS

Commanding General of U.S. Army Cadet Command

Maj. Gen. Johnny K. Davis is currently the commanding www.blackengineer.com

general of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, KY. He has served in numerous command and staff assignments as an infantry officer, starting as a 24th Infantry Division Bradley platoon leader, 82nd Airborne Division, Old Guard company commander, and aide-de-camp. Next, Davis was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division as a battalion and brigade operations officer. He then served as aide to the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s vice chairman before returning to Fort Campbell to command 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry. He served as director of the Army Wounded Warrior Program, followed by command of the 3 Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” at Fort Myer, VA. After command, Davis served as the executive officer to the UNC/CFC/US Forces Korea commanding general and DCG-O of the 25th Infantry Division. Davis then served as the commanding general of Joint Modernization Command, Fort Bliss, TX, and most recently served as the Army Futures Command chief of staff.

MA J. GEN. ROBERT L . EDMONSON II Commander, U.S. Army Communications—Electronics Command Senior Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground

Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II assumed duties as the 17th commander of the U.S. Army Communications— Electronics Command and senior commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground on Aug. 6, 2021.

As the commanding general for a 9,000-person, two-star global command and senior commander of a 28,000-person military base, Edmonson serves as the U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) and medical materiel integrator. He enabled the U.S. Army’s warfighting readiness by providing sustainable global C5ISR and medical materiel support. A native of Willingboro, NJ, Edmonson received his commission from Frostburg State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business marketing, a Master of Science Administration in information resource management from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Science in national security strategy from the National Defense University. During his 30 years of service, Edmonson has served in various leadership positions at tactical, operational, and strategic levels. He served as the deputy chief of staff, G-6/chief information officer,

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in the U.S. Military U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, NC, in his previous assignment.

MA J. GEN. SEAN A . GAINEY

Director, Joint Counter—Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (J.C.O.) Director of fires, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army

Maj. Gen. Sean Gainey was appointed director, Joint Counter— Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (J.C.O.); and director of fires, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2020. Gainey was commanding general of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Shafter, HI. He served on Fort Bragg, NC, as the commander of the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. In 1990, he commissioned in the Air Defense Artillery Corps upon graduation from Georgia Southern University. He has served in numerous key staff positions and has commanded units from the battery to the brigade level. He deployed with 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade as a brigade commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Gainey was also deployed with 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, and as a battalion commander in support of the Joint Task Force East. Gainey holds a Master of Science degree in personnel management from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science degree in national security and resource strategy from the Dwight. D. Eisenhower School for National Security.

MA J. GEN. CHARLES R. HAMILTON Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4

Major Gen. Charles R. Hamilton assumed his current duties as the assistant deputy chief of staff, G-4 for the United States Army in May 2021.

He is responsible for the synchronization of Army logistics capabilities.

Hamilton served as the deputy chief of staff for operations, G-3, Army Materiel Command, and commanded the 8th Theater Sustainment Command. He was the lead integrator for all sustainment operations in the U.S Indo-Pacific Command area. Previously, he served as the assistant chief of staff, J-4, United States Forces Korea. Additionally, he commanded Defense Logistics Agency—Troop Support. His unit provided $14 billion annually of food, clothing, textiles, construction,

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engineering equipment, and industrial hardware items for America’s warfighters, ensuring the combatant commanders’ freedom of maneuver. Hamilton has several overseas tours along with three deployments to Afghanistan. During his last deployment, he served as the 101st Sustainment Brigade commander, leading Task Force Lifeline. He is a distinguished military graduate from the Officer Candidate School. Hamilton graduated from Virginia State University and has a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University and a second master’s degree in military studies from The Marine Corps University. His military education includes Senior Service College as a 2012 O.S.D. Corporate fellow.

MA J. GEN. MITCHELL L . KILGO

Deputy the Inspector General (DTIG), Inspector General Agency

Maj. Gen. Mitchell L. Kilgo assumed responsibility as the deputy inspector general (DTIG) of the United States Army Inspector General Agency on Aug. 17, 2021.

He entered active duty in January 1988 after graduating from Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and natural sciences. He also holds a Master of Science degree in systems technology from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Science degree in national security strategy from the National War College. Kilgo served as the 16th commander of the U.S. Army Communications—Electronics Command (CECOM) and senior commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Additionally, he has served in a variety of command and staff positions, including deputy G–6 and executive officer, 122nd Signal Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division; G-6, U.S. Army Japan; deputy CIO/J-6, MultiNational Force—Iraq; chief spectrum and IED—Defeat Branches, the Joint Staff, J–6; executive officer to the commanding general, U.S. Africa Command; G-6, U.S. Army Forces Command; and J-6, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Kilgo’s significant command assignments include commander, Support Company, 111th Signal Battalion, Site-R; commander, 2nd Signal Brigade, Wiesbaden, Germany; and commanding general, 5th Theater Signal Command, Wiesbaden, Germany.

MA J. GEN. JAMES M. SMITH

Commander, 21st Theater Sustainment Command

Brig. Gen. James Smith assumed command of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command on June 8, 2021, and was promoted to the rank of major general during a ceremony held on Panzer Field on Sept. 16, 2021. He is a native of Hampton, VA. He was commissioned into the United States Army in 1992 from Christopher www.blackengineer.com

Newport University in Newport News, VA, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration (concentration in accounting). His military education includes the Chemical Officer Basic Course, the Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the School of Advanced Military Studies, and the United States Marine Corps War College. In addition, he holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University, a Master of Science in logistics management from Florida Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in Theater Operations from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a master’s in strategic studies from the Marine Corps War College. Smith’s command assignments include 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command; 599th Transportation Brigade; 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division; and B Company, 701st Main Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army Europe. Smith most recently served as the 31st chief of transportation/commandant at the United States Army Transportation School.

MA J. GEN. MICHAEL J. TALLEY Deputy Commanding General (Operations) U.S. Army Medical Command

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Talley is the deputy commanding general (operations), U.S. Army Medical Command. He served in the enlisted ranks from 1983–1989, graduated with honors from the University of Texas at El Paso, and was commissioned as a distinguished military graduate in 1991. He previously served as commanding general of the United States Army Medical Research and Development Command and Fort Detrick and has commanded at every level from company through brigade. He served two OIF combat tours and deployment to Saudi Arabia. He has also held key leadership positions at combat training centers, Army Special Operations Command, Defense Logistics Agency, Office of the Surgeon General, and Forces Command. Talley is a graduate of the Army Command & General Staff College, Advanced Military Studies Program, and Army War College. He holds two Master of Military Arts & Sciences degrees, a Master of Strategic Studies, and a Master of Health Services Management.

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MA J. GEN. KEVIN VEREEN

Commanding General, U.S. Army Recruiting Command

Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen took command of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox, KY, on July 23, 2020. Most recently, Vereen served as the provost marshal general of the Army, and commanding general, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. In those roles, he served as the principal military advisor on policing matters and as the Department of the Army’s independent criminal investigative authority reporting directly to the secretary of the Army and the chief of staff of the Army. In 2015, he was the 48th chief and commandant of the Military Police Corps Regiment at Fort Leonard Wood. Then from 2017 to 2019, he served as deputy commanding general—Operations, United States Army Recruiting Command. In 2013, Vereen served as provost marshal and then executive officer to the commanding general for United States Army Forces Command. In 2008, Vereen was the deputy brigade commander of the 42d Military Police Brigade, where he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He returned to Fort Leonard Wood in 2009 as the director of plans and operations for USAMPS. From August 2010 to July 2011, he attended the United States Army War College. Upon graduation, he was selected as brigade commander of the 14th Military Police Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood.

MA J. GEN. WILLIAM J. WALKER Commanding General District of Columbia National Guard

Maj. Gen. William J. Walker is the commanding general, District of Columbia National Guard. He reports directly to the secretary of the Army and is responsible for the strategic leadership, readiness, and employment of the District of Columbia Army and Air National Guard units.

Prior senior leadership assignments include commander, Joint Task Force 58th Presidential Inauguration; commander, Land Component Command; commander, Mobilization Augmentation Command and chief of staff, District of Columbia Army National Guard; and vice J-2, National Guard Bureau, Intelligence Directorate and commander, U.S. Army South, Beyond the Horizons, Joint Task Force—Jamaica. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Walker served in the Army Operations Center in support of Operation Noble Eagle. In 2011, he was again USBE & Information Technology | WINTER 2021

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in the U.S. Military mobilized and simultaneously served as chief, Theater Observation Detachment—Afghanistan, Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL); senior CALL liaison to the commander, International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan; and senior military strategist, American Embassy Kabul, Office of Transition in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Walker was commissioned in 1985 through the University of Illinois at Chicago Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

MA J. GEN. DAVID WILSON

Commanding General, 8th Theater Sustainment Command

Maj. Gen. David Wilson became the commanding general of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command on June 16, 2020. He is a distinguished military graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and was commissioned in the field artillery in 1991. Wilson is the first AfricanAmerican graduate from The Citadel to become a two-star general. Assignment highlights include director J/U-4, United States Forces Korea/United Nations Command/deputy director, C-4 Combined Forces Command; 40th chief of ordnance and commandant, U.S. Army Ordnance School; executive officer, Army Materiel Command commanding general; brigade commander, 406th Army Field Support Brigade; and battalion commander, 121st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division. His operational deployments have included Operation Restore/Continue Hope, Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Desert Thunder, and Operation Iraqi Freedom I and 09-10. In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree from The Citadel, he holds a Master of Science degree in general administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science degree in national resource strategy from the National Defense University.

BRIG. GEN. KEVIN ADMIR AL

Director of Force Management for the Army G-3/5/7

Brig. Gen. Kevin Admiral currently serves as the director of force management for the Army G-3/5/7.

Commissioned as an Armor officer through Army ROTC, Admiral has enjoyed the privilege of leading soldiers in armor, cavalry, Stryker, and mechanized infantry units in Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, and multiple locations in the United States. Additionally, Admiral taught at the Armor 30

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Captain’s Career Course during staff assignments, served as an aide-de-camp to the 36th Army chief of staff, and as executive officer to the U.N. Command/ Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea commander. Before assuming his current duties, he was the 52nd commandant of the U.S. Army Armor School.

He received a B.S. in cellular biology from the University of Kansas and an M.S. in campaign planning and strategy from the National Defense University. He graduated from the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, England.

BRIG. GEN. SHAN K. BAGBY

Commanding General, Regional Health Command-Central Chief, U.S. Army Dental Corps

Brig. Gen. Shan K. Bagby is the commanding general, Regional Health Command— Central, and U.S. Army Dental Corps chief. He previously served as the commanding general, Brooke Army Medical Center, and deputy market director, San Antonio Military Health System. A New Jersey native, Bagby earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Rutgers University, a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Baylor University, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He completed residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) at Martin Luther King, Jr./Drew Medical Center, and fellowship training in OMS trauma surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He is a graduate of the Army Medical Department Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne Course, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and U.S. Army War College. He is a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Bagby enjoys reading, shooting skeet and trap, and exploring unfamiliar places with his family in his leisure time.

BRIG. GEN. MILFORD BEAGLE, JR.

Commanding General, U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson

Brig. Gen. Milford Beagle Jr. is the commanding general for the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson, after serving as deputy commanding general for support, 10th Mountain Division (Light). He was commissioned into the www.blackengineer.com

infantry after graduating from South Carolina State University in 1990 as a distinguished military graduate.

He has soldiered with five regiments, including the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). On the Joint and Army Staff, he served as the joint strategic planner and later executive assistant to the director, J-7, and the division chief, J-5, JIEDDO. On the Army Staff, he served as the executive officer to the vice chief of staff of the Army. He holds two master’s degrees from Kansas State University and the United States Army School of Advanced Military Studies from Fort Leavenworth, KS. Beagle is married and has two children, one an Army lieutenant and the other a university student.

CHAPLAIN (BRIG. GEN.) WILLIAM GREEN Deputy Chief of Chaplains

Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) William Green became the Army’s 26th deputy chief of chaplains in 2019. As the deputy chief of chaplains, Green supports the chaplains’ chief in leading the Army Chaplain Corps to provide religious support to soldiers, families, and civilians of the U.S. Army. Green is a native of Savannah, GA, and grew up on Hilton Head Island, SC. He is a 1989 distinguished military graduate of Savannah State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. In 1992, he graduated from Emory University in Decatur, GA, with a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology. He is endorsed by the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc., and became an Army chaplain in 1994.

BRIG. GEN. DARYL O. HOOD

Deputy Director of Operations, Team Four, J-3, Joint Staff National Joint Operations Intelligence Center, National Military Command Center

Brig. Gen. Daryl O. Hood is deputy director of operations, Team Four, J-3, Joint Staff at the National Joint Operations Intelligence Center, National Military Command Center, Pentagon. He received his commission from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture technology management. He holds master’s degrees from Webster University and Air University. He is a graduate of the Chemical Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Army

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Command and General Staff College, and Air Force Senior Service College. Hood has served in command and staff assignments in the U.S., Europe, South Korea, the Middle East, and Central Asia. He deployed as the chemical officer for 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment and 1st Armored Division Forward as part of Operation Joint Endeavor; as executive officer for 23d Chemical Battalion and Task Force Cincinnatus, Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan in 2007; J-3 US Central Command liaison officer to International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces—Afghanistan in 2010. Hood has also served as the chief, Full Dimension Protection Division, G-8, HQDA, and the deputy director, Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense, J-8, Joint Staff. From 2019–2021, he served as the 31st chief of chemical and commandant, U.S. Army CBRN School.

BRIG. GEN. JASON E. KELLY

Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division

Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly became commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division on June 22, 2020. The South Atlantic Division is one of eight U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ regions providing engineering and construction services to the nation. It is the regional business center in the Southeast, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, with several district offices. As the South Atlantic Division commander, Kelly oversees the planning, design, and construction of projects to support the military, protect America’s water resources, and restore and enhance the environment within a 250,000-square mile area that includes all or part of eight Southeastern states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Kelly joined the South Atlantic Division from the Pentagon, where he served as director, Office of the Chief of Engineers. Before his assignment in the Pentagon, Kelly commanded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan District from June 2018 to July 2019 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District from July 2015 through June 2018. He has held leadership positions from platoon to brigade, with duty in Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Korea.

BRIG. GEN. GAVIN A . LAWRENCE

Deputy Chief of Staff G-4, U. S. Army Forces Command

Brig. Gen. Gavin A. Lawrence serves as the deputy chief of staff G-4, U.S. Army Forces Command, at Fort Bragg, NC. He implemented plans and policies that facilitate the materiel readiness and sustainment of Forces Command

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in the U.S. Military units to meet global Combatant Command requirements. Lawrence graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1995 and, upon graduation, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps.

Additionally, Lawrence completed a fellowship with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Seminar XXI Program in April 2019. His military education includes the Quartermaster Basic Course, Combined Logistics Captains’ Career Course, U.S. Naval College of Command and Staff, and the U.S. Army War College Advanced Strategic Arts Program. Lawrence’s command assignments include the Headquarters and Distribution Company, 225th Forward Support Battalion, Division Support Command, 25th Infantry Division (Light); the 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); the 25th ID Sustainment Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; and the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support.

BRIG. GEN. JAMES S. MOORE

Chief of Staff, Installation Management Command

Brig. Gen. James S. Moore has served as the chief of staff, Installation Management Command (IMCOM) since July 2019. Moore has commanded at all levels and has held numerous staff positions throughout his career.

He previously served as commanding general, 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. Moore is a native of Philadelphia, PA, and a distinguished military graduate of Virginia State University. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in business information systems in 1989. Later, he earned a master’s degree in public administration from Troy University (formerly Troy State) and a master’s degree in joint campaign planning and strategy. His military education includes the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA; the Command and General Staff College (CGSC); and the Quartermaster Officers Basic and Advanced courses.

BRIG. GEN. DION MOTEN

Mobilization Assistant to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Command

Brig. Gen. Dion Moten serves as mobilization assistant to the commanding general, U.S. Army Cyber Command.

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He was commissioned as a second lieutenant via the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in July 1987. During his career, Moten has served in a number of command and staff positions, including as platoon leader in Company C, 135th Signal Battalion and Headquarters Company 111th Signal Battalion; executive officer, Company C, 111th Signal Battalion; communications electronics officer, 111th Signal Battalion; commander, A Company, 111th Signal Battalion; communications electronics officer, South Carolina State Area Command; intelligence and operations officer, 108th Signal Battalion; operations officer, 111th Signal Battalion; assistant operations officer, 335th Theater Signal Command; plans and operations officer, 335th Theater Signal Command; Operations Division officer-in-charge, 335th Theater Signal Command; adjutant, 359th Tactical Theater Signal Brigade; commander, 392nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion; chief evaluator, internal review, 3rd Medical Command; assistant chief of staff G-6 (Information Management), 200th Military Police Command; commander, 3rd Operations Brigade, 78th Training Division; G-6 (information management officer), 3rd Medical Command; deputy commanding general, 81st Readiness Division; deputy commander—Signal, 335th Theater Signal Command; and commanding general, 335th Theater Signal Command Operational Command Post (Forward).

BRIG. GEN. MARK C. QUANDER Commandant of the U. S. Corps of Cadets

Brig. Gen. Mark C. Quander became the 79th commandant of the United States Corps of Cadets on May 24, 2021. He was commissioned as a Corps of Engineer officer from the United States Military Academy in 1995. He has served in command and staff positions in the United States, the Republic of Korea, the Middle East, and Central Asia throughout his career. He has also served in the Pentagon within both the Joint Staff and the Army Staff.

