2016 US Black Engineer & Information Technology | VETERANS - VOL. 40, NO.4

Women on the move in the military

Top Blacks in the U.S. Military

Generals from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard and members of the federal Senior Executive Service Defense

One on One

How Gen. Joseph Lengyel, the 28th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, ensures the 453,000 Army and Air National Guard soldiers and airman are accessible, capable, and ready to protect the homeland.

Youth ChalleNGe Success Story from Kyle Stinson

Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz Commanding General, the Militia of the District of Columbia National Guard

Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel Chief National Guard Bureau

Maj. Gen. Linda L. Singh Adjutant General Maryland National Guard

Military generals on the move and a 2017 save-the-date calendar for your desk

Top Blacks in the Military

Following months of research and analysis, the Military Leadership Commission chaired by retired Air Force Gen. Lester Lyles published its report in 2011. The report said that though the Armed Forces have long been leaders in securing opportunities for men and women of different backgrounds, it recommended that all members of the Armed Forces embrace an understanding of diversity that goes beyond the traditional focus.

In 2006 Brig. Gen. Cavanaugh assumed command of the Ugly Angels and deployed the squadron to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lessons in Leadership—a Career Communications Group seminar feat: Navy Adm. Michelle Howard and retired Army General Lloyd Austin

Top HBCU graduates in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard

The Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy provides instruction to prepare the cadet to take the State of Maryland’s GED exam.

Books on U.S. military history and leadership, communications, team building, and conflict resolution

 What does the Force of the Future initiative mean for STEM jobs of the future, STEM students, and professionals?

“Diversity is more than representing the American population—it is about recognizing and fully utilizing the range of talents, skills, and abilities of our Service members,” Gen. Lyles said. Moving toward valuing all human differences for their contributions to military capability and readiness was the first recommendation. Second, the Commission urged services to recognize the barriers that may have prevented racial/ethnic minorities and women from advancing through the stages of their careers to positions of leadership.

The Commission also recommended that stakeholders work to improve the educational and physical readiness of American youth. It recommended improvement of recruiting practices toward underrepresented groups. In addition, it recommended removal of barriers relating to career field assignment and assignments to field positions. An important step in this direction was the removal of restrictions that prevented women from engaging in ground combat.

Other recommendations addressed the need to educate and mentor all servicemen about the promotion process, especially early in their careers. “Our diversity makes our country and our military great,” Gen. Lyles said. Each year, USBE Magazine’s Vet Issue (previously Homeland Security, Government and Defense edition) joins with the Commission to build on that greatness.

Through our articles and feature stories, we strive to highlight advancement to positions of leadership, contributions to military capability and readiness, stakeholders working to improve educational and physical readiness of American youth, improving recruiting practices toward underrepresented groups, and enhancing opportunities to educate and mentor.

Tyrone D. Taborn Publisher and Editorial Director

FULL STEM AHEAD

GOING STRONG

SAVE THE DATE 29 FEBRUARY 8–10,

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Tyrone D. Taborn, Publisher and Editorial Director

Jean Hamilton, President and CFO

EDITORIAL

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Lango Deen, Technology Editor

Michael Fletcher, Contributing Editor

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Frank McCoy, Contributing Editor

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GRAPHIC DESIGN

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CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

WASHINGTON, DC

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CONFERENCE AND EVENTS

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US Black Engineer & Information Technology (ISSN 1088-3444) is a publication devoted to engineering, science, and technology and to promoting opportunities in those fields for Black Americans. The editors invite submissions directed toward the goals of US Black Engineer & Information Technology. In particular, we wish to present ideas and current events concerning science and technology and personality profiles of successful Blacks in these fields and related business pursuits. Fully developed articles may be sent for consideration, but queries are encouraged. US Black Engineer & Information Technology invites letters to the editor about any topics important to our readership. Articles and letters should be sent to: US Black Engineer & Information Technology, Editorial Department, 729 E Pratt St., Suite 504, Baltimore, MD 21202. No manuscript will be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. US Black Engineer & Information Technology cannot be responsible for unsolicited art or editorial material. This publication is bulk-mailed to 150 colleges and universities nationwide. Subscriptions are $26/year. Please write to US Black Engineer & Information Technology, Subscriptions, 729 E. Pratt St., Suite 504, Baltimore, MD 21202. Copyright (c) 2016 by Career Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

PEOPLE AND EVENTS

WOMEN IN THE ARMY NAVY AND AIR FORCE

U.S. Navy Adm. Michelle Howard took command of Allied Joint Force Command Naples during a change of command ceremony in Naples, Italy, on June 7, 2016, becoming the first woman and African American to command the NATO Joint Allied Force Command headquarters and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

Howard previously served as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. As commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, she will be responsible for leading maritime operations in concert with allied, coalition, joint, interagency, and other partners to advance U.S. interests while enhancing maritime security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Also in June, the United States Senate confirmed Army Maj. Gen. Gwendolyn Bingham for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general. Lt. Gen. Bingham was assigned as the new

Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, United States Army, in Washington, DC.

Most recently, she served as the commanding general of the United States Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Life Cycle Management Command in Warren, Michigan.

As U.S. Army assistant chief of staff for installation

Compiled by Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

Adm. Michelle Howard speaking at the 30th annual BEYA Conference held in Philadelphia, February 2016.

Lt. Gen. Gwen Bingham

U.S. Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management

management, Bingham will serve as principal adviser to the chief of staff of the Army for installation management, facilities investments, morale, welfare, recreation, and family support programs.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Stayce D. Harris’ appointment to the rank of lieutenant general was also confirmed leading up to the Fourth of July.

Lt. Gen. Harris is the assistant vice chief of staff and director, Air Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, DC. She also serves as deputy chairman of the Air Force Council and is the Air Force accreditation official for the international Corps of Air Attachés.

The general is no stranger to multitasking.

As a young lieutenant colonel in 1990, Harris changed

from active duty to reserve status and began flying for United Airlines. She was the First Officer flying 747-400s to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Back then, Harris was one of eight black women pilots at United and one of about only 20 in the industry. Harris made history in May 2002 when she became the first Black woman to serve as vice commander of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, a reserve component of the United States Air Force.

In December 2015 Nadja Y. West became the first African American to serve as Army surgeon general. With her promotion, she became the Army's first black woman to hold the rank of lieutenant general and the highest-ranking woman of any race to graduate from West Point. S

Mark Your CALENDAR

Inc. and Washington, DC,

Event: 43rd Annual Spring Gala and Awards Ceremony

Date: March 11, 2017

Place: Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, 900 S Orme Street, Arlington, VA

National Naval Officers Association

Event: Leadership, Training and Professional Development Conference

Date: July 25–27, 2017

Place: Admiral Kidd Conference Center, Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego, CA 92147

Air Force Association

Event: 2017 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition

Date: September 18–20, 2017

Place: Gaylord National Hotel in National Harbor, Washington DC

National Guard Association of the United States

Event: 139th General Conference and Expo

Date: September 7–10, 2017

Place: Derby City, Kentucky

Association of the United States Army

Event: Annual Meeting and Exposition

Date: October 9–11, 2017

Place: Walter E. Washington Convention Center

The ROCKS,

Chapter of the ROCKS, Inc.

Lt. Gen. Stayce D. Harris Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force Washington, DC

Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command

ONE ON ONE

Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

THE PENTAGON’S NATIONAL GUARD LEADER

PROMOTING PARTNERSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY

General Joseph L. Lengyel

28th Chief of the National Guard Bureau

by Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. As chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Lengyel’s job is to provide the best advice to America’s leaders.

That means ensuring more than 453,000 U.S. Army and Air Force National Guard soldiers and airmen are ready to fight wars, secure the homeland, and build enduring partnerships.

The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, combat, reconstruction missions, and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the

Guard at a moment’s notice.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon Pilot

Guard soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.

As an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, Gen. Lengyel has served as a citizen-airman of the National Guard while working full time as a commercial airline pilot, notes 2nd Lt. Phil Fountain of the Texas Military Department.

Lengyel was commissioned through the ROTC program in

his home state at the University of North Texas, Denton, after earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. His more than 30 years in the military include service in operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom.

“He could be on airline trips for a month or more and come back and lead an eight-ship strike package to the tanker, fight his way into the target against red air, and somehow know that six miles behind him, ‘No. 8’ was out of position,” said one former gunfighter and chief of air operations for Headquarters, Texas Air National Guard, in Austin.

Balancing a Military and Civilian Career

Discussing the challenges of balancing a military and civilian career on taking up his current post, Lengyel said the airline he flies for has more than 200 pilots on military leave, allowing them to serve in uniform.

Lengyel thanked the work of civilian employers, like his, who work with their National Guard employees to ensure the employees never have to choose one profession over the other.

As a military adviser to the president of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council, Gen. Lengyel is the Department of Defense’s official channel of communication to state governors and state adjutants general on all matters pertaining to the National Guard.

“These mission sets are interconnected,” he explained, “because the capabilities and experience we gain from combat operations overseas are the same capabilities and experience we use in responding to homeland emergencies,” Gen. Lengyel said.

Guard Partnerships at Local, State, Federal, and International Levels

“We are the primary combat reserve of the Army and the Air Force, so we work closely with the Army and Air Force to implement total force initiatives,” Gen. Lengyel said.

The Total Force Continuum branch, led by a general officer from the Air

“The National Guard Bureau’s Minority College Outreach program (is) where we mentor youths. Along with BEYA, the NAACP, and a host of other national organizations, the Guard Bureau is connected to 750 institutions. It’s a win-win for all.”

National Guard and Air Force Reserve and a senior enlisted leader, maximizes the Total Force.

“Throughout our history, but particularly in the past 15 years, the National Guard has shown just how integral we are to our nation’s security. And during these fiscally challenging times, it makes more sense to leverage the advantages that the National Guard provides,” the general said.

A cost-effective, scalable, operational force that can perform missions and possesses the manpower and equipment to tackle any problem means the nation doesn’t have to choose between capacity and capability, the general noted.

Capacity and Capability

Guard members are not only proven in battle but they are also the force that governors and communities turn to during domestic crises, just as they did during Hurricane Matthew, the cyclone that left 22 dead in North Carolina, 12 in Florida, four in South Carolina, three in Georgia, two in Virginia, and hundreds across Haiti as flood waters continued to rise.

“Our strength lies in our ability to leverage military and civilian-acquired skills along with long-term partnerships to confront what I call the ‘worst night in America’ scenario,” Gen. Lengyel said.

Innovation Is Critical

At home, local, state, and interagency partnerships in 2,600 communities allow the National Guard to respond to natural

disasters and confront threats at the speed required in the digital age.

“Really, we have to keep ahead wherever possible,” Gen. Lengyel admits. “This is the reason the Department of Defense set up the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental, which tackles pressing threats and challenges in partnership with industry operating at the forefront of technology,” he said.

Promoting Partnerships with Industry

In Oregon, the Guard partnered with a local university to work on facility designs to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements.

Delaware and New Jersey Guard members are also working with local universities on comprehensive energy and water evaluations.

The Pennsylvania National Guard retrofitted existing facilities with groundsource heat pumps, while California installed a photovoltaic cell as part of the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program that identifies technologies that address the DoD’s priority environmental requirements.

The general also told USBE magazine that to reduce the energy footprint and lower service and utility costs, projects have been funded through the National Defense Center for Energy and Environment, the National Guard in Minnesota’s micro-hydro groundwater recovery system, Colorado’s resiliency at

— General Joseph L. Lengyel 28th Chief of the National Guard Bureau

ONE

ON ONE

the Windsor Readiness Center, and Texan use of atmospheric water generation technology NDCEE to perform demonstration and validation tests.

In addition, they have leveraged their partnerships through the Army Compatible Use Buffer program to protect habitat and buffer training without acquiring any new land. The Minnesota National Guard set aside 17,000 acres valued at approximately $33 million in support of Camp Ripley.

Florida’s Camp Blanding is also partnering with a timber management company to offset costs and relocate threatened species onto ACUB properties.

Diversity and Inclusion

NGB’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion also established a Joint Diversity Executive Council (JDEC) that allows Gen. Lengyel to talk with Guard senior diversity leaders across the country.

“It’s one of the reasons our team has been ranked by the National Diversity Council as one of our nation’s top diversity programs for several years running,” the general says proudly.

“I know that BEYA is familiar with the National Guard Bureau’s Minority College Outreach program, where we mentor youths from underrepresented groups on life and career

options. Along with BEYA, the NAACP, and a host of other national organizations, the Guard Bureau is connected to 750 minorityserving institutions. Through this program, we are able to talk with engineering students attending their schools of sciences and technologies. It’s a win-win for all involved,” he said. S

DID

YOU

KNOW:

There are over 150 different jobs available in the Guard. Infantry, air defense, medical, and military police are examples of Guard career fields. Opportunities are also available in intelligence, technology, engineering, aviation, and many other fields.

Gen. Lengyel’s father was an RF-4 Phantom II reconnaissance pilot who was shot down over Vietnam and served six years as a prisoner of war. He returned to service and retired from the Air Force in 1990.

Gen. Lengyel’s wife, Sally, is an Air Force veteran, and their son, Capt. Michael J. Lengyel is an F-16 pilot. Additionally, the NGB leader’s brother, Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Lengyel, is also an Air Force pilot.

Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief, National Guard Bureau, joins Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, founder and president, Give an Hour, in signing a memorandum of understanding between The National Guard and Give an Hour during a ceremony at the Pentagon Nov. 21, 2016. The mutual goal is to increase access to behavioral health services for Guard members and families. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez)"

BRIGADIER GENERAL HOPES HIS EXAMPLE INSPIRES OTHERS

When it comes to inspiring others, talk is often over-rated.

Brian W. Cavanaugh learned that as a young adult after observing one Naval officer in particular. It wasn’t what he said but how he carried and conducted himself that “drove me to want to emulate him,” said Cavanaugh.

Cavanaugh, 48, now ranks as brigadier general, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

“I think every Marine… sets the example, hopes you are an inspiring leader,” he said.

A native of Baltimore, Cavanaugh earned his commission in the Marine Corps in 1990 and was designated a Naval aviator in 1992. He has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours in various aircraft.

He credits his mother with encouraging him to join the armed forces.

Now based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Cavanaugh has had a myriad of military duties that have taken him around the world as well as stateside. He had tours in Japan and had shipboard operations in South Korea, and in 2006 he assumed command of the Ugly Angels and deployed the squadron to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment, his squadron was recognized as the Squadron of the Year, and three Marines under his command were recognized as the Marine Corps Aviator of the Year, Crew Chief of the Year, and Ordnance Marine of the Year.

From 2013–2015 he served as the MAG-36 commander stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was deployed in direct support of Operation Damayan for typhoon relief in the Philippines. In 2015 elements from the MAG deployed in direct support of Operation Sahayogi Haat for earthquake relief in Nepal.

Of those relief efforts, Cavanaugh said, “Being able to help people, being a reflection of the United States,” was a satisfying experience.

Cavanaugh explained that his leadership style focuses on the people in his command.

By Gale Horton Gay ghorton@ccgmag.com

“We all have a mission,” he said. “When you focus on people and try to help them reach their goals, the mission takes care of itself.”

Cavanaugh has received a wealth of awards and recognitions, including the Bronze Star, but he takes a humble approach to such accolades. In fact, he said it is the individuals in his team who performed admirably, although he gets the recognition, adding, “I can’t do it by myself.”

“The Bronze Star is a reflection of the unit I was the commanding officer of during combat operations in Iraq,” he said, adding that it is a tangible reminder of the Marines with whom he served.

Asked which of his accomplishments he’s most proud of, Cavanaugh said, “Helping others obtain their goals.”

He recalled when, 22 years ago, he gave guidance to a lance corporal from Detroit. That young man went on to obtain a college degree and a commission. Today he’s a major in the military.

Cavanaugh’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the United States Naval Academy, a master of business administration degree from Webster University, and a master of science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He is also an MIT Seminar XXI Fellow.

He advised young people wanting to embark on a path to success to develop a fiveyear plan and to start being successful in whatever job they are in.

“Don’t be scared to take that first step,” he said.

Asked about the challenges in building a successful military career, Cavanaugh said he isn’t one to stress over tasks at hand.

“A challenge is an opportunity, a mission that needs to be accomplished,” he said. “I don’t stress much about any job I have to do.”

However, he cited balancing career and family life as one area that is a constant challenge. Married for 21 years, Cavanaugh and his wife are the parents of four children.

“Trying to make sure they see you enough and you do things enough [with them],” he said of juggling home and career, was his biggest challenge. S

Brig. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh Deputy Commander

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

LESSONS IN CRISIS LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC INNOVATION

Whether we’re in military structures, dealing with global crises, or trying to figure out how to continue to keep our organizations relevant in the civilian world, it requires certain ways of thinking,” says Julius Pryor III, Head of Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion at Genentech and moderator of an esteemed panel of heroic African-American senior military leaders.

All three panelists climbed the ranks from humble roots but remain in the middle of the action in critical operating roles. They have a wealth of advice to offer about crisis leadership and strategic innovation.

GENERAL LLOYD AUSTIN was the commander of U.S. Central Command and the first African American to lead Central Command. His career spans four decades, taking him to Iraq, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Pakistan, Lebanon, Egypt, and a dozen other countries in the central region.

by Jessica Nickasio editors@ccgmag.com

LTG Bailey (third from right) in conver-

He believes the ability to be innovative and to think critically are two things that will be very critical for not just senior levels but leaders at all levels as “there really are very few simple problems. Most of the problems we deal with on a daily basis are very complex and indeed very thorny, and there are no clear-cut solutions.” He cautions that the problems will only become more complex for future generations.

Coming out of the first Iraq war, the three things he attributes to turning the tide and being necessary for any battle are to (1) attrit enemy forces, (2) stop the flow of foreign fighters coming in, and (3) take away the enemy’s ability to finance and resource themselves.

When it comes to agility, General Austin believes the most important thing to enable a person or organization to be agile is preparation—understanding the task at hand and the environment.

“It’s important to be comfortable enough with the situation to know when things are not going exactly right or when things have developed in such a manner that you’re presented with an opportunity. In both cases, you want to be able to recover from it or exploit that opportunity.” In either case, you need to be prepared with the second and third order consequences of the decision you make at that point in time.

“You also have to be comfortable with making changes in mid-course.” This is perhaps an important leadership trait in and of itself. Some will want to stick rigidly to a plan, and quite

often, they end up on the losing end of the situation of missed opportunities that present themselves.

ADMIRAL MICHELLE HOWARD, is commander, NATO Joint Allied Force Command and U.S. Naval Forces EuropeAfrica. She has served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations and is the first woman to graduate from Naval Academy and make it to Admiral. She is also the first African-American woman to command a navy ship, the USS Rushmore.

She emphasizes readiness and leadership at times of crisis—both internal and external—and referenced a Martin Luther King Jr. quote: “The measure of a man is not where he stands in time of comfort. The measure of a man is where he stands in times of controversy.”

Admiral Howard recounts meeting Wesley Brown, the seventh African American to attempt to make it through the Naval Academy but only the first African American to successfully graduate, in 1949. Wesley enrolled while Maryland was a Jim Crow state and highly segregated, leaving Wesley with no roommates, an isolated corner desk, and four years of enduring a hostile environment of people trying to run him out.

Wesley retained hope to make it through the academy because of one small, ethical act by an Officer of the Deck and would go on to serve in the Korean and Vietnam Wars with an impactful and influential presence.

When it comes to strategic innovation, sometimes it’s not just developing and creating the strategic plan; it’s also understanding the strategic implications of what you’re doing and making sure each move aligns with what has been identified as mission success.

When trying to rescue hostage Captain Phillips during

sation with other military leaders at the 2016 BEYA Stars and Stripes event.

the Anti-Piracy Task Force, Admiral Howard remembered, “If we failed to bring back the first U.S. citizen who had been kidnapped by pirates, we would be saying that the U.S. government was not capable of protecting citizens abroad, and that would be a dent in us as a world power. We all understood that, so there were strategic implications for failure to that mission.” This heavily guided the strategic and tactical components to the successful mission.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL RON BAILEY is the Deputy Commandant for Policy Plans and Operations at the U.S. Marine Corp. He was the first African American to lead the First Marine Division.

Lieutenant Bailey believes leadership takes courage to follow through with the plan in the face of unplanned catastrophes and external pressure. It takes an acceptance of risk to both reputation and the possibility of losing a platform, and it requires a strong influence and good relationships. It involves managing the friction between the leader and the command, as well as those above and below in rank, while remaining calm.

Lieutenant General Bailey also emphasizes it requires a belief in the vision. As Yoda tells Luke in Star Wars: The Empire

Lieutenant General Bailey has an acronym he calls the ABCs of leadership, which are Abilities, the Breaks you make for yourself, and the Courage you exhibit. He further emphasizes the importance of clarity. A commander’s intent must be clear and concise and communicate a purpose and a desired end state to keep in mind when other factors may change.

All speakers agreed losing soldiers was a low point in their careers. General Austin advises making sure you pick your troops up, keep moving in the right direction, and keep them believing in themselves.

Lieutenant General Bailey also has a motto for keeping a positive attitude through tough situations. “My attitude is that I’ve never had a bad day; I have bad moments.”

Admiral Howard says that while all services have different core values and ethos, integrity and courage are necessary for all—not courage on the battle field but daily acts of courage that must be practiced every day.

When asked how to stay ethical and make the right decisions, General Austin says, “Don’t spend one second wondering if you’re going to have to abandon your values. The reason you’re there [as a leader] is to make sure those values go

Officers in the Military

On a bleak April morning in 1775, a horde of well-armed British redcoats swarmed into the sleepy little town of Lexington, Massachusetts. Their mission was simple: kill or capture the Founding Fathers and crush this growing colonial revolution in its infancy. The only thing standing in their way was a badly outnumbered and raggedy line of Minutemen volunteers.

In stark contrast to the sea of white British faces marching out of the fog, the stout wall of militiamen blocking the bridge into Lexington was quite colorful. While no one knows who fired the first “shot heard ’round the world,” several black Minutemen stood shoulder to shoulder with white colonials and earned their title of “Patriot”—the hard way.

Black men like the still-in-bondage Prince Estabrook, who was also severely wounded in the battle, kept fighting against impossible odds and helped give birth to this grand American experiment. For the next 241 years, from that historic bridge to the bloody mountains of Afghanistan and every slaughter field in between, millions of African-American warriors have answered their often ungrateful nation’s call to arms.

Thanks to the promise of freedom after service, an estimated 9,000 African Americans served with the Continental Army, Navy, or Minutemen militias in the long and brutal Revolution—mostly in non-segregated combat units. By the time of the final Battle of Yorktown, a quarter of General Washington’s troops manning the siege lines were black.

If all those Patriots had stayed home and had not bothered getting involved in the white European squabbling around them…well, there likely wouldn’t be any American history to write about.

Tragically, after the war, most of these Black veterans were either forced back into slavery or discharged from the military without receiving any recognition or benefits. Despite such poor treatment by this new American government, African Americans would always still be there when the nation faced a crisis.

While the U.S. Army banned enlistment by African Americans until 1862, the Navy placed no restrictions regarding the enlistment of blacks because of its shortage of manpower. During the War of 1812, a quarter of the victorious American sailors at the pivotal Battle of Lake Erie were free Black men—back when free African Americans made up less than 5% of the total U.S. population.

This wildly disproportionate burden of defending the country, voluntarily assumed by so many African Americans, has been a common demographic trend throughout America’s military history.

Perhaps nowhere was this more powerfully felt than in

the deadliest of all American conflicts, the Civil War. While hundreds of thousands of free men and runaway slaves fought valiantly with the U.S. Army—all as volunteers without being drafted—they only represented about 10% of Union manpower. In the Navy, though, Black sailors made up over 20% of all ship crews

Without this sudden influx of African Americans donning the uniform, the Union navy would simply not have been able to man enough warships to enforce their blockade of Confederate ports. Most historians credit this stranglehold on Southern supply lines as far more decisively ending the Confederacy than any single battlefield victory.

In 1865 Major Martin Delany, a prominent abolitionist who recruited thousands of soldiers for the Union army, became the first Black man to earn an officer’s commission. His groundbreaking promotion was followed by 7,000 more Black Union officers and culminated with General Colin Powell overseeing the Persian Gulf War as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1991.

Still, much of American history was written by the millions of less famous African Americans who have guarded the ramparts of liberty—and the tens of thousands that made the ultimate sacrifice. Even during World War 2, despite extreme discrimination and segregation against all “persons of color,” 2.5 million Black men registered for the draft, and 1 million served in uniform.

While a handful of African-American warfighters have found Hollywood fame, such as the Buffalo Soldiers duking it out with native tribes in the Wild West or the Tuskegee Airmen wreaking havoc against the Nazis, the vast majority of these heroes are still largely unknown.

