Last week leaders from across the Cyber, Signal and Intelligence communities participated in the EW Warfighters Forum, at NSA-Georgia, located at Ft Eisenhower.
The event focused on changing Army culture and finding novel solutions to technologically evolve our warfighters. Discussions focused on emerging threats, current and future capabilities and fielding requirements for the Army of 2030.
AURORA, Colo. (AFNS) —
To best optimize itself for Great Power Competition, the Air Force plans to, among other things, bring back warrant officers within the cyber and information technology professions, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin during a presentation Feb. 12 at the Air Force Association’s 2024 Warfare Symposium.
That change was among two dozen announced by senior Air Force officials. Each change is specifically designed to prepare the service for strategic power challenges from competitors like China and Russia.
“Both China and Russia are actively developing and fielding more advanced capabilities designed to defeat U.S. power projection,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “The need for modernization against capable, well-resourced strategic adversaries never stops. But modernization isn’t the only thing we need to do to be competitive. Today we are announcing 24 key decisions we have made to improve both the readiness of the current force and our ability to stay competitive over time, to continuously generate enduring competitiveness.”
Those changes, Kendall said, focus on people, readiness, power projection and capability development and are implemented within the Department of the Air Force, the Air Force and the Space Force.
Spotlight: Science and Tech
Within the Air Force, Allvin explained, the service is looking to better attract and develop cutting-edge talent, specifically within information technology and cyber fields. The service plans to expand technical tracks for officers and create technical tracks for enlisted, and to also reintroduce the rank of warrant officer within the information technology and cyber fields as a way to maintain technical leadership with those skills.
“We know there are people who want to serve. They just want to code for their country. They would like to be network attack people and do that business,” Allvin said. “But everybody needs to see themselves into the future beyond just this assignment or the next. So, developing that warrant officer track for this narrow career field, we anticipate will drive that talent in and help us to keep that talent. There’s something specific about this career field, why it’s attractive and it’s a nice match for a warrant officer program. The pace of change of the cyber world, the coding world, the software world — it is so rapidly advancing, we need those airmen to be on the cutting edge and stay on the cutting edge.”
The Air Force had warrant officers when it was created in 1947, after being split off from the U.S. Army. But the service stopped appointing warrant officers in the late 1950s.
Allvin also discussed changes in the way the Air Force will conduct exercises. The plan is for the service to implement large-scale exercises and mission-focused training which encompasses multiple operations plans to demonstrate and rehearse for complex, large-scale military operations, he said.
“We’re going to reorient ourselves to more large-scale exercises rather than a smaller scale that have been a product of the last two to three decades,” Allvin said. “Large-scale means multiple weapons systems, multiple capabilities, coming together in a combat-simulated environment and showing our ability to execute the mission that’s going to be expected of us in the high-end conflict.”
Exercises in recent years, he said, have already been getting bigger. But those enhancements have been driven at the local level, not from the top down. That will change.
“Our Air Force needs to institutionalize this,” he said. “And we’re going to do that.”
He said the Air Force is looking at fiscal year 2025 for its first large-scale, multi-combatant command exercise targeted at Indo-Pacom.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said a change underway within the Space Force is to enhance readiness by implementing standards that reflect operations under contested conditions rather than those of a benign environment.
“The legacy force that we had, our roots … were built around efficiency, built around a benign environment,” he said. “So, the standards for readiness that we kind of held our forces to was different. It wasn’t built for the domains that we’re facing, a contested domain.”
Now, Saltzman said, the Space Force must rewrite its standards for readiness centered around a contested domain, rather than an uncontested domain.
Spotlight: DoD Space Strategy
That, he said, means in part having the right mix of officers, enlisted personnel and civilians in Space Force units. It also means training must be aimed at more than just procedural competency.
“As soon as you put a red force in the mix, as soon as you put a threat in the mix, it radically changes your training,” he said. “You have to have advanced training, you have to have tactics training, you have to understand how you work together, in-comms, out of comms, with other units, in order to continue to achieve the kinds of effects in a contested domain when an adversary, a capable adversary, is doing everything they can to stop you from being successful.”