Most recently, Quander served as commander of the Transatlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with a construction program exceeding $5 billion, and commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the United States Military Academy. He has also earned a master’s degree from Georgetown University in public policy. www.blackengineer.com

BRIG. GEN. RONALD R. R AGIN Commander 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Brig. Gen. Ronald Ragin’s command assignments include troop commander, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment (Fulda); company commander, 225th Forward Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division (Light); battalion commander, Group Support Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne); support squadron commander, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (Delta); brigade commander, 4th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Operational Test Command. He currently serves as commanding general of the 13th ESC. Ragin’s staff assignments include 11th Armored Calvary Regiment (Fulda); Division Support Command (DISCOM), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); DISCOM, 25th Infantry Division (Light); 7th Fleet Command Ship (USS Blue Ridge); 528th Special Operations Support Battalion (Airborne); Joint Special Operations Task Force—Iraq; 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force—Afghanistan; United States Special Operations Command; and the United States Army Materiel Command. His education includes a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas, a Master of Science in strategic studies from the Naval War College, a Master of Arts in international relations from Troy University, and a Ph.D. in public policy from Walden University. He completed the Harvard National Security Fellowship Program and is an alumnus of the Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government.

BRIG. GEN. JETH B. REY

Director, Network Cross-Functional Team Army Futures Command

Brig. Gen, Jeth B. Rey serves as the director of the Network CrossFunctional Team within Army Futures Command, focusing on integrating and modernizing the Army’s network. Rey is responsible for continuously improving network, command, control, communications, and intelligence to enable mission command across the tactical network. This will allow the speed, range, and convergence required to achieve decision dominance and overmatch against near-peer adversaries.

Additionally, Rey served as the director of Command and www.blackengineer.com

Control, Communications, and Computer Systems, J-6, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, FL, responsible for implementing and managing global communications cybersecurity and computer networks.

Rey is a native of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, and has served in Army enlisted, warrant, and officer positions. He received his commission from the Army’s Officer Candidate School and was commissioned into the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He has received three master’s degrees, including telecommunications management, national security studies from the Naval War College, and strategic studies from the United States Army War College.

BRIG. GEN. PATRICIA R. WALLACE

Commanding General, 91st Training Division (Operations)

Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace is the commanding general for 91st Training Division (Operations). She is also the Army Reserve proponent advisor for Army Reserve Public Affairs. Hailing from Indianapolis, IN, she was commissioned as an Adjutant General Corps officer after completing ROTC at Indiana University in 1990. Wallace has commanded at the detachment, battalion, and brigade levels. She has also served in numerous staff positions during her 31year career. Wallace deployed to Kuwait as the executive officer and public affairs officer for Iraq Assistance Group, 1st Infantry Division. Before taking command of the 91st Training Division, Wallace was the deputy commanding general of the 88th Readiness Division.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and a Master’s in Public Administration from Indiana University. Wallace’s military education includes Adjutant General Officer Basic Course, Adjutant General Officer Advance Course, Combined Arms Services Support School, Mobilization Planning Course, Training Manager Course, Command and General Staff College, Army War College, and the Joint and Combined Warfighting School. In her civilian capacity, Wallace is the principal for Performance-Driven Consulting.

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in the U.S. Military

VICE ADM. JOHN FULLER Naval Inspector General

Vice Adm. John Fuller assumed duties as the 42nd Naval inspector general in June 2021. He received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987. He earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from the Naval Academy, a Master of Science in management from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He has commanded USS MASON (DDG 87), Task Group—Iraqi Maritime, and Destroyer Squadron 22. His ashore tours have included the U.S. Naval Academy, the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Joint Staff, and the Secretary of Defense’s staff. His flag officer assignments include commander, Navy Region Hawaii/commander, Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific; commander, Carrier Strike Group 1; director of strategy, policy and plans (J-5), North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command; Joint Staff, J-8, deputy director for force protection, which included being director of the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization, Force Protection Division, Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense, and chairman of the Protection Functional Capabilities Board. He is the son of a retired Army colonel.

REAR ADM. STEPHEN D. BARNETT Commander, Navy Region Southwest

Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett assumed command of the Navy Region Southwest in July 2021. Barnett earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tennessee State University, a Master of Business Administration from Troy State University, and his commission at Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1991. At sea, Barnett reported to Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island as a naval flight officer.

He served as the operations department admin officer

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on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and as a department head for VP-5 at NAS Jacksonville. As the commanding officer of VP-47 at Kaneohe, HI, he led the squadron on a simultaneous deployment to Japan and Iraq, executing more than 250 missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His assignments ashore include serving at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a naval flight officer instructor for VP-30. Additional assignments include deputy executive assistant to the vice chief of naval operations, commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado, chief of staff for Commander Navy Region Southeast and Commander Navy Installations Command, and as deputy commander, Navy Installations Command. Barnett’s first flag officer assignment was as commander, Navy Region Northwest.

REAR ADM. DION D. ENGLISH

Director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, N4, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Rear Adm. Dion English grew up in Monroeville, AL, and Slidell, LA. He won a spot in the U.S. Navy’s Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program and graduated from Louisiana State University. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at Southern University in 1993.

He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Old Dominion University and a master’s in national security and strategic studies from Naval War College.

He attended the Executive Program in Strategy and Organization at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His afloat assignments have included USS Scott (DDG 995), USNS San Diego (T-AFS 6), USS Barry (DDG 52), and commanding officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit ONE. His shore assignments have included ship force support officer, supervisor of shipbuilding, Newport News, VA; executive assistant to commander, Defense Supply Center Columbus, OH; deputy logistics operations officer, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Monroe, VA; logistics readiness officer, Logistics Current Operations Division, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; director, Supply Corps Detailing; and commanding officer, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center, Sigonella, where the team received the Admiral Stan Arthur Award for Logistics Team of the Year in 2018.

REAR ADM. KENNETH W. EPPS

Commander, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support

Rear Adm. Kenneth W. Epps is a 1990 graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

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program. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a distinguished graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Epps served on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and commanded the Fleet Logistics Center in Pearl Harbor, HI. His other assignments have included instructor and educational counselor, Navy Supply Corps School; aide and flag lieutenant to commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and chief of Supply Corps; readiness analyst and program objective memorandum development assistant, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (N80); action officer, Defense Logistics Agency (J-33); director, material budgets, Naval Inventory Control Point Philadelphia; assistant commander for financial management and comptroller, Naval Supply Systems Command; chief, Strategy and Readiness Division, Joint Staff (J-4); assistant commander for Supply Operations and Logistics Policy, Naval Supply Systems Command; assistant professor, Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy; and deputy chief of staff for fleet ordnance and supply/fleet supply officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

REAR ADM. ALVIN HOLSEY

Commander of Navy Personnel Command and Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel

Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey became commander of Navy Personnel Command and deputy chief of Naval personnel in January 2021. Before his current command, he served as director of Task Force One Navy.

Previously, he was commander, Carrier Strike Group One, embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) from 2018–2020, and served as the inaugural commander of the International Maritime Security Construct/Coalition Task Force Sentinel. In his initial flag officer tour, he served as deputy director for operations, National Military Command Center, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Additionally, he has served in various training and operational squadrons and commanded Helicopter AntiSubmarine Squadron Light (HSL-37) and the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). His assignments to shore and staff billets have included operations officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-3, Joint Operations Directorate, European Command, and executive assistant to the chief of Naval Operations. Holsey was

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commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program at Morehouse College in 1988, where he received a degree in computer science.

He earned a Master of Science in management from Troy State University in 1995 and attended the Joint Forces Staff College in 2010.

REAR ADM. DARRYL WALKER Deputy Director, Operations, J3 U.S. Cyber Command

Rear Adm. Darryl Walker has worked directly for the chief of Naval Operations (CNO) as a Strategic Studies Group fellow in Newport, RI. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1985 as an air traffic controller. He is a graduate of EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in professional aeronautics. He received his commission in the United States Navy through the Aviation Officer Candidate School. Walker is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College. His operational tours include the S-3B Viking & EA-6B Prowler, VS-32 deployed onboard USS America (CV 66) and USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and executive officer and subsequent command of VAQ-139 deployed onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Walker also served as the deputy commodore and commodore of the Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet flying the EA-18G Growler. His ashore tours have included S-3B NATOPS evaluator at Commander, Sea Control Wing Atlantic; assignments officer at commander, Naval Personnel Command; deputy director to PERS-43; NAE diversity director to the commander, Naval Air Forces; chief of staff to the chief information officer; executive assistant to the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and executive assistant to the CNO.

REAR ADM. LARRY WATKINS

Director, Network Engagement Team, U.S. Southern Command

Rear Adm. Larry Watkins was commissioned through the University of Missouri-Columbia NROTC with a degree in economics. Watkins is also a graduate of Webster University with a Master of Business Administration degree.

He was assigned to USS Reid (FFG 30), deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, assistant operations, combat systems officer, commander,

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in the U.S. Military Amphibious Squadron Seven, space support team member, Naval Space Command in Dahlgren, VA. Watkins transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1998 and completed staff and operational tours at U.S. Southern Command Intelligence Detachment 0174, Harbor Defense Command 207, Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 207, Maritime Expeditionary Squadron Ten, C5F Maritime Operations Center, Joint Transportation Reserve Unit, and C7F, Fort Worth. Watkins’ command and mobilization assignments include commander, Navy Reserve (NR) USS Klakring (FFG 42), U. S. Fleet Forces Maritime Operations Center, U.S. European Command J-3. Mobilizations included officer-in-charge of Theater Field Confinement Facility in support of Operation New Dawn, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and mobilized in support of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. He was also assigned to Joint Force Command, Norfolk, VA, to establish a new North Atlantic Treaty Organization command.

Most Notable NAVY USBE Magazine covers USBE&IT Homeland Security, Government & Defense Edition 2015 Adm. John M. Richardson, chief of naval operations, U.S. Navy Adm. Michelle J. Howard, vice chief of naval operations, U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander, U.S. Strategic Command

USBE&IT Homeland Security, Government and Defense Edition 2010 Vice Adm. Anthony L. Winns, Naval Inspector General Force, Air Force Reserve Command

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LT. GEN. MICHAEL E. LANGLEY Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic Commander, Marine Forces Northern Command

Lt. Gen. Michael Langley graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington, majoring in information systems analysis. He entered the Platoon Leaders Course program in 1982 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1985.

His previous command billets include guns platoon commander, Battery H, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines; Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines; Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines; Battery K, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines; inspector-instructor, Battery K, 4th Battalion, 14th Marines; 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 12th Marine Regiment; 201st Regional Corps Advisory Command— Central, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Afghanistan; officer-in-charge (OIC) Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); assistant division commander, 3d Marine Division; Regional Support Command— Southwest, ISAF, Afghanistan. Afghan National Army 215th Corps Advisor Team OIC, Regional Command Southwest, ISAF, Afghanistan; deputy commanding general, II MEF; and commanding general, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade. His staff assignments have included division officer, Marine Corps Institute, Marine Barracks, 8th and I, Washington, D.C.; Naval surface fire support requirements officer in the Expeditionary Warfare Division (N75) and joint integration officer in the Surface Warfare Division (N76) Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; and deputy executive assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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MA J. GEN. BRIAN CAVANAUGH Commander, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa

Maj. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh earned his commission in 1990 and was designated a Naval aviator in 1992.

From 1993–1997, he was assigned duties with HMH-462 in Tustin, CA. He served in the maintenance department and later as the logistics officer, intelligence officer, and operations officer. Additionally, he completed tours to Okinawa, Japan, and served twice with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conducting shipboard operations. From 1998–2001, Cavanaugh was assigned to HMH-362 in Kaneohe Bay, HI, where he served as the aircraft maintenance officer and as director for safety and standardization. After his tour with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 (known as the Ugly Angels), he was assigned to HMX-1, where he served as a quality assurance officer and aircraft maintenance officer. After completing his tour at HMX-1 in 2004, he was selected as aide-de-camp in the chief of Naval Operations, serving Adm. Vern Clark and Adm. Mike Mullens. In 2006, Cavanaugh assumed command of the Ugly Angels and deployed the squadron to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment, his squadron was recognized as the Squadron of the Year, and three Marines under his command were identified as the Marine Corps Aviator of the Year, Crew Chief of the Year, and Ordnance Man of the Year.

MA J. GEN. DIMITRI HENRY

Director of Intelligence of the United States Central Command

Maj. Gen. Dimitri Henry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1981 and attained the rank of staff sergeant.

From 1990 to 1993, he deployed with the 8th Marines, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) as an officer in charge of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Communications Center.

In 1993, Henry attended Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with a Master of Science degree in systems engineering. In 1995, he was assigned to the Navy Information Warfare Activity at the National Security Agency. In 1997 he reported to the 15th MEU SOC. After two deployments, he reported to Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 2000. From 2001–2004, www.blackengineer.com

Henry served as the commanding officer of the Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion. He then reported to I MEF G2. From August 2006–September 2008, Henry commanded 1st Radio Battalion and executed two deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later, he reported to the Naval War College, was promoted to colonel, and took command of Marine Corps Intelligence Activity Quantico in 2010. Henry then served at United States Central Command as the J-2 Operations Division chief and the executive officer to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) director. After DIA, Henry served as chief of staff, Intelligence Department, HQMC.

BRIG. GEN. MELVIN G. CARTER Director J-2, United States Africa Command

Brig. Gen. Melvin G. Carter (Jerry) serves as director J-2, United States Africa Command.

A native of York, PA, Carter enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1985. He served as a radio reconnaissance special intelligence communicator with the 1st Radio Battalion before earning a commission as a second lieutenant. After graduating from The Basic School in 1993, Carter was awarded the Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Military Occupational Specialty before becoming a Marine Air Ground Task Force Intelligence Officer. During his military career, Carter served in a variety of staff positions to include the S-3A, 2d Radio Battalion, II Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Intelligence Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, the S-2A, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operation Capable), and the G-2 Plans, I Marine Expeditionary Force. Additional assignments include duty as the executive assistant for the associate director for Military Affairs, the CIA. Carter’s principal command tours include the 2d Radio Battalion and the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity. His combat tours include operations with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operation Capable), the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operation Capable), the Joint Special Operations Command, and I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces.

BRIG. GEN. SEAN N. DAY

Commanding General of Force Headquarters Group

Brig. Gen. Sean N. Day currently serves as the commanding general of Force Headquarters Group.

He entered the Naval Service in 1989 and was assigned to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI. Day was commissioned in 1994 upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy. His command assignments have included multiple rifle, weapons, and guns platoon commander assignments in the 1st and 4th Marine Divisions; commanding officer of Weapons USBE & Information Technology | WINTER 2021

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in the U.S. Military Company, 2d Battalion, 23d Marine Regiment; commanding officer of 2d Battalion, 23d Marine Regiment, during which he formed and led Task Force 2/23; commanding officer 3d Civil Affairs Group, during which he developed and led Combined Joint Civil Affairs Task Force Cobra Gold; officer in charge of the Reserve Detachment/deputy director (Reserve) MAGTF Staff Training Program; and deputy commander, Force Headquarters Group, MFR. Other operational assignments have included duty as executive officer of a field artillery battery, infantry battalion, and a civil affairs group. He has served as operations officer of two infantry battalions, an Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), a civil affairs group, and a Marine Security Guard BN (State Department) Regional Headquarters. He has also held the billets of fire support coordinator, air officer, logistics officer, and inspecting officer.

BRIG. GEN. ANTHONY M. HENDERSON Director of Concepts and Plans Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory

Brig. Gen. Anthony M. Henderson is a native of Washington, D.C. He graduated from Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, in 1989. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1989. As an infantry officer, he has deployed throughout the world to include Cuba, the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.

Henderson served as executive officer, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom from January to September 2003 and from February to September 2004. Promoted to lieutenant colonel, he assumed command of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit on June 1, 2007. The battalion deployed to Afghanistan from March to October 2008. Henderson assumed command of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in December 2014, where he completed the seven-month WestPac deployment in October 2016. He served on numerous staff assignments, including the Joint Staff, J-3 special assistant to chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, strategic advisor, and military assistant to the secretary of the Navy, and the director of plans and concepts, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, Quantico, VA. Henderson is married to Sonja, and together they have six children.

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BRIG. GEN. LORNA M. MAHLOCK

Assistant Deputy Commandant for Information Director, Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4), Office of the Chief Information Officer for the Marine Corps

Brig. Gen. Lorna Mahlock is the assistant deputy commandant for information, director, command, control, communications, and computers (C4), leading the Office of the Chief Information Officer for the Marine Corps. Before her current assignment, she served as deputy director, Headquarters Marine Corps Plans, Policy and Operations and commanding officer, Marine Air Control Group 18, Okinawa, Japan. Designated as an air traffic control officer, she earned certifications as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tower local controller and a Marine aviation weapons and tactics instructor. She has commanded and led at various levels globally and in combat, including but not limited to air traffic control detachment commander; executive officer—1st Stinger Battery; Director—Marine Corps Instructional Management School; air control officer—G-3 Future Operations 1st Marine Aircraft Wing; company commander—Operation Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom 01; operations and executive officer—Iraqi Freedom 02; director—Marine Air Command and Control System Experimental; commanding officer— Iraqi Freedom 08; information management officer; J-3 land operations lead and division executive officer, Headquarters, European Command; Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs and assistant chief of staff G-6, deputy director of operations, plans policy and operations, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps.

BRIG. GEN. AHMED T. WILLIAMSON

Director of Manpower Plans & Policy, Headquarters Marine Corps

Brig. Gen. Ahmed Williamson is currently assigned as the director of manpower plans and policy, Headquarters Marine Corps.

Williamson is a native of Upper Marlboro, MD. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy; upon graduation and commissioning in May 1994, he served as a communications and information systems officer.

Williamson has commanded communications units at the platoon, company, and battalion level and has served with Marine Division, Marine Expeditionary www.blackengineer.com

Force, and Joint Special Operations units, deploying in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan several times. Williamson’s supporting establishment positions include a myriad of assignments in training and education, including service as a company officer and Naval leadership/Naval science instructor at the Naval Academy (2000–2002) and as the commanding officer of the Marine Corps’ Officer Candidates School in Quantico (2017–2019). His experience in higher echelon and joint duty staffs included an assignment with U.S. Special Operations Command (2009–2011) and positions in the Pentagon with the Joint Staff J-6 Communications Directorate, followed by an assignment with the HQMC C4 Department. Before his current appointment, Williamson served as the military assistant to the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps.