With 90 Black soldiers having received Congressional Medals of Honor—a figure that’s routinely revised upwards as the modern military reevaluates old citations for racial bias—and over 2 million Black veterans living today,⁴ popular culture has barely scratched the surface of how much African-American servicemen and women have sacrificed for the United States.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

NATIONAL GUARD

MAJ. GEN. MICHAEL A. CALHOUN

The Adjutant General, Florida

Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun is assigned as Adjutant General, Florida. He is the senior military advisor to the governor and is responsible for management, readiness, and mobilization of U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force elements of the Florida National Guard. He previously served as the assistant adjutant general - Army Element with additional duties of the Director of the Joint Staff (DJS), Joint Task Force Commander and Dual Status Commander, designee. Gen. Calhoun was commissioned on July 22, 1989, through a direct commission. He has served in a variety of positions of leadership, including commanding the 83rd Troop Command; 50th Area Support Army , Joint Task F Group; Regimental Commander, 211th Regiment, Regional Training Institute; Battalion Commander, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Special Troops Battalion; Battalion Commander, 856th Quartermaster Battalion. While deployed, he also served as Director of Host Nation Support in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Gen. Calhoun has commanded at the Battalion and Group level in support of Hurricane support and civil support operations. He also is the recipient of the 2008 Department of Defense African American History Month award.

1775 – The American Revolution began 1776 – Congress creates 88 new battalions

Black soldiers participated in every major battle from Bunker Hill to Yorktown. The First Rhode Island Regiment fought the most famous battle, where the British lost 1,300 men while Americans suffered only 200 casualties. More than 5,000 African Americans fought for American independence from the British.

MAJ. GEN. JOHN C. HARRIS, JR.

Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Ohio National Guard

Maj. Gen. John Harris is assistant adjutant general – Army, Ohio National Guard, and also serves as commander, Ohio Army National Guard. He assumed these duties on January 11, 2011, and is responsible for establishing policies, priorities, and oversight for the readiness of 11,400 soldiers. Gen. 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 assignments at the battalion, squadron, state area command, and joint force headquarters level. General Harris’ recent assignments include chief of staff, deputy chief of staff for personnel, and commander, Task Force Lancer, Kosovo.

MAJ. GEN. TIMOTHY M. MCKEITHEN

Deputy Director of the Army National Guard Washington, DC

Maj. Gen. Timothy McKeithen assumed duties as the deputy director, Army National Guard, National Guard Bureau, on September 4, 2015. He guides development and implementation of programs and policies affecting the Army National Guard—a force of 350,000 citizen soldiers in 50 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia. Prior, Gen. McKeithen was assistant chief of staff, G4, U. S. Army Central, Third Army, C4 Combined Joint Task Force Land Components Command, and CJ4 Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. He implemented sustainment policies, concept plans and complete operation plans, deployment, redeployment, staging, and movement for 200,000 United States, coalition, and civilian forces. He also maintains readiness of equipment valued at $100 billion and $14 billion in contracts and coordinates with Department of State, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Defense Logistics Agency Army Staff, and commands that enable integration of materiel fielding, logistics, sustainment, acquisition, and technology in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Gen.

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NATIONAL GUARD

McKeithen received his commission from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, where he was named a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1985. Gen. McKeithen most recently served as director of Logistics, J-4, Headquarters, North American Aerospace Defense Command.

MAJ. GEN. ERROL R. SCHWARTZ

Commanding General Militia of the District of Columbia National Guard

Maj. Gen. Errol Schwartz is commanding general of the Militia of the District of Columbia National Guard. He is responsible for operational readiness and command and control of the District of Columbia Army and Air National Guard units, with an authorized strength of 2,700 soldiers and airmen. Gen. Schwartz assumed duties as commanding general, District of Columbia, in 2008. His military career started when he enlisted in the District of Columbia Army National Guard in 1976. He was commissioned in 1979 and appointed as a platoon leader in the 104th Maintenance Company. He served in many leadership positions as a staff officer and commander. Some of his previous assignments include battalion commander, 372nd Military Police Battalion, deputy director of information management, director of logistics, commander, 74th Troop Command and deputy commanding general, District of Columbia National.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

MAJ. GEN. ROBERT L. SHANNON, JR.

Special Assistant to the Director Air National Guard

Maj. Gen. Robert Shannon assists the adjutant general in providing oversight and supervision of headquarters, Georgia Air National Guard staff and command of the 2,900 Georgia Air Guard members serving in two flying wings, six geographically separated units, and a Combat Readiness Training Center. Additionally, he oversees the Georgia Air National Guard’s Strategic Planning and Initiatives. He previously served as director, Joint Staff for Joint Forces Headquarters, Georgia National Guard. Gen. Shannon is a member of the steering committee for the Air National Guard’s Strategic Planning System. He is a charter member of the Joint Diversity Executive Council and serves as chair for the Special Emphasis Program. Shannon was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Program in 1981. He was on active duty for seven years before transferring to the Georgia Air National Guard. Gen. Shannon is a Master Air Battle Manager. He has participated in numerous deployments while on active duty and in the Georgia Air National Guard to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Italy, England, Iceland, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Scotland.

MAJ. GEN. LESTER SIMPSON

Commander, 36th Infantry Division

Maj. Gen. Lester Simpson serves as commander, 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard. He commands and controls the division’s headquarters and five major subordinate commands. He also serves as principal advisor to the adjutant general and army commander of Texas Military Forces on employment of the division on state and federal missions. Gen. Simpson received his commission in 1980 through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program at the University of Texas, Arlington. He has commanded at all levels throughout the Division and held numerous staff positions throughout his career, most notably his former assignment as the special assistant to the director of the Army National Guard.

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NATIONAL GUARD

MAJ. GEN. LINDA L. SINGH

The Adjutant General, Maryland National Guard

Maj. Gen. Linda Singh was appointed Adjutant General of Maryland on January 21, 2015. The adjutant general is responsible for the daily operations of the Maryland Military Department, which includes the Maryland Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Maryland Emergency Management Agency, and Maryland Defense Force. Gen. Singh serves as the senior advisor to the governor for these state agencies and is responsible for the readiness, administration, and training of more than 6,700 members of the Maryland Military Department. She serves as a member of the governor’s cabinet and is the official channel of communication between the governor and the National Guard Bureau. Gen. Singh also chairs the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Advisory Council and is a member of the Army Reserve Force Policy Committee. Prior, Gen. Singh served as the assistant adjutant general – Army for the Maryland Army National Guard and the primary advisor to the adjutant general on Army Guard issues. She was responsible for supporting formulation, development, and coordination of programs, policies, and plans affecting the Maryland Army National Guard, a force of over 4,600 soldiers. Gen. Singh also provided guidance and supervision of all training, personnel, and logistics matters.

BRIG.

GEN. ONDRA L. BERRY

Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Nevada National Guard

Brig. Gen. Ondra Berry currently serves as assistant adjutant general – Air, Nevada National Guard. He is responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all policies, programs, and plans affecting more than 1,100 Nevada Air National Guard Airmen. He serves the adjutant general as a principal advisor on matters pertaining to the Nevada Air National Guard. Gen. Berry received his commission from the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science in 1990. His most recent assignment was special assistant to the chief, National Guard Bureau, where he provided advice on diversity and leadership matters. He has had a significant impact on diversity and inclusion in the Nevada Air National Guard, taking the message of diversity, education, and opportunity to the National Guard Bureau and around the country. Gen. Berry’s energy

and expertise in the field have enhanced his abilities within the National Guard, where he sets the stage for increased diversity and devises various opportunities for all members of the armed forces.

BRIG. GEN. WAYNE L. BLACK

Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Indiana National Guard Brig. Gen. Wayne Black assumed duties as assistant adjutant general – Army, Indiana National Guard, in 2013. He serves as a principal advisor to the adjutant general and is responsible for assisting the adjutant general in formulating, developing, and coordinating programs, policies, and plans affecting the Indiana Army National Guard and its more than 12,000 citizen-soldiers. Gen. Black represents the adjutant general and the Indiana Army National Guard in a variety of forums that impact the Indiana National Guard. Brig. Gen. Black began his military career on May 12, 1984, receiving his commission through Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He has served in a variety of command and staff positions, both on active duty and in the National Guard. Gen. Black deployed in 1990 to Saudi Arabia with the 3rd Armored Division in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. In 2003 he deployed to Bosnia with 38th Infantry Division, Task Force Eagle, and served as the G-3 and chief, Joint Visitor’s Bureau. Gen. Black deployed to Afghanistan as commander, Embedded Training Team, and was responsible for training and mentoring of the Afghan National Police and Border Police in the northern region in 2008.

BRIG. GEN. SYLVESTER CANNON

Commander, 135th Sustainment Command, Alabama

Brig. Gen. Sylvester Cannon is commander, 135th Sustainment Command, Alabama National Guard. The unit provides command and control of all assigned, attached, and operational controlled units as well as sustainment planning and guidance in order to provide mission support operations as directed by National Guard authorities, the governor, or the adjutant general. Brig. Gen. Cannon joined the Alabama National Guard in 1981 and earned his commission through the State Officer Candidate School on June 29, 1985. He has served in multiple active duty roles, including strategy and policy planner, distribution management center chief, and brigade commander.

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NATIONAL GUARD

BRIG. GEN. CLARENCE ERVIN

Assistant Adjutant General – Air, North Carolina

Brig. Gen. Clarence Ervin is the assistant adjutant general, North Carolina Air National Guard. He is responsible for Air National Guard personnel at the North Carolina Joint Force Headquarters. Other duties include advising the adjutant general on mentoring and leadership programs, assisting in the development of expanded military operations, and development of missions appropriate for the North Carolina National Guard. Brig. Gen. Ervin was commissioned through the Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base near Knoxville, TN. Prior, he served as an enlisted member of the U. S. Air Force and later in the North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG). Brig. Gen. Ervin has spent over 30 years in the NCANG. A career Force Support Officer, he has commanded a flight and led the largest group in the North Carolina Air Guard as the commander of 145th Mission Support Group. He further broadened his career by serving as the 145th Vice Wing Commander and as the director of Staff for the North Carolina Air National Guard. General Ervin has deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Jump Start.

BRIG. GEN. DAVID D. HAMLAR

Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Minnesota National Guard Brig. Gen. David Hamlar serves as assistant adjutant general – Air, Minnesota National Guard. He assists in oversight and deploying strategic themes to maintain two high-quality Air National Guard Wings assigned to the State of Minnesota. Gen. Hamlar provides leadership and policy advice to the adjutant general and enforces policies in the Minnesota Air National Guard. Gen. Hamlar graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He then attended Howard University College of Dentistry as a National Health Service Corps scholarship recipient, gaining a commission. While practicing dentistry, he entered medical school at Ohio State University in 1985. After completing his studies, he spent his fourth year as a research scientist. This led to post-graduate training in general surgery and four years in otolaryngology, medical and surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. Finally, a fellowship in facial plastics led him to Minnesota in 1994, where he attended the University of Minnesota. Gen. Hamlar continued his career by joining the Ohio Air National Guard in 1989. He joined the 133rd Airlift Wing as a traditional guardsman and general practice physician in 1995.

BRIG. GEN. LEONARD W. ISABELLE, JR.

Chief of Staff, Michigan Air National Guard

Brig. Gen. Leonard Isabelle is chief of staff, Joint Forces Headquarters, Michigan Air National Guard, and also serves as the commander, Michigan Air National Guard. As Commander, Gen. Isabelle directs activities of the Michigan Air National Guard in support of the adjutant general of Michigan and is responsible for the Air National Guard units located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, and the Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan. Gen. Isabelle received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1987 as a graduate of the Academy of Military Science. He has served in operations and maintenance as well as command positions at the squadron and group level. Gen. Isabelle is a command pilot with more than 2,950 hours primarily in the A-10 and F-16 aircraft. Prior to assuming his current position, General Isabelle was commander, 127th Operations Group, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan.

BRIG. GEN. DEBORAH

Y. HOWELL

The Adjutant General of the U.S. Virgin Islands Brig. Gen. Deborah Howell serves as adjutant general for the United States Virgin Islands. In this position, Gen. Howell is responsible for coordination, execution, and management of the Virgin Islands Army and Air National Guard’s manpower, equipment, and emergency and security plans. Prior to this appointment, Brig. Gen. Howell had retired from the Virgin Islands National Guard in June of 2010, while serving as executive assistant to the adjutant general. Shortly after, she joined the Virgin Islands government as chief of staff to Senator Kenneth Gittens in the 30th and 31st Legislature. Her efforts in organization and change were noted and lauded by the inner circles of government, both at the local and federal levels. Within a few months of the senator’s second term in office, she was recruited by Governor Kenneth E. Mapp to serve as the adjutant general, Virgin Islands. Gen. Howell served as platoon leader for the 662nd Field Service Company after her commission in 1982 as community relations officer, 658th Public Relations Officer in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

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NATIONAL GUARD

BRIG. GEN. BRUCE C. LINTON

66th Theater Aviation Command, Commander

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Brig. Gen. Bruce Linton is the commander, 66th Theater Aviation Command, Washington Army National Guard. The command is sourced to meet strategic objectives in support of global contingency operations, through the training, preparation, resourcing, and mission command of assets across two Theater Aviation Brigades and one Theater Airfield Operations Group, as well as air traffic services, airfield management, aeromedical evacuation, combat aviation brigade reinforcement, and the coordination of aviation reception, staging, onward movement, and integration. Gen. Linton is also responsible for the mission command of all subordinate aviation organizations within the State of Washington. He directs and manages these resources as they train and prepare to provide critical support in response to domestic emergencies. Gen. Linton received his commission through the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon graduating in August 1988, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Washington Army National Guard. He completed the Aviation Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry RotaryWing Qualification Course and multiple aircraft transition courses while serving as an aviator.

BRIG. GEN. GREGORY D. MASON

Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Missouri National Guard

Brig. Gen. Gregory Mason serves as assistant adjutant general, Missouri National Guard. He assists the adjutant general in formulation, development, and implementation of all programs and policies in the Missouri Army National Guard. Gen. Mason received his commission as a second lieutenant through the Kansas Army National Guard Officer Candidate School in 1987. Prior to his commissioning, Gen. Mason began his military career on active duty in 1974 as a military police officer. He has held command leadership positions at company, battalion, and brigade levels. Gen. Mason served as senior intelligence officer for the 35th Engineer Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2007–2008. The brigade conducted combat engineer operations throughout the central Iraq area of operations, including Baghdad.

MAJ. GEN. BRIAN C. NEWBY

Air National Guard Assistant to The Judge Advocate General (TJAG)

Brig Gen. Brian Newby is chief of staff, Texas Air National Guard. He serves as principal advisor to the commander of the Texas Air National Guard for all Air National Guard issues. In this assignment, he is responsible for assisting in the planning, direction, and administration of over 3,100 Air National Guard personnel within the state of Texas. Gen. Newby’s responsibilities also include recruiting, retention, labor relations, training, employee development, and equal opportunity initiatives. Gen. Newby was commissioned in 1983 as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas.

BRIG. GEN. RENWICK L. PAYNE

The Adjutant General, District of Columbia, Army National Guard

Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne is adjutant general of the District of Columbia Army National Guard. Gen. Payne was assigned to the National Guard Bureau in October 1993 as a New York National Guardsman. He has served as military assistant to the deputy assistant to the Secretary of the Army; executive officer to the director, Army National Guard; G3/Operations Officer Army National Guard; chief of staff, Army National Guard; and War on Terror operational assistant to the director of the Army National Guard. Most recently, Gen. Payne served as director, Joint Staff, New York National Guard. He enlisted in 1974 and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1979. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Governors State University. He is affiliated with the National Guard Association of the United States, the Militia Association of New York, the Association of the United States Army, and the 369th Historical Society.

BRIG. GEN. NATHANIEL S. REDDICKS

California National Guard, Joint Forces Training Base

Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Reddicks assumed command of the California National Guard (CNG) Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) Los Alamitos Army Airfield, the only military airfield in the greater Los Angeles area, on April 1, 2016. The base employs 850 civilian and military personnel, supports 3,000 reserve-component military members, and is the headquarters for the 40th Infantry Division, the CNG’s largest Army command. The base is also home to the CNG’s Sunburst Youth ChalleNGe Academy and STARBASE math and engineering academy, among other organizations. In addition to his responsibilities as JFTB commander, Reddicks serves as the assistant adjutant general – Air for the California National Guard, where he oversees four wings and a combat communications group, totaling nearly 5,000 military and civilian personnel at 10 locations. Reddicks enlisted in the CNG’s Channel Islands-based 146th Airlift Wing in 1978 and commissioned as an officer in 1980. Among other positions, Reddicks has served as commander of the 146th Airlift Wing Mission Support Group and the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing Mission Support Group.

BRIG. GEN. MICHAEL C. THOMPSON

Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Oklahoma National Guard

Brig. Gen. Michael Thompson assists the adjutant general on preparation of Oklahoma Army National Guard units for homeland defense and mobilization. He advises the adjutant general concerning any issue or matter that affects the Oklahoma Army National Guard, its citizen soldiers, and their families. He has oversight of training, administration, logistics, and personnel actions. He directs the Army National Guard staff and provides guidance to the staff and subordinate commanders. Gen. Thompson also facilitates command staff decisions pertaining to force development, planning, strength maintenance, and force operations. Gen. Thompson was commissioned in 1986 through the Oklahoma Military Department, Officer Candidate School, Oklahoma City, OK. He has served as land component commander, Oklahoma Army National Guard; chief of staff, Oklahoma Army National Guard; and commander, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard. Gen. Thompson has commanded at the company, battalion, and brigade level. Prior to receiving his commission,

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

Gen. Thompson served for two and a half years as an enlisted soldier in the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

BRIG. GEN. WILLIAM J. WALKER

Commander, Land Component Command, District of Columbia Army National Guard

Brig. Gen. William Walker is the commander, Land Component Command, District of Columbia Army National Guard. He ensures the District of Columbia Joint Task Force responds effectively to District of Columbia and federal missions in support of homeland defense, national security, and disasters. He is responsible for leadership, training, logistics, and operational employment of units assigned or attached to the District of Columbia Army National Guard. Gen. Walker has served in various assignments, including deputy commander – Army; Joint Task Force 57th Presidential Inauguration, District of Columbia National Guard; and commander, Joint Task Force, U.S. Army South, Jamaica. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Gen. Walker served in the Army Operations Center in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Also in 2011, he 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.

1783 - The American Revolution officially came to an end when representatives of the United States, Great Britain, Spain, and France sign the Treaty of Paris.

1798 - The War department excluded all Blacks from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

1813 - The Navy reversed the policy of exclusion.

THE BLACK MILITARY EXPERIENCE

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces

Command/United

States Forces Korea

Brooks is commander of the United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea. Previously, Gen. Brooks served as the commander of U.S. Army Pacific, with responsibility for all U.S. Army forces and activities in the Indo-Asia Pacific region assigned to the United States Pacific Command. He is a 1980 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he was selected to serve in his senior year as First Captain of the U.S. Corps of Cadets—the top leadership position a cadet at West Point can hold. He is the first African American to be selected for this position in West Point’s history. Gen. Brooks began his service as a lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division. Since that time and during his 36 years as a commissioned officer, including 14 years as a general officer, he has commanded in the field numerous times, including two infantry companies in Germany; an infantry battalion in Korea near the demilitarized zone; a heavy brigade based in the U.S. but forward-deployed to Kosovo; two divisions, including one forward-deployed to Iraq; and two theater armies, one covering the Middle East and central Asia and the other the Indo-Asia Pacific region. In addition, Gen. Brooks served twice in the headquarters of the Department of the Army as a staff officer and principal advisor to the Army’s senior leaders and once in the Joint Staff advising the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Secretary of Defense on strategy and policy for the Western Hemisphere, the Homeland, the UN and Multilateral Affairs, and the War on Terrorism. Additional joint duty assignments include three assignments within the headquarters of a component of a combatant command, one staff assignment within a coalition joint task force, and one assignment within a combatant command staff as an operations officer and spokesman.

GEN. DENNIS VIA (RETIRED OCTOBER 2016) Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

Gen. Dennis Via became the 18th Commanding General of the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) on August 7, 2012. AMC is the Army’s premier provider of materiel readiness to ensure land force capability for the U.S. Warfighter and allies. Gen. Via’s prior assignment was as AMC’s deputy commanding general. He deployed to Southwest Asia in October 2011 as the commander, AMC Responsible Reset Task Force, to lead integration of the Materiel Enterprise for Retrograde of equipment and materiel out of Iraq at the conclusion of Operation New Dawn. Prior, he served as director for Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems, J-6, the Joint Staff, Washington, DC. A native of Martinsville, Virginia, Gen. Via was commissioned on May 18, 1980, in the Signal Corps after graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Virginia State University. He holds a master’s degree from Boston University and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (class of 1991) and the Army War College (class of 1999). Gen. Via is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. The general’s command assignments include the 82nd Signal Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg; 3rd Signal Brigade, III Armored Corps, Fort Hood; 5th Signal Command, U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army, Mannheim, Germany; and the U.S. Army Communications–Electronics Command (CECOM) and Fort Monmouth. His staff assignments include aide-decamp to the chief of staff, Allied Forces Southern Europe; operations officer, J-6, Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, Washington, DC; division chief, Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, U.S. Army; and principal director for operations, Defense Information Systems Agency/ Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations, U.S. Strategic Command.

LT. GEN. GWEN BINGHAM

Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management

Lt. Gen. Gwen Bingham is the assistant chief of staff for Installation Management. She assumed these duties on June 30, 2016. LTG Bingham graduated with a General Business degree and as an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Alabama in 1981. She was commissioned a Second

GEN. VINCENT BROOKS

Gen.

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U.S. ARMY

Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. She holds master’s degrees from Central Michigan University and the National Defense University. Her military schooling includes the Quartermaster Officer Basic and Advanced Courses; Combined Arms and Services Staff School; Army Command and General Staff College; the Army Inspector General Course; Industrial College of the Armed Forces; and the CAPSTONE General and Flag Officer Course. LTG Bingham has served in staff and leadership positions throughout her career, from platoon leader to commanding general. She has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and has served in assignments both in CONUS and overseas. LTG Bingham served as the 51st Quartermaster General of the United States Army and Commandant of the U.S. Army Quartermaster School, commanding general, U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and commanding general, Tank-Automotive and Armaments Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Michigan.

LT. GEN. ROBERT FERRELL

Army Chief Information Officer/G-6, United States Army

As Army Chief Information Officer, Lt. Gen. Ferrell reports to the Secretary of the Army, setting direction and objectives for the network and supervising command, control, communications and computers, and IT functions. He oversees $10 billion worth of IT investments, manages architecture, establishes and enforces IT policies, and directs the delivery of operational C4IT capabilities to support warfighters and business users. As the G-6, he advises the chief of staff of the Army on the network, communications, signal operations, information security, force structure, and equipping. Prior to this, LTG Ferrell was the commanding general, U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. LTG Ferrell, a native of Anniston, Alabama, enlisted in the Army and attained the rank of sergeant before enrolling at Hampton University. Upon graduation in 1983, he was commissioned into the Signal Corps. LTG Ferrell’s assignments have included units in the United States, South Korea, and Europe, and he has deployed to Bosnia and Iraq. He has commanded at every level, from platoon to Army major subordinate command, and has served in key staff positions in the Army and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

LT. GEN. MICHAEL X. GARRETT

Commanding General, U.S. Army Central, Coalition Forces Land Component Command

Lt. Gen. Michael Garrett is commanding general of U.S. Army Central located at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. He received his commission in 1984 in the Infantry upon graduating from Xavier University with a bachelor’s in criminal justice. LTG Garrett’s assignments include chief of staff of U.S. Central Command, commanding general of U.S. Army Alaska, joint and operational tours. Highlights include commanding 3rd Battalion 325th Infantry (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division. He deployed to Afghanistan as chief of current operations, Combined Task Force 180, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He then commanded 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Light), which deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following brigade command, Lt. Gen. Garrett served as deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command. Following his tour with Recruiting Command, he returned to Fort Bragg, where he served as the chief of staff, XVIII Airborne Corps. As the XVIII Airborne Corps chief of staff, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, where he served as the deputy chief of staff for United States Forces–Iraq. LTG Garrett’s education includes completion of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advance courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a prestigious Senior Service College Fellowship.