Space Force, he said, will build a training infrastructure and a test infrastructure to validate its tactics so operators will know more than just how to operate equipment — but will be successful against an adversary.
Kristyn Jones, who is currently performing the duties of the under secretary of the Air Force, also pointed to changes at Department of the Air Force level. There, she said, among those changes, the department expects to create an Air Force Integrated Capabilities Office to lead capability development and resource prioritization. The office is expected to drive Department of the Air Force modernization investments.
“We’ll be looking at capabilities across our services, not in stovepipes,” she said. “We’re enabling end-to-end creation of effects. This organization will help us to prioritize our investments and will be responsible for working with us to determine the next iteration of operational imperatives.”
By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News
TM 3-53.11 Influence Process Activity: Target Audience Analysis is the first of several new Technical Manuals to be released following the deconstruction of Special Text 33-01. The Influence Process Activity series includes TM 3-53.11, Target Audience Analysis; TM 3-53.12, Plan; TM 3-53.13, Prepare; TM 3-53.14, Execute; and TM 3-53.15, Assess. The others in the series are currently in the publication process with unknown, future publication dates.
TM 3-53.11 establishes techniques and procedures for Psychological Operations forces conducting analysis of foreign target audiences (TAs) in support of commander’s objectives and influence-based objectives.
Analysis provides requisite information for Psychological Operations Soldiers throughout each phase of conducting influence activities, to include the planning, development, delivery, and assessment of series.
Series focus on intermediate objectives toward a single supporting psychological objective (SPO) and TA combination in support of a psychological objective (PO). Multiple series may be required to support the achievement of each PO. Multiple POs support a program(s). Analysis further enables informed advice and increases behavior forecast accuracy. The principles contained in this publication are linked to Army Service doctrine in FM 3-53.
Read it at armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40204-TM_3-53.11-000-WEB-1.
AUSTIN, Texas – Army Futures Command is charged with transforming the Army to ensure war-winning future readiness.
A major effort underpinning this goal is the command’s extensive study and assessment of the future operational environment.
“It’s not about getting it right,” said AFC Commanding General Gen. James E. Rainey of the command’s efforts to forecast future likelihoods. “It’s about not getting it really wrong and seeing what you got wrong and adapting faster than your enemy.”
In late 2022, AFC leadership identified the need for a “running estimate” of what future challenges the Army of 2040 might face, including how it is likely to be shaped by rapidly evolving technologies and shifting global geopolitics.
An initial version of the document, which focused on the 2040 timeframe, was developed by AFC’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security in early 2023.
Referred to as the Future Operational Environment Running Estimate, the living document draws upon insights from previous iterations of future forecasts — among them AFC Pamphlet 525-2, Future Operational Environment: Forging the Future in an Uncertain World 2035-2050 — but was uniquely designed to be updated continually, offering the Army the ability to iteratively refine its understanding of future warfare.
“Army Futures Command’s critical mission is to transform the Army through new capabilities, formations and operational concepts that provide war-winning readiness. Understanding the conditions of the future operational environment and how adversaries may fight is necessary to inform the command so it can develop the capabilities, formations and concepts to achieve overmatch in those conditions,” said Jacob Barton, Ph.D., AFC’s future operational environment intelligence chief.
The running document explores types of conditions warfighters might encounter, technologies that could disrupt the status quo and implications of near-peer adversary activities.
Input for the document is derived from intelligence reporting, academic and scientific studies, and sustained engagement with experts from across the intelligence community, industry, academia and think tanks. The document also includes input from organizations across the command and other elements of the Department of Defense, resulting in comprehensive and in-depth analysis of information, Barton explained.
AFC uses the assessment of the future operational environment to inform all other critical functions performed by the command, including research, concepts, experimentation, requirements and integration.
The work is often extraordinarily complex, given how rapidly situations and technologies can change.
“Some of the most challenging aspects of preparing for the future operational environment involve the difficult nature of attempting to forecast the future,” Barton said.
“In assessing trends about the current operating environment, we attempt to envision the range of possibilities that exist in 10 and 20 years. Then we make assessments of what we believe at the time to be the most likely conditions within the range of potential possibilities.”