BRIG. GEN. CALVERT L . WORTH

Assistant Division Commander, 2d Marine Division

Brig. Gen. Calvert L. Worth hails from St. Louis, MO and is a 1989 graduate of the University of MissouriColumbia. He was commissioned via the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates Course in 1991. He has served in a variety of command and staff billets in the Fleet Marine Forces to include: rifle platoon commander, weapons platoon commander, and battalion adjutant in 2d Battalion, 4th Marines; weapons company executive officer in 2d Battalion, 6th Marines; assistant operations officer in 1st Battalion, 6th Marines; company commander, operations officer, and battalion executive officer in 1st Battalion, 5th Marines; commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines; commanding officer of the 6th Marine Regiment and Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response—Africa. He returned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force in 2019 to command Task Force Southwest 20.1 in Afghanistan. Most recently, he served as the assistant division commander of the 2d Marine Division. Additionally, Worth has participated in numerous named operations, including Operation Sea Signal (Cuba), Operation Joint Endeavor (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

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REAR ADM. MICHAEL J. JOHNSTON Ninth District Commander U.S. Coast Guard

Rear Admiral Johnston is senior commander for an area that encompasses eight states and a workforce of 6,000 people. He previously served as a chief acquisition officer, directing finance, contracting, and R&D activities to execute the acquisition portfolio. Prior, he had oversight of acquisition for modernization of surface, air, command and control, and logistics in support of the Coast Guard’s missions. In 1990, Johnston graduated from the Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering. After two tours, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology to complete a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Since then, he has served as a senior communications network engineer, and aide to the commandant of the Coast Guard. During this time, he helped transition the service into the Department of Homeland Security. In a subsequent assignment, he helped coordinate Hurricane Katrina response. In 2008, Johnston graduated from MIT with a Master of Science in Management and Systems Engineering. From 2011 to 2014, he served at the Coast Guard’s Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Engineering Center. He has also served as deputy chief of Officer Personnel Management, with responsibility for officer accessions, assignments and qualifications.

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in the U.S. Military

GEN. CHARLES Q. BROWN, JR. Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force

Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. is the chief of staff of the United States Air Force. As chief, he serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training, and equipping of 689,000 activeduty, guard, reserve, and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the general and other service chiefs function as military advisers to the secretary of Defense, National Security Council, and the president of the United States. Before serving as the Air Force chief of staff, Brown was the commander of Pacific Air Forces, air component commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Brown has served in various squadron and wing-level positions, including an assignment to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School as an F-16 Fighting Falcon instructor. His notable staff tours include aide-de-camp to the chief of staff of the Air Force; director, secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff Executive Action Group; and deputy commander, U.S. Central Command. He also served as a national defense fellow at the Institute for Defense Analyses, Alexandria, VA. Brown has commanded a fighter squadron, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, two fighter wings, and U.S. Air Forces Central Command. Brown is a command pilot with more than 2,900 flying hours, including 130 combat hours. He was commissioned in 1984 as a distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at Texas Tech University.

GEN. ANTHONY J. COTTON

Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command

Gen. Anthony J. Cotton is commander, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and commander, Air Forces Strategic–Air, U.S. Strategic Command, which provides strategic deterrence, global strike capability, and combat support to U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and geographic

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combatant commands. The command comprises more than 33,700 professionals operating at two numbered air forces; 11 active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve wings; and the Joint Global Strike Operations Center. Weapons systems assigned to AFGSC include all U.S. Air Force intercontinental ballistic missiles and bomber aircraft, UH-1N helicopters, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft, and the U.S. Air Force NC3 weapons system. Before his current assignment, Cotton served as the deputy commander, AFGSC, and deputy commander, Air Forces Strategic– Air, USSTRATCOM, Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. Additionally, Cotton has served as deputy director of the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force Executive Action Group, as senior military assistant to the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, as well as commander and president of Air University. He was also the vice commander and commander of the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB), MT, and the commander of the 45th Space Wing and Director of the Eastern Range, Patrick AFB, FL. He has commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels since entering the Air Force through the ROTC program in 1986 after earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

LT. GEN. RICHARD M. CLARK Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy

Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark is the superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. He directs a four-year regimen of military training, academics, athletic, and character development programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force or the United States Space Force. Clark graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986. His commands include the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD; 12th Flying Training Wing, Randolph AFB, TX; Eighth Air Force, Barksdale AFB, LA, and joint functional component commander for global strike, Offutt AFB, NE. He has also served as a White House fellow in Washington, D.C.; the commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy; senior defense official/ defense attaché, Cairo, Egypt, and as the commander, Third Air Force, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Before his current assignment, Clark served as the deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA.

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LT. GEN. BRIAN S. ROBINSON Deputy Commander, Air Mobility Command

Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson is deputy commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, IL. The command serves as the U.S. Transportation Command’s air component, executing the air mobility mission in support of the Joint Force, allies, and partners with a fleet of 1,100 aircraft.

The command encompasses the 18th Air Force, the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, the 618th Air Operations Center, 17 wings, and two groups, which provide rapid mobility worldwide. The total force comprises more than 107,000 active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Airmen, and civilians, providing command and control of inter-theater and intra-theater airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and presidential and senior leader air transport. Before assuming this role, Robinson served as director of operations, Transportation Command, where he was responsible for command and control, deployment of forces, and distribution of supplies and equipment for humanitarian, peacetime, and wartime operations for the Department of Defense. In addition, Robinson has held staff assignments at Joint Staff, Headquarters Air Force Staff, and the U.S. Air Forces Central 609th Combined Air Operations Center. He is a weapons officer and command pilot with more than 4,400 hours in airlift and trainer aircraft.

MA J. GEN. TROY E. DUNN

Director of Military Force Management Policy Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force

Maj. Gen. Troy E. Dunn is the director of military force management policy, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. The directorate is responsible for establishing military force management policies for more than 500,000 Total Force military personnel. These policies guide the accession, assignment, evaluation, skills analysis and management, promotion, readiness, retraining, retention, separation, and retirement of the Air Force’s human capital. The office also oversees aspects of Total Force contingency, mobilization, training, and rated force management policy. Dunn was commissioned from the U.S. Air Force Academy

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in 1993 with a degree in political science. He has held several leadership, staff, and command positions at the base, major command, Air Staff, and Joint Staff levels.

Dunn served as an aide-de-camp to the commanders of the U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command. He was selected as a Congressional fellow in the Office of Sen. Trent Lott and as a distinguished member of the national security team in the Office of the U.S. Senate Minority Whip. His command tours include squadron, group, and the airbase wing at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

MA J. GEN. STACEY T. HAWKINS

Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection Headquarters Air Combat Command

Maj. Gen. Stacey T. Hawkins is the director of logistics, engineering, and force protection, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley— Eustis, VA. As a director, he reports directly to the commander, Air Combat Command as the senior logistician within the lead major command for Combat Air Forces. He is responsible for strategy, policy, resources, and performance management of aircraft maintenance, munitions, supply, transportation, logistics plans, installation support, and force protection activities. Additionally, he provides mission generation and sustainment oversight for 16 combat weapon systems. His team integrates requirements, planning, and budget execution for more than 1,100 fighters and special mission aircraft in 35 wings to organize, train, and equip forces to support combatant commander global warfighting objectives. Hawkins has commanded the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, the 10th Air Base Wing at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill Air Force Base, UT. Hawkins has led deployed combat logistics operations throughout Southwest Asia, the Horn of Africa, and the Korean Peninsula. He also served as a White House fellow, MIT Sloan fellow, aircraft maintenance officer for the U.S. Air Force “Thunderbirds,” and a U.S. Air Force Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman.

MA J. GEN. RODNEY D. LEWIS

Deputy Director for Force Protection, J8, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Maj. Gen. Rodney D. Lewis is the deputy director for force protection, J-8, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon. Lewis leads three Force Protection Divisions including the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization responsible for the advocacy and integration of Joint IAMD (Integrated Air and Missile

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in the U.S. Military Defense) capabilities; the Force Protection Division, which identifies and develops Joint requirements for asset and personnel protection; and he serves as director, Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense, a Chairman’s Controlled Activity.

Lewis also serves as the chairman of the Protection Functional Capabilities Board. Before his current position, Lewis served as the director for strategy, posture, and assessments, deputy chief of staff for strategy, integration, and requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. He assisted with developing and synchronizing Air Force strategy, global posture, and the alignment of Air Force planning efforts with Department of Defense strategic guidance. He also supported the Air Force Chief of Staff with strategy development and assessments alongside the formulation and execution of several CSAF Title 10 wargames. A command pilot with more than 3,600 flying hours, principally in the C-17A Globemaster III, he served in operations from Bosnia to Iraq.

MA J. GEN. R ANDALL REED

Commander, Third Air Force, Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Maj. Gen. Randall Reed is commander, Third Air Force, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Third Air Force issues directives to subordinate commands and acts on behalf of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander as directed. Third Air Force exercises delegated authority over assigned forces, including personnel management; General Courts-Martial Convening Authority; and advising subordinate commands on requirements, programs, and budget. Third Air Force also works with its subordinate commands to ensure implementation and compliance with relevant policies and directives of the Department of Defense, Headquarters Air Force.

Additionally, the Third Air Force facilitates coordination between its subordinate commands, Department of Defense agencies, and other field activities. Reed graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989.

He commanded a wing, two expeditionary operations groups, and a flying training squadron.

Additionally, he held various joint, headquarters, and base-level positions, including strategic mobility and joint logistics assignments. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Light Fighter Air Assault School and is a command

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pilot with more than 3,500 hours in aircraft. Before his current assignment, he served as senior defense official and defense attaché in Ankara, Turkey.

MA J. GEN. ADRIAN L . SPAIN

Director of Operations (J3), U.S. European Command

Maj. Gen. Adrian L. Spain is the director of operations (J-3), U.S. European Command, Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. In this role, he leads the USEUCOM J-3 staff to support the command’s forces in executing a full range of multidomain operations in coordination with allies and partners to support NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), deter Russia, assist in defense of Israel, enable global operations, and counter transnational threats to defend the homeland forward and fortify Euro-Atlantic security. Spain entered the Air Force in 1994 through the ROTC program, graduating from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. As weapons officer for the 58th Fighter Squadron, he led the nation’s first Operation Noble Eagle deployment to the National Capital Region and the first missions under wartime rules of engagement while deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He would later serve as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. Spain has served as commandant of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, building the next generation of Air Force leaders and tactical experts.

Before his current position, Spain was the director of plans, programs, and analyses, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

BRIG. GEN. KENYON K. BELL

Director of Logistics and Engineering, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command

Brig. Gen. Kenyon K. Bell is the director of logistics and engineering, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. As a director, he leads more than 350 professionals across nine divisions.

He integrated strategy, policy, resources, performance management, and human capital development to support the more than 12,800 maintenance, munitions, supply, transportation, and civil engineering personnel who serve throughout the command. In addition, A4 is responsible for integration, advocacy, and oversight www.blackengineer.com

of the nation’s largest nuclear weapon storage facility, its Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and Nuclear Command, Control, and Communication weapons systems, B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, while also performing lead command functions for the Air Force’s UH-1N helicopter fleet, the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft. Bell provides combatant commanders with combat-ready forces and equipment to conduct strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike operations. Bell has served in multiple staff positions, including assignments at Headquarters Air Force and The Chairman’s Joint Staff and aide de camp to the commander, U.S. Forces Japan, and 5th Air Force. Before his current assignment, he served as the commander, 82nd Training Wing, and installation commander at Sheppard AFB, TX.

BRIG. GEN. ROBERT M. BLAKE

Mobilization Assistant to Director of Current Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force

Brig. Gen. Robert M. Blake serves as the mobilization assistant to director of current operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA. The directorate, encompassing six divisions, the Air Force Operations Group, and the Air Force Flight Standards Agency, is responsible for policy, guidance, and oversight of Air Force current air, space, and cyberspace operations. In addition, the directorate provides timesensitive situational awareness and analysis to Air Force senior leaders and links worldwide operations with core Air Force processes to enable global vigilance, reach, and power. Blake earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the University of Michigan and received his commission in May 1994 as a distinguished graduate of Officer Training School. After completing Undergraduate Pilot Training, he flew the C-141B/C Starlifter for nine years at Andrews Air Force Base, MD, before converting to the KC-135R Stratotanker. He has also flown the C-130H2 Hercules. He has amassed more than 4,500 flying hours in military aircraft, including combat sorties in Iraq and Afghanistan. In his civilian occupation, the general is a pilot for a major airline. Before his current position, he served as vice commander, 4th Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command.

BRIG. GEN. ROY W. COLLINS

Director of Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection

Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins is director of security forces, deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering, and force protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, VA. He is the focal point for ensuring the physical security www.blackengineer.com

of Air Force nuclear assets and planning and programming for more than 38,000 active-duty and reserve component security forces at locations worldwide. In addition, he provides policy and oversight for protecting Air Force resources from terrorism, criminal acts, sabotage, and acts of war. He also ensures that security forces are trained, equipped, and ready to support contingency and exercise plans.

Collins joined the Air Force in May 1995 as a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. He served on the Air Mobility Command staff as chief, Antiterrorism and Force Protection Branch, and as the Air Combat Command’s director, Commander’s Action Group. He has commanded the 95th Security Force Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, and the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron, Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT, and then the deputy commander 341st Security Forces Group, Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT. Before his current assignment, Collins was the chief, Strategic Planning Integration Division, Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA.

BRIG. GEN. RONALD E. JOLLY, SR.

Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection

Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Jolly Sr. is the director of logistics, engineering, and force protection, Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. As director, he provides leadership, management, and integration of aircraft and munitions maintenance, civil engineers, contingency contracting, security forces, transportation and materiel management, storage, and distribution. His directorate supports the deployment, basing, sustainment, and redeployment of military forces across an area of operations covering 19 million square miles and 104 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Additionally, he oversees force protection, logistics, and base operating support for over 200 aircraft and 63,000 military and dependents across 10 wings and 83 units. Jolly entered active duty after being commissioned through ROTC at Oklahoma State University in December 1990. He began his career as a Gold Bar recruiter with the Air Force ROTC program at the University of North Texas in August 1991. He later served as an aircraft maintenance and munitions officer at Nellis Air Force Base, NV. He has commanded aircraft maintenance organizations at both the group

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ADVERTORIAL

By Claire Heininger

‘The future is about data’:

Rey takes helm of Network CFT

June 22, 2021 ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Brig. Gen. Jeth Rey is building a bridge to how the Army will communicate in the future. But first, he’s here to listen.

Rey began his new role as director of the Army Futures Command Network Cross-Functional Team (CFT) this month. He says the first order of business is to visit the operational force and take in feedback from corps, divisions, schoolhouses, and combat training centers on what they need from the Army’s network.

“That’s going to be my priority — hearing what they want the Network Cross-Functional Team to focus on, in order to improve the environment that they operate in every single day,” Rey said. “I expect to hear about smaller, lighter, more agile capabilities. I expect to hear about crypto modernization.

And I expect to hear about data — how do we access, share, and secure data with our mission partners.”

In addition to hearing from a variety of operational formations stationed throughout the United States and overseas, Rey said he will be seeking input from the Department of the Army G6, Army Futures Command leadership, and the seven other CFTs charged with executing the Army’s modernization priorities — from vehicles and aircraft, to fires and missile defense.

“All modernization capabilities touch the network,” Rey said. “The network is the center of gravity, so we need to support them as well.”

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This feedback on operational priorities and technical improvements will inform the next steps for the Network CFT as it seeks to enable Army formations to reliably communicate across all domains and environments.

Consisting of a core team of experts, the Network CFT leverages Soldiercentered experimentation to inform requirements, aligns and drives transitions of science and technology efforts into programs of record, synchronizes capability development to keep pace with current and future threats, and develops an optimized future network through the rapid insertion of new technology.

The end goal is to deliver a network that is expeditionary, mobile, hardened and intuitive — especially as access to data becomes a pivotal element to achieving future battlefield advantage.

“The future is about data, and accessing and protecting it across transport-agnostic capabilities,” Rey said. “Going from 5G WiFi, to terrestrial circuits, to satellite-based systems as an automatic transition will give us greater operational flexibility across the board.”

Rey takes the helm of the Network CFT following an assignment as director of Command and Control, Communications and Computer Systems, J6, United States Central Command. In that role, he managed the Command’s global communications, cybersecurity, and computer networks, most recently including the standdown and retrograde of networking

equipment from Afghanistan.

A native of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, Rey joined the Army in 1983 and has served in Army enlisted, warrant, and officer ranks.

Although his previous assignments took him around the world — from Korea and Hawaii to North Carolina, Georgia and even the White House Communications Agency — Rey had not been stationed in Maryland before coming to the CFT. However, his fatherin-law’s first duty assignment was at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in the 1950s, and his sister-in-law was born there in 1956. Rey and his wife, Carla, have also visited the state’s horse racetracks at Laurel Park and Pimlico, watching Justify win the Preakness Stakes en route to a 2018 Triple Crown victory.

“I do have a few ties to Maryland, and I’m looking forward to making more,” Rey said.

Rey said he also looks forward to building upon the strong ties between the CFT and other network stakeholder organizations, many of which are based at APG. “That relationship has to stay very sound between us, and the Program Executive Offices, and the science and technology teams as well,” he said. “We want to build a culture that everyone wants to be a part of, and stay focused on what we’re creating for the Army of the future.”

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BG Rey CPI2 OA: BG Rey and MG Rob Collins, Army Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical, visited Fort Campbell, KY, in July 2021 as Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conducted operational missions to assess mobile and tailorable command post prototypes. (Justin Eimers/U.S. Army)

BG Jeth B. Rey serves as the Director of the Network CrossFunctional Team within Army Futures Command, focusing on integrating and modernizing the Army’s network. (U.S. Army Photo)

BG Rey and MG Collins joined MG Chris Donahue, Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division, and MG Thomas Pugh, Director of Networks, Services and Strategy for the Headquarters, Department of the Army G-6, during a Warrior’s Corner presentation at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting in October 2021. (Megan Boland/U.S. Army)

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in the U.S. Military and squadron levels, supporting flying operations for F-5E/F, F-15C/D/E, and F-16 aircraft, and has deployed on multiple occasions.