LT. GEN. AUNDRE PIGGEE

Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4

Lt. Gen. Aundre Piggee assumed duties as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 on September 23, 2016. He oversees policies and procedures used by all Army Logisticians throughout the world. The U.S. Senate confirmed Army general Aundre Piggee as Lieutenant General on September 15, 2016. A native of Arkansas and Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Lt. Gen. Piggee was commissioned through ROTC as a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps in 1981. Prior to his current assignment, Lt. Gen. Piggee served as commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany. Previously, he served as executive officer to the vice chief of staff of the Army. Other assignments include commander, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq; assistant chief of staff, G-4, 1st Cavalry Division; and commander, 15th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood and Operation Joint Forge, Bosnia-Herzegovina. He earned a Bachelor of Science

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

and holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; a Master of Science from Florida Institute of Technology; and a Master of Science–Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College.

LT. GEN. STEPHEN M. TWITTY

Commanding General, First Army United States, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois

Lt. Gen. Stephen Twitty became the 38th commander of First Army on July 15, 2016. First Army partners with Army Reserve and Army National Guard leadership to assist and train Reserve Component formations to achieve Department of the Army readiness requirements during preand post-mobilization training. Lt. Gen. Twitty is a 1985 distinguished military graduate from South Carolina State University. His duty assignments include rifle platoon leader, scout platoon leader, and battalion S-3 air officer. Lt. Gen. Twitty has commanded 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where his battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. He served as operations officer (G-3) for 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart. At Fort Bliss, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he commanded 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. He has served as chief of staff, United States Army Central, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kuwait; deputy commanding general (Operations) for the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss; and deputy chief of staff for strategic communications, International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom. From August 2014 to June 2016, he commanded 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss.

LT. GEN. NADJA Y. WEST

Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command

Lt. Gen. Nadja West is the 44th Surgeon General of the United States Army and commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Command. Her most recent assignment was Joint Staff Surgeon at the Pentagon. As Joint Staff Surgeon, she served as chief medical advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and coordinated health services issues. Lt. Gen. West is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. She earned a Doctorate of Medicine from George Washington Uni-

versity. She completed her internship and residency in family medicine at Martin Army Hospital. Lt. Gen. West completed a second residency in dermatology at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center and the University of Colorado Medical Center. She then served as chief, Dermatology Service, at Heidelberg Army Hospital, Germany. Lt. Gen. West has served as chief, Department of Medicine and Dermatology Service, at 121st General Hospital in Seoul, Korea, and commanded McDonald Army Community Hospital, Fort Eustis, VA. After command, she served as deputy commander for Integration at the National Naval Medical Center. She has commanded Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, and went on to serve as commanding general, Europe Regional Medical Command.

LT. GEN. DARRYL A. WILLIAMS

Commander, NATO Headquarters, Allied Land Command, Izmir, Turkey

In June 2016 Lt Gen. Darryl A. Williams was appointed commander of NATO Headquarters Allied Land Command. Lt. Gen. Williams has served as the deputy commanding general for support, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea, and most recently as the deputy Chief of Staff G3/5/7, United States Army Europe. Commissioned as a second lieutenant of field artillery upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy in 1983, Lt. Gen. Williams has served as executive officer and fire direction office, platoon leader, and assistant operations officer. He earned a Master of Arts in leadership development at the Military Academy and then served as the I-2 Company Tactical Officer, United States Corps of Cadets. Williams completed the Command and General Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies, earning a Master of Military Art and Science. His next assignments included Army Aide to the President of the United States, 1998–2000, and commander, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery, 4ID, Fort Hood. After earning a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, he was assigned as the Chief of Exercises, G-3, for U.S. Army Europe. Upon redeployment, Lt. Gen. Williams served as the deputy director for Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, HQDA G-3/5/7 and commanding general, U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command, and assistant surgeon general for Warrior Care and Transition.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

LT. GEN. MICHAEL WILLIAMSON

Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, Director of Acquisition Career Management

Lt. Gen. Michael Williamson became the principal military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology and director of acquisition career management in April 2014. He leads military and civilian professionals in the development, acquisition, fielding, and sustainment of the world’s best equipment, services, technologies, and capabilities to meet current and future Army needs. Prior to his current role, he served as the deputy commanding general, Combined Security Transition Command–Afghanistan. He has also served as the assistant military deputy and assistant deputy for acquisition and systems management. Other key assignments include service as the joint program executive officer for the Joint Tactical Radio Systems; deputy program executive officer for Integration; project manager for network systems integration, Future Combat Systems, Brigade Combat Team; commander of the Software Engineering Center; and military assistant to the Secretary of the Army. He has also served as a Congressional Fellow on Capitol Hill. A graduate of Husson College with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, he also earned a Master of Science in materiel acquisition management from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Ph.D. in business administration from Madison University.

LT. GEN. LARRY WYCHE

Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command

Lt. Gen. Larry Wyche assumed duties as the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command on April 10, 2015. In this position, Lt. Gen. Wyche also serves as senior commander, Redstone Arsenal; executive director, Conventional Ammunition; the executive director for Explosives Safety; and the chief operating officer for the Department of the Army Depot Maintenance Corporate Board. He previously served as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and the Sustainment Center of Excellence at Fort Lee, Virginia. Lt. Gen. Wyche began his career in the enlisted ranks and achieved the rank of sergeant while serving as a Cavalry Scout leader. He received his commission as a Quartermaster officer from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi ROTC, and graduated in 1983, earning

a Bachelor of Business Administration. He later earned master’s degrees in logistics management from the Florida Institute of Technology and National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His previous assignments included serving as deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations of the Army Materiel Command. Lt. Gen. Wyche also served as the commanding general of the Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command/Joint Munitions Command.

MAJ. GEN. MARCIA ANDERSON (RETIRED) Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin

Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson has served for over 35 years, and she received her second star in 2011. Most recently, she served as deputy chief of the Army Reserve and was responsible for programs and policy development affecting 205,000 soldiers and 13,000 civilian employees. Prior to that position, she served as the deputy commanding general, U. S. Army Human Resources Command, which supports over 1 million active, reserve, and retired soldiers. She has commanded at all levels through general officer. Maj. Gen. Anderson received a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. After graduating from Creighton University in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, she later earned a Juris Doctorate from the Rutgers University School of Law in 1984. Major General Anderson has a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Army War College. An active citizen-soldier, she is employed by the United States Courts, where she serves as Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin.

MAJ. GEN. PHILLIP M. CHURN

Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters, Joint Staff, Washington, DC

Maj. Gen. Phillip Churn was born in Washington, DC. He graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s College in 1983 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. He most recently served as commanding general for the 200th Military Police Command, which commands and controls more than 14,000 soldiers in 44 states; provides trained and ready soldiers and units with the combat support and combat service support capabilities necessary to support the national military strategy during peacetime, contingencies, and war; and supports the Army multi-component unit force, training with Active and National Guard units to

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

ensure all three components work as a fully integrated team. Maj. Gen. Churn’s key command assignments include brigade commander, 3rd Brigade, 104th Training Division; battalion commander, 336th MP Battalion (Combat Support); provost marshal/Military Police Task Force Battalion commander, Bright Star, Egypt; and battalion commander, 391st MP Battalion (Internment/ Resettlement). Maj. Gen. Churn’s staff assignments include deputy chief of staff, G-7, 99th Regional Readiness Command; brigade executive officer, 220th MP Brigade; brigade operations officer, 300th MP Brigade (I/R); and management analyst, Eighth U.S. Army Korea (CONUS).

MAJ. GEN. BRUCE CRAWFORD

Commanding General, U.S. Army CommunicationsElectronics Command and Senior Commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground

MAJ. GEN. JASON T. EVANS

Director of Military Personnel Management, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Army G1

Maj. Gen. Bruce Crawford was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps through ROTC from South Carolina State University in 1986. He is responsible for developing, integrating, and sustaining logistics and readiness of command, control, communications, computers, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, and mission command capabilities for joint, interagency, and multi-national forces. Previous assignments include J6, director of C4/ Cyber and chief information officer, U.S. European Command; commanding general, 5th Signal Command, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army; director of the Army Chief of Staff Coordination Group, Office of the Army Chief of Staff; commander, 516th Signal Brigade, Fort Shafter, Hawaii; and commander, 82nd Signal Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq. Decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. He earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering at South Carolina State University and a Master of Science from Central Michigan University and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

THE BLACK MILITARY EXPERIENCE

1861 - President Lincoln called for a 75,000-man militia at the start of the American Civil War.

In all, 186,000 African Americans served as federal soldiers in the Civil War (1861 to 1865), constituting 7 percent of the entire Union army. Over 30,000 Black mariners played a crucial and distinguished role in the Union war effort.

Maj. Gen. Jason Evans was born in Baltimore, MD, and was 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 in business administration from Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska. He holds master’s degrees in business administration and national resource strategy. Maj. Gen. 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 U.S. Corps, 510th Personnel Services Battalion, 1st Personnel Command, USAREUR, Installation Management Command, Multi-National Force – Iraq, and Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army.

MAJ. GEN. CHARLES HOOPER

Senior United States Defense Representative/Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy, Cairo, Egypt

Maj. Gen. Charles Hooper has been the senior U.S. defense representative and defense attaché in the U.S. Embassy Cairo, Egypt, since July 2014. Prior to his current assignment, he was director of strategy, plans, and programs, J5, United States Africa Command at Kelly Barracks, Germany; deputy director for strategic planning and policy, J-5, United States Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii; and U.S. Defense Attaché, United States Embassy, Beijing, China. Other assignments include foreign area officer chairman at

the Naval Postgraduate School; chief, Army International Affairs Division, Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, Army Staff; and senior country director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Major General Hooper was awarded the Don K. Price Award for Academic Excellence and Public Service at Harvard University and was selected to give the graduate student address at the 1989 Harvard University commencement exercise. Decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. Major General Hooper is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. He earned a Bachelor of Science at the U.S. Military Academy; a Master of Public Administration, also at Harvard University; and a Master of Science–Strategic Studies from U.S. Army War College.

U.S. ARMY

MAJ.

GEN. LAWARREN PATTERSON

Retired October 2016

Deputy Commanding General for Operations/Chief of Staff, Installation Management Command, Joint Base San Antonio

Maj. Gen. LaWarren Patterson assumed duties as deputy commanding general–Operations/Chief of Staff U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, on October 6, 2014. In 2012, he assumed command of the Army Signal Center of Excellence, which transformed into the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon on March 28, 2014. Prior to becoming the chief of signal, Maj. Gen. Patterson commanded the 7th Signal Command. As commander, he directed operations and defense of the Army’s LandWar Net in the Western Hemisphere. The 7th Signal Command provides unity of command for network operations, consolidating networks into a single network enterprise. Patterson holds a master’s degree in general administration from Central Michigan University and another in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Gen. Patterson graduated from Norfolk State University in 1982, receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps and earning a Bachelor of Science in mass communications. His first assignment was with the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as the battalion signal officer for 2/5th Cavalry (Armor) and later as a platoon leader in 13th Signal Battalion.

MAJ. GEN. BARRYE PRICE (RETIRED)

Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, United States Army Forces Command

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

Other key assignments include White House Fellow and Special Assistant to the Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and commander, 4th Personnel Services Battalion. Maj. Gen. Price served on the President and First Lady’s Task Force on “Raising Responsible and Resourceful Teenagers” and on President Clinton’s “Mississippi Delta Task Force,” which sought to revitalize the 207-county, seven-state region that comprises the Mississippi River flood plain.

MAJ. GEN. A.C. ROPER, JR.

Commanding General, 80th Training Command

Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper commands the 80th Training Command in Richmond, Virginia. Previously he commanded the 415th Chemical Brigade in Greenville, South Carolina, and was deployed during the Gulf War and during Operation Enduring Freedom, where he served as a spokesman for combat operations in southern Afghanistan. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. He is the recipient of numerous community awards. In his civilian capacity, he is the Chief of the Birmingham Police Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Troy University, a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Alabama, and a master’s in strategic studies from the Army War College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute.

MAJ. GEN. PATRICK D. SARGENT

Deputy Commanding General for Operations, U.S. Army Medical Command, JBSA, Texas

Commissioned in 1985, Maj. Gen. Barrye Price is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Houston’s College of Business Administration. In his current position, Maj. Gen. Price provides oversight of human resource policies and programs as well as unit readiness and supervision of the Ready and Resilient Campaign, Sexual Assault and Prevention Program (SHARP), Equal Opportunity (EO), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and civilian human resources. The general’s previous assignments include director, Human Resources Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, the Pentagon; deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Cadet Command; director, J-1, U.S. Forces–Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq; commander, Eastern Sector, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command; and assistant deputy chief of staff, G-1, U.S. Army Materiel Command.

Maj. Gen. Patrick Sargent is deputy commanding general (Operations), U.S. Army Medical Command, and chief, U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. He assumed his position on July 12, 2016. His most recent assignment was as commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Regional Health Command – Pacific, and he served as the CEO of the Hawaii Enhanced Multi-Service Market and Command Surgeon for U.S. Army Pacific in Hawaii. Previously, MG Sargent was the deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, for the U.S. Army Medical Command, and the commander of Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, where he led efforts to implement Soldier and Patient Centered Medical Homes. MG Sargent is board certified in healthcare administration and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit and Order of Saint

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

Michael. He is the recipient of the Tuskegee Airman Inc. prestigious Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. National Military Award. MG Sargent earned the Army Surgeon General’s prestigious 9A Proficiency Designator for being qualified as an Aeromedical Evacuation Officer. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate and received his commission and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Florida State University.

MAJ. GEN. LESLIE C. SMITH

Deputy to the Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Army

Maj. Gen. Leslie Smith is the deputy to the inspector general in the Office of the Secretary of the Army. Previously, he served as commanding general of U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Maj. Gen. Smith was a chemical corps officer and then a field artillery officer, with awards including the expert parachutists’ badge, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star with an oak leaf cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal with an oak leaf cluster.

MAJ. GEN. DARRELL K. WILLIAMS

Commanding General, Combined Arms Support Command

Ohio, Director of Logistics, Engineering and Security Assistance, J-4, Headquarters, United States Pacific Command.

MAJ. GEN. CEDRIC WINS

Commanding General U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command

Maj. Gen. Darrell Williams assumed command of Army Combined Arms Support Command/Sustainment Center of Excellence and Fort Lee, Virginia, on August 7, 2015. CASCOM, as a major subordinate command of the Training and Doctrine Command, enables the Army’s Sustainment War Fighting Function through the development and integration of concepts, doctrine, capabilities, and training. MG Williams previously commanded the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), where he was responsible for providing theater sustainment to Army forces and elements of the Joint Force throughout the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, to include Afghanistan and Iraq, under the mission command of U.S. Army Central. Maj. Gen. Williams is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Hampton Institute ROTC Program and was commissioned into the Army Quartermaster Corps in 1983. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Hampton Institute, Hampton, Virginia, and master’s degrees in military arts and sciences, national security and strategic studies, and business management (logistics). Major General Williams’ prior assignments include Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; commander, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime in Columbus,

Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins serves as commanding general of the Research, Development and Engineering Command. RDECOM has the mission to ensure overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter, and our nation. Wins graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned in the Field Artillery in July 1985. He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College, and the National War College. He holds a master’s degree in management from the Florida Institute of Technology and master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the National War College. Before his assignment as RDECOM commander, Wins served as director, Force Development, in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8. During his 30 years of service, Wins has held leadership and staff assignments in the 7th Infantry Division (Light), Fort Ord, California; the 2nd Infantry Division, 8th United States Army, Korea; Headquarters Department of the Army and the Joint Staff, the Pentagon; the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Strategic Planning, J-8, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; and the Requirement Integration Directorate, Army Capabilities Integration Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

BRIG. GEN. CARL A. ALEX

Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Forces Command

Brig. Gen. Carl Alex was assigned as assistant deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7 (Readiness), Forces Command, in June 2015. He has had experience at every level of military leadership and completed service with all five types of infantry that the Army has: air assault, airborne, mechanized, Ranger, and light infantry. He has also served as deputy chief legislative liaison in the office of Chief Legislative Liaison at the Pentagon. BG Alex joined the Army General Officer Corps from the

1914 – The First World War began in Europe. Howard University led the establishment of the Central Committee of Negro College Men and recruited from campuses and Black communities throughout the country.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

10th Mountain Division in October 2013. As deputy commanding general for support (DCG–Support) since June 2013 and during 10th Mountain Division’s deployment to Regional Command–East last year, he served as the commander of the Train, Advise, and Assist Command–Northeast. BG Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts in business from Saint Leo University, a Master of Science in defense analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Master of Military Art and Science degree from the Army War College, and a master’s degree in security and strategic studies at the National War College.

BRIG. GEN. GARY BRITO

Commanding General, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk

Brig. Gen. Gary Brito assumed command of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk on May 4, 2016. He previously served as the deputy commanding general – Operations for the 25th Infantry Division. He was commissioned an Infantry officer through Penn State University and entered active duty in March 1987. He has served in a variety of assignments, which include director, Force 2025 and Beyond, U.S. Army Capabilities and Integration Center, Training and Doctrine and Command and Operations Officer, G-3, for III Corps; commander, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division; operations officer, S-3, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment; and brigade operations officer, S-3, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Additionally, he served as an aidede-camp to the III Corps Commanding General, Fort Hood. Brito has twice served at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin; first as Company/Team and Battle-Staff Observer/Controller and later as a Senior Battalion and Brigade Combat Team Trainer. He has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

BRIG. GEN. XAVIER T. BRUNSON

Assistant Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to deputy commanding general, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York

Brig. Gen. Xavier Brunson became the 10th Mountain Division’s new deputy commanding general in May 2016. Prior, he served as the assistant commanding general of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) at U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg. The oldest son of a Fort Bragg sergeant major, BG Brunson was born at Womack Army Medical Center and raised in Fayetteville. He was commissioned as an Army officer in 1990. In 2008 he took command of the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. In addition to the 82nd Airborne, he has served with 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta and commanded the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. A Hampton University alumnus and Fayetteville, North Carolina native, Brunson was promoted Brigadier General at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville on November 12, 2015.

BRIG. GEN. PATRICK BURDEN

Deputy Program Executive Officer Ammunition and Senior Commander, Picatinny Arsenal

Brig. Gen. Patrick Burden is deputy program executive officer ammunition and senior commander of Picatinny Arsenal. He was commissioned into the Field Artillery from Alabama A&M University in 1987 and deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in January 1991 with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. BG Burden entered the Army Acquisition Corps in 1994 and served in various positions, including project officer, assistant project manager, assistant product manager, product manager, deputy for systems acquisition, and program analyst as well as program manager across two different program executive offices. Additionally, he served as a program analyst for the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology. He most recently served as the project manager for the General Fund Enterprise Business System. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in computer science from Alabama A&M University and a Master of Science in management information systems from Florida Institute of Technology.

June 18, 1917 - The first Black training camp opened in Des Moines, Iowa, with 1,250 aspiring Black officer candidates. At the close of the camp on October 17, 1917, a total of 639 men received commissions, a historical first.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

BRIG. GEN. RONALD P. CLARK

Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, United Kingdom

Ronald P. Clark was promoted to brigadier general April 24, 2015, during a ceremony at the 82nd Airborne headquarters. Clark joined the 82nd Airborne Division last month as an additional deputy commander ahead of the headquarters’ deployment to Iraq later this year. Previously, he was deputy director of strategy, plans, and policy in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7. Clark was among roughly 500 paratroopers from the headquarters to head to Iraq in June for a nine-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In August 2016 Brig. Gen. Clark was assigned as deputy chief of staff for operations, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, United Kingdom. He most recently served as deputy commanding general (Support), 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

BRIG. GEN. MICHAEL DILLARD

Commanding General, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Brig. Gen. Michael Dillard is the commanding general of the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Fort Hood, Texas. His prior assignments include deputy commander, 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command; brigade commander, 97th Training Brigade (Intermediate Level Education), 80th Training Command (Total Army School System); brigade commander, 2nd Brigade (PD), 104th Training Division (Leader Training); group commander, 2nd Battle Command Training Group. He also served as a battalion commander, 687th Quartermaster Battalion, Kuwait Combined Forces Land Coalition Component, Camp Virginia, Kuwait, and as company commander for Charlie Company, 3/318th Infantry Battalion, 4th Brigade, 80th Training Division, during Operation Desert Storm in Fort Story, Virginia. BG Dillard entered the Army in 1981 as a private. He received his commission in 1983 from the University of Richmond in Field Artillery. He earned his Masters of Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management and a Masters of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

BRIG. GEN. RAYMOND SCOTT DINGLE

Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Medical Command

Morgan State University alum Raymond Scott Dingle was promoted to Brigadier General in September 2015, making him the 16th General Officer to graduate from the school. Gen. Dingle, who is originally from Prince George’s County, has served almost 30 years in the United States Army since his graduation from Morgan State in 1988. His overseas experiences include tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and, most recently, a command post in Germany. He commissioned through the ROTC program as a Medical Service Corps Officer. Currently, he is the deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, mission command focal point and staff synchronizer, for the Army’s largest Direct Report Unit. Prior to that, he served as commander, 30th Medical Brigade. BG Dingle is a graduate of the Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course, the Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the School of Advanced Military Studies, and the National War College. His degrees include a Master of Science in administration from Central Michigan University, a Master of Military Arts and Science from School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Master of Science in national security strategy from the National War College.

BRIG. GEN. RICHARD DIX

Commanding General, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, New Cumberland, PA

Brig. Gen. Richard Dix assumed command of the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution on May 29, 2014. From July 2009 to July 2010, he commanded the 401st Army Field Support Brigade in Afghanistan. He later served as the executive officer to the deputy chief of staff, G-4, from July 2012 to August 2013. Dix comes to Defense Logistics Agency Distribution after having served as the director of Strategy and Integration, G-4/5/7, for the deputy chief of staff of the Army, G-4. He attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he also received a Master of Arts in procurement and acquisition management from Webster University. He is a 2009 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. In 1987 he graduated from South Carolina State University’s Army ROTC Program as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in marketing.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

BRIG. GEN. NORMAN GREEN

Deputy Commanding General, 377th Theater Sustainment Command

Brig. Gen. Norman Green currently serves as the deputy commanding general of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command (TSC). The 377th TSC is the largest command in the U.S. Army Reserve, with more than 36,000 soldiers, 900 civilians, and 442 units in 39 states. General Green is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He attended South Carolina State University and was commissioned as an infantry officer through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in 1985. General Green holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Central Michigan University and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Army War College. He has served in various command and staff positions within the Army and in Joint Force commands and organizations. His combat deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He most recently served as the Commanding General of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

BRIG. GEN. URAL D. GLANVILLE

Chief Judge, United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals, U.S. Army Legal Services Agency

Brig. Gen. Ural Glanville has served as the chief judge, United States Army Legal Services Agency, since 2013. Prior to being selected chief judge, U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, he was the commanding general of the NATO Rule of Law Support Mission/Rule of Law Field Force–Afghanistan. Throughout his military career, BG Glanville has served in several key positions, including senior legal opinions officer, chief of operational and civil law for the 2125th Garrison Support Unit (XVIII Airborne Corps), Command Judge Advocate for the 359th Signal Brigade, and Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) for the 335th Signal Command prior to his deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a civilian, BG Glanville became a Superior Court judge in Fulton County, Georgia’s busiest trial court of general jurisdiction. Judge Glanville’s duties include trial of cases involving felony offenses, equity, and cases regarding title to land. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he was commissioned in 1984, when he began his 31 years of military service. BG Glanville is a highly decorated General Officer whose military education includes an MA in strategic studies from the Army War College, a J.D. from the University of Georgia (UGA), a BA in history from UGA, and an AA from Brevard College.

BRIG. GEN. CHARLES R. HAMILTON

Commander, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support

Brig. Gen. Charles R. Hamilton assumed command of Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support on July 13, 2015. Under his leadership, DLA Troop Support provides $13 billion worth annually of food, clothing and textiles, construction and engineering equipment, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and equipment, and industrial hardware items for America’s warfighters and other valued customers worldwide.

To accomplish the mission, Brig. Gen. Hamilton oversees a global workforce of approximately 2,900 civilian and military personnel.

He has served in key logistics leadership positions throughout his career, including during two deployments to Afghanistan. He is a graduate of the Army’s Airborne, Air Assault, and rigger schools. He most recently served as the executive officer to the Army’s top logistician.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

BRIG. GEN. FREDERICK HENRY

Chief of Staff, Defense Information Systems Agency

Brig. Gen. Frederick Henry has been assigned to a number of positions in the chemical corps and computer information systems areas of the Army, including chief of the Information Assurance Division, Department of the Army Inspector General Agency and operations officer at a chemical and biological division of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Prior to assignment as deputy commander of the Network Enterprise Technology Command, he was chief of the Information Assurance Branch of the Army Inspector General’s Office. He is the first officer of the Army’s Information Systems Management functional area. He graduated from Fitchburg State College in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology with a minor in marketing. He earned master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Maryland University System (Bowie State) and in national strategic studies from the United States Army War College. Brig. Gen. Henry took up his new assignment as chief of staff, Defense Information Systems Agency, in July 2012.