Despite the vastness of the challenge, Barton believes AFC is well-positioned to serve as a steward of the document for the Army.
“By having close collaboration with concepts and capabilities writers, engineers, scientists, technologists and integrators, AFC is uniquely suited to compare friendly and adversarial capabilities and provide useful analysis about what might be necessary to provide the Army advantages in the future,” Barton said.
AFC shares its analysis with other members of the joint force, helping to refine understanding of mutual challenges and opportunities related to future readiness.
The Army-specific lens of the running estimate also extends beyond what is typically provided by academia and industry, making it particularly useful to Army leaders and planners. Due to the sensitive nature of the document, it is not available for public consumption; however, its insights are directly contributing to the nation’s ability to protect its future.
“Ultimately, the Army must maintain its advantages,” Barton said. “Protecting the information and judgments inherent to the running estimate is a necessary step to maintaining this advantage.”
By Maureena Thompson, Army Futures Command
STUTTGART, Germany – Ten soldiers from the German military, the Bundeswehr, earned U.S. Army Marksmanship Qualification Badges at Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen Oct. 18, while strengthening German-American friendship.
After a three-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the USAG Stuttgart Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) was finally able to host German Soldiers at the Panzer shooting range again, allowing them to earn the American marksmanship badges.
Capt. Andrew Horn, who assumed command of the HHC in early 2023, expressed satisfaction in hosting the Bundeswehr personnel and enabling their increased understanding of American weaponry.
“When we have these events, it keeps communication between us open, and therefore the friendship keeps going,” said Horn.
Following a round of practice shots, the invited German soldiers got the green light to demonstrate their shooting skills. Three Bundeswehr soldiers scored a perfect 40, earning the highly coveted ‘expert’ badge and the admiration of their colleagues.
Events like these provide opportunities for soldiers on both sides to bond, swap stories, and learn about each other’s cultures and military life. They sometimes include the chance to exchange keepsakes such as badges worn on their arms to symbolize their regiment or corps.
Sergeant Erik one of the Bundeswehr soldiers who scored a perfect 40, was eager to swap some of his patches for American ones. “It’s always fun to exchange badges. I love hearing the story behind them. I have some that have already caught my eye, and I hope to exchange them for some of mine,” he said.
Hauptfeldwebel (Sgt. 1st Class) Michel, who previously shot with American soldiers, always welcomes participation in these types of events.
“Days like these are always special as it’s like being together with brothers, and it increases the teamwork amongst ourselves,” Michel said.
These events are not only for bonding, but also serve practical purposes. “It’s helpful in case there is a real-world scenario, and we’d have to consider each other’s capabilities,” explained Horn. “We are familiar with it since we’ve already seen and practiced with each other’s equipment before.”
After a long and exhausting day, everyone gathered for a typical American barbecue, closing out with hamburgers and new patches from their counterparts.
Per Bundeswehr policy, German soldiers are identified only by rank and first name.
By BALMINA SEHRA
According to recently released GENADMIN message, the US Navy has updated several u form and appearance policies, including reversing course on hand in the pockets. Sailors are now authorized to have hands in their pockets when doing so does not compromise safety nor prohibit the proper rendering of honors and courtesies
Another change is the authorization of the wear Coyote backpacks with the NWU Type II and III.
The message also authorizes two new warfare pins, the Surface Chaplain Officer Qualification (SCO) Insignia and Aerial Vehicle Pilot (AVP) Warfare Qualification Insignia (Officer).
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Mikal Chapman
Chaplains began receiving their new pin late last year while the first AVP wings were awarded last May in Pensacola.
Photo by Ensign Elias Kaser
Below is the entire message:
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//
ROUTINE
R 141633Z FEB 24 MID600117190288U
FM CNO WASHINGTON DC
TO NAVADMIN
INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC
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NAVADMIN 031/24
PASS TO OFFICE CODES:
FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//
INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//
MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/FEB//
SUBJ/NAVY UNIFORM POLICY AND UNIFORM INITIATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024//
REF/A/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/23AUG21//
AMPN/REF A IS NAVPERS 15665J, U.S. NAVY UNIFORM REGULATIONS.
RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces updates to Navy uniform policies for calendar year 2024. These policy updates are the result of Sailor feedback, command sponsored requests and direction from Navy leadership.
2. The following Navy uniform policy changes are effective immediately:
a. Female Combination Cover. The female combination cover, also referred to as the bucket cover, is reinstated as an optional Navy uniform component for female Sailors (E-1 through O-10) when wearing Service Dress and Dinner Dress Uniforms. The bucket cover is now also optional for female officers and chief petty officers (CPOs) when wearing Service Khaki and Summer White Uniforms. Note: the bucket cover will not be available for personal purchase at Navy Exchange Uniform Centers and will need to be privately obtained if desired for wear.
b. Tiara. The tiara is reinstated as an optional Navy uniform component for all female Sailors (E-1 through O-10) when wearing Dinner Dress Blue and White Jacket Uniforms. Note: the tiara will be available for personal purchase as a special order item via Navy Exchange Online Customer Service with a lead time of approximately four weeks.
c. Physical Training Uniform. Black or navy-blue leggings/tights are authorized for optional wear with the Physical Training Uniform shorts and fitness suit pants.
d. Grooming, False Eyelashes. Female Sailors are authorized to wear false eyelashes or eyelash extensions that project a natural appearance and are no longer than 14 millimeters in length as measured from the eyelid to the tip of the eyelash. False eyelash color will match the color of the natural eyelash. Eyelash extensions cannot hinder wear of protective eyewear.
e. Officer Headgear Cap Insignia. Warrant Officer One Officers (W-1) will no longer wear the unique W-1 cap device. All officers (W-1 through O-10) will wear the same officer cap insignia consisting of two gold crossed fouled anchors with burnished silver shield surmounted by a burnished silver eagle facing to wearer’s right and may be embroidered or made of metal. While allowed immediately, in order to allow time for W-1 officers to transition this new policy becomes mandatory on 1 October 2024.
f. Chaplain Religious Faith Emblem (Chaplain Staff Corps Insignia). Navy Chaplains are authorized to wear religious faith emblems above their grade insignia on uniform components with rank tabs. The religious faith emblem is a 1 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch black patch with gold embroidered chaplain corps insignia centered on the fabric and positioned upright. When worn, the religious faith emblem will be sewn or affixed to the uniform using a velcro fastener directly above the rank tab.
g. Surface Chaplain Officer Qualification (SCO) Insignia. Navy Chaplains assigned to qualifying afloat units who meet qualification criteria are authorized wear of the SCO breast insignia on Navy uniforms. Wear of the SCO will be in accordance with reference (a).
The SCO may be metal or embroidered. The SCO insignia design consists of the bow-on aspect of a warship on a background of ocean swells and scroll banner underneath displaying the Navy Chaplain motto, Vocati Ad Servitium.
h. Aerial Vehicle Pilot (AVP) Warfare Qualification Insignia (Officer). Chief Warrant Officers and Warrant Officers (737X) successfully completing prescribed training requirements are authorized to wear the AVP breast insignia on Navy uniforms in accordance with reference (a). The AVP insignia consists of a silver bordered gold shield, a delta pointing downward, crossed fouled anchors and stylized wings.
i. Female T-Shirts. All female Sailors are authorized to optionally wear T-shirts specifically designed for female bodies with Navy uniforms. Female t-shirts will conform to Navy’s requirement for color, fabric, and neck configuration (e.g., crew neck, v-neck) per reference (a). The intent of this policy update is to address expressed dissatisfaction regarding the required wear of male or unisex t-shirts that are not designed to fit female bodies.
j. Personal Appearance. The restriction on placing hands in pockets while in uniform is rescinded. Sailors are authorized to have hands in their pockets when doing so does not compromise safety nor prohibit the proper rendering of honors and courtesies.
k. Backpacks. Commercially procured coyote brown backpacks are authorized for optional wear with the NWU Type II and III. Coyote brown backpacks will be worn in accordance with reference (a).