BRIG. GEN. DANA N. NELSON

Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa

Brig. Gen. Dana N. Nelson is the mobilization assistant to the deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. As the air component to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, USAFE-AFAFRICA is responsible for providing full-spectrum warfighting capabilities to both combatant commanders throughout their area of responsibility, which encompasses 104 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, and possesses more than a quarter of the world’s population and gross domestic product. Nelson received her commission in 1990 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy.

She began her flying career at Robins Air Force Base, GA. While on active duty, Nelson flew various models of KC135s for more than 10 years. In 2002, she joined the Air Force Reserve and served as a Foreign Area Air Attaché in Slovenia and Fiji, as an analyst at the Joint Intelligence Center, U.S. Transportation Command and as the chief of the Survey Analysis Center in Doha, Qatar. She has also served in a variety of flying, staff, and command assignments. In her civilian capacity, the general is a pilot with a major airline.

the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, LA, and commanded the 23rd Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, ND. His staff assignments included duty as director of Air Force Colonels Management, executive officer to the chief of staff of the United States Air Force, and a joint planning officer at Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Command, Plans and Policy Directorate, Offutt AFB, NE. Parker deployed in support of various contingencies. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Air Command and Staff College, and served as a national defense fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Parker is a command pilot with more than 2,800 hours in bomber aircraft.

Most Notable AIR FORCE USBE Magazine covers USBE&IT Winter 2020 Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. 22nd Chief of Staff, The United States Air Force

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BRIG. GEN. BR ANDON PARKER $6.95

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Brig. Gen. Brandon Parker is the chief of staff, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, U.S. Central Command, Union III, Iraq. He oversees a corps-level headquarters staff across multiple locations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility to achieve commanders’ objectives in the fight against the Islamic State group of Iraq and Syria. Parker is a 1996 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Before becoming chief of staff, he commanded the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, TX. Parker also served as vice commander of

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USBE&IT Homeland Security, Government and Defense Edition 2014 Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, chief of staff, U.S. Air Force Gen. Larry O. Spencer, vice chief of staff, U.S. Air Force Gen. Darren W. McDew, commander, Air Force Mobility Command Maj. Gen. Stayce D. Harris, commander, 22nd Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command

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responsibilities outlined in the Unified Command Plan.

Pepper enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1989 and received his commission through the Officer Training School in 1996. He has served in various positions at the wing, numbered Air Force, major command, and combatant command levels.

MA J. GEN. DAVID N. MILLER, JR.

Director of Operations, Training and Force Development (J3/7), Headquarters United States Space Command

Maj. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr. is the director of operations, training, and force development (J-3/7), Headquarters United States Space Command, Schriever Space Force Base, CO. U.S. Space Command is one of 11 unified commands under the Department of Defense. It is responsible for deterring conflict; defending the U.S. and allied freedom of action in the space area of operations; delivering combatrelevant space capability to the joint/combined force; and developing space forces to advance U.S. and allied interests in, through, and from the space domain. As the J-3/7, he is responsible for executing full-spectrum space operations; maintaining credible space deterrence capabilities; providing analytical planning support; the combatant command’s participation in joint and combined exercises; and education, training, and assessments of assigned and attached space forces.

Miller was commissioned in 1993 and is a graduate of Lafayette College in Easton, PA. He has operational experience across space power disciplines and has held a range of operational leadership and staff positions.

During his career, Miller has commanded airmen and guardians at the squadron, group, and wing levels. Before his current role, Miller was the assistant deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear, U.S. Space Force.

BRIG. GEN. DEVIN R. PEPPER Deputy Director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (DJ5), United States Space Command

Brig. Gen. Devin R. Pepper is the deputy director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (DJ5), United States Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, CO. In this position, he is responsible for developing military strategies, issuing strategic guidance, planning military campaigns and contingency operations, and formulating policy supporting the combatant commander’s www.blackengineer.com

Additionally, he is a graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School, Space Superiority Squadron.

He has commanded at the squadron, group, Air Force wing, and Space Force garrison levels. Before his current position, Pepper was commander of Buckley Garrison, headquartered at Buckley Air Force Base, CO.

Notable SPACE FORCE moment

Retired Maj. Joseph Malcolm, assists his son Airman 1st Class Jeremiah Malcolm, 49th Communications Squadron Directory Service technician, exchange U.S. Air Force to U.S. Space Force accoutrements, Feb. 12, 2021, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The Air Force has transitioned more than 2,400 active-duty Airmen to space operations and space system operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessica Sanchez)

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in the U.S. Military

MA J. GEN. ONDR A L . BERRY

The Adjutant General for the State of Nevada

Maj. Gen. Ondra L. Berry serves as the adjutant general for the State of Nevada. Appointed by the governor of Nevada, Berry serves as the governor’s principal advisor on all National Guard issues. He is responsible for both the federal and state missions of the Nevada National Guard. He serves as the official communication channel with the National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army, and Department of the Air Force. He is responsible for more than 4,200 Nevada Army and Air National Guard personnel. Before his current position, Berry was the assistant adjutant general—Air, Nevada National Guard. He also served as the assistant to the director of National Guard Bureau A-1, service component level personnel director for over 107,000 Air National Guard members. He managed component Headquarters, Numbered Air Force, and Major Command level support in formulation and coordination of policy and execution of workforce, personnel, services, and training programs of the entire personnel life cycle. This includes force management, formal training allocation, database and systems administration, modification and analysis, services, workforce and organization, and policy formulation and implementation. Berry received his commission from the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science in 1990.

MA J. GEN. SYLVESTER CANNON

Commander, 167th Theater Sustainment Command

Maj. Gen. Sylvester Cannon has served as the commander, 167th Theater Sustainment Command located at Fort McClellan, AL, since November 2020. His previous assignment was the deputy adjutant general for Alabama. He has served in several command and staff positions, including MP detachment commander, MP company commander, MP battalion commander, provost marshal, maneuver enhancement brigade commander, and commander general of an expeditionary sustainment command.

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Cannon’s military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), and Army Achievement Medal. Cannon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting at the University of Alabama, a Master of Science degree in human resource management at Troy State University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Cannon and his wife Valerie reside in Opelika, AL. They have two adult daughters, Jasmine and Simone. Cannon’s civilian occupation is division director, Alabama Department of Revenue, Montgomery, AL.

MA J. GEN. JOHN C. HARRIS, JR.

Assistant Adjutant General—Army, Ohio National Guard Commander, Ohio Army National Guard

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Jr. is the assistant adjutant general— Army, Ohio National Guard, and serves as the Ohio Army National Guard commander.

Harris assumed these duties on Jan. 11, 2011, and is responsible for establishing policies, priorities, and oversight for the readiness of 11,400 soldiers. Harris began his military career in 1981 when he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard.

He received a commission in 1984 through Officer Candidate School. He has commanded at the platoon, detachment, company, and squadron levels while serving in staff assignments at the battalion, squadron, state area command, and joint force headquarters level.

Recent assignments include chief of staff (Joint Force Headquarters), deputy chief of staff for personnel (Joint Force Headquarters), and commander of Task Force Lancer in Kosovo.

MA J. GEN. REGINALD NEAL

Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army PacificNational Guard

Maj. Gen. Reginald (Reg) Neal is the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Pacific— National Guard, located at Fort Shafter, HI. Neal is from Ludowici, GA. He graduated from Georgia Military College (ROTC) in 1989 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the field artillery. Neal’s professional military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, CAS3, www.blackengineer.com

CGSC (Command and General Staff College), Paladin Commander’s Course, Tactical Combat Commander’s Course, Maneuver Brigade Pre-Command Course, Army Security Cooperation Course, Combined Joint Forces Land Component Commander Course, and the U.S. Army War College. Neal’s green-tab assignments include commander of the 1-118th Field Artillery Regiment (Chatham Artillery), Recruiting and Retention battalion command, commander of the 48th IBCT, deputy commanding general—NG for U.S. Army South, and commander of Joint Task Force North (NORTHCOM).

Neal has worked on numerous strategic-level military planning committees, including the Combat Vehicle Task Force and the Field Artillery Advisory Council serving as the battalion commander sub-committee chairman.

He is a past president of the National Guard Association of Georgia. He currently serves on the National Guard Bureau’s (NGB) Joint Diversity Executive Council and the Joint Officer Management Advisory Council.

MA J. GEN. MICHAEL C. THOMPSON

Adjutant General, Oklahoma Army, and Air National Guard

The governor of Oklahoma appointed Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson as adjutant general in 2017. In this role, he serves as the top military advisor to the governor and commands the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard.

In previous assignments, he has served as assistant adjutant general, Oklahoma Army National Guard; land component commander, Oklahoma Army National Guard; chief of staff, Oklahoma Army National Guard; and commander, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard. Thompson has commanded at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. Before receiving his commission, he served two and a half years as an enlisted soldier in the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

He was commissioned in 1986 through the Oklahoma Military Department Officer Candidate School in Oklahoma City, OK.

BRIG. GEN. JEFFREY R. ALEX ANDER Chief of Staff of the Michigan Air National Guard

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey R. Alexander is chief of staff of the Michigan Air National Guard.

He retired from active duty in 2011 and has since served in the Massachusetts and Michigan Air National Guards. Alexander is a 1990 Naval Reserve www.blackengineer.com

Officers Training Corps graduate from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He graduated from Naval flight school at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, TX, in 1992. Alexander flew multiple fixed-wing and rotary aircraft in the Navy before conducting an interservice transfer to the Air Force in 1999. He flew the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System at Tinker Air Force Base, OK. In 2003, he transferred to Barksdale Air Force Base, LA, where he established an Air Force Cyberspace Air Operations Center and cyber integration into the Air Force Warfare Center. In 2008, he was transferred to U.S. Strategic Command/Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike at Offutt Air Force Base, NE. While there, he created operational directives for deterrence and conducted full-spectrum informational global plans.

BRIG. GEN. PETER G. BAILEY

Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander of Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base

Brig. Gen. Peter G. Bailey is the Air National Guard assistant to the commander of Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS. He assists in developing, overseeing, and directing all operational aspects of basic military training, initial skills training, and advanced technical training for the Air Force’s enlisted force, non-rated operations, and support officers. Second Air Force delivers more than 3,400 courses spanning more than 265 Air Force Specialties and graduates 150,000 airmen, soldiers, sailors, Marines, and international students annually.

Bailey graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was commissioned in 1990. He served in the activeduty Air Force for 12 years as a B-52H navigator and B-1B weapon systems officer. He flew combat missions in Operation Desert Fox and Operation Allied Force.

Bailey joined the Kansas Air National Guard in 2002 and commanded at the squadron level. During his tenure, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition, he has served at the air staff level as the National Guard chief of logistics readiness, and his previous assignment was as the commandant of the United States Air Force Officer Training School.

BRIG. GEN. JANEEN L . BIRCKHEAD Commander, Maryland Army National Guard

Brig. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead assumed command of the Maryland Army National Guard in 2018. Concurrently, she serves dual-hatted as deputy commanding general— Reserves Affairs, United States Army War College.

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in the U.S. Military the U.S. Department of the Interior. She was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at Hampton University as a distinguished military graduate.

Upon completing the Chemical Officer Basic Course, she was assigned to the 29th Support Center and later as aide-de-camp to the adjutant general for Maryland. During OEF/OIF 2004–2005, she served as the tiger team leader and designated military officer for the Office of Administrative Review for Enemy Combatants’ Detention.

Additionally, Birckhead deployed as the deputy, Current Operations, Security Partnering, and International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan. Upon redeployment, she was assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters as a division chief in logistics. Following brigade command of the 70th Regiment, she served as the director of legislative liaison. Birckhead resides in Crownsville, MD, with her husband, Craig, and their two children, Craig and Lindsay.

BRIG. GEN. ROBERT D. BOWIE

Special Assistant to the Director Air National Guard for the Assistant Secretary of Air Force Energy, Installations, and Environment

Brig. Gen. Robert D. Bowie is the special assistant to the director Air National Guard for the assistant secretary of Air Force energy, installations, and environment at the Air Force Headquarters.

He serves as an interface between the air force secretary for energy, installations, and environment and the Air National Guard, ensuring effective communication of infrastructure, basing, environmental, energy, and climate policies. Bowie was commissioned into the Air Force in the civil engineering career field in 1988. He served 12 years as an electrical engineer, construction manager, and environmental engineer in the United States and Europe before joining the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) in 2001. Since then, Bowie has held numerous engineering, staff, and command positions of increasing trust within the DCNG. In 2020, Bowie led the Northern Command Joint Task Force National Capital Region/ Military District of Washington, responsible for planning all inaugural ceremonial support for the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Bowie holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and mathematics from

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Carnegie Mellon University, a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from Air War College.

BRIG. GEN. RODNEY BOYD

Assistant Adjutant-General—Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard

Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd is the assistant adjutant general—Army and commander of the Illinois Army National Guard of 10,000 soldiers of the Illinois Army National Guard.

Before his selection, Boyd was appointed as the assistant chief of staff, J-4 (Wartime) for U.S. Forces Korea in March 2020. The appointment made him the first Black general officer in the Illinois Army National Guard. Boyd began his military career as an enlisted Marine Corps Reservist in 1982. After completing his enlistment with the Marines, he joined the Illinois Army National Guard.

From 1989 until 1990, he attended the Illinois Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps in August 1990. Boyd has an extensive background in logistics and operations, including the 108th Sustainment Brigade command. Additionally, Boyd is employed by AASKI—a MAG Aerospace company that supports the Army National Guard Mission Command Training Support Program—in his civilian life. Boyd received a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts degree in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle, and a second master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

BRIG. GEN. SHAWN HARRIS

Defense Attaché assigned to the U.S. Embassy, Tel Aviv, Israel

Brig. Gen. Shawn Harris is the senior defense official, defense attaché assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. Before his current position, Harris was the chief of staff for Kosovo Forces (KFOR), principal coordinator, and executive coordinating agent for the KFOR commander. The chief of staff exercises supervision of the entire headquarters staff.

He communicates with other HQs and directs liaison activities. He maintains executive control of the HQ staff in Pristina, with the headquarters’ principal duty. In www.blackengineer.com

addition; he consults with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Headquarters in Tirana, Albania; and the Allied Joint Force Command Naples. As an executive coordinating officer of a multinational headquarters, with staff drawn from about 28 nations, the post extends beyond the typical duties of a chief of staff. He maintains situational awareness of all political, social, and economic aspects of the development of Kosovo as a democratic society.

He is in daily contact with staff from the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, and the Kosovo Police.

BRIG. GEN. CASSANDR A D. HOWARD Assistant for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs

Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

Brig. Gen. Cassandra D. Howard serves as the assistant for mobilization and reserve affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Defense Health Agency Headquarters, in Falls Church, VA. She advises both the deputy assistant secretary of defense for health readiness policy and oversight and the director, Defense Health Agency, on Joint Reserve Component matters, ensuring mission-ready personnel. In this capacity, she also provides oversight for developing policies, plans, and programs within the Department of Defense, Military Health System, ensuring total force medical readiness for Reserve Component military service members. Key focus areas include force health protection, national disaster support, deployment medicine, international health, and medical research and development.

Additionally, she is a critical liaison enabling synchronization between Joint medical leaders of both active and reserve components across the Department of Defense. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2018. Before her current assignment, Howard served as the Tennessee state air surgeon, Joint Forces Headquarters Nashville, TN.

BRIG. GEN. DAVID M. JENKINS Assistant Adjutant General-Army South Carolina National Guard

Brig. Gen. David M. Jenkins is a native of South Carolina, where he received his primary and post-secondary education. He began his military career as an ROTC cadet at South Carolina State University and received his commission in 1990. Jenkins has served in the South Carolina National Guard for 28 years as a company www.blackengineer.com

commander, battalion commander, and brigade commander.

He has also served in key staff assignments, including Battalion S3 218th Regiment, Deputy J-6 Joint Forces Headquarters, and chief of staff of the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), South Carolina National Guard. In 2004, Jenkins deployed to Afghanistan as strategic plans communication officer for the Joint NETOPS (Network Operations) Control Center Afghanistan (U.S. Army) and has supported federal and state missions over the past 10 years, including hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from S.C. State University, a master’s degree in international business (Exec. M.B.A.) from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, and a master’s in strategic studies from the Army’s Senior Staff College in Carlisle, VA.

BRIG. GEN. KODJO S. KNOXLIMBACKER

Adjutant General of the Virgin Islands National Guard

Brig. Gen. Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker is an Army National Guard officer who currently serves as the adjutant general of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard. Knox-Limbacker first enlisted in the Georgia National Guard as an infantryman.

Upon completing the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Augusta State University, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Army Aviation in the active-duty Army. From there, he graduated from U.S. Army flight school as a UH-1 Iroquois pilot in 1996. Later he transferred to Army fixed-wing aviation flying the C-12, RC-7, and U-21, among others. KnoxLimbacker has logged over 2,700 flight hours, including tours in Africa, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, and South America as an Army aviator. Knox-Limbacker earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Augusta State University and a master’s in national security strategy from the National Defense University.

BRIG. GEN. MAURICE M. MCKINNEY Missouri Air National Guard Chief of Staff

Brig. Gen. Maurice M. McKinney serves as the Missouri Air National Guard chief of staff. His responsibilities include developing and implementing Missouri Air

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in the U.S. Military National Guard strategy, policy, plans, initiatives, and administrative actions for more than 2,200 airmen assigned to the state.

McKinney is also the adjutant general’s senior Air National Guard advisor regarding future Missouri Air National Guard missions and innovation activities with Department of Defense components and agencies, Air Force Major Commands, and National Guard Bureau Directorates. Under his vision and direction, McKinney is also responsible for developing Missouri National Guard’s cyberspace strategic and operational plans, state-wide cyber incident response plan, and cyber homeland defense initiatives. Before his chief of staff assignment, McKinney served as director, persistent cyber training environment, U.S. Cyber Command. He led the $450 million persistent cyber training environment capability development and requirements program.

McKinney is a national cyber and strategic thought leader. He provides strategic and operational advice to senior cyber leaders within the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, National Counterterrorism Center, U.S. Cyber Command, Air Forces Cyber, Army Cyber Command, Fleet Cyber Command, and Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command.