BRIG. GEN. KENNETH HUBBARD

Director for Resources & Capabilities Integration, J8, United States Cyber Command

Brig. Gen. Kenneth Hubbard is the son of a career Army officer and a 1986 graduate of the South Carolina State Army ROTC Program. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the National Defense University. His military education includes the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the U.S. Air Command and Staff College. He has served in many command and staff positions at all levels of the Army. He served as the director for resource management, G-8, Army Installation Management Command, the director of the Army Budget’s Operations and Support Directorate, where he managed billions of dollars for the Department of the Army. He also provided billions of dollars for U.S. military forces and their allies as the U.S. Forces Afghanistan Comptroller, J-8, and the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, G-8. Hubbard served as the 1st Infantry Division comptroller, G-8; had a NATO assignment as Joint Plans Officer in Croatia/Bosnia; and worked as contingency operations budget analyst in the Army Budget Office and in the Joint Chief of Staff’s, J-8, Brigadier.

BRIG. GEN. MITCHELL KILGO

Chief Information Officer, G-6, U.S. Army Forces Command

Brig. Gen. Mitchell Kilgo serves as chief information officer, G-6, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg. He was commissioned in 1987 and entered active duty in 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and natural sciences from Virginia Union University in 1987, a Master of Science in systems technology (Joint Command, Control, and Communications) from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1995, and a Master of Science in national security strategy from the National War College in 2009. BG Kilgo has served in a variety of command and staff positions. Some of the highlights include signal officer, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division; commander, Support Company, 1111th Signal Battalion; commander, 78th Signal Battalion, G-6, U.S. Army Japan, Camp Zama, Japan; commander, 2nd Signal Brigade, Wiesbaden, Germany; executive officer to the commanding general, United States Africa Command; and commander, 5th Theater Signal Command, Wiesbaden, Germany.

BRIG. GEN. RONALD KIRKLIN

Commandant, U.S. Army Quartermaster School

Brig. Gen. Ronald Kirklin is currently serving as the 53rd Quartermaster General and Commandant of the U.S. Army Quartermaster School. Previously, he served as the chief of current operations, Central Command, J-4, Tampa, Florida, from January 2012 to June 2014. From June 2009 to January 2012 he commanded 4th Sustainment Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas, where he deployed the Brigade to Operation New Dawn and served as the final Sustainment Brigade to close out sustainment and retrograde operations in Iraq. He also commanded the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Mississippi Valley State University in 1987. He holds a master’s degree from Kansas State University and a master’s degree from the United States Army War College.

1939 – World War II began.

July 1941 – The first aviation cadet class began and completed training nine months later.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

BRIG. GEN. JONATHAN MCCOLUMN

Commanding General, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Brig. Gen. Jonathan J. McColumn serves as the commander, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Des Moines, IA. Recognized as a distinguished military student and recipient of the General Marshall Award, he graduated and was commissioned from Georgia Military College as a Second Lieutenant. Upon completing Georgia College with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, he entered the U.S. Army. During his 28 years of service, he has served as a logistician and in the Army Acquisition Corps (Contracting). His military education includes the Quartermaster Officer Basic, Combined Logistics Officer Advanced, and Logistics Executive Development Courses, Senior Manager Course in Strategic Studies at the Army War College. He has completed master’s degrees in business administration, education, and strategic studies. BG McColumn’s service includes assignments or deployments in Germany, Greece, Japan, Kuwait, Iraq, Thailand, Philippines, and Japan. BG McColumn’s highest military award is the Bronze Star Medal. He also earned the Army, Parachutist, Air Assault, and Staff Identification Badges and received the General MacArthur Leadership Award.

BRIG. GEN. DONNA MARTIN

Deputy Commanding General for Operations, U.S. Army Recruiting Command

Brig. Gen. Donna Martin has served as the deputy commanding general – operations, Army Recruiting Command, since March 2015. Prior to that, she was chief of investigation, Inspector General Agency. She has commanded twice at the brigade level, leading the 202nd Military Police Group (CID) and followed immediately by the Rear Detachment, 18th Military Police Brigade. Other positions include platoon leader, 66th Military Police Company; commander, Fort Belvoir Military Police Company; executive officer, 102nd Military Police Detachment (CID); executive officer, 3rd Military Police Battalion; branch chief, U.S. Pacific Command, J-34, Antiterrorism/ Force Protection Directorate; commander of the 385th Military Police Battalion; and inspector general, 3rd Infantry Division. Brig. Gen. Martin graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1988. She is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College.

BRIG. GEN. GREGORY D. MASON

Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Missouri National Guard

Brig. Gen. Gregory D. Mason was assigned as the assistant adjutant general – Army, Joint Force Headquarters, Jefferson City, Missouri, in February 2011. As the assistant adjutant general, his duties include assisting the adjutant general in the formulation, development, and implementation of all programs and policies in the Missouri Army National Guard. He was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Kansas Army National Guard Officer Candidate School in June 1987. He has held command leadership positions at company, battalion, and brigade levels. Brig. Gen. Mason served as the senior intelligence officer for the 35th Engineer Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2007–2008. The brigade conducted combat engineer operations throughout the central Iraq area of operations, including Baghdad. He received a master’s degree in strategic studies in 2007 from the Army War College.

BRIG. GEN. BARBARA LYNNE OWENS

Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Human Resources Command

Brig. Gen. Barbara Lynne Owens is a 30-year veteran of the Army Reserve. As deputy commanding general of the largest human resources organization in the world, she ensures Human Resources Command provides the spectrum of human resources services to soldiers, veterans, retirees, and Army families. The command manages soldier schooling, promotions, awards, records, transfers, appointments, benefits, and casualty affairs— one agency managing soldiers’ entire careers from the day they enter basic training until retirement and beyond. Prior to her arrival in Kentucky, she was the U.S. Army Reserve Command, G-1, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A resident of Mississippi, Owens earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in human resources from Webster University, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. ARMY

BRIG. GEN. BERTRAM C. PROVIDENCE, MD

Command Surgeon, U.S. Army Forces Command

In May 2016 Brig. Gen. Bertram C. Providence was assigned as commanding general, Regional Health Command – Pacific (Provisional); command surgeon, U.S. Army Pacific; and senior market manager, Hawaii Enhanced Multi-Service Market, Honolulu, Hawaii. He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Saint John’s University in Queens, New York, graduating magna cum laude. A Distinguished Military Graduate, Brigadier General Providence was commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He holds a medical degree from the Uniformed Services University, a master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on healthcare from the George Washington University School of Business, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, is board certified in Adult Reconstruction Orthopedics, and holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. He completed a fellowship in lower extremity reconstruction (hip and knee arthroplasty) at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California.

BRIG. GEN. MICHEL M. RUSSELL SR.

Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, C-4/J-4

United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command

U.S. Forces Korea, the Republic of Korea

BG Russell enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1983 as a field artilleryman and was commissioned as a 2LT from Fordham University ROTC. After serving in the Air Defense Artillery branch, in 1991 BG Russell was detailed to the Ordnance Corps. BG Russell has held several command and staff positions, from platoon leader through brigade command. His distinguished career consists of three combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He became the 28th Chief of Transportation and Commandant of the U.S. Army’s Transportation School on June 4, 2015. BG Russell currently holds three master’s degrees, is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified, and is designated by the International Society of Logistics as a Demonstrated Master Logistician.

BRIG. GEN. JAMES E. SIMPSON

Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement and Director of Contracting

Brig. Gen. James Simpson is the deputy to the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for procurement and director of Contracting. Prior, he was the commander, Central Command Joint Theater Support Contracting Command, Afghanistan. He has served in numerous command and staff positions, including deputy chief of contracting management, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, DC; senior contracting official – Iraq, Joint Theater Support contracting command; deputy project manager, Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, Virginia; commander, Defense Contract Management Agency, Pennsylvania; and various Air Defense assignments in the United States and overseas. Brigadier General Simpson earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from Lander University in 1985. He holds a Master of Science in public administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He also earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

BRIG. GEN. C. DAVID TURNER

Commander, South Atlantic Division

Brig. Gen. C. David Turner became commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, on July 24, 2014. He previously commanded the South Pacific Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Prior assignments include chief of staff, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; chief of staff for Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435, Afghanistan; commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District, Seoul, South Korea; and many other command and staff assignments in the United States and overseas. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematical sciences. He also holds a Master of Science degree in industrial engineering from Wichita State University and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College. He is a Harvard Senior Executive Fellow.

From 1942 through 1946, a total of 992 pilots graduated at Tuskegee Army Air Field, receiving commissions and pilot wings.

During the Second World War, 996 pilots and 15,000 ground personnel in Black units served the United States of America.

By the end of war, the Tuskegee Airmen would be credited with 15,500 combat sorties and earn over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses for their achievements.

BRIG. GEN. DONNA R. WILLIAMS

Deputy Commanding General – Support, 412th Theater Engineer Command, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Brig. Gen. Donna Williams is deputy commanding general – Support at 412th Theater Engineer Command, Vicksburg, Mississippi. She received her Army ROTC Commission from Jackson State University. Her past assignments include garrison commander, Fort Hunter Liggett, California; Force Management Division Chief, United States Army Reserve Command at Fort Bragg; operations officer, executive officer, and commander, 926th Engineer Battalion, Birmingham, Alabama; logistics civil augmentation program support officer, Operation Iraqi Freedom; engineer organizational Integrator and branch chief, Army Reserve Command, Atlanta, Georgia; commander, Company A and Company B of the 411th Engineer Battalion, Maui, Hawaii; and operations officer of the 493rd Engineer Group, Dallas, Texas. BG Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Jackson State University, Master of Business Administration in information technology and military management from Touro University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

Top Black Officers in the U.S.

U.S. AIR FORCE

GEN. DARREN W. MCDEW

Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

Gen. Darren McDew is commander, U.S. Transportation Command. The command is the single manager for global air, land, and sea transportation for the U.S. Department of Defense. Gen. McDew was commissioned in 1982 following his graduation from Virginia Military Institute. He began his flying career at Loring Air Force Base, Maine. His staff assignments include serving as a member of the Air Force Chief of Staff Operations Group, Air Force aide to the President, the chief of the U.S. Air Force Senate Liaison Division, and the director of Air Force Public Affairs. Gen. McDew also served as vice director for strategic plans and policy for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He then served as the commander of the 18th Air Force, Scott AFB, and has commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels as well as an Air Force direct reporting unit. He has deployed in support of operations in Central and Southwest Asia as an air expeditionary group commander and later as the director of mobility forces. Prior to his current assignment, Gen. McDew was the commander of the 18th Air Force, Scott AFB. Most recently, he served as commander of Air Mobility Command, whose mission is to provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America’s armed forces. The command also plays a role in humanitarian support at home and around the world. The men and women of AMC—active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and civilians—provide airlift, aerial refueling, and special air mission and aeromedical evacuation.

THE BLACK MILITARY EXPERIENCE

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. AIR FORCE

LT. GEN. SAMUEL A. GREAVES

Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base

Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves is the commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. He is responsible for more than 5,000 employees nationwide and an annual budget of $6 billion. As the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space, General Greaves manages the research, design, development, acquisition, and sustainment of satellites and the associated command and control systems. His portfolio includes military satellite communication, missile warning, navigation and timing, space-based weather, space launch and test ranges, certification for launch, space superiority, responsive space, and other emerging evolutionary space programs. Gen. Greaves was commissioned in 1982 through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program after he graduated from Cornell University. He has held a variety of assignments in operational, acquisition, and staff units, including assignments at Headquarters Air Combat Command, at the National Reconnaissance Office, and on the Air Staff within the Directorate of Operational Requirements and the Air Force Colonel Matters Office. He commanded the 45th Launch Group at Patrick AFB, Florida, and the Launch and Range Systems Wing and Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing at Los Angeles AFB, California. The general also served as vice commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, and then as director, Strategic Plans, Programs and Analyses, Headquarters Air Force Space Command.

LT. GEN. CHARLES Q. BROWN JR.

Deputy Commander for the U.S. Central Command

Lt Gen. Charles Brown is deputy commander for U.S. Central Command. General Brown was commissioned in 1984 as a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program at Texas Tech University. He has served in a variety of positions at the squadron and wing level, including an assignment to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School as an F-16 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 director, Operations, U.S. Central Command. He also served as National Defense Fellow at the Institute for Defense Analyses, Alexandria, Virginia. The general is a command pilot with more than 2,900 flying hours, including 120 combat hours. Prior to his current assignment, he served as the commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command.

LT. GEN. STAYCE D. HARRIS

Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Washington, DC

Lt. Gen. Stayce Harris is the assistant vice chief of staff and director at Air Staff Headquarters, U.S. Air Force in Washington, DC. She also serves as deputy chairman of the Air Force Council and is the Air Force accreditation official for the international Corps of Air Attachés. Gen. Harris received a commission in the Air Force through the University of Southern California’s Air Force ROTC program. Her staff assignments include serving as a mobility force planner for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations and as Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. She has commanded an airlift squadron, an expeditionary operations group, and an air-refueling wing. Prior to her current position, she served as the commander, 22nd Air Force, Dobbins Air Force Base in Georgia. She also served as the mobilization assistant to the commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. In her civilian occupation, she is a commercial airline pilot flying routes to Asia and Europe.

MAJ. GEN. (DR.) ROOSEVELT ALLEN

Director, Medical Operations and Research, and Chief of the Dental Corps

Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Roosevelt Allen is the director, Medical Operations and Research, and chief of the Dental Corps, Office of the Surgeon General. Maj. Gen. Allen is responsible for executing health care policy in support of 44,000 personnel and 75 medical treatment facilities, with a budget of more than $6.4 billion. General Allen ensures a quality, costeffective, preventative-based health care continuum for 2.6 million beneficiaries worldwide. He is also responsible for providing guidance for the Air Force Medical Service research and acquisitions, translating the Air Force Surgeon General Vision into initiatives addressing and closing AFMS capability gaps. He provides direct oversight for the programming, planning, budgeting, and execution of the AMS Medical Modernization portfolio, which

U.S. AIR FORCE

comprised $68.3 million in operations and maintenance; $44.7 million in annual research development, test, and evaluation funding; and 482 military and civilian positions. As chief of the Dental Corps, General Allen provides policy and operational advice to the Air Force Surgeon General on matters involving the dental practice of 1,000 dentists and 2,500 technicians. Prior to this assignment, General Allen served as the commander, 79th Medical Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. General Allen received a direct commission in 1986.

MAJ. GEN. MARK A. BROWN

Commander, Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi

Maj. Gen. Mark Brown is the commander, Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base. He is responsible for the development, oversight, and direction of all operational aspects of basic military training, initial skills training, and advanced technical training for the U.S. Air Force enlisted force and support officers. Second Air Force provides training in more than 265 Air Force specialties through 2,014 courses graduating 150,000 airmen, soldiers, sailors, Marines, and international students annually in diverse areas, including aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, medical, cyber, avionics, space, and missile operations/maintenance. The command includes training wings at Keesler AFB, Mississippi; Sheppard and Goodfellow Air Force Bases, Texas; Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, Texas; a training group at Vandenberg AFB, California; and 103 operating locations around the world. Second Air Force also oversees all U.S. Air Force Airmen throughout the Joint Expeditionary Tasking/Individual Augmentee training pipeline at Army training sites across the country. General Brown was commissioned through the ROTC program at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama, and entered active duty in 1986. Prior, he was the comptroller for Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, with responsibility for 38 percent of the Air Force budget, totaling approximately $60 billion.

MAJ. GEN. RICHARD M. CLARK

Commander, Eighth Air Force Base (Air Forces Strategic), Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana

operations for the U.S. Transportation Command. Gen. Clark also commands Task Force 204, which oversees the Air Force nuclear bomber and reconnaissance activities in support of the U.S. Transportation Command. Gen. Clark graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986. His commands include the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and 12th Flying Training Wing, Randolph AFB, Texas. He has also served as the vice commander, 8th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and commandant of cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy. Prior to his current assignment, he served as vice commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and was senior defense official, defense attaché, in Cairo, Egypt. Gen. Clark is a command pilot with 4,200 flight hours, primarily in the B-1 bomber.

MAJ. GEN. ANTHONY J. COTTON

Commander, Twentieth Air Force, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Commander, Task Force 214, U.S. Strategic Command

Maj. Gen. Richard Clark is the commander, Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and Joint Functional Component commander for Global Strike, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB in Nebraska. The “Mighty Eighth” serves as the air component headquarters to the Transportation Command for strategic deterrence and global strike and operates the transportation command’s Joint Air Operations Center. The Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike plans and executes strategic deterrence and global strike

Maj. Gen. Anthony Cotton is commander, Twentieth Air Force, Air Force Global Strike Command, and commander, Task Force 214, U.S. Strategic Command, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. General Cotton is responsible for the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile force, which is organized into three operational wings. In addition, General Cotton oversees the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, which provides support to the nuclear operation and mission partners. General Cotton entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 1986, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University. He served as deputy director of the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force Executive Action Group and as senior military assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. He has commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels, serving as vice commander and commander of the 341st Missile Wing, commander of the 45th Space Wing, and director of the Eastern Range. Prior to his current assignment, General Cotton served as the deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Virginia.

1968 – Prairie View A&M University became the first historically Black college to host the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) Program

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. AIR FORCE

MAJ. GEN. SELECT CEDRIC D. GEORGE

Deputy Director of Resource Integration, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force

Major General Cedric D. George is the Deputy Director of Resource Integration and Logistics Chief Information Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. He is responsible for the planning, programming and budgeting of weapons systems sustainment, equipment and logistics and installations resource requirements. As part of the Air Force corporate structure, he monitors the performance of operations and maintenance, working capital funds and investment programs, participates in the program and financial review groups and advocates for financial adjustments to optimize force readiness. He oversees preparation and defense of these Air Force programs to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of Management and Budget, and Congress.

BRIG. GEN. TRENT EDWARDS

Commander, 37th Training Wing, Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, Texas

Brig. Gen. Trent Edwards commands the largest training wing in the Air Force, comprising more than 16,000 students and permanent party airmen. Known as the “Gateway to the Air Force,” it consists of three groups, two academies, and one center, which graduates more than 85,000 students annually from more than 450 technical training courses. General Edwards entered the Air Force in 1990 after graduating from North Carolina A&T State University. He has commanded two comptroller squadrons, a mission support group, and an air base wing. He served in key Air Force and Secretary of Defense Staff positions, such as aide de camp to the commander, Air Education and Training Command, and senior military assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller. He has extensive congressional experience and was assigned to the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Legislative Liaison as the Chief of Congressional Affairs and served as a National Defense Fellow to a member of Congress. He is a joint qualified officer.

MAJ. GEN. JAMES C. JOHNSON

Director of the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)

Brig. Gen. James Johnson is the Commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph, Texas. The Air Force Recruiting Service is comprised of more than 2,600 Airmen and civilians in more than 1,200 recruiting offices across the United States and abroad. He is responsible for all enlisted accessions and a variety of officer accession programs. AFRS also manages all strategic marketing for the U.S. Air Force. General Johnson entered the Air Force through the University of Puget Sound ROTC program in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He served in operational positions supporting the U.S. Air Force in Europe and Air Mobility Command and completed numerous leadership assignments at the squadron, wing, major command, Headquarters Air Force, as well as Joint Command levels at U.S. Transportation Command, Central Command, and Special Operations Command. Prior to his current position, General Johnson served as Director for Logistics, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany.

BRIG. GEN. FARRIS HILL

Mobilization Assistant to the Director, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, DC

Brig. Gen. Farris “Carlos” Hill is the mobilization assistant to the director, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon. The directorate is the liaison between the Air Force and Congress on all programs, air and space weapons systems, and issues such as legislative and constituent inquiries. General Hill collaborates directly with the House of Representatives and Senate to ensure full authorization of the Air Force’s $145 billion annual budget. He also prepares the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force for engagements and testimonies on Capitol Hill. General Hill received his commission into the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in 1986. Prior to assuming his current role, Gen. Hill was the director of policy integration, Office of the Air Force Reserve, the Pentagon, Washington, DC.

U.S. AIR FORCE

BRIG. GEN. ALLEN J. JAMERSON

Director of Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

BRIG. GEN. BRIAN S. ROBINSON

Commander, 618th Air Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center), Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

Brig. Gen. Allen Jamerson is the focal point for ensuring the physical security of Air Force nuclear assets and planning and programming for more than 37,000 Active-Duty and Reserve component security forces at locations worldwide. He provides policy and oversight for protecting Air Force resources from terrorism, criminal acts, sabotage, and acts of war and ensures security forces are trained, equipped, and ready to support contingency and exercise plans. Gen. Jamerson entered the Air Force in 1986 after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He was also commissioned as an AFROTC distinguished graduate. Gen. Jamerson held a staff position at Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado, and commanded security forces squadrons at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He also commanded the 90th Security Forces Group at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, was vice commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, and commanded the 72nd Air Base Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

BRIG. GEN. RANDALL REED

Deputy Director of Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

Brig. Gen. Brian Robinson is the commander, 618th Air Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center), Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The 618th AOC (TACC) is responsible for operational planning, scheduling, directing, and assessing a fleet of approximately 1,100 aircraft in support of combat delivery and strategic airlift, air refueling, and aeromedical operations around the world. Gen. Robinson is a native of Philadelphia and earned his Bachelor of Science in computer science from Philadelphia University in 1987. Later that year, he received his commission from Air Force Officer Training School. He attended undergraduate pilot training and later served as a T-38B First Assignment Instructor Pilot before moving on to a series of operational assignments in the C-130E/H/J and the C-17A, representing the full range of tactical and strategic airlift and aerial delivery. Gen. Robinson is a command pilot and U.S. Air Force weapons officer with more than 4,300 hours in airlift and trainer aircraft.

BRIG. GEN. CURTIS L. WILLIAMS

Brig. Gen. Randall Reed assists the director with responsibilities for force structure planning, programming, doctrine, and requirements for the nation’s airlift and air refueling force. Brig. Gen. Reed was nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general in February 2015 as commander, 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Light Fighter Air Assault School. He is a command pilot with more than 3,500 hours in the C-141B, KC-135R/T, B-1B, RC-135V/W, E-8C, C-130, and C-5A aircraft. He has commanded two expeditionary operations groups and a flying training squadron. Additionally, he held a variety of joint, wing, and major command headquarters positions, including assignments in strategic airlift, maintenance, special operations air refueling, and the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force. Prior to his current assignment, he served as the commander, 379th Expeditionary Operations Group, Southwest Asia.

Director of Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base Brig. Gen. Curtis L. Williams is director of installations and mission support, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the command’s in-garrison and expeditionary agile combat support, which supports more than 70,000 airmen and consists of more than 350 aircraft assigned to three numbered air forces, 33 wings, three flying groups, and one space wing. The command has assets at nine primary and 61 tenant locations with a $6.4 billion average plant replacement value and a $220 million annual operating budget. The general enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1976 under the delayed enlistment program. He left active duty in 1984 and entered the ROTC program at Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas. He received his commission in 1986, along with his master’s degree in public administration. He has held leadership and command positions at the squadron, wing, and numbered air force levels.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. AIR FORCE

BRIGADIER GENERAL STACEY T. HAWKINS

Brig. Gen.

Stacey T. Hawkins is Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters Air Mobility Command (AMC), Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He is responsible to the Commander, Air Mobility Command for leadership, management, and integration of total forc logistics, engineering, and force protection activities across the global mobility air forces enterprise. His directorate also provides direct support to 18th Air Force, AMC’s sole warfighting numbered air force, and the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, the Air Force’s Center of Excellence for enroute, contingency response, and partnership capacity building mission sets.