3. Ongoing Navy uniform initiatives:
a. Maternity Pilot Program (MPP). The MPP is successfully entering its third year of providing participating Sailors free uniforms ready for wear at their doorstep. Since the program commenced in 2022, over 1300 Sailors have participated in the program. During 2024, the program will continue to provide pregnant
Sailors the option to choose from four maternity sea bag variations encompassing all maternity uniforms and a cardigan sweater with alterations and applicable accoutrements attached. For more information about the program visit https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Maternity-Pilot-Program/.
b. Size Modernization Program (SMP). The SMP is a multiphase, five-year uniform improvement program with an initial focus on female uniform improvements. The objective of the SMP is to deliver Navy Sailors with a modernized and consistent uniform fit and sizing system.
c. Female Officer/CPO Summer White Uniform. A white overblouse is being added to the list of authorized optional uniforms for the female officer and CPO Summer White Uniform. The new overblouse is the first line of components delivered by the SMP. Availability of the Summer White Uniform overblouse is planned for early fall 2024.
A dress white overblouse is also being developed as an optional component for the female officer and CPO Service Dress Blue Uniform with estimated introduction after calendar year 2024.
d. Female Service Uniform Slacks. The Navy is currently evaluating service uniform slacks with back pockets for females.
The focus of the evaluation is to determine the functionality and acceptability of female uniform slacks with back pockets. If the evaluation to include Sailor feedback is determined to be positive, the future design of female slacks will include back pockets.
e. Uniform Surveys. Uniform surveys will be distributed throughout 2024 to continue to capture Fleet-wide input. Surveys have been determined as the best method for the Uniform Matters Office to capture diverse and unbridled Sailor feedback that is crucial to planning, research and execution of uniform improvements and uniform and grooming policy updates. Surveys will be announced on the Uniform Matters and MyNavy HR websites. Access to surveys will be via QR codes or hyperlinks posted on the Uniform Matters and MyNavy HR websites.
f. Hat Liners. The Navy Exchange Service Command is adding synthetic liners to their list of uniform accessories for the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) eight-point cover. The purpose of synthetic hat liners is to address Sailors’ expressed concerns regarding unwanted hair removal or loss resulting from donning and doffing the NWU eight-point cover. The liner will be sold separately and must be sewn into the cover for proper placement and wear. Availability is expected to commence mid-February 2024 at most major Fleet concentration areas and online via https://www.mynavyexchange.com/.
4. Questions regarding this NAVADMIN should be addressed via e-mail to Mr. Robert B. Carroll, Navy Uniform Matters and Emerging Issues Branch (OPNAV N13X), at robert.b.carroll3.civ@us.navy.mil, or ETCM Richard Baumert (OPNAV N13X) via richard.a.baumert2.mil@us.navy.mil or PSC Sache Hagans (OPNAV N13X) at sache.m.hagans.mil@us.navy.mil.
5. Questions regarding the MPP should be addressed to the Uniform Matters Office (OPNAV N13X) at Navy_MPP.fct@navy.mil or LS1 Meagan Cobia, Uniform Matters Special Assistant, meagan.l.cobia.mil@us.navy.mil.
6. Questions regarding the SMP, Service Uniform Slacks and Summer White Overblouse initiatives, should be addressed to Ms. Louise Caulfield (Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility) at louise.a.caulfield.civ@us.navy.mil or Dr. Brianna Plummer (Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility) at brianna.l.plummer2.civ@us.navy.mil.
7. Questions regarding the Hat Liners should be addressed to Ms. Angela Brown (Navy Exchange Service Command) at angela.brown@nexweb.org.
8. Feedback and recommendations regarding uniform policy, uniform components and uniform availability are welcomed and can be provided via e-mail at UMO_CMC@navy.mil, via the MyNavy UNIFORMS App, or via
MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/, select Professional Resources, U.S. Navy Uniforms and *Ask The Chiefs*.
9. Retain this NAVADMIN until policy changes are incorporated in reference (a), superseded or cancelled, whichever occurs first.
10. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.//
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CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//
At the beginning of February, the US Army published TC 3-12.2.98, “Hunt Operations” which provides tactics, techniques, and procedures for defensive cyber forces conducting hunt operations as part of defensive cyberspace operations.