BRIG. GEN. CARLTON SMITH

Deputy Assistant Adjutant General for the Texas Army National Guard

In 1998, Brig. Gen. Carlton Smith joined the Texas Army National Guard and was assigned as the deputy assistant adjutant general for the Texas Army National Guard. During his career, he has held various leadership positions, including battery commander, battalion executive officer, battalion commander, Division G-3, regional training institute commander, and most recently, the commander of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Additionally, Smith was the task force commander for the Texas Army National Guard’s emergency response to Hurricane Harvey. Carlton also deployed on three occasions in support of the War on Terror—twice to Afghanistan, in 2003 and 2006, as an Afghan Army mentor and military transition team commander respectively—and to Iraq, in 2010, as the deputy chief of lethal fires. His military education includes Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, the U.S. Army Airborne School, and the U.S. Army Air Assault School.

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Additionally, Smith works as a site lead and senior principal trainer for General Dynamics Information Technology as a civilian. He resides in Houston, TX, with his wife, LaRachelle, currently director of marketing and communications in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University.

BRIG. GEN. MONIE ULIS

Director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters Texas

Brig. Gen. Monie Ulis is the director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters Texas.

He is responsible for preparing and developing policies for joint force missions and state partnerships of the Texas Military Department. Ulis joined the Texas Army National Guard as a specialist in 1989. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the State of New York, Regents College, and master’s degrees from Touro University and the National Defense University. His military education includes the National War College at Fort Lesley McNair in Washington, D.C. and Joint Task Force Commander Training at Peterson Air Base in Colorado Springs, CO. Ulis’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Army Superior Unit Award. His professional and civic affiliations include the National Guard Association of the United States, the National Guard Association of Texas, and the Infantry Officer Association.

BRIG. GEN. CHARLES “CHUCK” WALKER

Chief of Staff, Kentucky Air National Guard Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters Kentucky National Guard

Brig. Gen. Charles “Chuck” Walker is the chief of staff, Kentucky Air National Guard and deputy chief of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters Kentucky National Guard. He serves as the principal advisor to the adjutant general to coordinate policy, guidance, and direction of the Commonwealth’s 8,000 Army and Air Guardsmen. In addition, Walker is dual-hatted as the director of the Office of Complex Investigations, National Guard Bureau. The Directorate is responsible for conducting administrative investigations

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into allegations of sexual assault when law enforcement entities, such as military criminal investigative organizations or civilian law enforcement agencies, have declined or do not have authority to investigate and a National Guard nexus has been identified. He is also a special advisor to the deputy judge advocate general of the United States Air Force. Walker received his commission as a second lieutenant through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Auburn University in December 1990. In 2005, Walker joined the Kentucky Air National Guard as staff judge advocate for the 123d Airlift Wing. He was an instructor on the Contemporary Base Issues (CBI) Course for six years and received the 2015 Major General Robert I. Gruber Excellence in Teaching Award.

BRIG. GEN. CHRISTOPHER WALKER

Special Assistant to the Director of the Air National Guard for Diversity and Inclusion

Brig. Gen. Christopher Walker serves as special assistant to the director of the Air National Guard for Diversity and Inclusion.

His duties include providing strategic advice/guidance for ANG (Air National Guard) implementation of Air Force diversity and inclusion initiatives and providing support for the Department of the Air Force Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Additionally, he identifies and recommends changes to policies and procedures, removing barriers and other practices that may unfairly affect airmen. He also assesses Air Reserve Component (ARC) implications of the Inspector General Independent Racial Disparity Review, providing recommendations to address findings, monitoring progress toward goals, and providing inputs for six-month and annual progress reports, managing ARC development and implementation of the GO INSPIRE diversity recruiting program initiated in January 2021.

Additionally, he advises senior leaders on initiatives to improve rated diversity. Born in New York City, NY, Walker began his Air Force career as a 1988 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. After Undergraduate Navigator Training in 1989, he served as a C-130 navigator in weather reconnaissance and tactical airlift squadrons. Walker is a Master Navigator with over 5,200 hours in WC-130 and C-130E/H/H3 aircraft, including over four hundred combat and combat support hours.

BRIG. GEN. K ATHERINE WHITE

Deputy Commander, 46th Military Police Command

she was the intellectual property counsel for the Corps of Engineers. As a reservist she taught contract and fiscal law (1997–2011) and was the associate dean (2006– 2011) at the Judge Advocate General’s School in Charlottesville, VA. From 2011–2014, she taught as an instructor in the Department of Law at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. She joined the Michigan National Guard in 2015 as the Staff Judge Advocate of the 46th Military Police Command, where she became the deputy commanding general on Sept. 1, 2019. She has deployed with her unit since March 2020 as part of the DOD's Coronavirus response.

As a civilian, White is a professor of law at the Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, MI where she has taught since 1996. Since 1999, she has been a member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents. She is also a Fulbright Senior Scholar (Germany 1999–2000), a White House fellow (2001–2002), and a registered patent attorney.

Watch the 2021 Star & Stripes event where many members of our Military and SES members were honored

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Join our Stars & Stripes community and stay up to date on all the latest news by following us on Facebook https://l.ead.me/bcbXJ8

Brig. Gen. Katherine E. White served on active duty as a judge advocate for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office of the Chief Counsel’s Honors Program, where

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the

Top Blacks

in the

People you should know in the government

S

ince the last publication of USBE’s “Top Blacks in the Federal Senior Executive Service” list, Blacks in Government President Doris Sartor and Tyra Dent Smith, executive director of the African American Federal Executive Association, have given landmark interviews to Government Executive, a leading source for news about the operations of the executive branch of the federal government.

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In published remarks, Sartor said that the Blacks in Government organization has been working to cultivate professional programs for Black civil servants since 1975. Currently, there are about 6,000 members. Sartor also said agencies can expand their efforts by recruiting at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and trade schools; establishing or enhancing intern and career-broadening programs that include minority selection; and leveraging

relationships with affinity organizations such as National Blacks in Government and National Coalition for Equity in Public Service. She also advised early-career professionals in government to become a part of Blacks in Government and urged undergraduate college students to join “future leaders of America’s government” programs.

The other organization highlighted by Government Executive was the African

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SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE

American Federal Executive Association.

According to the interview, the association has been working to build a pipeline of GS-13 level talent through the Senior Executive Service (SES) for two decades.

percent in September 2006, according to data from the Office of Personnel Management. For GS levels 13-15, Black people/African Americans represented 15.5 percent of the workforce compared to 12 percent in September 2006.

Tyra Dent Smith, the association’s executive director, told Government Executive that as of December 2020, 18 percent of the federal workforce was Black/African American, up from 17

Government Executive reported that the (SES), which is for officials above GS-15, was less than 11 percent Black as of June 2020, according to the Senior Executives Association. However, George Stalcup,

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former director of strategic issues at the General Accounting Office (now the Government Accountability Office), testified during a hearing in October 2003 that about 9 percent of the SES pool was African American.

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Senior Executive Service ANTHONY R. BAITY Deputy Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection Headquarters Air Combat Command

Anthony R. Baity, a member of the Senior Executive Service, serves as the deputy director of logistics, engineering, and force protection, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA. As deputy director, he assists the director in leading a staff of over 300 personnel across 12 divisions and advocates a budget of $5.5 billion. He helps develop policy, budget, and oversight of ACC’s maintenance, munitions, supply, transportation, civil engineering, and force protection functions. Additionally, Baity provides direction and leadership to more than 42,000 personnel assigned in 35 wings at over 100 operating locations worldwide who maintain and support more than 1,100 fighters and special mission aircraft to execute their assigned missions. Before his current position, Baity was the chief, Resources Division, Directorate of Resource Integration, deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering, and force protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA. He led the integration of all logistics, installations, and mission support programmed resources, both current year and Future Years Defense Program. Additionally, he led the installation support and logistics panels and served as the AF/A4 representative to the Headquarters Air Force Corporate Structure for planning and programming governance.

ANSELM A. BEACH Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Equity and Inclusion Agency

Anselm A. Beach was appointed as the senior advisor to the Secretary of the Army for Diversity and Inclusion on

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April 22, 2021 and assumed the duties as the deputy assistant secretary of the Army (Equity and Inclusion) on Nov. 10, 2019. He serves as the secretary of the Army’s designated proponent for diversity and inclusion, civil rights, equal employment opportunity, military equal opportunity, and oversight of army command policy and programs.

Beach oversees the daily operation and execution of one the most comprehensive Equal Employment Opportunity compliance and complaints adjudication process, proactive and responsive prevention programs within the federal government. Beach previously served as the acting executive director, Privacy and Diversity Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. In this Senior Executive Service position, he served as a principal advisor to the commissioner on highly sensitive and complex workforce issues and led five divisions: Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity Division, Privacy, Freedom of Information Act Division, Custody Support and Compliance Division, and Mission Support Division to serve over 60,000 employees.

TERESA R. BICKETT Deputy Director of Financial Management, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Teresa R. Bickett, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is deputy director of financial management, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. As the command’s chief financial civilian, she is responsible for the financial planning and fiscal execution of more than 35 percent of the Air

Force’s appropriated budget, including the Air Force’s research, development, test, acquisition, and sustainment programs.

Additionally, she serves as deputy principal financial adviser to the Air Force Materiel Command commander. She is responsible for identifying funding requirements; building the command’s budgets; administering the Air Force Working Capital Fund; executing Air Force Materiel Command’s annual budget program of over $60 billion; and providing military, civilian, and contractor pay service to some 89,000 personnel. Additionally, she oversees over 3,000 professional financial managers providing vital services supporting the command’s units worldwide, including 10 major bases.

Before her current position, she served as chief of the Centralized Asset Management (CAM) Division in the Directorate of Financial Management. CAM is the Air Force’s most extensive operations and maintenance account, ensuring sustainment capabilities for 120-plus programs across multiple commands.

KEVIN BOSTICK Director, Exercises and Coalition Affairs United States Southern Command

Kevin Bostick serves as the commander’s principal executive-level advisor concerning civil-military operations, training, and exercises.

Bostick leads partnerships, exercises, civil affairs operations, science and technology, and humanitarian assistance activities to improve U.S. military readiness, build partner capacity, and counter transregional/transnational threats to meet global challenges. He collaborates with Combatant Commands (COCOM), interagency, and U.S. embassies throughout

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Southern Command’s area of responsibility.

Bostick manages a $65 million budget and executes the strategic direction, priorities, policies, and guidance of the Southern Command commander, deputy commander, and chief of staff.

STACEY BROWN Chief of the Civil Works Programs Integration Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

THEODORE A. BROWN Regional Business Director for South Atlantic Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Theodore A. Brown serves as regional business director for South Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). He provides executive strategic leadership and technical expertise

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KAREN S. BURROWS Director, Integrated Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05H) Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)

Karen S. Burrows serves as the director, integrated warfare systems engineering, Naval Sea Systems Command, and is the technical authority to Program Executive Office, integrated warfare systems.

Burrows is responsible for oversight of command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, and intelligence

systems (C5I) research, development, certification for deployment, and life cycle support for U.S. Navy ships. In this capacity, she is the deputy warranted technical and certification authority for Navy integrated warfare capability. Burrows was previously assigned as the executive director of the Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity and the deputy for weapons safety. Burrows was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in April 2012 and has over 30 years of service in the Department of Defense.

DR. JUANITA M. CHRISTENSEN Director, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities

Dr. Juanita Christensen was selected for Senior Executive Service in February 2015. She became the executive director of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) at Redstone Arsenal, AL, in November 2017. The Aviation & Missile Center comprises 12,000 military and civilian professional, scientific, and support personnel and manages a combined mission and reimbursable customer-funded budget of $3.9 billion annually. The director manages aviation and missile plans and executes technical research and engineering programs and technical demonstrations. During her robust career, she has served in a variety of engineering positions, including director of the Engineering Analysis Directorate, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Technical Management Division chief, Project Management Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, PEO Aviation. She moved to AvMC in 2012 as deputy director of the Aviation Development Directorate and became director of the Weapons Development and

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Selected to the Senior Executive Service in June 2019, Stacey Brown is chief of the Civil Works Programs Integration Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. She is responsible for the development, defense, and execution of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program, a position that entails close coordination with senior administration officials, Congressional leaders, and project partners. Initially, she served as the chief of the Planning and Policy Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and as the chief of the Mississippi Valley Division and Southwestern Division Regional Integration Teams. In that position, she was responsible for ensuring that plans and investigations undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were soundly conceived, properly formulated, and responsive to the legislative and executive authorities governing restoration, conservation, and development of the nation’s water and related land resources. Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a minor in engineering management from Tufts University. She is a recipient of the Women of Color STEM Career Achievement in Government Award, the Bronze Order of the de Fleury, and is a registered project management professional.

executing engineering, construction, and project management for civil works, military and international/ interagency programs, and regional environmental and energy services within the Southeastern U.S. and Latin America. His current portfolio exceeds $4.5 billion with a total regional workforce of 3,500. It includes Tyndall Air Force Base recovery, Fort Gordon Cyber Center of Excellence, Fort Bragg, and engineering support to SOUTHCOM. In his prior assignment, Brown served as chief of the Planning and Policy Division in HQUSACE, Washington, D.C. (January 2009–November 2017) and the Regional Integration Teams for Mississippi Valley and Southwestern Divisions. He was responsible for the formulation and coordination of Army Civil Works policy with the Department of Army, Federal agencies, and Office of Management and Budget; leading the development and implementation efforts for Water Resources Development Acts; and serving as the principal point of contact with Congressional authorizing committees on policy and planning matters. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio and a graduate of Ohio State University with an M.B.A. from Marshall University.

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Senior Executive Service Integration Directorate in 2015.

Christensen received her B.S. in computer engineering from the University of Illinois, an M.A. in computer resource and information systems management from Webster University, and a doctorate in business organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix.

EUGENE COLLINS Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training Readiness and Mobilization

Eugene Collins has served as the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for training readiness and mobilization since Nov. 10, 2019. He provides responsive support to the assistant secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, ASA (Assistant Secretary for Administration) (M&RA), by formulating plans, programs, policies, and general practices for the Army’s All-Volunteer Force, both active and reserve components. In addition, he exercises secretarial oversight; direction; and organization of training, readiness, and mobilization across the Army. In conjunction with the Army Staff, he develops, implements, and reviews all policies and programs about mobilization, demobilization, and accessibility of the reserve component’s readiness resourcing and reporting; training institutions and support; training aids and devices; individual and unit training; and professional leadership education and development. He also serves as the advisor to the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee (ARFPC), a general officer advisory group to the secretary of the Army, to integrate their input and recommendations into the necessary planning efforts of the Department of the Army Staff. Collins entered Senior Executive Service in 2007 and is a 26-year Air Force veteran.

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ALBERT CURRY, JR. Deputy Assistant Commandant for Engineering & Logistics (CG-4D) U.S. Coast Guard

Mr. Curry is responsible for overseeing the Coast Guard's $22 billion capital plant. His portfolio includes naval, civil, aeronautical, and industrial engineering, logistics, and environmental and energy management programs, which are based at 23,000 facilities, on 250 ships, 1,800 boats, and in 200 aircraft.

His responsibility also includes execution of an annual budget of $1 billion and leading 5,000 people. In his previous assignment, he had oversight for Rescue 21, the Automated Information System, Interagency Operational Command Centers, and the Logistics Information Management System program. Prior to joining the Coast Guard, Curry served in the U.S. Navy. His sea assignments include serving as a commanding officer of the USS Pensacola. His ashore assignments included the Global Positioning Systems Program Office for ships and submarines; the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Mission Planning System Program; the Cruiser Conversion Program; Program Executive Office for Aircraft Carriers; Warfare Systems for Amphibious/Auxiliary/US Coast Guard ships in Integrated Warfare Systems; Naval Sea Systems Command’s Task Force Total Force; and the Naval Sea Systems Command Total Force Development Office.

DR. GERALD D. CURRY Director, Air Force Review Boards Agency Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs

Dr. Gerald D. Curry is a member of the Senior Executive Service, as director, Air Force Review Boards Agency, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for

Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Arlington, VA. He is responsible for managing and operating multiple military and civilian appellate processes that ensure due process, equity, fairness, and equitable treatment for all applicants. In addition, he oversees the Air Force Personnel Council, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records, Air Force Civilian Appellate Review Office, Air Force Security Protection Directorate, and the Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review. Curry has served for more than 37 years in the federal government, including multiple Air Force assignments as well as the chief of staff at the Defense Security Service, and Department of Energy, where he entered the ranks of Senior Executive Service as the deputy associate undersecretary for security, in the Office of Associate Under Secretary for Environment, Health, Safety, and Security. He was responsible for department-wide security policy development, oversight, and execution.

Additionally, his responsibilities influenced international and domestic nuclear security standards and policies.

BOBBI J.W. DAVIS Deputy Command Counsel U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC)

Bobbi Davis supports the AMC Command Counsel in the management and oversight of the Office of the Command Counsel. She also serves as a legal and business advisor to the AMC commander, staff, and subordinate organizations in the delivery, integration, and synchronization of sustainment capabilities. Prior to this assignment, Ms. Davis was deputy chief counsel of Aviation and Mission Command

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(AMCOM), supporting the chief counsel and the AMCOM Command and staff in the execution of aviation and missile programs valued at over $20 billion annually. In her first assignment in the Department of the Army, Ms. Davis was deputy chief counsel for the Expeditionary Contracting Command. While on active duty, Ms. Davis served as a Judge Advocate (JA) for 23 years before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2015. Prior to retirement, she served in various leadership positions including, chief counsel, Expeditionary Contracting Command, deputy chief, Procurement Fraud Branch, U.S. Army Legal Services Agency; chief counsel, 409th Contracting Support Brigade, Kaiserslautern, Germany, staff judge advocate (SJA), Aberdeen Proving Ground, deputy SJA, Space and Missile Defense, Redstone Arsenal, AL; deputy SJA, Fort Meade, MD, and contract and fiscal law professor at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center & School.