General Hawkins grew up in Bastrop, Louisiana, and is a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has commanded an aircraft maintenance squadron, expeditionary maintenance group, and air base wing in addition to serving as Installation Commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He also has broad experience leading combat aircraft maintenance and logistics organizations to include serving as deputy commander of an Air Force Sustainment Center air logistics complex. The general has twice served in special duty assignments as a U.S. Air Force Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman and as maintenance officer for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

General Hawkins’ staff assignments include Pentagon tours, as an Air Force intern, in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for Public Affairs and in the Headquarters Air Staff Directorate for Aircraft and Munitions Maintenance. After serving as a presidentially appointed

White House Fellow at the U.S. Small Business Administration, he was named special adviser for defense policy and intelligence programs to the Vice President of the United States at the White House.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. NAVY

ADM. CECIL D. HANEY (RETIRED 2016) Commander, U.S. Strategic Command

Adm. Cecil Haney is commander of the United States Strategic Command. He is responsible for the global command and control of U.S. strategic forces to meet national security objectives. USSTRATCOM provides a range of strategic capabilities for the President and Secretary of Defense. The command’s mission is to ensure that the United States has a credible nuclear deterrent. The admiral is responsible for synchronizing space, cyberspace, missile defense, intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance across the military. Previously, Adm. Haney commanded 125,000 sailors, Marines, and civilians who operate 180 ships and 2,000 aircraft in the Pacific fleet. Other assignments include division officer positions on USS John C. Calhoun, and USS Frank Cable, where he completed surface warfare qualifications while serving as a radiological controls officer. He also served as an engineer on USS Hyman G. Rickover, as an executive officer on USS Asheville, and as an assistant squadron deputy at Submarine Squadron Eight before taking command of the USS Honolulu. He commanded Submarine Squadron One from June 2002 to July 2004 and Submarine Group Two from October 2006 to March 2008. His shore duty tours include service as an administrative assistant for enlisted affairs at Naval Reactors and congressional appropriations liaison officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (comptroller). Other positions include deputy chief of staff, plans, policies and requirements, U.S. Pacific Fleet; director, Submarine Warfare Division; director, Naval Warfare Integration Group; and deputy commander, Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. A native of Washington, DC, Haney graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in ocean engineering. He earned master’s degrees in engineering acoustics and system technology from the Naval Post Graduate School and a master’s degree in national security strategy from the National Defense University.

ADM. MICHELLE HOWARD

Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa

As Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Adm. Michelle Howard’s area of responsibility (AOR) encompasses 105 countries with a combined population of more than 1 billion people. It covers more than 20 million square nautical miles of ocean, touches three continents and encompasses more than 67 percent of the Earth’s coastline, and nearly 40 percent of the world’s population. The AOR covers half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the North Pole to Antarctica, all of Russia and Europe, and nearly the entire continent of Africa. Adm. Howard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982. While serving on an initial sea tour, she received the secretary of the Navy/Navy League Captain Winifred Collins award in May 1987. This award is given to one woman officer a year for outstanding leadership. In 1990, she served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and assumed duties as first lieutenant on board the USS Flint in 1992. In 1996, she became the executive officer of USS Tortuga and deployed to the Adriatic in support of Operation Joint Endeavor, a peacekeeping effort in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. Sixty days after returning from the Mediterranean deployment, Tortuga departed on a West African training cruise, where the ship’s Sailors, with embarked Marines and U.S. Coast Guard detachment, operated with the naval services of seven African nations. She was the first black woman to command a ship — the amphibious dock landing ship Rushmore in 1999 — and went on to command Amphibious Squadron 7 and later Expeditionary Strike Group 2. Deploying with Expeditionary Strike Group 5, operations included tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia. In July 2014, Howard became the Navy’s first female four-star. Her shore assignments include service as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. NAVY

VICE ADM. JAMES CRAWFORD III

Judge Advocate General, Judge Advocate General’s Corps

Vice Adm. James Crawford became the 43rd Judge Advocate General of the Navy in June 2015. As judge advocate general, Crawford is the principal military legal counsel to the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations. He serves as the Department of Defense representative for Ocean Policy Affairs, and he leads the 2,300 attorneys, enlisted legal men, and civilian employees of the Navy JAG Corps community. Before his appointment to flag rank, he served as special counsel to the chief of naval operations, as the senior staff judge advocate for the commander, U.S. Pacific Command, and as the fleet judge advocate for U.S. Seventh Fleet. He also served at Navy Personnel Command, the Office of the Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Naval War College, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, the Naval Justice School, and Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight. Crawford graduated from Belmont Abbey College and the University of North Carolina, School of Law. From 2007 to 2011 he served as legal counsel to the chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. From 2011 to 2012 he was commander, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Rule of Law Field Support Mission/Rule of Law Field Force–Afghanistan. Before his appointment to flag rank, he was the special counsel to the chief of naval operations, the senior staff judge advocate for commander, U.S. Pacific Command, and the fleet judge advocate for U.S. 7th Fleet. In command, he served as commanding officer, Region Legal Service Office Southeast.

VICE ADM. KEVIN SCOTT

Vice Director J7, Joint Force Development, Joint Staff

Vice Rear Adm. Kevin Scott is vice director J7 for joint force development on the Joint Staff. A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, and New York City, Scott was designated a naval aviator in 1984. Under his command, Helicopter Mine Counter Measures Squadron 14 was awarded the 2001 Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet Battle “E” Efficiency Award. He served the Mine Countermeasures Squadron One as commodore and was a commander of the Expeditionary Strike Group 2. Other assignments include HM-14 legal officer, aircraft division officer, and maintenance test pilot (1985–1987); flight deck officer aboard USS Inchon; and HM-14 admin officer, operations officer and detachment officer in charge (1994–1996). Ashore, he was air combat placement officer, Bureau of Naval Personnel; wing operations officer, Commander Tactical Wing Atlantic; military aide to the vice president (1997–1999); current

operations chief and division chief, Joint Forces Command; director of aviation officer Distribution Division, Naval Personnel Command; and acting director, Expeditionary Warfare Division, Washington, DC. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, Naval Postgraduate School, Naval War College, and the Joint Forces Staff College. He holds a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies.

REAR ADM. KELVIN DIXON

Deputy Commander, Navy Surface Force Atlantic

Rear Adm. Kelvin Dixon is reserve deputy commander, Navy Surface Force Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia. Prior to that, he served as vice commander, Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command, Bahrain. A civilian-sailor, he is a corporate vice president of Risk Management for Matheson Gas, Inc. In 1991 he participated in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as operations officer for the United Nations Mission headquartered in Kuwait. He assisted in the establishment of checkpoints and managed the movement of all military and civilian personnel throughout Kuwait and Iraq. He was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was responsible for protecting shipping in the Persian Gulf, and he was chief of biometrics, with responsibility for identification and verification, and director, Iraqi Training, Advising, Operations Mission–Navy and Marine building the Iraqi Navy and Marines. He graduated from Prairie View A&M University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in management.

REAR ADM. STEPHEN C. EVANS

Commander, Naval Service Training Command

Rear Adm. Stephen Evans took command of the Naval Service Training Command in July 2015. The Naval Service Training Command prepares volunteers for the fleet. As commander, Evans oversees initial training of Navy recruits, the Recruit Training Command, Officer Training Command, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. Prior to that, Rear Adm. Evans served as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy. He handed over command of Destroyer Squadron Fifty in June 2013 before taking up assignment at the Pentagon. Rear Admiral Evans is the son of a United States Marine and a native of Beaufort, South Carolina. He graduated from the Citadel in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts. He holds a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College and was a 2014–2015 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. NAVY

REAR ADM. VINCENT GRIFFITH

Supply Corps, United States Navy; Commander, Navy

Supply Global Logistics Support

Rear Adm. Vincent Griffith graduated in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Berry College. Two years later, he received a master’s degree in business administration from the George Washington University. His sea duty assignments include service as a supply officer on USS Saratoga, USS Stonewall Jackson, and USS John C. Stennis. Ashore, his tours include the Naval Supply Center, Naval Supply Systems Command, the Defense Logistics Agency, the Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia, the Office of Chief of Naval Operations N81 Staff, and Naval Air Station Lemoore. He has commanded Naval Air Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, and was commanding officer, Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, he has served as commander, Naval Air Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, and commander, Defense Logistics Agency, Aviation. His most recent assignment was director, fleet ordnance and supply, and fleet supply officer on the staff of commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. He is a member of the Navy Acquisition Professional community.

REAR ADM. KEITH M. JONES

Commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Rear Adm. Keith Jones is a qualified Expeditionary Supply Corps officer and Seabee Combat Warfare officer. He served active duty aboard USS Enterprise and has completed reserve staff tours at Naval Supply Center, Oakland, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17; Freight Terminal Unit B211, 1st Naval Construction Regiment; commander, Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force; Naval Reserve Readiness Command MidAtlantic; 1st Naval Construction Division and commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group. Jones was recalled to active duty at Commander, United States Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later in a dual-hatted role as commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Forward Mike and commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Task Group 56.3 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and the final U.S. drawdown from Iraq in Operation New Dawn. Jones’ previous flag assignment was reserve director, Logistics Programs and Business Operations, N41, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1984.

REAR ADM. WILLIE METTS

Director for Intelligence, U.S. Pacific Command

Rear Adm. Willie Metts assumed his current position as director for intelligence at the Pacific Command in 2013. Prior to that, he was deputy chief of tailored access operations at the National Security Agency. He graduated from Savannah State University with a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology. After his commission, he completed ship deployments to the Mediterranean and Red Seas, with combat operations during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was a cryptologic resource coordinator for Carrier Group 2 and deputy director in the Collections and Information Acquisitions Division. In 2004 Metts completed the Harvard University Senior Executive Fellows Program. A year later, he was named special assistant to the commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and in 2006 he reported for duty as the commanding officer of the Navy Information Operations Command. Following that, he was assigned to the Navy Personnel Command as a division director for the Information Dominance Corps and Foreign Area Officer Assignments. In August 2010 Metts reported to United State Cyber Command as Director of Intelligence.

REAR ADM. FERNANDEZ “FRANK”

PONDS

Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three

Rear Adm. Fernandez Ponds (retired) is a native of Alabama and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree from University of Alabama, receiving his commission from Officer Candidate School in June 1983. Ponds commanded Amphibious Squadron Eight from 2007 to 2009. As commander of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group, he led four numbered fleet areas in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, counter piracy operations, and Operation Sea Angel II–Bangladesh humanitarian assistance/disaster relief. He also served as the mission commander for two operations in 2008: Operation Continuing Promise and Haiti Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief. Previously, Ponds commanded USS Fife. Other assignments include engineering officer, flag secretary, and selection to the Fleet Propulsion Examination Board. He was senior naval advisor, Department of State, during the 2005 earthquake relief operations, 2006 Lebanon non-combatant evacuation operation, and Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Ponds holds a master’s degree in information systems technology and another in military studies and national security strategy.

U.S. NAVY

REAR ADMIRAL ALVIN HOLSEY

Deputy Director for Operations, Joint Staff, J-3

Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey reported as deputy director for operations, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-3 in June 2016. He has served in a variety of training and operational squadrons and commanded Helicopter AntiSubmarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37 and the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island. 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 commissioned through the 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. CEDRIC PRINGLE

Deputy Director, Joint Interagency Task Force – South, U.S. Southern Command

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

Armed Forces in 2006. Shepherd was commissioned an ensign in 1984 and earned his naval flight officer wings in 1985. His operational command tours include Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three, the largest aviation squadron. His major command was Strategic Communications Wing One and Task Force 124, and he is the first Black officer to command a “Take Charge and Move Out” squadron and air wing. His operational tours include Patrol Special Projects Unit Two (avionics division officer), Fleet Air Reconnaissance Special Projects Patrol Squadron Three (Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization, flight officer, and maintenance officer). His shore tours include Bureau of Naval Personnel/Personnel-43 (Initial Assignment and VQ/Force Support detailer); Naval Training Support Unit/Naval Training Service Command (Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization evaluator/instructor); Office of the Chief of Naval Operations N00X (Strategic Alignment branch head); and senior military assistant to the secretary of the Navy.

REAR ADM. JOHN SMITH JR. Commandant, Joint Forces Staff College

Rear Adm. Cedric Pringle reported to the Joint Interagency Task Force South in September 2015 from the Secretary of the Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs. In July he was selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half) and assigned to his current post. A native of Sumter, South Carolina, he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and received his commission via NROTC from the University of South Carolina. At sea, he served on USS Ranger and USS Portland. Other sea tours include USS Fort McHenry. He served as commanding officer, USS Whidbey Island, from July 2004 to February 2006. In 2012 he took command of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island. During his tour, the crew won numerous retention excellence and public affairs awards. Pringle also earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of the ship’s outreach with two local schools.

REAR ADM. DWIGHT SHEPHERD (RETIRED)

Director, Cyberspace Operations/J6, U.S. Northern Command/North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)

Rear Adm. Dwight Shepherd is a native of Cleveland. He graduated in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati. He also earned a Master of Science in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of

Rear Adm. John Smith entered the U.S. Navy via the Aviation Officer Candidate program in 1982 and was designated a naval aviator in 1984. He has flown over 4,200 hours in H-3 and H-60-F/H/B aircraft. His most recent assignment includes command of the Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Atlantic Fleet. Ashore, he served as deputy director of Equal Opportunity (Personnel 61) in Washington, DC, and head aviation commander helicopter detailer, Bureau of Naval Personnel (Personnel 43), Millington, Tennessee. In 2009 he served as chief of staff for Navy Cyber Forces in Little Creek, Virginia. From 2010 to 2012 he was deputy director of the Joint Interagency Task Force South in Florida and was responsible for coordinating efforts to combat drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from South Carolina State College and a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His squadron command tours include Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron-11. He deployed aboard USS John F. Kennedy to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron-10, the fleet replacement squadron for the helicopter anti-submarine squadron community.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. NAVY

REAR ADM. JESSE A. WILSON, JR.

Director, Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization, Joint Staff, J8

Rear Adm. Jesse Wilson leads Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization (JIAMDO) in planning, coordinating, and overseeing Joint Air and Missile Defense requirements, operational concepts, and operational architectures. He is also the U.S. Head of Delegation to NATO’s Air and Missile Defense Committee, helping to develop and steer Alliance policy. He assumed these duties on June 27, 2014. Wilson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the United States Naval Academy in 1986. He also earned a Master of Science in operations research from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in 2001. Wilson was also a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow in 2007–08, and he is a graduate of the Navy Corporate Business Course at UVA–Darden. During his most recent tour, he served as executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations.

REAR ADM. COY YOUNG

Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command

Rear Adm. Young is a native of Abilene, Texas, and a 1984 graduate of Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He received his commission as an ensign from Officer Candidate School. He holds a Master of Science in financial management and a Master of Arts in national security. His tours as a surface warfare officer include ordnance officer, navigator, operations officer, combat systems officer, executive officer, commanding officer, and commander, Destroyer Squadron One. During his command tour, his crew won five of five Command Excellence awards. In October 2009 Destroyer Squadron One was assigned as Sea Combat Commander for the Carl Vinson Strike Group, and Rear Adm. Young commanded Destroyer Squadron One from 2009 through 2010. He spearheaded Destroyer Squadron One’s transformation to an operationalfocused destroyer squadron.

U.S. MARINE CORPS

LT. GEN. RONALD BAILEY

Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations

Lt. Gen. Ronald Bailey was promoted to his current rank as the deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations in June 2013 and assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps. Prior to that, he commanded more than 26,000 men and women in the oldest and largest active-duty division, the 1st Marine Division. After graduating from Austin Peay State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in biology, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He went on to serve as an infantry officer. Over his more than 30-year career, he has served as a company commander, chief of professional military education, plans officer, J-5, Headquarters, U.S. European Command, and a ground lieutenant colonel’s monitor. Bailey earned a master’s in business management and administration from Webster University and attended the National War College, where he earned his second master’s degree in national security strategy and a ground lieutenant colonel’s monitor.

LT.

GEN VINCENT STEWART

Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart became the 20th Director of the DIA and the commander, JFCC for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance on January 23, 2015. He formerly served as commander, Marine Forces Cyber. Prior to that, he served as director of intelligence, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1981 from Western Illinois University, where he majored in history. After his commission, some of his principal command tours included tank platoon leader with Company A, 1st Tank; executive officer, 1st Tank Battalion; and company commander with

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. MARINE CORPS

Company E, Marine Support Battalion, Japan. He also served as commanding officer, 1st Intelligence Battalion, and commanding officer, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Staff assignments include project officer, assistant signals intelligence officer, intelligence officer and chief, command, control, communications and intelligence, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force; senior intelligence planner, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence; assistant chief of staff, Intelligence, Marine Corps Forces Command; and more recently, assistant chief of staff, Intelligence, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (2008–2009). He holds master’s degrees in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College and in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University.

MAJ. GEN. CRAIG CRENSHAW

Commanding General, Marine Corps Logistics Base

Maj. Gen. Craig Crenshaw became the commanding general at Marine Corps Logistics Base on June 1, 2015. He began his career as a logistics officer with 3rd Force Service Support Group in Okinawa, Japan. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1984 through the NROTC Scholarship Program. Since then, he has served as platoon commander, maintenance management officer, and assistant logistics officer. While assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, he deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In 1992 he was assigned to the Program Executive Office for Cruise Missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. He has also served as Marine Corps integrated logistics support manager and deputy director, Joint Logistics Program, Joint Logistics Directorate. Much later, in 2012, he relinquished command of 3rd Marine Logistics, which he had commanded since June 2010, to serve at the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. The general earned a bachelor of arts in political science from Southern University, Baton Rouge; a master’s degree in procurement and acquisitions management from Webster University; and another master’s degree in national resource strategy from National Defense University.

BRIG. GEN. BRIAN W. CAVANAUGH

Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corp Forces, Pacific Brig. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh assumed responsibilities as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corp. Forces, Pacific, in 2016. In 2006 Brig. Gen. Cavanaugh

assumed command of the Ugly Angels and deployed the squadron to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment, his squadron was recognized as the Squadron of the Year, and three Marines under his command were recognized as the Marine Corps Aviator of the Year, Crew Chief of the Year, and Ordnanceman of the Year. From 2013–2015 Brig. Gen. Cavanaugh served as the MAG-36 Commander stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as the 3d MEB ACE, MAG-36 deployed in direct support of Operation Damayan, typhoon relief in the Philippines. In 2015 elements from the MAG deployed in direct support of Operation Sahayogi Haat, earthquake relief in Nepal. Under his command, MAG-36 conducted a myriad of bilateral exercises throughout the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. He earned his commission in the Marine Corps in 1990 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1992.

BRIG. GEN. MICHAEL E. LANGLEY

Deputy Director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff

Brig. Gen. Michael Langley is currently serving as deputy director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff. He previously served as senior advisor, 215th Corps, Regional Command (Southwest), Afghanistan. While deployed to Afghanistan from November 2008 to August 2009, Brig. Gen. Langley received a Bronze Star medal for meritorious service in combat operations while serving as the senior mentor to the commanding general of the 201st Corps. He was the officer in charge for the Special Operations Training Group for III Marine Expeditionary Force. He also served as commander, Regional Corps Advisory Command – Central, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. “Langley created a comprehensive mentoring program that transformed the 201st Corps into war fighting that successfully executes counterinsurgency operations,” according to the citation. Langley, a Forth, Texas, native, was also described as “an exemplary leader, a role model” and praised for “establishing personnel standards in the critical areas of accountability and preparation for combat,” which are hallmarks of his leadership.

Top Black Officers in the U.S. Military

U.S. MARINE CORPS

BRIG. GEN. CRAIG TIMBERLAKE

Director, Manpower Management Division

Brig. Gen. Craig Timberlake enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1977 and was promoted to staff sergeant in January 1982. Two years later, he was commissioned through the Enlisted Commissioning Program in August 1984. He was promoted to brigadier general in January 2011. Timberlake’s assignments in the operating forces include platoon commander and company executive officer, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines; company commander, operations officer, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines; regimental operations officer, 1st Marines; and inspector and instructor, 23rd Marines. His other assignments in the supporting establishment include platoon commander and company commander. Headquarters and staff assignments include action officer, Manpower Equal Opportunity Branch, and plans officer and deputy, J-54, U.S. Pacific Command. Timberlake’s military education includes Amphibious Warfare School, Command and Staff College, and the Naval War College. He has also earned master’s degrees in military studies and in national security and strategic studies.

BRIG. GEN. TERRY WILLIAMS

Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island and the Eastern Recruiting Region

Brig. Gen. Terry Williams was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1986 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of California in Los Angeles. Brig. Gen. Williams has served throughout Marine Air–Ground Task Force, with command and staff assignments from platoon/company commander at 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion to series commander and battalion adjutant, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot. He has also served as engineer officer and as an officer in various areas, such as ground operations, operations, and logistics. From June 2013 to June 2014 he served as director of public affairs. In March 2014 Headquarters Marine Corps Public Affairs and Combat Camera, Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication were both consolidated under the Directorate, Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication. He assumed duties as the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and the Eastern Recruiting Region in June 2014.

U.S. COAST GUARD

REAR ADMIRAL ERICA SCHWARTZ

Director of Health, Safety and Work–Life, U.S. Coast Guard

Erica Schwartz was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in August 2015. As director of Health, Safety and Work–Life, Rear Admiral Schwartz is responsible for the Coast Guard’s health care system as well as operational and off-duty mishap prevention, response, and investigation. She oversees the Coast Guard’s child care and food services delivery programs ashore and afloat and the Coast Guard’s Ombudsman, Substance Abuse, Health Promotion, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs. Schwartz graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from Brown University in 1994, and she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Brown University School of Medicine in 1998. In 2000 she completed her master’s degree in public health with a concentration in health services and occupational and environmental medicine from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). In 2001 she completed the USUHS Occupational and Environmental Medicine residency program. Preceding her transfer to the Public Health Service and Coast Guard in 2005, she served as a Navy Occupational Medicine physician.

TOP BLACKS Senior Executive Service-Defense

embers of the Senior Executive Service (SES) operate and oversee nearly every government activity in 75 federal agencies. In keeping with USBE&IT magazine’s Homeland Security, Government and Defense tradition, we feature executives in the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, Department of the Air Force, Department of Homeland Security, and the 17 defense agencies and other DOD field activities.

SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE

KEVIN BOSTICK

Director of Logistics Integration

As director of logistics integration, Mr. Bostick is responsible for planning, directing, integrating, and coordinating logistics management of supply, maintenance, transportation, ammunition, weapon system sustainment, materiel management, depot/arsenal management, and Army Working Capital Fund. Mr. Bostick supervises senior civilian and military personnel and manages the directorate sustainment budget. He executes the strategic direction, priorities, policies, and guidance of the Army Materiel Command, commanding general, deputy commanding general, executive deputy commanding general, and G-3/4 deputy chief of staff for operations.

DR. AUBREY BUTTS

Director for the Institute for Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Headquarters, U.S. Army

Dr. Aubrey Butts was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in July 2013. He serves as the director for the Institute for Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development at Headquarters, Army Training and Doctrine Command. He is responsible for providing direction and oversight of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System across the Army; integrating actions and activities related to noncommissioned officer leader development into the Army Leader Development Strategy; and serving as the NCO subject matter expert for the Army Leader Development Enterprise. Before selection to the federal Senior Executive Service, Dr. Butts served as acting division chief civilian senior leader, Development Division; deputy

director; and deputy chief of staff, U. S. Army Cadet Command. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Park University, is a graduate of U.S. Army War College, and has a Ph.D. in organization and management from Capella University.

EUGENE COLLINS

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Environment, Safety and Occupational Health

Eugene (Gene) Collins assumed duties as the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for environment, safety, and occupational health on June 15, 2015. He provides executive leadership for sustainability, environment, natural resources, safety, and occupational health programs. He also provides oversight of acquisition environment, safety, and occupational health programs; Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and Conventional Treaty Verification and Compliance; the Army Environmental Technology Program; and U.S./German Technology Data Exchange. Mr. Collins is also executive agent for Department of Defense activities, including the Unexploded Ordnance Center of Excellence, the National Defense Center for Energy & Environment, the Voluntary Protection Program Center of Excellence, and the Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) cleanup program. Also, he serves as the Army Federal Preservation Official and the functional representative for Career Program 12 and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council. His responsibilities span a global organization that includes an annual environment program of over $1.5 billion and oversight for the safety and occupational health of 1.2 million soldiers and Army civilian employees. As deputy assistant secretary, he works with personnel in the Army, the Department of Defense, and federal and state agencies in developing and advocating Army policies for sustainability, environment, natural

resources, safety, and occupational health programs in line with the Army mission public laws and Presidential executive orders. Mr. Collins entered the Senior Executive Service in April 2007. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the deputy director of logistics, Directorate of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force.

DONN BOOKER

Contingency Business Director of the Transatlantic Division Principal Adviser, Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers

Mr. Donn Booker is principal adviser to the commander of the Army Corps of Engineers and a contingency business director in the Corps Transatlantic Division. He leads direction and financial operations as well as regional support to the division’s regional business center. He also serves as a representative to the management board and is responsible for establishing policy and guidance. The Transatlantic Division provides the Corps of Engineers’ construction, engineering, and project management support for Central Command, a unified combatant command within the Department of Defense. Central Command’s area includes countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Overseeing thousands of United States Army projects, the transatlantic division also provides support to Afghan national security forces, coalition forces, counter narcotics and border management, reconstruction support to the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Corps commander’s Emergency Response Program. Mr. Booker graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree from Georgia Institute of Technology.

THEODORE BROWN

Chief, Planning and Policy/Leader, Mississippi Valley Division Regional Integration Team Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Mr. Theodore Brown serves as chief of planning and policy and as a leader of the Mississippi Valley Division Regional Integration Team, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). He provides oversight for coastal Louisiana post-Katrina reconstruction and planning. Mr. Brown also serves as the leader for the USACE planning community of practice. In his current position, he coordinates civil works policy with the Department of the Army, other federal agencies, and the Office of Management and Budget. He is executive liaison for the USACE chief’s Environmental Advisory Board and provides representation to other federal advisory committees. Mr. Brown is responsible for leading implementation of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act. Further, he is the principal civil works point of contact with congressional authorizing committees on policy and planning matters. He formulates civil works environmental policy and develops planning and program initiatives. Mr. Brown earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the Ohio State University and a master’s in business administration from Marshall University.

JAMES DALTON

Chief, Engineering and Construction Division, Directorate of Civil Works, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Mr. James Dalton was selected into the Senior Executive Service in 2005. Currently, he is engineering and construction divisional chief in the Corps Directorate of Civil Works. He is

responsible for policy and technical expertise in design and construction programs worth over $10 billion for the U.S. Army, Air Force, Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and more than sixty foreign nations. He provides leadership to eight divisions, 41 districts, and 15,000 people and guides the development of engineering and construction policy for the Army Corps’ civil works, military, and environmental missions. Dalton is regional integration team leader for the South Pacific Division. His previous assignment was as the deputy district engineer for the Programs and Project Management Division, Alaska District, Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Dalton holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s in civil engineering from North Carolina State University.

MONIQUE FERRELL

Director of the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program

Ms. Ferrell was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2011 and is currently director of the Army’s Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program. Ms. Ferrell formulates policies and executes short-term strategies and associated metrics as well as long-term initiatives to satisfy changing needs in the dynamic SHARP program. Prior to this assignment, she served for 29 years in the U.S. Army Audit Agency. In her last position, as deputy auditor general for Manpower, Reserve Affairs, and Training Audits, Ms. Ferrell was the principal advisor to the Auditor General for auditing functional areas of human capital, force protection, force structure, and training. Previously, she directed Army-wide audit coverage of high-risk areas that focused on theater deployment and sustainment functions, the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP), contingency contracting, and contractors on the

battlefield. Ms. Ferrell holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Hampton University and a master’s in policy management from Georgetown University.

SUSAN GORDON

Assistant to Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army-DL

Ms. Susan Gordon is responsible for assisting the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army-DL in identifying and ensuring that Army diversity and inclusion initiatives are strategically aligned and integrated into all Army human capital, military, civilian personnel, and Equal Employment Opportunity decisionmaking models throughout the Army. Ms. Gordon is the former CEO and chief diversity consultant for Global Business Readiness, LLC, and has earned more than 25 years of diversity, inclusion, leadership development, and HR strategic management experience at several Fortune 500 companies, including but not limited to director of Global Diversity and Inclusion for Microsoft; senior vice president of HR for TD Bank; director of Talent Management, vice president of the Corporate Law Office, and vice president of HR for Bank of America; and director of Corporate Diversity Staffing for the TJX Companies. She has provided strategic diversity, inclusion, and leadership development advice and coaching to CEOs and senior executives at several Fortune 500 companies and institutions of higher learning and has personally mentored countless high potential professionals to successfully move forward into leadership roles. She has written and trademarked numerous leadership development programs, including “The Business Ready Women”™, “The Business Ready Professional”™, and “The Business Ready Workplace”™. Ms. Gordon has been formally recognized for her diversity leadership achievements with several awards over the years and was selected by the National Association of Professional Women as a “Professional

SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE

SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE

Woman of the Year” for her outstanding leadership and commitment to her profession. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Northeastern University and has completed studies in international business in Europe. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and has also earned a certificate in Human Resources Negotiation Skills from the Harvard University/MIT/ TUFTS Program on Negotiation. Susan resides in Alexandria, VA.

JUANITA HARRIS

Director, Weapons Development and Integration Directorate, Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center

Dr. Juanita Harris was selected for Senior Executive Service in February 2015. She serves as the director, Weapons Development and Integration (WDI) Directorate, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. WDI conducts research, exploratory and advanced development, and technology demonstrations and provides engineering and scientific expertise in all aspects of weapon system design, development, improvement, and integration for the Army. WDI is responsible for integration of these weapon systems into both manned and unmanned platforms, serves as a lifecycle management enterprise for Department of Defense missile technology, and supplies key essential engineering support to customers for these weapon systems. Dr. Harris has earned numerous awards, honors, and professional certifications throughout her career as well as serving in several key positions. Dr. Harris earned her Ph.D. in Management in organization leadership at University of Phoenix, Master of Science in computer resources and information system management at Webster University, and a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering at University of Illinois.

GREGG HILL

Senior National Intelligence Program Advisor, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, Headquarters, Department of the Army

Mr. Gregg Hill was appointed to the federal Defense Intelligence Senior Level in December 2014 as the senior national intelligence program advisor to the director, Resource Integration Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, Headquarters, Department of the Army. He is responsible for providing advice on all aspects of the Army National Intelligence Program. He is also the Army’s senior technical advisor for the National Intelligence Program Intelligence Planning, Programming, Budget, and Evaluation system. Mr. Hill retired from active duty at the rank of Colonel following 27 years of meritorious service. Key assignments include commander/director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service–St. Louis, and commander, 101st Finance Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Mr. Hill earned a Bachelor of Science in business and economics from University of North Carolina, a Master of Public Administration in comptrollership from University of Missouri, and a Master of Science in national security strategy from the National War College.

BRENDA M. JOHNSON-TURNER

Director of Real Estate for the Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Ms. Brenda JohnsonTurner was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in November 2014 and serves as

the Director of Real Estate for the Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Ms. Johnson-

Turner provides executive leadership for program execution of the Department of the Army real estate mission for Army land and improvements worldwide. She is responsible for overall policy and ensuring technical expertise to provide real estate acquisition, asset management, and disposal. She also serves as Chief of the South Pacific Division and Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Regional Integration Team, in which she manages the Washington-level representation and support through integrating product and service mission areas and establishing and maintaining relationships at a national level for military and other program areas with projects exceeding $700 million annually. Ms. Johnson-Turner earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Alcorn State University.

TOMMY MARKS

Director, Army Small Business Programs, Office of the Secretary of the Army

Mr. Tommy Marks was appointed the director for Army Small Business programs on April 19, 2015. In this role, he represents the Secretary of the Army at Committees and Subcommittee hearings on small business, historically Black colleges and universities, and other minority institutions. He serves as the focal point for responding to industrial, congressional, and individual inquiries on small business, economic utilization, and other business matters. He also represents the Army in inter-agency communication with the Small Business Administration agency, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, other agencies, and presidential commissions. He has also served as executive director for Acquisition Services in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement and executive director for the Logistics Civil Augmentation

Program in the Army Materiel Command. He holds a Bachelor of Science in health and physical education from McNeese State University and master’s degrees in acquisition management from Florida Institute of Technology and in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

ESSYE MILLER

Director for Cyber Security

Mrs. Miller became the Director for Cyber Security on August 24, 2014. She assists the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and the CIO/G-6 with implementing cyber strategy and cyber-related information technology initiatives. She is also the Army’s senior information assurance officer, and therefore she is responsible for the development, implementation, execution, and oversight of the Army’s Cyber Security program. During her 29-year career, Mrs. Miller has held positions of increased responsibility in the U.S. Air Force, both tactical and strategic C4IT. She previously served as director, Air Force Information Management, Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force. Additionally, Mrs. Miller served as the Headquarters Air Force chief information officer and Air Force rep to the Pentagon Area CIO Council. She also managed the Air Force Declassification Office, Air Force Departmental Publications Office, Headquarters Air Force Multimedia Services, and Enterprise Business Solutions. Mrs. Miller holds a B.A. from Talladega College, an M.B.A. from Troy State University, and a master’s of strategic studies from the United States Air War College, Alabama.

ROBERT MOORE

Deputy to the Commanding General, U. S. Army Security Assistance Command

Mr. Robert Moore is a deputy to the commanding general of the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command.

The USASAC implements Army security assistance programs and manages 4,000 foreign military sales valued at $103 billion as well as production of Army materiel. The command supports U.S. emergency assistance, humanitarian relief, and United Nations peacekeeping operations. Previously, Mr. Moore was deputy director of Security Cooperation and Offices of Defense Cooperation, J-5, Headquarters, U.S. European Command, Germany. Prior to that, he was the deputy director of Logistics and Security Assistance, J-4, Headquarters, U.S. European Command. Mr. Moore was selected to the Senior Executive Service in July 2003. Like many veteran executives in the federal Senior Executive Service who have served for many years, he served for more than 28 years in the Air Force, retiring as a colonel. His last assignment was with the United States Embassy in Berlin, Germany, as chief of Office of Defense Cooperation. He received his bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in biology and chemistry from Alabama State University, a master’s in counseling from Pepperdine University, and another master’s in logistics management at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

LEVATOR NORSWORTHY, JR.

Deputy General Counsel for Acquisition, Office of the Army General Counsel Headquarters, Department of the Army

Mr. Levator Norsworthy was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 1998 and currently serves as deputy general

counsel for acquisition in the Office of the Army General Counsel at the Headquarters, Department of the Army. He assists the general counsel in providing advice and counsel to all Army Secretariat officials to include the secretary of the Army, acquisition executive, chief information officer, and their staff. The provision of advice encompasses areas such as federal procurement law, weapon system acquisition, military construction, research and development, developmental and operational testing, logistics, international cooperative programs, security assistance, competitive sourcing, and contracting. Mr. Norsworthy previously served as chief counsel, Army Communications and Electronics Command. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration – economics from University of Dayton and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati, College of Law.

LAWRENCE H. ROBINSON

Senior Force Management Technical Advisor to the Director, Resource Integration Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, Department of the Army

Mr. Lawrence Robinson was appointed Defense Intelligence Senior Level in September 2013 as the senior force management technical advisor to the director, Resource Integration Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, Department of the Army. Mr. Robinson is responsible for providing advice on all aspects of military intelligence force structure. He is a recognized subject matter expert on force structure issues that affect the scope and future direction of military intelligence support to warfighters. Mr. Robinson retired from active duty at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of meritorious service. Key assignments have included Director of Intelligence, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy; Director of Intelligence Operations, 165th Military Intelligence Operations, Darmstadt, Germany; and Director of

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Intelligence, 3rd Corps Support Command, Wiesbaden, Germany. Mr. Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University.

MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS

Director for Supply Policy, Program and Processes, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, Headquarters, Department of Army

Mr. Michael Williams assumed his current position as director of the Army Logistics Innovation Agency in February 2013. He leads and manages solutions for enhancements across the current and future logistics enterprise. He guides integration of logistics that leverage concept, technologies, and processes to support tactical, operational, and strategic levels in a joint, integrated logistics environment. He also acts as deputy chief of staff for the Army logistics architecture, as lead for the common logistics operating environment, and as an agent for the Science and Technology Working Group, the Small Business and Innovation Research Program and related science and technology initiatives. Mr. Williams has served at Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, which provides the defense department with transportation engineering, research, and analytical expertise to support national military strategy. Mr. Williams rose to deputy to the commander and was responsible for improvement and innovation in development of distribution plans and programs supporting the global mission and impacting joint service force deployment and logistics operations.

RONNIE BOOTH

Assistant Auditor General for Installations and Environment Audits

Mr. Ronnie Booth has oversight of Navy and Marine Corps property, housing, and facilities totaling over 72,000 buildings and 4.5 million acres valued at $215 billion. He is responsible for environmental protection, safety, and occupational health for military and civilian personnel as well as the Japanese agreement to realign U.S. forces in Japan and the relocation from Okinawa to Guam of 8,000 American Marines and their families. As former assistant auditor general for plans, policy, and resource management, he assessed institutional and program vulnerabilities at the Department of Navy, developing audit plans and managing the allocation of audit resources to ensure the best outcomes. Previously, he was a technical adviser to the special assistant to the Secretary of the Navy for base realignment and closure. Booth is a certified fraud examiner and internal control auditor. He is a winner of the Presidential Rank Award and the Department of the Navy’s Superior Civilian Service Award. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University in 1980.

ELLIOTT BRANCH

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Acquisition Procurement), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition)

responsible for acquisition, contracting, and operation of the Navy’s multibillion-dollar acquisition system. He is principal civilian advisor to the department’s acquisition and procurement executive and serves as Department of the Navy competition advocate general. He also leads the Navy’s contracting, purchasing, and government property. His accomplishments in the federal government have been recognized with various awards, including the 2012 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal for Management Excellence, the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award, two Presidential Rank Awards for Meritorious Executive, and the Vice Presidential Hammer Award for Reinventing Government. Branch graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and completed the executive program at the University of Virginia Darden School.

ANDREA BROTHERTON

Deputy Naval Inspector General

Mr. Elliott Branch is the most senior Department of the Navy career civilian

Ms. Andrea Brotherton was appointed to her current position in 2009. She oversees investigations involving senior officials and fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement at every level of the Navy. Ms. Brotherton has 28 years of civilian service. In 1985 she joined the Navy Office of the General Counsel, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where she served as associate counsel in the office of counsel, Naval Sea Systems Command. In July 1999 she became an assistant to the general counsel in the office of the associate general counsel (management). From 1995 to 1999 she served in the Naval Air Warfare Center

Training Systems Division as a staff attorney preceding her selection as counsel. In 2004 she was appointed to the Senior Executive Service position of executive director, Office of Counsel, NAVAIR. She became counsel for Naval Facilities Engineering Command in 2005. A year later, she joined the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy as assistant general counsel (financial management and comptroller). Brotherton holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and political science. She also holds a juris doctorate and is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

KAREN BURROWS

Executive Director, Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity, and Deputy for Weapons Safety, Naval Sea Systems Command

Ms. Karen Burrows is chair of the Department of the Navy’s Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board, which provides oversight for safety of all Navy and Marine Corps munitions, ordnance items, weapons, and combat systems. She was selected to the federal Senior Executive Service in April 2012 and has more than 29 years of experience in the Department of Defense. Her previous positions include deputy administrator/chief information officer, Defense Technical Information Center; director, emerging capabilities and special assistant, office of the assistant secretary of defense (research and engineering); director, Weapons Technology Division; insensitive munitions program manager; and mine countermeasures program manager, Naval Surface Warfare Center. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical

engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

KAREN M. DAVIS

Director, Integrated Combat Systems, Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems

Ms. Karen Davis is the director for Integrated Combat Systems within the Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). Her responsibilities are organization and direction of efforts to produce integrated combat systems, sensors, weapons, and C4I war fighting capabilities for surface ships. Ms. Davis was selected to the Senior Executive Service in 2014. Immediately prior, she was the PEO IWS major program manager for advanced technology. Ms. Davis’ past key leadership and critical acquisition positions include program manager for Marine Corps Information Systems and Infrastructure; deputy program manager for future aircraft carriers; director for aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships within the Navy Secretariat; and principal assistant program manager for Nimitzclass aircraft carrier construction. Ms. Davis’ early technical proficiency was gained as a weapon systems engineer.

Ms. Davis, a graduate of Clemson University, holds a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering and a master’s degree in engineering management. Her continuous learning includes programs at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Virginia, and American University. Her professional recognition includes a Meritorious Service Award and a Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer Information

Technology Excellence Award.

LARRY E. DOUCHAND, P.E.

Assistant Commander for Environmental Programs, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC)

Mr. Larry Douchand has served as the Naval Facilities Engineering assistant commander for environmental programs since July 2006. He is responsible for NAVFAC services to Department of the Navy. Prior to his Senior Executive Service position with NAVFAC (January 2004 to July 2006), he served as chief, Strategic Integration Branch at the Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for establishing the management and execution for the $11 billion Base Realignment and Closure program, which included military construction, environmental cleanup, and real estate disposal. From July 2003 to January 2004 he served as chief, Environmental Support Branch at the Army Corps of Engineers. He holds a master’s degree in environmental management from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor’s of Science in engineering from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Maryland and a member of the NAVFAC acquisition community.

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STEFFANIE EASTER (RETIRED)

Principal Deputy,Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology)

Ms. Steffanie Easter was appointed to the federal Senior Executive Service in 2002. She has over 30 years of federal service. In her current position, she is responsible for leading Army acquisition, procurement, research and development, and logistics within the Army acquisition enterprise. She also oversees the development of processes to streamline Army acquisition. Prior to her current assignment, she served as executive director for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, a Department of Defense initiative for defining affordable and sustainable fifthgeneration strike aircraft. he has also served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education, where she was the civilian executive advisor for the planning and programming of all manpower training, and education resources, budgeting for Navy personnel and for developing the information systems and tools to manage the Navy force. Ms. Easter is a 1985 graduate of North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. She holds a master’s degree in engineering management from the Catholic University of America and is a graduate of both the Defense Systems Management College and the NAVAIR Senior Executive Management Development Program.

VICTOR GAVIN

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Information Operations and Space (DASN C4I/IO/Space)

Mr. Victor Gavin is the principal Department of the Navy (DON) advisor for the acquisition of C4I systems, enterprise IT, business

systems, and space systems, as well as cybersecurity and spectrum management.  Prior to selection as the DASN, Mr. Gavin served as the DON’s Program Executive Officer for Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS) and oversaw a $2+ billion portfolio of IT projects and programs designed to enable common business processes and provide standard information technology capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps.  Mr. Gavin’s other Senior Executive Service leadership positions include Deputy PEO EIS; Deputy PEO for Littoral and Mine Warfare (LMW) where he executed the Navy’s acquisition programs for Mine Warfare, Unmanned Maritime Vehicles, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Naval Special Warfare, Maritime Surveillance, and the Mission Modules for the Littoral Combat Ship; and Technical Director for PEO Submarines where he was responsible for submarine combat systems acquisition, research and development, and the modernization of all in-service submarines and support of foreign sales to the Royal Australian and Brazilian Navies.  Earlier in his career, he served as Systems Engineer with the Naval Underwater Warfare Center, on-site government representative with Lockheed Martin, Deputy Program Manager for Submarine Acoustic Systems, and Program Manager for Submarine Combat Systems. Mr. Gavin also serves as the DON Acquisition Workforce IT National Lead and leads/supports a number of diversity initiatives within the Acquisition Workforce and across the DON.  Mr. Gavin holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master’s of

Science degree in Systems Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.  Mr. Gavin’s awards include the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive, the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Vice President’s Hammer Award, and the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award.

JANICE HAITH

Director, Department of Navy Deputy Chief Information Officer, and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance

Ms. Janice Haith was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2004 and is currently the Director, Department of Navy Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) (Navy), Directorate for U.S. Navy. Ms. Haith is responsible for information management/information technology policy, governance, and cyber security. Previously, she was the DoD Federal Information Sharing Executive for the DoD CIO; Director, Intelligence Access for Information Warfighter Support (Under Secretary of Defense [Intelligence]); and Principal Deputy and CIO for the Defense Security Service, responsible for day-to-day Agency operations and development of the DoD personnel security system (aka JPAS). A U.S. Air Force Congressional Fellow, she is a graduate of Hampton Institute with a bachelor’s in sociology and master’s in technology management from the University of Maryland. She is also a graduate of the National Defense University’s Chief Information Officer and Information Assurance Programs.

CHARLES MAY, JR.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Executive Assistant Director for Atlantic Operations

Special Agent Charles T. May, Jr. was assigned as Acting Executive Assistant Director for Atlantic Operations, Virginia Beach, Virginia, in September 2013. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) on July 31, 2014, and assumed the assignment permanently. As Executive Assistant Director for Atlantic Operations, Mr. May supervises the activities of seven field offices to include overseas operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He oversees investigations and operations and led strategic initiatives with law enforcement, security, and investigative agencies. Mr. May joined the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in 1984, and his previous senior-level NCIS assignments include Special Agent in Charge, Norfolk Field Office, Virginia; Special Agent In Charge, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) Directorate for Intelligence and Information Sharing (DIIS) Internal Communications (Code 25); and NCIS Senior Representative to the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General (DoDIG). Mr. May is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Hampton Roads Chief of Police (Executive Member), Virginia Area Maritime Security Committee (Co-Chairman), and NC/VA Law Enforcement Information Exchange (Co-chairman).

MARK RIDLEY (RETIRED) Deputy Director Naval Criminal Investigative Service

Special Agent Mark D. Ridley was appointed Deputy Director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) on February 22, 2010. In this role, he supervises the activities of 20 field offices, oversees investigations and operations, and leads strategic initiatives with law enforcement, security, and investigative agencies. Mr. Ridley began his career as an NCIS special agent in 1987. He rose to senior leadership positions, serving as the first special agent in charge of the newly established NCIS Marine Corps West Field Office at Camp Pendleton as deputy assistant director for Counterintelligence Operations and as the first assistant director for the newly established Directorate of Intelligence. Mr. Ridley joined the Senior Executive Service ranks in 2006 and served as executive assistant director (EAD) for Pacific Operations and later as EAD for criminal investigations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nevada and a master’s degree in justice administration from Norwich University. In 1983 Mr. Ridley was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve and served six years. He is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the International Association of Chiefs of Police International Policing Division Steering Committee.

ARTHUR SCOTT

Assistant Auditor General for Research, Development, Acquisition, and Logistics

Mr. Arthur Scott was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2010 and has 23 years of federal service in the Department of Navy and United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. As the assistant auditor general for Research, Development, Acquisition, and Logistics, he is responsible for overseeing a directorate of 70 auditors in performance of internal audits that focus on research, development, and acquisition of Navy and Marine Corps platforms and warfare systems with an annual budget in excess of $50 billion. His staff is located in Washington, DC, at the historic Washington Navy Yard. A native of South Carolina, Mr. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of South Carolina State College. Mr. Scott has received numerous awards and recognition during his audit career to include the American Society of Military Comptroller’s Meritorious Performance Award from the Department of Defense Comptroller.

ELLEN SMITH

Assistant Auditor General for Financial Management and Comptroller Audits

Ms. Ellen Smith is the Assistant Auditor General for Financial Management and Comptroller Audits. She provides executive oversight and direction for audits of the Department of the Navy (DON) accounting and finance operations and programs. Ms. Smith was selected to the Senior Executive Service in July 2015. Prior to her assignment, Ms. Smith was the Deputy to the Assistant Auditor General for Installations and

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Environment Audits, where she provided oversight for audits of real property, housings, and other facilities within the DON. Ms. Smith holds a master’s degree in public administration from Troy University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Ms. Smith is a Certified Defense Financial Auditor and is a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC).

JIMMY SMITH

Director for Nuclear Weapons Safety and Security, Strategic Systems Programs

Mr. Jimmy Smith serves as the director of Nuclear Weapons Safety and Security at Strategic Systems Programs. In this capacity, he serves as senior advisor to the director, Strategic Systems Programs, on nuclear weapons safety and security matters and is also responsible for the direction, review, and coordination of the NWS Division and its mission. Prior to working at SSP, Mr. Smith served as the director for the Above Water Sensors Directorate within the program executive office for integrated warfare systems, where he managed planning, procuring, and sustaining war fighting sensors, electronic warfare systems, missiles, guns, and ammunition systems for all surface ships. In 2005 he served as deputy program manager for the Ohio Class Submarine Guided Missile Conversion Program. Prior to that, in 2003, he served as construction manager for the first seven submarines of the Virginia Class. He graduated from Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Graduate-level pursuits include environmental engineering, marine engineering, and business management. He began his career in government civil service in 1991 at the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC, where he was an engineer-in-training. He was awarded the 2009 Blacks in Government Department of

Defense Civilian Meritorious Service Award – Navy.

SHARON SMOOT

Executive Director, Logistics, Maintenance and Industrial Operations, Naval Sea Systems Command

Ms. Sharon Smoot began her career with the Department of the Navy in 1986. She was selected for her current position in

April 2010, and she entered the Senior Executive Service (SES) in September 2006. Other positions she has held include finance and industrial manager, Fleet Maintenance Directorate of Fleet Forces Command; nuclear business and strategic planning officer, Norfolk Naval Shipyard; and electrical engineer, Control Engineering Division of the Nuclear Engineering and Planning Department, Norfolk Naval Shipyard. She holds a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Virginia Tech.

THEODORE SHORT, JR. Comptroller, Naval Air Systems Command

Mr. Theodore Short’s federal career spans over 25 years in financial management. During his tenure with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), he has had oversight of budget formulation and financial reporting in financial management positions. Mr. Short entered the Senior Executive Service as the NAVAIR comptroller in 2010. He is responsible for budgeting, accounting, and financial management in an organization responsible for $42 billion annually in acquisition and sustainment funds. Mr. Short leads fiscal policies and controls over financial operations

for NAVAIR in budgets, accounting and finance, and audit and review. Mr. Short has twice been recognized with the prestigious Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He is a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers and president of the Southern Maryland chapter. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Salisbury University in 1988.