Director Civil Rights Staff (CG-00H) U.S. Coast Guard

Dr. Dickerson has been a member of the federal Senior Executive Service since 2000. She joined the Coast Guard in 2006 as Civil Rights Director, a position in which she leads equity programs for a 58,000-member workforce. Prior to this position, she was at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, where she led teams producing reports on issues across the civil rights sphere. She also was an associate administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration and worked on minority enterprise development. Dr. Dickerson began her career in the private sector, eventually becoming executive director of American Women in Radio and Television. Before that, she served as diversity director for a newspaper trade association. Her book on diversity training (1993) was a bestseller. In 2008, she received a Presidential Meritorious Executive award, which honors the top 5% of federal employees. In 2014, she won the Benjamin Hooks Distinguished Service Award from the NAACP for implementing policy that promotes equity. Dr. Dickerson also serves in governance

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ELIZABETH FOSTER Deputy Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

Elizabeth Foster is deputy director of logistics, engineering, and force protection, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, IL. Foster assists the director in the leadership, management, and integration of total force logistics, engineering, and force protection activities across the global mobility Air Force enterprise. The directorate also provides direct support to the 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command’s sole warfighting numbered Air Force, and the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, the Air Force’s Center of Excellence. Foster began her career in 1980 at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, GA. She entered the Air Force in 1982 at Kelly Air Force Base, TX, as a Professional Administrative Civil Service Exam trainee and has more than 30 years of logistics and supply chain management experience. She served in several supervisory positions at Kelly AFB until the C-5 workload transferred to Robins AFB, GA. While at Robins AFB, she served as the chief of the C-5 Sustainment Division. Foster has served as the deputy chief of the Logistics Readiness Division and deputy chief of Command, Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Division, Langley Air Force Base, VA. Before her current assignment, she was chief of the Resource Integration Division, Headquarters Air Mobility Command.

JULIUS GAMBLE Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff/CIO, G6 for Army Forces Command

Julius Gamble serves as the assistant deputy chief of staff/CIO, G-6, for Army Forces Command.

In this role, he is responsible for exercising broad authority and leadership on all matters within the G-6 functional area of Command, Control, Communications, and Information Systems for the Army’s largest major command. Previously, Gamble served as the deputy portfolio acquisition executive for the U.S. Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where he was responsible for the governance, execution, and cybersecurity compliance of an acquisition technology portfolio valued more than $2 billion annually. Before joining CBP, Gamble served as the deputy chief information officer for the City of Baltimore and executive officer to the DHS chief information officer.

Additionally, Gamble has served as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Maryland’s Master of Science in cybersecurity technology program since 2016. Gamble earned a Master of Science in information systems from the American University, a Master of Divinity from Howard University, and a Bachelor of Science in business from Bowie State University.

Gamble and his wife Melanie have three teenage sons, and he is a lifetime member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE

DR. TERRI A. DICKERSON

roles, including membership on the Board of Advisors, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute; Security Appeals Board, Department of Homeland Security; and Institutional Review Board, U.S. Coast Guard. She also served on the Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees. Dr. Dickerson is an adjunct professor at George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

TIMOTHY A. GERALD Deputy Director of Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force

Timothy A. Gerald, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the deputy

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Senior Executive Service director of security forces, deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering, and force protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, VA. He is responsible for supporting the director of security forces by providing executive leadership, direction, broad technical knowledge, and executive-level strategic continuity for a worldwide force of 38,000 active-duty and reserve component security forces personnel conducting base defense operations, including physical security, antiterrorism, force protection, and policing. He also serves as the senior Air Force civilian and functional manager overseeing all matters concerning the utilization, development, and career field management of the 4,600-person Department of the Air Force civilian police force. Finally, he serves as the senior authorizing official for all security forces technology systems.

Before his current position, Gerald served as the chief of the Requirements and Readiness Division, deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering, and force protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. Gerald enlisted in the Air Force in September 1985 and graduated from both the Security Specialist and Air Base Ground Defense courses as an honor graduate. He served 22 years of active duty.

DONJETTE L. GILMORE Executive Director Public-Private Partnership AuditLevel Reviews Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations, and Environment)

In 2019, Donjette L. Gilmore became the Department of the Navy’s and the defense department’s first-ever executive director for publicprivate partnership audit-level reviews to

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oversee and assess the Navy department’s military family housing privatization initiative’s financial viability. Previously, she served as the acting auditor general (Navy) while performing duties as the deputy auditor general (Navy). She assumed those responsibilities on Nov. 15, 2015. Gilmore was responsible for directing the operation of the Naval Audit Service and functioned as the senior advisor on all Department of the Navy audit-related matters. Additionally, from July 2010 to November 2015, she served as director of accounting and finance policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), with primary responsibility for the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation. Additionally, from February 2006 to July 2010, she served as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) assistant chief information officer, business transformation and financial policy, and audit executive. Gilmore earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Washington University. She is a Certified Defense Financial Manager and holds a Department of Defense Financial Management Certification, Level 3.

VENICE GOODWINE Director, Enterprise Information Technology Office of Chief Information Officer, Dept. of the Air Force

Venice Goodwine is the director of enterprise information technology within the Office of the Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Air Force, comprised of the Air Force and Space Force. As the director, she leads management, planning, governance, and resourcing for enterprise IT for the department’s $7 billion information and cybersecurity enterprise.

She has more than 28 years of experience spanning private industry, active and reserve military service, and the federal civilian government. Her experience includes

leading large IT organizations, developing agency-wide strategy and policy, establishing governance, overseeing cybersecurity operations, executing IT acquisition, and program management.

Prior to this role, Goodwine was the chief information security officer (CISO) for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a cabinet-level agency. As the USDA CISO, she oversaw $208 million in cybersecurity expenditures. She raised the agency’s Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) score from an F to B and led the agency to achieve a single unified security operation center by consolidating 128 federal contractor full-time equivalents, 57 processes, and 11 tools, valued at more than $8.2 million. Goodwine was named a 2020 WashingtonExec Top25 Cybersecurity Executive to watch and won both the 2020 WashingtonExec Pinnacle Award for Cybersecurity Government Executive of the year and the 2020 G2Xchange Women in Leadership Award.

DUANE W. HARRISON Chief Scientist, National Air, and Space Intelligence Center Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

Duane W. Harrison, a Defense Intelligence senior-level executive, is the chief scientist at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, WrightPatterson Air Force Base, OH. NASIC is the Air Force analysis center for foreign air, space, and specialized intelligence. As chief scientist, Harrison guides the 4,100-person center’s analytic production mission, ensuring timely delivery of relevant intelligence data products and services to Air Force and joint operational warfighters, acquisition and force modernization communities, and senior

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defense and intelligence community policymaking customers. Harrison entered federal service in 2001 as a command, control, communications, and computers and information operations analyst at NASIC. During his tenure, he has served as the senior intelligence analyst for both the Signals Analysis Squadron and the Counterspace Analysis Squadron at NASIC. His extensive career also includes detail to a U.S. intelligence community special program activity for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and a joint duty assignment as the representative to the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Missile Defense Agency. Before his current position, Harrison served as the technical director, Global Exploitation Intelligence Group. In this role, he ensured the timely delivery of data exploitation programs and technical plans.

WANDA T. JONES-HEATH Wanda T. Jones-Heath is the principal cyber advisor for the Department of the Air Force, comprised of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. As the principal cyber advisor for the DAF (Department of the Air Force), her duties include synchronizing, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of the DAF Cyber Strategy and advising the secretary of the Air Force on all cyber programs. She is responsible for overseeing cyberspace recruitment, resourcing, and training of cyber mission forces and assessing their readiness; overseeing acquisition; advocating for cyber investments; cybersecurity supply chain risk management; and security of information systems and weapon systems. Before her current position, Jones-Heath served as the chief information security officer and advised the chief information officer on cybersecurity policy, cybersecurity programs, and cyber force development.

She leads a directorate comprised of military, civilian, and contractor personnel responsible for developing cybersecurity policy and strategy for over 5,000 Air Force information technology systems. She oversees risk management and cybersecurity www.blackengineer.com

RUSSELL L. HUDGINS Senior Intelligence Advisor to the Space Security and Defense Program

Russell Hudgins is the senior intelligence advisor to the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP) at the Reston, VA, office.

Hudgins leads the development of foundational and operational intelligence support plans for all SSDP activities. In addition, he provides input and feedback to Air Force Space Command and the National Reconnaissance Office on matters related to space intelligence capabilities and requirements supporting national security space interests. He works with partners across the IC, the unified and combatant commands, and HQ U.S. Air Force staff to inform intelligence issues and to resource priorities to enhance SSDP activities, as well as to represent SSDP at executive-level fora, meetings, and seminars related to space protection strategy, policy, and funding. Before his current assignment, Hudgins spent over 12 years at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. He served in several analytic and liaison positions, most recently as the senior GEOINT office for space/counter space analysis. During this time, he also served as the chair of the Weapon and Space Systems Intelligence Committee’s Counterspace Systems Subcommittee. In addition, he led and coordinated interagency collaboration on critical issues of national-level interest.

Hudgins holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and a Master of Science in strategic intelligence

from the National Defense Intelligence College (now the National Intelligence University). He lives in northern Virginia with his wife, Elle, and son, RJ. DR. PATRICIA MCDANIEL Senior Technologist, Senior Research Scientist of Chemistry Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC)

Dr. Patricia McDaniel received the U.S. federal civil service designation of Senior Technologist (ST) on May 24, 2020.

The secretary of the Army selected her as the Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Chemical Biological Center’s fifth senior research scientist of chemistry. This Research and Technology (R&T) directorate position is an Army asset that explores essential science that benefits the warfighter.

McDaniel is responsible for managing the Independent Research and Surface Science Initiative fundamental exploratory science programs. Before joining CBC, McDaniel served as a program manager in OSD (Office of the Secretary of Defense) Policy under ASD SOLIC at the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO). As the CBRNE program manager, she spearheads 50–60 technical projects and 30 international collaborative efforts. McDaniel also served as an Executive Branch American Association for the Advancement of Science, Science and Technology Policy fellow in national defense and global security. She first joined the civil service at NASA Langley as a senior chemist. She received her master’s degree in analytical chemistry from Old Dominion University and her Ph.D. in applied science—polymer chemistry from William & Mary. She also held roles in other government agencies and served as an R&D manager in the private industry.

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Principal Cyber Advisor for the Department of the Air Force

accountability for information systems, weapon systems, and operational technology supporting military cyberspace operations. Her portfolio includes policy governing the defense industrial base, supply chain risk management, and cybersecurity capabilities. She has oversight for the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act laws, and cryptographic modernization supporting cyber operations.

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Senior Executive Service KENNETH C. MCNEILL National Guard CIO Director of Command, Control, Communications & Computers (C4) Systems Directorate

Kenneth C. McNeill, a member of the Senior Executive Service, serves as the National Guard (NGB) chief information officer and director of Command, Control, Communications & Computers (C4) Systems Directorate. He is the principal advisor to the chief, National Guard Bureau on C4, information technology, information sharing, and information management. He assists National Guard senior leadership by coordinating and facilitating National Guard Bureau C4/IT/IM capabilities in support of Homeland Defense/ Defense Support of Civil Authorities’ mission requirements. Additionally, McNeill provides direction and guidance to align the NGB Joint Staff IT portfolio with the CNGB’s vision and the domestic operations mission.

McNeill completed his undergraduate degree at Bowie State University and was commissioned as a Signal Corps officer in May 1983. He holds a Master of Science degree in organizational communications from Bowie State University and a Master of Science degree in strategic studies from the Army War College. McNeill has more than 35 years of federal service as an Army officer and Department of Defense civilian.

HORACE L. LARRY Director of Air Force Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force

Horace L. Larry is the director of Air Force Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA. He assists the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel and services in delivering services capabilities 62

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to optimize airmen performance through care solutions that help build and maintain resilient, ready Airmen and families. In addition, his team provides policy direction, funding advocacy, and oversight for the 2.9 billion worldwide services programs. This includes physical fitness, peacetime, and wartime troop feeding, Air Force mortuary affairs operations, armed forces entertainment, Air Force protocol, lodging, and libraries. It also includes the Wounded Warrior program, the transition assistance program, Airmen and Family Readiness Centers, child development centers, youth centers, and a broad spectrum of recreational activities. Larry received his Air Force commission in 1975. Over the next 30 years, he was assigned to various installations, including Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center, the Air Force Services Agency, Headquarters Air Force Services, and the Air Force Secretariat level at the Pentagon. Larry retired from the Air Force in August 2005 as a colonel.

DR. ERIC L. MOORE Director of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command

Dr. Eric L. Moore is the director of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Chemical Biological Center (CBC), the primary Department of Defense (DOD) technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense. He is an expert in chemical and biological defense programs and medical countermeasures and is a former Army officer. As the director of CCDC CBC, Moore oversees many of the nation’s key chemical and biological defense research and engineering projects, building partnerships to enhance warfighter readiness and response to chemical and biological threats. He previously served as the chair and U.S. national lead of the Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Assess

and Inform Working Groups. As chair, Moore led CBR MOU efforts between the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia to enable warfighters to detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to global CBR threats. Moore received several notable honors, including the 2019 Mid-Atlantic Federal Laboratory Consortium Laboratory Director of the Year Award, the DOD Distinguished Civilian Service Award, and the Harold D. West, Ph.D. Distinguished Biomedical Scientist Award from Meharry Medical College. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Omicron Psi Sigma Chapter.

LEVATOR NORSWORTHY, JR. Deputy General Counsel–Acquisition

Levator Norsworthy was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in January 1998 and currently serves as deputy general counsel (acquisition), where he assists the general counsel in providing advice and counsel to all Army Secretariat officials, including the secretary of the Army, the Army acquisition executive, the Army chief information officer, and their staffs. The provision of legal advice encompasses a variety of functional areas, such as federal procurement law, major weapon system acquisition, military construction, research and development, developmental and operational testing, logistics, international cooperative programs, security assistance, competitive sourcing, and contingency contracting. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Dayton and a Juris Doctorate at the University of Cincinnati College of Law and has received the Presidential Rank Award and a DA Award for Exceptional Civilian Service.

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DOVARIUS L. PEOPLES Chief Information Officer (CIO)/ G6

WILLIAM H. ROBERTS, JR. Assistant Deputy Commandant for Program and Resources (Resources) Headquarters Marine Corps

William H. Roberts, Jr. is a member of the Senior Executive Service, serving as the assistant deputy commandant for Program and Resources (Resources), Headquarters

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CARLOS RODGERS Deputy for Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, Headquarters U.S. Air Force

Carlos Rodgers, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the deputy for Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, VA, where he is responsible for planning and directing Air and Space Force budget formulation and execution of appropriations. He leads civilian and military financial managers who develop, defend, and execute more than $165 billion in funding that supports military operations and the

Department of the Air Force priorities.

Rodgers entered government service as an Air Force Palace Acquire intern in 1987. During his career, he has held more responsible financial management positions progressively in operational. He supports commands, including assignments at Headquarters Military Airlift Command (renamed Air Mobility Command), Headquarters Air Force Communications Command (reorganized to Air Force Network Integration Center), Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command, and Air Force Materiel Command.

Rodgers has over 25 years of acquisition experience in various single and joint service programs, including automated information/computer and communication systems, weapons, munitions, and aircraft.

TAWANDA R. ROONEY

SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE

Dovarius L. Peoples was selected for the Senior Executive Service in January of 2016. He assumed the position of chief information officer/G-6 in April of 2019 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). In this role, he serves as the principal advisor to the commanding general on information technology issues. Additionally, he is responsible for all aspects of information resource management and information technology for USACE. Before this assignment, Peoples served as the deputy to the commanding general, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command. In this capacity, he provided senior technical leadership, ensuring Army Theater level networks were integrated into the Army’s portion of the Department of Defense Information Network and enterprise constructs. The command employed over 14,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel in every theater in 20 countries worldwide and an annual budget of more than $1.4 billion. Previous assignments include information systems security engineer, National Security Agency; Information Assurance Division chief, USCYBERCOM J6; lead architecture engineer, Mobility PMO (Project Management Office), Defense Information Systems Agency; deputy director of operations, U.S. Army Information Technology Agency; deputy director of cyber solutions, Joint Service Provider Pentagon; and associate chief information officer, Office of Personnel Management.

Marine Corps, Pentagon. Additionally, he serves as the senior resource advisor to the deputy commandant for Programs and Resources (DC P&R). Roberts’ responsibilities include assessment of resource needs; development and justification of the resource input to the Marine Corps Budget; evaluation of Marine Corps-wide budget execution; identification of resources for redistribution; formulation of policies and procedures for the effective control of all financial operations, to include finance and audit oversight; planning and directing the implementation of the Marine Corps financial system; supervising and overseeing the Technology Services Organization, and acting with the DC P&R as designated representative to external authorities for resource issues.

Before becoming the assistant deputy commandant of P&R(R), Roberts served as an advisor to the director, Army National Guard, on fiscal matters. He was responsible for the execution of more than $16 billion in resources annually. As the chief financial officer and senior civilian, he provided oversight to more than 3,000 financial professionals in 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. He was also responsible for financial resources for the 336,000 Army National Guard personnel.

Acting Director, Diversity, and Inclusion Department of the Air Force

Tawanda R. Rooney is the acting director, diversity and inclusion, for the Department of the Air Force. In this role, Rooney advises the secretary of the Air Force on the Department of the Air Force’s diversity and inclusion program, policies, and initiatives. In addition, she is responsible for advancing the Department of the Air Force’s diversity and inclusion mission to attract, recruit, develop, and retain a highquality, diverse total force, ensuring a culture of inclusion. From 2015 to 2021, Rooney served as the deputy director, Concepts, Development and Management Office, Secretary of the Air Force. As the deputy director, she advised the director on managing and overseeing assigned organizations, programs, and developmental activities. In addition, she was responsible for directing, caring, and leading organizational resources to

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Senior Executive Service meet mission objectives consistent with national security and operational priorities. Before this assignment, Rooney served as the director of the Intelligence Systems Support Office, or ISSO, leading technology development and methodology efforts that provided specialized and innovative approaches to rapidly address the Department of Defense (DOD) strategic, operational, and tactical requirements. Rooney’s civilian federal career in the DOD began in the Air Force’s summer-hire program at the Pentagon in 1984.