RONALD SMILEY, PH.D.

National Director, Avionics, Sensors and E*Warfare, and Director, Electronic Warfare and Combat Systems, Naval Air Systems Command

Dr. Smiley currently directs the efforts of over 1,250 scientists and engineers geographically dispersed across seven locations and involved in naval aviation electronics and electronic systems utilized to enable advanced war fighting capabilities. He has spent over 40 years in maritime aviation and weapon systems research, development, acquisition, test, and engineering fields, performing in key technical and executive assignments, including directorships in Corporate Operations, Systems Engineering Department, Advanced Technology and Analysis Center, Weapons Evaluation Directorate, and the Information and Electronic Warfare Department. He earned a master’s and a doctorate in management from Claremont Graduate School. He earned an M.B.A. at Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Howard University. Dr. Smiley has served on various boards, including the College of Engineering and Computer Science Industry Advisory Board of California State University Northridge; the President’s Advisory Board of California State University, Channel Islands; Board of Directors for World Affairs Council of Ventura County; Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Ventura County; and Interface Children and Family Services. His professional affiliations include the Engineering Management Society of the Institute of

Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Association of Old Crows Electronic Defense Organization.

ALBERT CURRY, JR.

Deputy Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics (CG-4D), U.S. Coast Guard

Mr. Curry currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics (CG-4D) for the Coast Guard. Additionally, he has served as deputy project manager for the Coast Guard Rescue 21 Program and as deputy program manager for U.S. Coast Guard C4ISR Major System Acquisitions. He is a member of the Surface Navy Association, National Naval Officer Association, and the Savannah State University National Alumni. On August 19, 1980, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy through the Savannah State University NROTC program and retired as a Captain from the Navy in October 2006. He received his Bachelor of Science in electronic engineering technology from Savannah State University and his Master of Science degree in systems engineering (electronic warfare) from the Naval Postgraduate School. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Advanced Program Management Course at the Defense Systems Management College, Fort Belvoir, and is a certified Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Level III Acquisition Program Manager.

Director, Office of Civil Rights. In February 2013 Ms. Dickerson was honored by BEYA for her superior performance and contributions to Coast Guard personnel and missions. From 2000 to 2006 Ms. Dickerson was second in charge at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. She examined federal agencies’ civil rights offices and advised officials, Congress, and the White House on improved enforcement. In 2005 the White House installed her as the interim agency head after the outgoing chief departed and until a new appointee’s confirmation. Ms. Dickerson is a widely published author, penning articles for industry and national publications, including The Washington Post, USA TODAY, and Ladies’ Home Journal. The U.S. Supreme Court cited a study she directed, “Beyond Percentage Plans: The Challenge of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education,” in its 2005 decision on affirmative action. She was named a Presidential Meritorious Executive in 2008. Ms. Dickerson earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia and a Master of Arts from the Johns Hopkins University. She is a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees.

CURTIS B. ODOM

Senior Executive Service, U.S. Coast Guard, Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership

TERRI A. DICKERSON

Director of Civil Rights, U.S. Coast Guard

Terri A. Dickerson, a member of the United States Senior Executive Service since 2000, joined the Coast Guard in 2006 as

Curt Odom assumed the duties of the Coast Guard’s Director of Personnel Management on March 16, 2009. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service as Deputy Director of Personnel Management on April 1, 2007. He is currently the Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership. Mr. Odom oversees the Coast Guard’s Civilian Human Resources Office, Diversity Staff, Workforce Planning Staff, and the Leadership and Professional Development Staff. He leads a staff of over 180. Mr. Odom retired from active duty with the Coast Guard at the rank of Captain. He had various assignments throughout his career, including

Executive Officer, Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, New Jersey, and Coast Guard Support Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. While serving at the Support Center, he was selected as the outstanding military officer of the year by the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Executive Board. His Coast Guard Headquarters assignments include chief, Office of Leadership and Diversity, Reserve and Training Directorate, and Ethnic Policy Advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard as a member of the Diversity Management Staff. Mr. Odom also completed a ten-month fellowship with the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group before assuming command of the Coast Guard’s only Recruit Training Center, Training Center Cape May, New Jersey. With a staff of over 500 military and civilian personnel, Training Center Cape May graduates approximately 5,000 military members each year that are assigned to Coast Guard units all over the world. He is a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees. Mr. Odom is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in government. He also has a Master of Business Administration degree from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. His personal awards include two Legions of Merit and two Meritorious Service Medals.

PAULA PATRICK (RETIRED)

Director, Human Resources Operations, Office of Civilian Human Resources

Ms. Paula Patrick leads Department of Navy operations centers in California, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. She advises the deputy assistant secretary of the Navy about human resource operations, and Ms. Patrick’s 1,000-plus staff fill Navy and Marine Corps’ vacancies. Patrick previously served as director of the executive management program office. During her tenure, she was responsible

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for the creation and execution of a Department of the Navy life-cycle management system and strategy for the department’s executives. For her achievements, she was awarded the highest honorary award that the Secretary of the Navy can bestow on a civilian employee: Distinguished Civilian Service Award. Prior to working for the Department of Navy, she worked for the Department of Air Force for 17 years in positions across the United States, Japan, and Germany. Ms. Patrick has taught classes at undergraduate and master’s degree levels. Ms. Patrick has an undergraduate degree in marketing from South Carolina State University and a master’s in management from Troy State University. Ms. Patrick maintains active memberships with the Senior Executive Association and the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

JOHN BONAPART, JR.

Director, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters, Air Mobility Command

Mr. John Bonapart, Jr. is responsible for Air Mobility Command (AMC) expeditionary combat support. He provides oversight to civil engineer activities, including readiness, emergency services, base development, environmental, and housing programs as well as contracting activities, executing $4 billion in support contracts annually. The sum includes $2 billion in commercial airlift contracts and security activities, providing force protection and information, physical, and personnel security programs for 77,000 military and civilian employees and 110,000 family members. Bonapart earned a bachelor’s in history and a secondary school teaching certificate at Fordham University. He was commissioned in 1975 from the Air Force ROTC program. While on duty, he held assignments in communications and air traffic control, and he also served at the Secretariat Air Staff, command and joint levels. He commanded a communications squadron, support group, cadet group, and air base wing. He retired at the rank of colonel in 2005. Prior to assuming his

current position, he was associate director, Directorate of Strategic Plans, Programs, Analyses, Assessments and Lessons Learned, Headquarters, Air Force Space Command.

TIMOTHY

BRIDGES

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Headquarters, Air Force, Pentagon

Mr. Timothy Bridges is responsible for management, policy, and oversight of the $6 billion Air Force installation and facility programs. They include facility management, base closures, construction, family housing, acquisition, maintenance, operation, repair, and disposal of real property. He was commissioned in 1979 as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at the Virginia Military Institute, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Since then, he has served in design, planning, contract management, and operations. His most recent assignment was as the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health. He served twice as a base civil engineer squadron commander and as an installation commander. He also served as an Air Force ROTC assistant professor and held various staff positions at the major command and Air Force levels in the readiness, environmental, and resources arenas. Mr. Bridges retired from active duty at the rank of colonel in 2006 and entered the Senior Executive Service.

command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. She guides the development of program management, budget submissions, congressional testimony, and international acquisition programs. She advocates acquisition strategies for reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, command and control and combat support systems, evolving C4ISR infrastructure, net-centric operations, and information warfare programs. Ms. Forest also provides guidance on combat C4ISR systems and architectures to the secretary of the Air Force, the Air Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, and Congress. Ms. Forest began her career as a manufacturing engineer with Buick Motor Division, General Motors Corp. In 1982 she entered federal civil service as an engineer in the Maintenance Directorate at Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command. She has held numerous engineering, logistics, and acquisition program management positions. Prior to her current assignment, she was director, Plans and Programs, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), responsible for developing and managing the processes that defined AFRL’s $2 billion annual investment in technologies for future Air Force systems. They include space, weapons, aeronautics, command and control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and human performance.

ARTHUR HATCHER, JR.

Director of Communications, Headquarters, Air Force Global Strike Command

GAIL FOREST

Director for Information Dominance Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition

Ms. Gail Forest is responsible for program acquisition and modernization of Air Force

Mr. Arthur Hatcher is a member of the Senior Executive Service. As director of communications at the Head-quarters, Air Force Global Strike Command, he leads staff managing cyberspace and information technology infrastructure and provides knowledge operation support to 24,000 personnel. He

oversees command management for fourteen Air Force-level nuclear command, control, and communications systems supporting B-2, B-52, and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile operations. He also manages more than 1,700 command cyber personnel providing organizing, training, and equipment guidance. In addition, he serves as chief architect for Air Force Nuclear Deterrence Operations/ Nuclear Command and Control Systems. He completed thirty years with the U.S. Air Force and entered federal service in July 2013. While on active duty, he served on the Joint Staff, a combatant command staff, and two major commands. He has commanded an air expeditionary group, a communications group, and two communications squadrons. His units won both Department of Defense and Air Force-level awards. His previous assignment was as director of communications and chief information officer, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces.

HORACE LARRY

Deputy Director of Air Force Services, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel

Mr. Horace Larry provides direction for a $2 billion program. The organization’s mission is to increase combat capability and productivity through programs promoting readiness, esprit de corps, and quality service for Air Force people. This includes physical fitness, peacetime and wartime troop feeding, Air Force mortuary affairs, Armed Forces entertainment, Air Force protocol, lodging, and libraries. It also includes child development centers, youth centers, and recreation activities. He provides oversight for uniforms, awards, and recognition; airman and family readiness; and Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response as well as other programs that contribute to sustainment. Mr. Larry was commissioned in the Air Force in 1975. Over the next 30 years, he was assigned to various posts, including deputy support group commander, commander of the Air Force Services Agency, and

deputy director of Air Force Services in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations and Logistics at Headquarters, U.S. Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 2005 as a colonel. Mr. Larry became a civil service employee in 2006 and federal contractor a year later, serving as a senior program manager for Logistics Applications Inc. at the Department of Energy. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2009.

CHEVALIER CLEAVES

Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force

Mr. Chevalier “Chevy” Cleaves is responsible for leading diversity and inclusion transformation for the Air Force’s 632,000 active duty, Air National Guard, Reserve, and civilian personnel. His duties include creating sustainable change while integrating diversity- and inclusion-focused leadership with operational, functional, and talent management strategies and processes. Mr. Cleaves earned his commission in 1985 through the United States Air Force Academy. Serving three tours as a T-38 instructor pilot and three tours flying KC-135s, he commanded one of the most heavily tasked tanker squadrons in the Air Force. He played a critical role in the response to September 11, 2001, events as the lead CHECKMATE team chief. Later, as a Joint Staff division chief, he was responsible for the information operations career force and for delivering integrated, joint special technical operations capabilities to unified commanders. Mr. Cleaves was nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate to lead the U.S. Air Force Academy admissions directorate, where the superintendent

selected him to lead USAFA’s diversity and inclusion efforts. He retired in the grade of colonel in 2010. He then entered the private sector as vice president, global diversity and inclusion, for a Fortune 300 company. Prior to his current position, Mr. Cleaves led diversity and inclusion business integration for the Internal Revenue Service.

TAWANDA ROONEY Director, Intelligence Systems Support Office

Mrs. Tawanda Rooney supports the under-secretary of defense for intelligence at the Intelligence Systems Support Office (ISSO). She began her federal career in 1984 through the Air Force summer-hire program. After earning a bachelor’s in business administration from Virginia State University in 1988, she became a budget analyst with the office of the deputy chief of staff for plans and operations. Five years later she moved to the Defense Evaluation Support Activity, holding positions that included project manager, contracting officer, and directorate budget representative. In 1997 she became a deputy program manager at the ISSO, responsible for acquisition and evaluation of sensitive technology efforts. She served as a staff officer with the deputy assistant secretary of defense for program analysis and evaluation at the Pentagon and in 2001 was appointed as deputy director for the information engineering and assessment laboratory at the ISSO. Mrs. Rooney was selected for appointment to Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service in 2006 and assigned as laboratory director, providing R&D as well as technical support to the director of ISSO on acquisition and management of technology, intelligence systems, and

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related methodologies to support the organization.

JEFFERY SHELTON

Deputy Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force

Mr. Jeffery Shelton assists the administrative assistant in executing the responsibilities of the office, which includes performing high-level assignments according to secretarial policies, goals, and objectives. He oversees the execution and programming of the Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, portfolio with an annual budget of $5.6 billion and 37,000 personnel. Mr. Shelton also assists in managing and administratively supporting the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, its 1,650-member secretariat, and its 2,400 membersupported field operating agencies. Mr. Shelton entered federal service in 1981 and spent his first four years at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. He completed a two-year logistics career broadening assignment at the Pentagon and then moved to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he was command public and private competition program manager and BRAC liaison officer. In 1999 he returned to Washington, DC, where he served in positions with the secretary of the Air Force for acquisition; financial management and budget; and the war fighting, integration, and chief information office. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2008 and served as associate deputy assistant secretary for acquisition integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, and the deputy director of resource integration, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics

Installation and Mission Support.

KEITH THOMAS

Director, Air Force Cryptologic Office

Mr. Keith Thomas is intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance representative to both the National Security and Central Security Service agencies on Air Force cryptologic matters. As Air Force Cryptologic Office director, he guides development of Air Force cryptologic strategy and technologies to enhance mission support to signals intelligence and information assurance. He provides oversight and guidance for Air Force cryptologic activities, including missions related to both tactical war fighting and national-level operations. Mr. Thomas also serves as technical authority for the Air Force within the National Security Agency (NSA) on development, signals intelligence, and information security equipment and systems. He was appointed as the chairperson of the Inter-Agency Senior Electronic Intelligence Steering Group by the director of the NSA. Mr. Thomas is a 1979 graduate of Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. He received a master’s degree in business administration in 1999 from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio and one year later earned a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL.

the office of the assistant secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He is responsible for policy, guidance, direction, and oversight of all plans and programs affecting diversity integration for Air Force military and civilian personnel. Dr. Taylor provides leadership, direction, and oversight to all levels of the Air Force to ensure a diverse and inclusive total force. Prior to his current position, he was associate director, William R. Harvey Leadership Institute and Honors College at Hampton University. Dr. Taylor has extensive experience in research, service, and fundraising and earned his doctorate in higher education administration from George Washington University. He retired from the Air Force in 2005 and was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2009.

ROGERS CAMPBELL

Executive Director for Sales, Marketing and Policy, Defense Commissary Agency

JARRIS LOUIS TAYLOR, JR.

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Air Force for the Strategic Diversity Integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs

Dr. Jarris Taylor is the deputy assistant secretary of Air Force strategic diversity integration in

Mr. Rogers Campbell has oversight of directorates responsible for Defense Commissary Agency’s (DeCA) $6.1 billion sales, operations and policy, health and safety, and resale contracting. He assumed this position in 2011. Campbell entered federal government service in 2010 with appointment as director of the agency’s East region after having worked for more than 30 years in the private sector selling and marketing various consumer goods. A former captain in the U.S. Army, Campbell’s career has taken him from commanding a tank platoon to leading marketing, sales planning, and merchandising of new car sales for both the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and the Navy

Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM). As vice president and chief marketing officer of Overseas Military Sales Corporation, he directed marketing efforts on 120 military installations in 30 countries and aboard U.S. Navy ships through NEXCOM’s Ships Store program. Campbell’s career highlights include managing partner of Marketcorp International, a brand strategy consultancy; senior director of marketing for Nabisco Foods Group; and director of global new products for Schering-Plough Consumer Healthcare. He began his consumer packaged goods career at General Mills. He earned an M.B.A. from Rutgers University in 1974 and a Bachelor of Science in marketing as a distinguished military graduate from Saint Peter’s College in New Jersey in 1973.

DONJETTE GILMORE

Deputy Auditor General Department of the Navy

Ms. Donjette Gilmore assumed responsibilities in November 2015 as the principal advisor to the Navy Auditor General to formulate and execute strategic planning for internal Navy audits. She assists in leading a diverse organization of 378 civilians, providing program direction, audit program planning, policy development, resource management and liaises with key officials to deliver worldclass audit services. While serving as Director, Accounting & Finance Policy, DoD (Comptroller), she oversaw and modernized the 7,500-page DoD Financial Management Regulation for 2M DoD users. She led her team to account for $8.7B in development funds for Iraq. She developed and deployed

a “Hotline” providing visibility over $18.4B to rebuild Iraq. At National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency she represented NGA’s equities to the Defense Department and congressional staffers. She chaired a government-wide taskforce to resolve accounting for $478B in general property, plant, and equipment and $1T in assets on DoD financial statements. She served in the Air Force Audit Agency as Director, Policy, Oversight, and Systems. She is a DoD Financial Management Certification, Level 3, CDFM with a BS in accounting and finance from Auburn University and an MBA from Washington University.

LYTWAIVE HUTCHINSON

Director, Enterprise Information Technology Services Directorate, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of Defense

Mrs. Lytwaive Hutchinson became director, Enterprise IT Services for Washington Headquarters Services, in 2011 following the merger of the Information Technology Management Directorate (ITMD) and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Networks. She was promoted to director of ITMD in 2010. As the deputy chief information officer, OSD, she assisted with strategy, implementation, maintenance of information, and information systems. Before that, she was director, Enterprise Services, where she implemented the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) Customer Service Software Platform and Service Desk. Hutchinson was promoted to director, Information Assurance Division, in 2004 and served as the designated approving authority for IT services at WHS. She entered federal government service in 2002 as an information assurance manager. She

was instrumental in modernizing the training program from a paper-based system to an automated system. Prior to that, she served for 21 years with the Army, attaining the rank of chief warrant officer 3. Mrs. Hutchinson holds a Master of Science in quality systems management and a bachelor’s in computer science. She is also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and Harvard Business School for Executive Education.

JOHN JAMES, JR.

Mr. John James is executive director of the Missile Defense Agency, Office of the Secretary of Defense. He is senior civilian advisor to the Missile Defense Agency director on all issues relating to the agency’s operational and management activities. Mr. James provides oversight, direction, and guidance to MDA staff, ensuring integration of all MDA functions required to sustain an effective Ballistic Missile Defense program. He also serves as an interface to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the services, and Congress. Previously, Mr. James was director, National Security Personnel System Transition Office, within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He was responsible for the congressional mandate to transition 228,000 employees to alternate personnel and pay system. In addition, he held the position of executive director of logistics, maintenance, and industrial operations and executive director for undersea warfare, both at the Naval Sea Systems Command. He joined the Senior Executive Service in May 2000. Mr. James holds an undergraduate degree from Howard University and a master’s degree from Florida Institute of Technology and

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Executive Director, Missile Defense Agency

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attended the Harvard School of Business and the Keenan-Flagler Business School.

CLARENCE JOHNSON

Principal Director and Director for Civilian Equal Employment Opportunity, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Equal Opportunity)

Mr. Clarence Johnson was selected to the Senior Executive Service in 2003 and assigned as the principal director and director for Civilian Equal Employment Opportunity, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Equal Opportunity) at the Pentagon. In 2006 the office was renamed the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity. He is responsible for coordination of diversity management and equal opportunities policy and programs affecting all Department of Defense (DoD) civilian and military personnel. He also provides supervision of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI), the premiere DoD school in equal opportunity and equal employment opportunity training, education, and research. Mr. Johnson is principal advisor to the undersecretary of defense (personnel and readiness) on diversity management, equal opportunity, and employment opportunity matters. He earned a bachelor’s in biology from Tuskegee Institute and a master’s in human resource management from Webster University. He is also a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, the Air War College in Alabama, and the National Security Management Course

from the National Defense University.

MILTON LEWIS

Acquisition Executive, Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime

Mr. Milton Lewis is acquisition executive director at Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime. He assumed this position and was inducted into the Senior Executive Service in 2008. DLA Land and Maritime manages more than 1.8 million spare and repair parts with 3,400 associates in 37 locations around the world, which includes seven DLA Depot Level Reparable and Supply Storage and Distribution units supporting supply requirements at U.S. Navy naval shipyards, Marine Corps logistics centers, and deployed units. In 2012 DLA Land and Maritime sales exceeded $4 billion. Mr. Lewis is a retired Army colonel with 29 years of military service. In his final military assignment, he was the director, Land-Based Weapon Systems Group, with the Defense Supply Center Columbus. He received his commission as a distinguished military graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Morehouse College and a Master of Science in systems management from the Florida Institute of Technology. Prior to assuming his current position, Lewis was an acquisition and logistics management consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this position, he was responsible for conducting analysis and developing acquisition, logistics, and supply chain management solutions for government and commercial client organizations.

WARREN LOCKETTE, M.D.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Clinical and Program Policy, Chief Medical Officer of the TRICARE Management Activity

Dr. Warren Lockette is responsible for Department of Defense programs in clinical informatics, military public health, women’s health issues, mental health policy, graduate medical education, and patient safety. Dr. Lockette received his undergraduate and doctor of medicine degrees from the University of Michigan. Following post-graduate training at the University of California, he was recruited by the Wayne State University School of Medicine and was a tenured professor of endocrinology and medicine. Lockette was also appointed adjunct associate professor of physiology at the University of Michigan and professor of medicine and Faculty Fellow of the International House at the University of California, San Diego. In addition, he studies the molecular genetics of complex quantitative traits and human performance in extreme environments. Dr. Lockette has served as a senior advisor to the commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command and the U.S. Special Operations Command. At Naval Medical Center, San Diego, Dr. Lockette helped guide the growth of the largest military clinical research program in graduate medical education. Most recently, he was special assistant to the commander, U.S. Navy Fourth Fleet, where he forged partnerships between military and civilian organizations of health care and public health practitioners to provide collaborative humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training in Latin America.

CYNTHIA MILLER

Chief of Staff, Information Assurance Director, National Security Agency

Prior to joining the National Security Agency (NSA), Ms. Cynthia Miller was a U.S. Navy human resources officer, retiring as captain. Over her 27-year career, she earned several professional certificates, including human resources and civilian management training. Ms. Miller’s most recent SES assignment was as the director, Leadership and Development, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), where she provided oversight for the ODNI and sixteen Intelligence Community agencies. Additionally, she was responsible for implementation of the Five Year Strategic Plan for Human Capital (2012–2017). As HR director for the ODNI and chief human capital officer, she served as an advisor to senior leadership. She was also chief of staff for the associate director of human capital and advised on planning, logistics, and human capital programs. Other positions Ms. Miller has held include chief of staff for the Intelligence Community Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity. She supported the director on management of the Intelligence Community’s efforts to build and retain a diverse workforce. Additionally, she provided guidance on the representation of minorities and persons with disabilities. Miller graduated in 1983 with a master’s in business management from Central Michigan University. In 1977 she earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Savannah State University. She also graduated from Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 1991 with a master’s level equivalency in strategic planning.

FREDERICK SELLERS

Deputy Assistant Director, United States Secret Service

Mr. Frederick Sellers has focused on both the protective and investigative missions of the U.S. Secret Service. Over his 25-year tenure, he has played an executive protecting role with five U.S. presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, William Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Currently, Mr. Sellers oversees forensics, asset forfeiture, analytic/research specialists, commercial database management, and criminal investigations to include all financial/cybercrimes. He holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of South Carolina and joined the Secret Service as a uniformed division officer in 1988. Two years later, he was appointed a Special Agent. After seven years in field offices, he was assigned to the Protective Intelligence Division, which monitors threats directed at the President, Vice President, and world leaders visiting the United States. Later Mr. Sellers was selected to the Department of Homeland Security’s Senior Executive Service cohort to serve as chief of staff in the office of the director of risk management analysis, which informs homeland security strategy, formulation, preparedness priorities, and resource allocations. In 2012 he was appointed as a deputy assistant director in the Office of Investigations. In this role, he oversaw logistics of the 2,400 special agents and 745 administrative, professional, and technical personnel in the domestic and international field offices. He is an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

ANTHONY THOMAS

Deputy Inspector General for Intelligence and Special Program Assessments

Mr. Anthony Thomas was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2013. He has more than 28 years of experience in the intelligence field. Previously, he served as chief, Counterintelligence (CI) Policy and Assessments at the Defense CI and Human Intelligence Center, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). In that capacity, he planned, led, and directed assessment of defense department counterintelligence enterprise missions, functions, and activities. Before joining DIA, Mr. Thomas served in key roles at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and provided intelligence and counterintelligence support regarding weapons of mass destruction. He began his career in 1985 as an Air Force intelligence officer and served in leadership positions at the Strategic Air Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces Europe, Air Staff, and the U.S. Pacific Command. Following military service, he briefly entered private industry and later joined the federal government in 2005 with a focus on national security and intelligence issues. Mr. Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Alabama State University and a master’s in business administration (aviation) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His professional military education includes Joint Doctrine Air Campaign Planning, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Joint Forces Staff College, and the Air War College.

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JESSIE L. SHOWERS

Infrastructure Executive, Implementation and Sustainment Center, Defense Information Systems Agency

Mr. Jessie Showers is responsible for planning, resourcing, sustaining, and evolving the Defense Information Systems Network, consisting of optical transport, IP networks, voice networks, and video networks. His responsibilities also include other data and messaging networks, such as Anti-Drug Network and Defense Messaging System. These networks provide information superiority and a global enterprise infrastructure in support to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders, DoD Components, and other mission partners. Prior to becoming infrastructure executive, he was the vice director of network services. He previously served as chief, Defense Information Systems Agency Project Management Office and Resources Center, Network Services.

WARREN WHITLOCK

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Diversity and Leadership

Warren Whitlock began his service in the federal government on September 11, 2011, when he was appointed as associate administrator for civil rights for the Federal Highway Administration. In this capacity, he leads the development of FHWA’s civil rights initiatives and establishes systems to monitor and measure the adequacy, impact, and effectiveness of programs. Prior to joining FHWA, Mr. Whitlock served as director of the Office of Civil Rights at New York State Department of Transportation from 2009 to 2011. While there, he was the manager for the development and

implementation of NYSDOT’s Civil Rights policy and program. Mr. Whitlock has an AB from Princeton University and a Masters in Real Estate Development from the Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation at Columbia University, where is he also a Charles H. Revson Fellow.

MARK N. RUSS

Executive Assistant Director Naval Criminal Investigative Service

Special Agent

Mark N. Russ is currently the Executive Assistant Director (EAD) for the National Security Directorate. In this capacity, he has program management oversight of a myriad of combatting terrorism/counterintelligence investigations and operations that include espionage, terrorism, compromise, technology transfer, Cyber intrusion, and threats to research development and acquisition programs. He serves as the primary advisor and principal EAD to the Director and Deputy Director, NCIS on all national security investigations, operations, and operational support services. He is responsible for the manning, training, equipping, and organizing of 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. His numerous senior leadership assignments include Deputy Assistant Director, Cyber Department; Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Middle East Field Office, Manama, Bahrain; Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Norfolk Field Office, Norfolk, VA; Assistant Director for Intelligence and Information Sharing Directorate; Assistant Director for Financial Management and Planning; and First Director of Joint Detachment ApolloAfghanistan.

CARL E. SHELTON JR.

Deputy Inspector General, United States Marine Corps

As the Deputy Inspector General of the Marine Corps, Mr. Shelton is the principal advisor to the Deputy Naval Inspector General for Marine Corps Matters/ Inspector General of the Marine Corps (IGMC) with full authority to act in all matters within the mission of the IGMC. He is the senior civilian authority for promoting Marine Corps combat readiness, institutional integrity, effectiveness, discipline, and credibility through impartial and independent inspections, assessments, inquiries, investigations, teaching, and training. Acting under the authority, direction, and control the Secretary of the Navy, the IGMC is responsible to investigate and report upon the efficiency of the Marine Corps and its preparation to support military operations by combatant commands. Mr. Shelton has extensive inspector general experience gained over the past 10 years, and he is certified by the Association of Inspectors General. Prior to assuming his current position, Mr. Shelton began his career as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps and retired after 30 years of faithful service. His personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4 Gold Stars), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and numerous unit citations/medals. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science from Rutgers University and a masters degree in National Security Strategy.

LISA P. SMITH

Deputy Director of Logistics, Civil Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Ms. Smith is a member of the Department of Defense Senior Executive Service. She directs policy for depot overhaul, repair, and modification of Air Force weapon systems, as well as munitions, supply, logistics plans, transportation and packaging methods, and logistics data systems. Ms. Smith plans and

coordinates product support and acquisition logistics for all fielded and emerging Air Force weapon systems, as well as establishes guidance for Air Force retail and wholesale supply chain management of spare parts, valued at over $5.8 billion. The depot maintenance activity is valued in excess of $6.5 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 30,000 people at the Command’s three Air Logistics Complexes. Ms. Smith entered the Civil Service in 1986 through the Professional and Administrative Career outstanding scholar program at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, and has over 29 years of logistics, acquisition, and supply chain experience. She has held leadership positions in the Department of Air Force and Office of Secretary of Defense.

CARLOS RODGERS

Director, Budget Investment, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller

Mr. Rodgers supervises budget formulation and financial execution of Air Force procurement, research, development, test and evaluation, military construction, family housing and Base Realignment and Closure appropriations that total more than $66 billion annually. From 1995 to 2016, Mr. Rodgers worked various assignments within Air Force Materiel Command where he held progressively more responsible acquisition financial management positions in test and evaluation (Major Range and Test Facility Base operations), foreign military sales, and single/joint service acquisition programs. Mr. Rodgers has more than 25 years of experience across all phases of the acquisition life cycle in a variety of different programs,

including automated information/computer and communication systems, weapons, munitions, and aircraft. He entered government service as an Air Force Palace Acquire Intern in 1987. During his initial assignment, Mr. Rodgers worked as a cost and budget analyst at Military Airlift Command, Scott AFB, IL, managing command and control communication system funding.

ALEX BROWN

Strategic Advisor to the Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal Investigations, U.S. Coast Guard

Mr. Alex Brown assumed his current duties on January 10, 2016. Coast Guard Intelligence is responsible for providing intelligence and criminal investigative support to the United States Coast Guard. Previously Mr. Brown served as the Assistant Director for Technical Collections at the Office of Naval Intelligence. While at the Office of Naval Intelligence, he also served as Command Operations Officer, Chief of the Maritime Watch, Maritime Systems and the Strategic Assessment and Warning Departments. After being selected for a joint duty assignment, Mr. Brown served as the Chief of the Office of Collection and Exploitation at the Defense Intelligence Agency, where he directed multiple inter-agency clandestine technical collection activities and led strategic planning and coordination for sensitive technical collection operations that were swiftly approved and highly successful. Prior to joining the Office of Naval Intelligence, Mr. Brown completed 23 years in the Navy as an active duty Fire Control Technician, Chief Petty Officer, and Surface Warfare Officer.

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by Lango Deen Ldeen@ccgmag.com

BLACK COLLEGES MATTER

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND THE U.S. MILITARY

According to Inside Higher Ed’s “Black Colleges Matter,” HBCUs enroll approximately 9 percent of all black undergraduates in higher education today, including almost 11 percent of all black students attending bachelor’s degree-granting institutions.

“They are able to produce such results because of their explicit commitment to educating black students in nurturing and supportive environments,” said C. Rob Shorette II, a former HBCU presidential aide and a graduate of Florida A&M University.

HBCUS HAVE PRODUCED NUMEROUS OFFICERS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

1 Tuskegee University: Originator and producer of the famous “Tuskegee Airmen,” in partnership with the U.S. Army Air Corps

2 HBCUs have produced more Black general officers in the U.S. military than any other institution, including the service academies

3 There are over 100 HBCU institutions in America today.

4 Over 80 percent of them are four-year colleges and universities.

5 Despite representing only 3 percent of all U.S. higher education institutions, HBCUs enroll 9 percent of all Black undergraduates in higher education today, including almost 11 percent of all Black students attending bachelor’s degree-granting institutions.

Tuskegee University: Originator and producer of the famous “Tuskegee Airmen,” in partnership with the U.S. Army Air Corps

Long before Prairie View A&M became the first historically Black college to host the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program in 1968, the Tuskegee airmen laid down the first milestones toward integration of the U.S. military under President Harry Truman in 1948.

A group of Black combat pilots during World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen served as military aviators in the U.S. armed forces. The 996 pilots and 15,000 ground personnel in black units came from New York City, Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Detroit. Each one possessed a strong personal desire to serve the United States of America.

The black airmen, who became single-engine or multiengine pilots, were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. The first aviation cadet class began in July 1941 and completed training nine months later.

From 1942 through 1946, nine hundred ninety-two pilots graduated at Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF), receiving commissions and pilot wings. Black navigators, bombardiers, and gunnery crews were trained at selected military bases elsewhere in the United States. Mechanics were trained at Chanute Air Base in Illinois until facilities were in place at TAAF.

Four hundred fifty of the pilots who were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field served overseas in either the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later the 99th Fighter Squadron) or the 332nd Fighter Group. The 99th Fighter Squadron flew P-40

Warhawk aircraft in combat in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy from April 1943 until July 1944 when they were transferred to the 332nd Fighter Group in the 15th Air Force.

By the end of war, the Tuskegee Airmen would be credited with 15,500 combat sorties and earn over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses for their achievements. The successes of the Tuskegee Airmen helped pave the way for the integration of the U.S. armed forces.

HBCUs have produced more Black general officers in the U.S. military than any other institution, including the service academies

HBCUs have produced numerous officers through the years. According to Military.com, Tuskegee is now one of eight HBCUs that host NROTC units. Savannah State, Southern University, and A&M College joined NROTC in 1971; Florida A&M University in 1972; Hampton University and Norfolk State University in 1982; and Morehouse College in 1987. NROTC is also affiliated with other HBCUs through crosstown agreements with other host institutions. These include Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Tennessee State University, and Xavier University.

According to the Department of State’s Jeffery Thomas, until the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, most Blacks who wanted a college education could get it only from an HBCU, so these institutions became the primary source of leaders as well as centers of African-American intellectual life.

Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. (February 11, 1920 – February 25, 1978) graduated from Tuskegee University in 1942, where he received a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He continued civilian pilot training under the U.S. governmentsponsored Civilian Pilot Training Program. Throughout the remainder of the Second World War, James trained pilots for the all-Black 99th Pursuit Squadron. In 1975, he became the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general.

Continuing an important legacy at HBCUs

Rear Adm. Kelvin Dixon is a 1981 graduate of Prairie View A&M University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. A civilian-sailor, he serves as deputy commander, Navy Surface Force, Atlantic and corporate vice president of Risk Management for Matheson Gas. Dixon has participated in operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom. As director for training and operations in Iraq, he had responsibility for building the Iraqi navy and marines.

Rear Adm. Annie Andrews assumed command of Navy Recruiting Command August 29, 2013. As a Navy Human Resources officer, her assignments have been in the areas of manpower, personnel, training, and education. Andrews began her career at Naval Station Whiting Field, Milton, Florida, with assignments to Training Air Wing 5, as assistant admin officer, and Helicopter Training Squadron 8, as Flight Simulator coordinator. Andrews earned a Bachelor of Science degree in

criminal justice from Savannah State University.

On November 1, 2015, Annie B. Andrews began her Federal career as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Assistant Administrator for Human Resource Management, AHR-1.

Brigadier Gen. Sheila R. Baxter retired in November 2008 after serving more than 30 years in the United States Army. Baxter graduated from Virginia State College and was a health and physical education major. She was an all-time basketball standout at Virginia State and was named to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association all-conference team each year that she played between 1973 and 1977. In 1976, she earned the title of tournament Most Valuable Player. She was the first Virginia State player to accumulate 1,000 points in four years and was voted to the Muhammad Ali Women’s Collegiate AllAmerican team.

A 1974 graduate of Savannah State University's NROTC Program, Lt. Gen Gaskin retired in 2013 at the U.S. Marine Barracks. During the ceremony, he named four influences that make up his entire being. “God’s Grace, the love of family, the institution of Savannah State College (now University) and the Marine Corps,” he said.

Maj. Gen. LaWarren Patterson, deputy commanding general for operations, Installation Management Command, graduated from Norfolk State University in 1982, receiving commission as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps. Army Chief Information Officer Lt. Gen Robert Ferrell oversees $10 billion worth of IT investments. A native of Alabama, he enlisted in the Army and attained the rank of sergeant before enrolling at Hampton University. Upon graduation in 1983, he was commissioned into the Signal Corps.

Lt. Gen. Larry Wyche, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command, received his commission as a Quartermaster officer from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi ROTC in 1983. Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, commanding general, Combined Arms Support Command, is also a graduate of the Hampton Institute ROTC program. He was commissioned into the Army Quartermaster Corps in 1983.

Maj. Gen. Craig Crenshaw, commanding general, Marine Corps Logistics Base, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern University, Baton Rouge. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1984 through the NROTC Program. He began his career as a logistics officer with 3d Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan. In 1985, Rear Admiral Willie Metts, now director of intelligence, U.S. Pacific Command, graduated from Savannah State University with a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology and was commissioned via the NROTC. Metts has served at the U.S. Cyber Command as director of intelligence.

Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brown, commander, Second Air Force, was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Tuskegee in 1986 with bachelor’s degree in accounting. Prior to his current assignment, he was comptroller for Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command. S

FIRST STEPS

Youth ChalleNGe MEETING THE NEEDS OF AT-RISK YOUTH

By Gale Horton Gay ghorton@ccgmag.com

It’s a national problem that continues to rattle experts in education and social services. How do you help at-risk youth who are failing in a traditional educational and social structure?

While others are trying to figure it out, one organization has had several decades of success. The National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program is in its 23rd year of redirecting the paths of young people who have dropped out of school and are facing an uncertain future.

Begun in 1993 through an act of Congress as a twoyear pilot program, Youth ChalleNGe showed such positive results that it was expanded, and now there are 40 academies in 28 states across America. The programs are administered by the National Guard and financially supported by the federal government at 75 percent and 25 percent by state government.

More than 149,000 young people have graduated from the program since it began. The 2015 Freestate ChalleNGe Academy in Aberdeen, MD, has an operational cost of $20,331 per cadet with a graduation target of 200 cadets per year. In 2015 it nearly met its goal, with 181 cadets graduating.

“The National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program has provided more than 149,000 of our nation’s at-risk youth with skills to overcome everyday obstacles such as gangs, drugs, violence, and abuse,” said Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau. “This program was a response to the rise in high school dropouts and an effort to give those young adults every possible opportunity for success. There is nothing more important than investing in the future leaders of America.

Under the auspices of the National Guard, the programs provide five and a half months of residency in a quasi-military environment. The first few weeks can be particularly tough for the cadets as they adjust to living in barracks, rising early for physical training, and learning to say “Yes sir” and “No sir” as well as other disciplined styles of communication. The program is based on eight core components: academic excellence, life coping skills, job skills, health and hygiene, responsible citizenship, service to the community, leadership/fellowship, and physical fitness.

However, White explains, it’s not a boot camp in which trainees are yelled at or berated.

The program also is voluntary, and cadets can opt out at any time. White explained that the young people are counseled

not to give up but to push through the difficult parts.

Jeffrey M. White, chief of athletics and youth development for the program, said Youth ChalleNGe has been successful because it removes young people from environments that are toxic and instead presents them with surroundings that promote achievement, opportunity, and support.

“What it boils down to is these kids, for the most part, deal with a lot of stressors in their life,” said White. “They don’t have a support structure.”

He said gangs, drugs, and violence are among the issues that many at-risk youth have had to contend with.

“They get that chance to focus on themselves,” he said.

The program accepts young people who have had trouble

at home, at school, and with the law; however, those issues cannot involve violence, felonies, or mental health problems. Young people ages 16–18, when they apply, must agree to remain drug free and not engage in any violent acts. They cannot be on parole or probation.

Cadets work on getting their GED, high school diploma, and high school and/or college credits while at the academies.

All graduating cadets leave with a life plan that they have developed and are assigned to mentors who remain in touch with them for 12 months.

“We provide a small amount of support while they reintegrate back into their world,” White said. S

In Their Own Words: Youth ChalleNGe Success Stories

“I wasn’t a bad kid; however, I was being raised in a single-parent home and was not being successful in the traditional school setting. I have no regrets at all about attending the Mississippi ChalleNGe Academy. The Academy gave me something that a traditional high school couldn’t: guidance, structure, and, most of all, it gave me a solid foundation to start my career. Here it is 20 years later and I am 39 years old and serving on active duty as a United States Army Officer. I have a wonderful family and a host of friends that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

Major Nayari Cameron attended the Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy in 1995

“The transformation I noticed was magnificent. I had new values instilled within me, tons of discipline, integrity to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and a new outlook on life. It’s like I was reincarnated; I left the academy a new person. The program taught me to rely upon mental toughness, cerebral strength to grow from any experience in life, to utilize my talents at all times, to never underestimate nor overestimate my abilities, and to be truly committed to everything I do. Now I am a sophomore construction science and management major at Tuskegee University.”

358,467 applicants

97,042 academic credentials awarded (GED, high school diploma, high school and/or college credit)

200,395 enrollees 149,325 graduates

10,146,429 hours of service to communities Valued at $201,309,832

Kyle Stinson attended Sunburst Youth ChalleNGe Academy in 2014.

BOOK REVIEW

AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN THE NATIONAL GUARD

Charles Johnson Jr.’s book, African Americans and ROTC: Military, Naval and Aeroscience Programs at Historically Black Colleges, 1916-1973 (McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers) sealed his reputation for telling the story of African Americans in defense of this nation.

Or, in the words of Dubois, how they helped “make the world safe for democracy.”

Published in 2002, African Americans and ROTC is a sequel to Dr. Johnson’s 1992 book, African American Soldiers in the National Guard (Greenwood Press), which spans almost 400 years from the start of the colonization of America.

In the foreword of African American Soldiers, Johnson thanks the many people whom he said sometimes complained about the “enormous time” he spent writing his manuscript.

Johnson’s research in state libraries and archives, the National Archives, and the National Records Center paid off.

African American Soldiers in the National Guard provides “exhaustive detail” on the growth of African-American Guard organizations and how pioneering Black warriors proved their competence, courage, and valor in the face of racism, animosity, lack of material support, and segregated facilities.

Prior to the enactment of the National Defense Act of 1916, the majority of African-American officers were assigned to National Guard organizations in states where companies were organized.

Johnson’s book covers the recruitment and deployment of Black men during peacetime and war as well as the establishment of militia organizations and their impact in areas such as Virginia, Massachusetts, New Orleans, South Carolina, the District of Columbia, New York City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

The desire for greater military involvement also encouraged the formation of the National Guard Association for African Americans.

We also learn, for example, how the African Methodist Episcopal Church and African Protestant Church assembled 2,500 men to construct fortifications at Gray’s Ferry, which had a floating bridge across the Schuylkill in the mid-18th century, and how organizations such as the Associated Negro Press, National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP, and historically Black colleges worked to achieve the induction of African-American officers and enlistment throughout the armed forces.

Johnson’s academic book is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn about the achievements of AfricanAmerican guardsmen.

In 2003, then an associate professor and history

By Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

Hardcover: 232 pages

Publisher: Greenwood Press (August 21, 1992)

Language: English ISBN-0-0313-207062

chairperson at Morgan State University, Johnson once told the press that a conference titled “No Longer Forgotten: AfricanAmericans in the Korean War, 1950–1953” will offer veterans and the public an opportunity to interact with scholars, professionals, researchers, and students on topics concerning the role and contributions of African Americans in defense of this nation.

African American Soldiers in the National Guard does just that. S

Dr. Charles Johnson, jr.

CAREER OUTLOOK

In an in-depth look at the Department of Defense’s Force of the Future, we tell you where the jobs are, why you want them, and, most importantly, how you can get them.

INSIDE

» JOB HORIZON

» PROFESSIONAL LIFE

» RECRUITING TRENDS

» TOP EMPLOYERS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

DEMOGRAPHIC REPORT

U.S. Department of Defense does ever ything from delivering babies to delivering bombs on target

Millennials span from 1980 to 2000 and account for slightly fewer than 80.5% of the active-duty force in 2014.

700,000

DoD works on ever y continent, on and under ever y ocean, in space, and in cyberspace.

43.2% of the active-duty U.S. militar y is age 25 or younger

jobs are a major component of the

OFFICERS FROM HBCUS

Take a look at any recruitment ad from the service branches. They all focus on exciting and forward-look jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Whether it’s in nuclear power, weapons, aircraft, systems, health care, engineering, submarines, or aviation or whether you take an entry-level job or begin a career serving as a commissioned officer, the branches are all accepting applications in a variety of high-tech fields. Here are five officers in top careers. They are computer scientists, mathematicians, and business process analysts.

BUSINESS PROCESS

Brig. Gen. Trent H. Edwards entered the Air Force in 1990 after graduating from North Carolina A&T State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1989. Currently, he is chief financial officer at Headquarters Air Force Space Command. He is responsible for a $10 billion Operations and Maintenance and Investment budget. His 120-person team provides financial plan development for over 35,000 space and cyberspace personnel.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Brigadier General Donna Williams received her Army ROTC Commission from Jackson State University. BG Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Jackson State University, Master of Business Administration in information technology and military management from Touro University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College. Her past assignments include logistics and operations officer of the 493rd Engineer Group, Dallas, Texas.

Brig. Gen. Patrick Burden was commissioned into the Field Artillery from Alabama A&M University in 1987. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science at AA&M followed by a master’s degree in management information systems from Florida Institute of Technology. BG Burden entered the Army Acquisition Corps in 1994 and has served in various positions, from project officer, assistant project manager, assistant product manager, product manager, deputy for systems acquisition, and program analyst as well as program manager across two different program executive offices.

MATHEMATICS AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Brig. Gen. Mitchell Kilgo earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and natural sciences from Virginia Union University in 1987, a Master of Science in systems technology (Joint Command, Control, and Communications) from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1995, and a Master of Science in national security strategy from the National War College in 2009. He serves as chief information officer and G-6 of U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg.

Brig. Gen. C. David Turner graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematical sciences. He also holds a Master of Science degree in industrial engineering from Wichita State University and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College. He is a Harvard Senior Executive Fellow, and he became commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, on July 24, 2014.

Highlights from the Force of the Future

“The global enterprise that is the Department of Defense does everything from delivering babies to delivering bombs on target,” Secretary Carter said in a memo published on June 6, 2016. “We work on every continent, on and under every ocean, in space, and in cyberspace.”

Here’s how the DoD is looking to the future:

1.Since many college students do not realize what kinds of civilian job opportunities the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) offers, the DoD plans to improve on-campus presence and enhance college internship programs.

With more young Americans pursuing internships, the DoD plans to transition successful and promising interns from temporary to permanent employees.

2.The DoD will establish the Defense Digital Service (DDS). The DDS will be composed of a small team of talented engineers and digital experts, brought in to DoD on a temporary basis from the private sector to work with senior leaders to improve the

3.In addition, the DoD plans to launch an Entrepreneur-inResidence Program. DoD will embed up to three entrepreneurs in different parts of the Department to work on projects sponsored by senior leaders. The EIRs will also participate in educational and mentorship programs that will contribute to a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in DoD.

4.The DoD will expand and upgrade its Secretary of

Defense Corporate Fellows Program and rename it the Secretary of Defense Executive Fellows Program (SDEF). This program allows service members to serve in places like Microsoft, Amazon, SpaceX, and Accenture and then bring back what they learn to keep DoD on the cutting edge. The program will also expand the fellowship mandate to include fellowships with state and local government to help prepare service members for leadership at strategic levels. Finally, the program will now also include eligible senior non-commissioned officers as well as commissioned officers.

5.The military services will pilot web-based systems that help match the right knowledge, skills, and abilities of service members with available assignments. These web-based platforms will provide an opportunity for service members and gaining units to “shop around” and discover mutual matches that better satisfy all parties involved. These are roughly equivalent to a “LinkedIn”-style system, in which service members will populate an online database with information they believe is important, which would then be

and Enhance College Internship Programs

wedded to official personnel data.

6.Senior leaders (Vice Chiefs and Under Secretaries) will begin receiving semiannual briefings on the racial and gender diversity within each branch, career field, and military occupational specialty. USD (P&R) will also supervise a study to identify the primary causes and anticipated impacts of the geographic and familial concentration of military recruits.

7.The DoD will also enable experts and specialists in critical, high-demand skills areas to join the military at mid-career level.

Thinking about joining the DoD civilian workforce?

USBE magazine would like to invite you to a free information session in February 2017. S

Learn about the booming STEM fields at the BEYA STEM Career Fair, meet DoD recruiters, and discover the perks of a DoD internship. See what you could do with a DoD career.

Expand Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows Programs

Talent Management Systems Establish Office of People Analytics Establish ManagementExcellenceCentersof

ALL AROUND THE WORLD WITH

THE NATIONAL GUARD

This fall, the National Guard’s On Your Guard blog is taking a look at STEM careers offered by the Army National Guard.

According to On Your Guard, because Guard service is typically a part-time commitment, many soldiers make the most of their training and the Guard’s education benefits to build successful full-time civilian careers as scientists, engineers, code breakers and cyber soldiers.

Each state, Washington, DC, and U.S. territories has a national guard that serve a dual state and federal mission. Places served include:

A L A B AM A

A LB AN I A

A R K AN S A S

BOSNI A AN D

HE RZE GOVI N A