Rooney has received numerous superior performances, special acts, and service awards, including the 2010 Meritorious Presidential Rank Award.

MARK N. RUSS Deputy Director Operational Support Naval Criminal Investigative Service Naval Criminal Investigative Service

Special Agent Mark Russ was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2016 and has 30 years of federal service. Russ was appointed in 2019 as the deputy director of operational support with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). He exercises daily oversight of agency business operations, including financial, human capital, logistical, acquisition, administrative, and information technology functions. He advises the NCIS director on agency business operations and support services, including planning, programming, policies, and procedures associated with cyber, intelligence, human resources, material, capital, fiscal, acquisition, administrative, and technology functions. Before his current assignment, Russ served as the executive assistant director (EAD) for the NCIS National Security Directorate (2016–2018). He exercised program management oversight of counterterrorism/counterintelligence investigations and operations, including espionage, terrorism, compromise, technology transfer, cyber intrusion, insider threat, and threats to research development and

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acquisition programs. He served as the primary advisor to the NCIS director and deputy director on all national security investigations, operations, and operational support services. He was also responsible for staffing, training, and equipping agency personnel to protect Navy and Marine Corps forces, operations, information, facilities, equipment, and networks from attacks and the intelligence activities of foreign governments and international terrorist organizations.

RICHARD H. SADDLER Principal Special Advisor for Operations to the Commanding General U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command and Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3

Richard H. Saddler was appointed to the Defense Intelligence Senior Level in 2011. In this capacity, he serves as the principal special advisor for operations to the commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), and assistant chief of staff, G-3.

INSCOM is a 17,000-person major command-type command with 16 separate brigade-sized major subordinate commands located across the globe in 25 countries and 180 locations. He is recognized as INSCOM’s lead regarding intelligence and technical issues related to operations and planning.

He maintains and represents INSCOM at the National Security Agency, major commands intelligence agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Joint Chiefs of Staff, commanders in chiefs, Congress, and industry regarding operational intelligence efforts. In addition, he provides senior intelligence expertise and advice on functional requirements applicable to national, joint, and Army component intelligence planning, operations, training, and programming in support of tactical, operational, and strategic mission objectives.

ALONZIE SCOTT III Director of Mission Support Office of Naval Research

Alonzie Scott III was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in September 2020 as the director of mission support, Office of Naval Research (ONR).

He is responsible for human capital, command logistics, information technology infrastructure, facility management, security, small business, and performance improvement functions across the ONR enterprise. Before this position, Scott served as the Enterprise Talent Management Office/senior executive advisor, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia, PA. He was also director of the Enterprise Talent Management Office, and director of the Senior Executive Management Office, at the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Scott created innovative talent management; human capital; recruiting; quality of life; and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs throughout his career.

His diverse and successful portfolio of work spans a 37-year career. He earned numerous awards and special recognitions such as the Navy Civilian Superior and Meritorious Service awards, Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Leadership at the BEYA STEM Conference, Office of Personnel Management award for Best Practice for Executive Leadership Command Excellence, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Awards.

Scott received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of West Florida, where he serves on the Board of Trustees and as chair of the Student Affairs Committee.

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CARL E. SHELTON, JR. Director, Assistance and Investigations, Chief of Staff, and Acting Inspector General

THEODORE SHORT, JR. Comptroller, Naval Air Systems Command

Theodore Short’s career spans 30 years in financial management. During his tenure with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), he has held financial management positions providing oversight of budget formulation, execution, and financial reporting. He entered the Senior Executive Service as the

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JIMMY SMITH Director, Office of Small Business Programs Department of the Navy

Jimmy Smith assumed the responsibilities of the director for the Small Business Program in 2019. He serves as the chief advisor to the secretary of the Navy on all small business matters.

Additionally, Smith oversees small business acquisition policy, government and private sector partnerships, and fosters opportunities to leverage small businesses as a strategic advantage to benefit our warfighters. In 2017, Smith served as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for expeditionary programs and logistics management.

Additionally, he served as the principal advisor to the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition on matters related to the Navy’s

Expeditionary Force, delivering upon urgent warfighter needs and overseeing acquisition logistics policy.

Additionally, he served as the nuclear weapon safety and security director at Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). In this capacity, he was responsible for 70 percent of this nation’s nuclear arsenal.

Before working at SSP, Smith served as the director for the Above Water Sensors Directorate, where he managed procuring and sustaining warfighting missiles, guns, and ammunition systems for Navy warships. He graduated from Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career in government service in 1991 at Naval Sea Systems Command.

RENATA SPINKS Deputy Director of the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) Department Headquarters Marine Corps

SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE

Carl Shelton began his military career as an infantry officer with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC. He attended the Army Advanced Infantry Course and joined the 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, Camp Pendleton before being assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. He was an operations officer during the Los Angeles riots in 1992 before attending the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Following completion, he was selected as assistant/ instructor course director for warfighting and military operations other than war courses at Command and Staff College. In 1997, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and assigned to the Navy Warfare Development Command as head of the Land Warfare Doctrine Branch. He then moved to the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic, in Norfolk, VA, where he served as the operations and training officer (N-3). Next, he was promoted to colonel and was assigned to Mobilization Command in Kansas City, MO, where he served as deputy commander. He moved on to assume command of the Security Battalion and served as assistant chief of staff, Security Emergency Services, MCB Camp, Pendleton, CA. He was reassigned to the inspector general’s office in 2006, where he served as director, assistance and investigations, chief of staff, and acting inspector general.

NAVAIR comptroller in 2010. As a comptroller, he is responsible for strategic budgeting, accounting, and financial management for an organization with $30 billion in acquisition and sustainment funds.

This includes formulating policies and exercising adequate controls over financial operations for NAVAIR in accounting, finance, audit, and review. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salisbury University and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He possesses executive leadership certificates from Cornell University in strategic management and diversity and inclusion, the Department of Navy Executive Leadership Program, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School. He is a Level 3 Department of Defense financial manager, a Certified Defense Financial Manager in acquisition, a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers, and president of the Southern Maryland Chapter. He is a recipient of the ASN (FM&C) lifetime achievement award in financial management, reflecting the successful teams with which he has worked.

Renata Spinks is currently the deputy director of the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) Department at Headquarters Marine Corps. In this capacity, she also serves as the deputy chief information officer and senior information security officer for the Marine Corps. Spinks was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in August 2021, having joined the Executive Service in 2018 as the first cyber technology officer (Cy TO) at the U.S. Marine Forces Cyberspace Command.

As CyTO, she led the Marine Corps workforce with cybersecurity tools as the primary focus. She led enabling cyber and intelligence for computing and store, collaboration, access control and identity management, data encryption, and governance, creating unprecedented processes, tools, techniques, and protocols for initiative-taking network resiliency and command and control with data-driven

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Senior Executive Service decision making. Before Spinks’ assignment, her career path included serving in the U.S. Treasury Department and Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, she is a decorated combat veteran, having served with the 28th Combat Support Hospital, U.S. Army 44th Medical Command. Spinks’ love for cyber grew when she served as a criminal research specialist and utilized computer forensics and human intelligence supporting human trafficking and child exploitation cases.

ALPHONSO THOMAS Director of Engineering and Technical Management Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base

Alphonso Thomas, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the director of engineering and technical management at the Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, OK. He is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the center’s technical policies, processes, databases, goals/ standards, and the overall scientific and engineering expertise for the AFSC. In addition, Thomas is responsible for leadership and technical direction to a specialized workforce of more than 4,500 science and engineering professionals supporting the center’s mission at three locations (Robins AFB, GA; Hill AFB, UT; and Tinker AFB) and encompassing depot maintenance, repair and overhaul activities, supply chain management, and software maintenance and development enterprise. Thomas began his professional career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, managing space and missile warning acquisition programs, including the Defense Support Program and the Cheyenne Mountain Upgrade Program. He began his civil service career at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, leading the development and test of software sustainment and upgrades for the B-1 Bomber and Electronic Attack pods.

He later served as chief engineer, Information Directorate, Air Force

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Research Laboratory, Rome, NY. CHRISTOPHER THOMAS Director for Information and Technology for the U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff G-9

Christopher Thomas was selected to the Senior Executive Service in January 2019. In his current position as the director for information and technology for the U.S. Army deputy chief of staff G-9, he is responsible for the administration of DCS, G-9 Cyber and Mission Assurance programs, and provide expert support for the management and execution of the installations, energy, and environmental business domain. In a previous assignment, Thomas supported the U.S. Coast Guard as the deputy chief information security officer, chief of cybersecurity policy, and the deputy chief privacy officer (acting).

Additionally, he supported the Defense Intelligence Agency as the deputy chief of the Systems Certifications Division and senior DIA certifier. Thomas holds an M.S. in information assurance, and he is a graduate of the National Defense University Advance Management and Chief Information Officer programs. Additionally, Thomas served over 20 years in the United States Navy.

KENYATA L. WESLEY, SR. Executive Director of the Army Contracting Command— Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Kenyata L. Wesley Sr. is the executive director of the Army Contracting Command— Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (ACC-APG), a major contracting center of the U.S. Army Contracting Command. He manages and leads a geographically dispersed contracting center responsible for enabling Army readiness by supporting Army-wide research and development efforts and mission-critical contracting for program executive offices, institutional Army customers, and the warfighter. ACC-APG executes more than 32,000 contracting

actions annually, valued at more than $11.4 billion. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in September 2014 and has held several critical assignments within Department of Defense contracting and small business to include acting director for the Office of Small Business Programs, deputy of innovation and technology within the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs, special advisor to the director, defense procurement and acquisition policy, and the director of defense cost and pricing within the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.

MAX WYCHE Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, for the U.S. Army Materiel Command

Appointed to the Senior Executive Service in July 2015, Max Wyche is currently the deputy chief of staff, G-1, for the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC). In this position, he serves as one of the lead players in sustaining, training, and renewing the Materiel Command’s 185,000-plus civilian workforce. He directs, controls, and monitors work through two assistant deputies and eight division chiefs with a staff totaling 81 personnel. Wyche’s portfolio of programs includes civilian and military personnel management, total force development and training, occupational health and safety, quality of life, and installation of soldier and family programs.

Before his current assignment, Wyche was the executive director, strategic programs and advisory services, Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Services. DCPAS is aligned under the deputy assistant secretary of defense, Civilian Personnel Policy, and is a Defense Human Resources Activity component. Wyche, a member of the Senior Executive Service, was responsible for policies and program development affecting over 800,000 Department of Defense civilian employees.

Additionally, he was responsible for managing programs in civilian senior executive management, leadership, learning and development, strategic analysis and reporting, strategic human capital planning, human capital program assessment, and accountability and enterprise recruiting and outreach. S

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CDR Christopher Williams

Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

9/11: Twenty Years Later

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US Black Engineer & Information Technology (USBE&IT) magazine launched the maiden issue of Leading Voices (LV) in the fall of 2017. Broken up into three or four columns written by inventors, entrepreneurs, and STEM policymakers, the section spotlights the 14 challenges outlined by the National Academy of Engineering, and disruptors such as artificial intelligence and bioengineering. Through the years, LV has provided perspectives on smart cities, building a weather-ready nation, and where AI is in your future.

An auspicious start for one of USBE magazine’s newest sections. Leading Voices is available in print and online at www.blackengineer.com.

Leading Voices Contributing Editors .........................

CDR Christopher Williams

Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

MSgt. Bonnie Rushing Section Chief, Joint Intel Ops, United States Air Force

n Sept. 11, 2001, I sat in my apartment watching the news feeds trying to piece together the situation. I could not imagine the change it would have on my life as a newly commissioned officer in the United States Navy. As the world began to lock down, life changed. Our country immediately transitioned to a war footing to protect our citizens from a threat that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

Confusion and misunderstanding turned into anger and resentment. Military installations that used to welcome citizens on the property changed force protection condition (FPCON) from normal (situation of no terrorist activity) to delta (when a terrorist attack is taking place or has just occurred in the immediate area).

Military installations were restricted to military personnel only.

‘It was time to go to war’ The games (literally and figuratively) were over. For me, that meant flight school. This is how my military career began—the global war on terror (GWOT).

Throughout the GWOT, I flew F/A-18E combat missions over Afghanistan supporting ground operations with kinetic strikes from above. I had multiple deployments in the Pacific Ocean theater supporting allies in the South China Sea (SCS) with strength/presence. Our mission was twofold: 1) Neutralize the attacker responsible for the 9/11 terrorist plot and 2) minimize threat extremist groups, with the most prominent groups being Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and their various franchise groups. We achieved those specific militaristic goals.

Since then, there has been tremendous sacrifice in blood and treasure, and that is not to be forgotten. Those losses were not in vain. On the other side of the coin, the rest of the world never stopped developing and evolving. Countries such as China and Russia continued to build and develop militaries that would quickly cause reason for concern.

‘Strategic importance of resources and relationships’ As we shift focus to the Pacific theater of operations, we reenter a neighborhood

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that is not as friendly as it once was, the appearance of a borderline hostile environment, with weaponized humanmade islands with military surface escorts stationed throughout the first island chain, territorial disputes involving both island and maritime claims. One thing is for certain, things have changed.

Over the past 20 years, I have learned to survive, compete, and excel through some of the most trying times in our country. I have seen firsthand the value of U.S. leadership as a world power in the Middle East and the Pacific.

Why should we (United States) care about a body of water 8,304 miles away? Well, I learned this lesson airborne in my F/A18E flying defensive counter air missions in support of fisheries…you heard me: fisheries. Now, an F/A-18E is a remarkable machine, but it is not very useful for fishing unless it is utilized as the “voice of reason” against “bully” tactics. In this case, it is very effective. What I learned was the strategic importance of resources and relationships. The SCS is a resourcerich region of tremendous economic and geostrategic importance.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Review of Maritime Transport 2016 estimates that 80 percent of global trade by volume, and 70 percent by value, is transported by sea.

Of that volume, 60 percent of maritime trade passes through Asia, with the South China Sea carrying an estimated one-third of global shipping.

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Leading Voices

There are no less than seven countries (Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam) involved in active disputes within the SCS. We (the United States) have varying relationships that span the diplomatic spectrum. From treaty ally (Philippines) to near-peer competitor (China), this area of the planet is undeniably important. With one-third of global shipping passing through this region—everything from oil to your Amazon packages—it is without question that hostile tactics to dominate the area pose a direct threat to our economic quality of life. We must keep the faith in our allies and support them in maintaining international law, which allows freedom of navigation through these strategic chokepoints.

Over the past 20 years, I have learned to survive, compete, and excel through some of the most trying times in our country. I have seen firsthand the value of U.S. leadership as a world power in the Middle East and the Pacific. We have a responsibility as a world leader that is undeniable and cannot be delegated or ignored. We must be involved in aiding partners and allies to ensure the stability of the international community. If we ignore poor behavior, it will eventually come find us, as it did on Sept. 11, 2001.

We have adjusted and moved out smartly.

As Hellen Keller once said, “a bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn.”

‘My childhood revolved around military social structures’ To understand the 20 years since 9/11, and the impacts of the events on that day, I usually reflect on the time before 9/11. I remember a time of innocence.

You see, I was born in Durham, NC, in 1979 into a military family. I grew up with an early understanding and appreciation of the role of our country’s military, simply because that was my father’s job. My childhood revolved around military social structures. My family carried out everything from grocery shopping (commissary) to physical fitness (gymnasium) on the base.

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I remember the military bases would always have top-rated gymnasiums.

They typically would attract some of the best athletic talent in the area for practice/training. This was particularly true when it came to basketball. Some of the best “runs” (pickup basketball) in the city would take place on Saturdays starting at 0800 and ending around 1300 (because everyone was hungry). Talented players packed the gym looking to build the “ultimate” team. Known talented players got the nod while newbies were avoided. The rules were simple…you lose, you go home. The games were fun but intense. Arguments regarding the score,

‘The lessons from those floors would shape my approach to life’ My parents always emphasized the ideal that academic excellence was the priority, and sports was a privilege. I would follow this guidance, but the true motivator for me was my dream to play NCAA Division I college basketball. The problem was that at the time I was not a top-ranked recruit, and at best maybe I was midmajor prospect. Luckily for me, the United States Naval Academy men’s basketball program saw something many programs did not. They viewed me not for my current ability but my future potential. In 1998, the United States Naval Academy (USNA) offered a Superintendent’s Appointment as a recruited athlete for the men’s basketball team.

‘My Annapolis experience’

We have a responsibility as a world leader that is undeniable and cannot be delegated or ignored. We must be involved in aiding partners and allies to ensure the stability of the international community. If we ignore poor behavior, it will eventually come find us, as it did on Sept. 11, 2001.

questionable calls, and fouls accompanied the game. Arguments would sporadically lead to the occasional physical altercation.

I learned to compete and fight on those hardwood floors. The lessons from those floors would shape my approach to life.

My Annapolis experience challenged me on and off the court in ways I could not have even imagined. I failed more than I expected, but something odd happened.

I slowly began to survive and learn from the failures. My survival turned into a drive to compete, and my competitive drive turned into a desire to become the best. At the time of my graduation, I was inducted into the Naval Academy Athletic Association Hall of Fame. I was first all-time in steals (209), sixth all-time in scoring (1,496 points), 8th All-time in field goals (520), ninth all-time in field goal percentage (.463), sixth all-time in free throws made (397), sixth all-time in free throw attempts (572), sixth all-time in free throw percentage (.694), NABC AllDistrict team, and numerous All-Patriot League honors.

I graduated from the USNA in May 2001 with a mechanical engineering degree. I service selected Naval Aviation (pilot). I had the luxury of being assigned to help the USNA men’s basketball team while I awaited my flight school training date in Pensacola, FL. For four months, I enjoyed a life in Annapolis that was amazing. I could not have imagined that it would come to screeching halt on Sept. 11, 2001.

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MSgt. Bonnie Rushing, Section Chief, Joint Intel Ops, United States Air Force

Leading Voices

Changing the Narrative: Women in the Military I grew up in a single-parent household.

My mom is the strongest woman I have ever known. She taught me my work ethic and values, and she instilled in me the notion to do the right thing. I owe my strong connection to service to my mom.

She worked for the police department and as a corrections officer. I joined the military to give the best service to my country, my people, and hopefully the world.

As the 2021 Woman of Color Pioneer Award recipient, I continue to feel drawn to the role of a protector, but in the name of diversity. Diversity matters, and representation counts. That includes gender, sexual orientation, religion, and so much more. From all these various backgrounds come different ideas. Each brings something unique to the table and discussions. We need to expand, innovate, and produce dynamic strategies for greater success. We need to make sure we use ALL our strengths, harness that collective power, and utilize creative options to go into the battle zone, whatever that may be.

Our military should represent the people it serves. If we want to protect and serve everyone in our country, we need diversity in all ranks. The leadership positions need to reflect this diversity, and promotion for these positions needs to be fair across the board. We need people from all cultural demographics to be represented at all levels and considered for promotions and recognition. We need to respect one another and integrate everyone into as many career paths and operations as possible. Simply put, we need a healthy climate, one in which no one is being harassed or discriminated against, where opportunities are equitably available. And all need to feel welcome and equal at recruiting stations because that is where it all starts.

I have had to overcome issues of exclusion myself as a woman in the military. As an aviator, I flew onboard Special Operations C-130 aircraft variants for years. I have experience with four different models. Three of those models did not have functioning latrines; they

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only had urinals. Though I learned how to think outside the box (and teach other women how to do the same), I would have had fewer obstacles to overcome to operate at altitude if this barrier had been previously addressed and solved for female aircrew members. I also dealt with logistical layers of exclusion. Certain crew members believed that because they had me or other women on their team, there would be an unnecessary need to secure female lodging, which adds extra costs, time, and coordination to mission planning. Then there is the perceived notion of women being weaker and

strategies for cooperation, dissuasion, and persuasion, which all lead to less violent outcomes. Statistics show that conflict is less likely to happen when women are in the ranks. Additionally, the Women Peace and Security Act shows that women and diverse populations are underrepresented in peace talks and mediation, leading to poor outcomes and suffering for those in conflict regions, such as the Middle East, South Sudan, the Philippines, and more.

We need more women involved to make sure everyone’s rights are represented in peace-keeping strategies.

“We need to respect one

We need to champion work-life balance to prevent burnout for military personnel.

We also need more opportunities to boost the understanding of family so that both parents enjoy leave, without social stigma. Additionally, if our talent has a better quality of life, we will retain them longer. Inclusion also allows everyone to feel comfortable reporting harassment and discrimination. The “liberty and justice” that I honor allows each person the freedom to speak up and contribute for the betterment of themselves and their country. S

another and integrate everyone into as many career paths and operations as possible. Simply put, we need a healthy climate, one in which no one is being harassed or discriminated against, where opportunities

Looking at the data, women are improving in high school graduation rates and physical fitness, while men are worsening in those areas. More statistics show that by the year 2045, less than 5 percent of the male population will be eligible for military service. That is very few!

are equitably available.”

unable to do all tasks and operations that men can do. This is not new. Historically, body armor and uniforms were made mostly for men. Weapon shapes were made for men, too, and catered to their arms’ length, for example.

These are a few instances that show the dire need to advocate for gender inclusion in the military. Women advance

There are many Leading Voices stories available at Blackengineer.com.

Head over to read more stories just like this: https://l.ead.me/bboL3b

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ADVERTORIAL

BEYA STARS AND STRIPES WINNER ASSUMES HISTORIC US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS COMMAND ROLE

By Nancy Allen, USACE South Pacific Division

When Col. Antoinette “Toni” Gant assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division July 9, 2021, she became the first African American female to serve at that level in the history of USACE. In 2021, Gant was the Black Engineer of the Year Conference Awards Army Stars and Stripes Award recipient in recognition of her efforts in mentorship, diversity, and value-based service to the Army and the Nation.

Gant’s interest in science and 72

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engineering began early in her hometown of Port Gibson, Mississippi, a predominantly African American community on the Mississippi River, where her father taught history and mother taught chemistry, biology and physics. Her parents nurtured her interests by encouraging her to attend summer programs in science.

“They did a good job in trying to get me to understand that the surroundings that I lived in were not what the world was like,” Gant said. “One of

my mother’s students was a Corps of Engineers employee who came to talk about civil engineering, the impacts you could have in that field and how you could help your community, which interested me.”

Gant graduated from Prairie View A&M University in Texas as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a commission in the Engineer Regiment.

She also holds a Master of Science in Engineer Management from Missouri www.blackengineer.com

University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri, and a Master of Science in national resource strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School, National Defense University, Washington, D.C. In her 27 years of active duty service, Gant has lived in 12 states and two countries, serving in an array of positions. She has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and in 2016, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS) serving as the engineer for the Resolute Support and OFS headquarters, a fourstar coalition headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Some of her greatest accomplishments have come from mentoring others.

“Seeing young Soldiers and Civilians excel to the potential where you always thought they could be, pushing them beyond what they thought possible, is inspiring,” Gant said. “Everyone needs a board of directors – people who will tell you not what you want to hear but rather what you need to hear.”

A strong advocate for STEM, Gant has worked to develop partnerships with agencies and organizations to promote science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives. She has received www.blackengineer.com

several national and community awards, to include the 2020 Women of Color Career Achievement in Government Award, the YWCA Women on the Move Award, Women of Influence in Government by Albuquerque Business First, BEYA Special Recognition Award, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., South Central Region Visionary Leader and Global Leader Awards.

Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and Texas that includes 1,100 miles of coastline, 3.9 million acres of estuarine wetlands, 2,290 miles of federal levees and 46 dams and reservoirs. Most recently, South Pacific Division responded to the COVID-19 pandemic working with partner agencies to establish eight alternate care facilities across eight states.

“We have more STEM jobs now than people to do them. We need to get students excited about STEM and what they can do in those fields,” Gant said. “That’s what BEYA does. It’s important for middle schoolers and high schoolers, especially in the African American community, to see that there are people in positions who look just like them making a difference. Whether it be in corporate America or military service, it is possible.”

Gant oversees water resources, military construction, environmental stewardship and restoration and emergency management with a workforce of 2,500 civilians and military personnel in five districts across the 10 states.

Under Gant’s command, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division provides vital engineering solutions in collaboration with partners to secure the nation, energize the economy and reduce risk from disaster.

South Pacific Division operates in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and in parts of Colorado,

“It is an incredible honor and a tremendous privilege for me to serve as the Division Commander,” Gant said during her change of command ceremony. “My vision is quite simple.

We will continue to invest in our people as we deliver our program by revolutionizing our processes while discovering the endless possibilities that we, the South Pacific Division, have to offer.”

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BEYA winner publishes critically acclaimed memoir Dark Horse: General Larry O. Spencer and His Journey from the Horseshoe to the Pentagon

By Lango Deen

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General Larry O. Spencer,

U.S. Air Force retired, was honored with the Career Achievement in Government award at the 2010 BEYA STEM Conference. The career officer received honors and recognition for more than 30 years of service in the Air Force.

Over the next several years, the general mentored groups of Junior ROTC students during the Stars & Stripes event at the BEYA STEM Conference.

Since retiring in 2015, Spencer has served as president of the Air Force Association, overseeing staff and managing the organization’s day-to-day operations.

He also was the publisher of Air Force Magazine, the association’s professional journal. Recently, Gen. Spencer shared snippets from his biography with US Black Engineer magazine. Dark Horse details the general’s life and remarkable career.

The author’s page on the Naval Institute Press website includes reviews from Deborah Lee James, 23rd secretary of the Air Force, Gen. Martin Dempsey (Ret.), 18th chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Lloyd “Fig” Newton, USAF (Ret.), Chuck Hagel, former secretary of Defense, and Adm. Mike Mullen, U.S. Navy (Ret.), 17th chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Paul Stillwell, editor of ‘The Golden Thirteen: Recollections of the First Black Naval Officers,’ said Spencer’s memoir is instructive in the Black Lives Matter era.

“His vivid prose puts the reader at his side, watching events through his eyes as he experienced a wide variety of situations. His achievements in overcoming negative peer pressure, low expectations, racial stereotypes, and discrimination can serve as an inspiration for many Americans,” Stillwell said in a statement.

Spencer was born and raised on the Horseshoe—a tough inner-city street in southeast Washington, D.C. Both parents lived in the rural South under Jim Crow and “separate but equal” laws.

Spencer’s father was a career Army soldier who lost his left hand during the Korean War, suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder, and worked two jobs. His mother completed 10th grade, had no driver’s license, and was on her own during the week to raise their six children. The Horseshoe was a tough neighborhood where fights were common, and the school systems were second-rate. The expectations of living in an all-Black area were to be good at sports while shunning academic prowess. (“Dark Horse | Gen. Larry Spencer, USAF, Ret.”)

The Washington, D.C. native went on to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, where he continued to struggle with the racial turmoil of the 1970s. However, a senior non-commissioned officer saw promise in Spencer and guided him to obtain a college degree and apply for Officer Training School, where he excelled. As a young first lieutenant, he was assigned to a tough job in the Pentagon, but Spencer earned an early reputation as a fast burner. In 1990 he took command of a squadron that won accolades and awards for their performance during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Spencer served at the White House and then successfully commanded a Group and a Wing before being assigned as the chief financial officer (comptroller) for Air Combat Command, the largest command in the Air Force. During that assignment, Spencer was promoted to brigadier general and set up a new Directorate at Air Force Materiel Command. (“Dark Horse | U.S. Naval Institute”) Spencer later returned to the Pentagon, where he led Air Force Budget. He became the Air Force’s 37th vice chief of staff, making him one of nine African Americans promoted to four stars.

Spencer concludes his historic climb with life lessons learned from the inner city to the Pentagon. S

“Dark Horse” hit books shelves on November 15. Get your copy here: https://www.usni.org/press/books/dark-horse

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MILITARY

STEM CAREERS

CAREER OUTLOOK On any given day, GoArmy.com showcases 200-plus jobs in its science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program.

Navy.com has more than 150 roles in aviation, electronics, information, cryptology, medical and science, and engineering. In the Navy, you can use your skills in math and science to implement technology into the fleet as a civil engineer, naval reactors engineer, nuclear surface warfare, or submarine officer. According to Air Force Civilian Careers, 16,000 STEM professionals work with Air Force GPS, which plays an essential role in our daily lives. As part of the Air Force’s “elite STEM civilian research workforce,” you get to work on space chambers and flight simulation tests. A techheavy digital service, the U.S. Space Force announced recently that it relies on guardians with backgrounds in STEM to build and fortify its foundation. A virtual classroom dubbed “DeSTEMber” marked the Space Force’s first birthday in 2020. “Guardians across the nation not only taught thousands of students how important space is but hopefully sparked an interest in STEM-related fields,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond.

“Encouraging STEM-focused education is crucial to our future national security and economic prosperity.” www.blackengineer.com

INSIDE >

The Future of Defense is STEM

>

STEM Careers in the U.S. Armed Forces

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CAREER OUTLOOK The Future of Defense is

STEM

by Alfred Lewis

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www.blackengineer.com

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

E

nlisting in the armed forces can open many STEM career pathways for high school and college graduates looking to have influence in the world. There is a large variety of STEM careers available to members of the armed forces of all backgrounds. Looking to work in the medical field? The armed forces employ general surgeons, surgical nurses, pharmacy specialists, combat medics, cardiologists, dietitians, neurosurgeons, and other medical professionals.

Looking to apply math and engineering aptitude to military service? You might consider a career as a financial management technician, maintenance support specialist, automated logistical specialist, geospatial engineer, engineer officer, unit supply specialist, technical engineer, etc.

There are many armed forces careers steeped in technology, as well. You will find exciting, meaningful careers as a counterintelligence agent, cryptologic cyberspace intelligence analyst, signals intelligence voice interceptor, cyber network defender, electronic warfare specialist, information technology specialist, and many more.

Some career paths are in higher demand, due to a variety of factors. In general, cybersecurity and technology-based professionals are in high demand. For example, information security analysts are in increasing demand across the branches of the armed forces due to the ever-increasing threat of cyberattacks.

Information security analysts take preventative and reactive measures to protect their assigned group(s) from cybercrime, espionage, attacks, and other threats.

Computer network architects are needed to interface with the modern military computers used in every area of operation. Cloud-based infrastructure continues to expand, so network architects who specialize in cloud-based computing are especially in demand.

Military branches offer training for recruits seeking to learn more to fill these vital positions.

Another major area in demand is engineering professionals. Civil engineers operate, design, supervise, and maintain

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construction projects. Bridges, water and sewage systems, temporary and permanent buildings, tunnels, roads, etc. all fall under the responsibilities of civil engineers. Communicating and collaborating with other military personnel is an essential function of this role as well.

Likewise, environmental engineers are needed to ensure safe, healthy working conditions that reduce health hazards and promote well-being. Drawing on engineering practices and knowledge of STEM interdisciplinary concepts, environmental engineers develop solutions to problems in the field, at home

“With a growing demand, high salaries, and the honor of serving our country— STEM careers in the military may be a smart choice for recent or future graduates.

As you might imagine, given the dire need for STEM professionals serving in the armed forces, salaries for STEM occupations are double that of non-STEM occupations—with the average being $87,750 compared to $45,700. Top-tier (GS-13 equivalent and higher) employees can earn upwards of $110,000. This allows those seeking a career in military STEM occupations to be fairly rewarded for their expertise and service to the country.

As mentioned previously, the growing cloud-based computing movement and incorporating more artificial intelligence is a major trend in STEM careers for the armed forces. Virtually every aspect of operations is moving to the cloud. Medical records, data storage, communications, software services, etc. are moving to the cloud to ensure secure, reliable access for relevant personnel. Being well-versed in cloud computing and digital records will help keep applicants in the forefront of a job search! Expect this trend to continue with speed throughout the next 5–10 years. Another major trend that will shape the military STEM landscape for the next decade and beyond is a growing gap in STEM applicants/recruits. With more occupations steeped in STEM fields of study, more recruits will be needed to take these vital roles.

With a growing demand, high salaries, and the honor of serving our country—STEM careers in the military may be a smart choice for recent or future graduates. S

and abroad. Complex, challenging issues such as pollution control, ensuring safe drinking water, and climate change all demand trained engineers.

STEM military careers play a vital role in military operations, ensuring that military personnel and civilians remain safe, healthy, and productive.

Whether protecting cyber assets, vital communications, or ensuring safe data— military technology careers are essential to successful operations. Engineers of all types help build, maintain, and repair needed infrastructure—both stationary and mobile. Engineering projects must be successfully completed and upheld to ensure logistical processes, housing, and other daily essentials are operating smoothly.

Do you want more career tips and advice? Check out our Seminar playlist on YouTube: https://l.ead.me/bcbdbf

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CAREER OUTLOOK

IN THE

by Alfred Lewis editors@ccgmag.com

A

re you a recent or future high school or college graduate looking for STEM employment during enlistment in the armed forces?

Each military branch offers a wide variety of STEM employment options, so for students interested in any STEM subject—there’s a career path for you!

candidate, or nuclear propulsion officer candidate. Another program is the Air Force Research Lab’s STEM Outreach Program, which seeks to inspire and recruit the next generation of military scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technologists to help solve our nation’s most challenging problems.

There is a huge need for STEM-trained recruits in the armed forces. The United States Department of Defense and other government organizations predict a growing gap between vital STEM jobs and qualified applicants. As a response to this need, branches of the armed forces have promoted STEM education as college majors and offered on-the-job training that allows new recruits to specialize in needed fields. One such program is the Navy’s Specialized College Programs, designed to train new recruits in needed areas such as civil engineer, nurse

With STEM there is a wide range of majors applicable to military career paths. When deciding which general career you want to seek, such as engineering, medical, computer science, etc., consider which major gives you access to not only your dream job role but many others as well to broaden your marketability. For example, do you seek a career as a member of the Air Force’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit? Consider a college major in mechanical engineering, as it will not only teach you valuable skills and concepts

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applicable to the Air Force’s “Bomb Squad,” but also train you for a variety of military and civilian careers, such as mechanic, manufacturing, research and development, and medical device construction and design.

Preparing to enter a STEM career path in the armed forces involves first identifying your general career path, then identifying which skills and college degrees you need to seek employment.

You’ll want to find outreach programs and internships that help you gain the skills and experiences you need to build your foundational understanding and resume, and ensure you like and have an aptitude for the subject matter. For example, the Air Force Academy runs a STEM Outreach program to engage, inspire, and attract the next generation of STEM talent. Offering resources, professional development, and research

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JOB HORIZON

STEM Careers

U.S. ARMED FORCES

PREPARING TO ENTER A STEM CAREER PATH IN THE ARMED FORCES INVOLVES FIRST IDENTIFYING YOUR GENERAL CAREER PATH, THEN IDENTIFYING WHICH SKILLS AND COLLEGE DEGREES YOU NEED TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT. center tours, students can gain valuable insight and experiences.

The United States Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) offer extensive STEM outreach and recruiting, including formal partnerships with colleges and universities at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. The USACE was named the No. 3 employer of choice as a Top Support of Historically Black Colleges by U.S. Black Engineer in 2020.

The military needs self-motivated, dependable, and team-oriented recruits who can score sufficiently for their

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desired position on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test. Scores vary by the exact position or role you are seeking, so research your needed score ahead of time and use test prep programs to prepare for the exam.

As with all STEM career paths, seeking out private, public, and military internship programs will help you bolster your real-world experiences during a college degree program. Use campus resource centers or staff to identify internships, networking events, and other resources available to you and your region. During internships and networking, seek out mentors and those

working in your desired field. By building a network of support, you’ll have a place to ask questions, seek guidance, and better craft your professional identity.

Also check with your campus or local recruiting officer for the armed forces branch that you are considering—they can offer up-to-date information on the programs available to you and ways to support you as you grow.

With a need for STEM professionals in the armed forces and many outreach and training programs available to high school and college students, an exciting STEM position in the military may be a great option for you! S USBE & Information Technology | WINTER 2021

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