The tactics, techniques, and procedures contained in this publication are intended to be used as a guide and are not prescriptive.
The principal audience for this publication is cyber professionals in the United States Army Cyber Protection Brigade who conduct defensive cyberspace operations and the commanders and staffs of units who request and receive defensive cyberspace operations support from the cyber protection brigade.
Get your copy at armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40178-TC_3-12.2.98-000-WEB-1
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, Army.
The only military-related background Capt. Chelsea Michta had prior to becoming the first officer to receive an active-duty direct commission in the Army’s Military Intelligence Corps was that her father worked for the Department of Defense.
Now, she is the officer in charge at the Army Europe Open Source Center – what Michta said is the largest open-source intelligence shop in Europe.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to work with a team who is providing commanders with information that is having a real-world impact on the battlefield,” Michta said. “It’s also humbling to be continuously learning.”
Michta, however, is no stranger to learning. Her achievement becoming the first Army MI direct commission officer is far from her only noteworthy feat. Adorned with extraordinary accomplishments, Michta’s path to the Army was not only unconventional, but shows why her selection was obvious.
“Boy, did she have all of the unique skills that no other lieutenant coming through the regular channels would have,” said Col. Christina Bembenek, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade commander in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Michta’s background and reputation preceded her. After all, how often does a University of Cambridge Ph.D. graduate who speaks English, German, Polish and Spanish commission in the Army? To Bembenek, Michta’s passion for service rivaled that of her passion for academics.
“When she came here, her desire to learn how to be an officer and how to be in the Army was impressive,” Bembenek said. “Her extensive research ability, combined with her knowledge of the languages and region — I could not have had a better officer fall into our brigade.”
Prior to putting on a uniform, much of Michta’s life was devoted to education. While in high school, her father, then professor at a liberal arts college in Memphis, Tennessee, accepted a position with the defense department in Germany. Although she lived in Warsaw as a child, this move provided Michta her first real exposure to Europe and living abroad.
Following her graduation from Munich International School, she went on to earn a bachelor’s in European history from Amherst College and then attended Cambridge for her master’s. There, she was one of just a few graduate students selected by the university to receive a full tuition scholarship to pursue her doctorate.
There was just one issue.
“I knew from the outset that I didn’t want to pursue a traditional civilian academic career,” Michta said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my Ph.D. and explored a number of options during grad school to try and figure that out.”
It was while writing her dissertation that an unexpected set of circumstances ultimately opened Michta’s eyes to the possibility of choosing the Army as a career. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she had to return to Germany where her father was serving as the dean of the George C. Marshall Center. With the facility’s classroom the only available workspace outside her home, she spent the days of lockdown with Soldiers attending the Foreign Area Officers’ program there.
“It was honestly that experience of being around a lot of Army officers and talking with them about their experiences in the Army that first sparked my interest in uniformed service,” Michta said.
According to Michta, prior to speaking with FAO Soldiers, who were from various different branches and backgrounds, she admittedly had a fairly simplistic view of the Army. It was through her many conversations that she became both enlightened and inspired.
“I was struck by how diverse their experiences had been and the responsibility that was entrusted to them so early in their career, and by their sense of shared values and purpose,” Michta said. “It was the first time I considered pursuing a career in the military myself, but I just didn’t know what that would look like for me.”
As she began taking steps to see what options were available, Michta discovered the Army was expanding its direct commission opportunities to new specialties. With her combined education, cultural exposure and language capabilities, a panel of senior intelligence officers reviewed her civilian credentials and written statement outlining her desire to serve, and selected Michta to be the first person to direct commission into the MI Corps.
Now, two years after first arriving at Fort Moore, Georgia, Michta is leading her team in Wiesbaden and has her sights set on attending the Captain’s Career Course later this year.
“My short-term goal is to be a company commander and really step into a leadership role,” Michta said. “I want to take what I’ve learned leading my team here in Wiesbaden and apply that to a larger group of men and women and be the best leader that I can be.”
For Michta, the Army was never in the forefront of her mind as a potential career, especially as she traversed the world of academia. She said many people would likely be as surprised as she was that their own personal skillset has that perfect place within the Army’s many avenues.
“I think it’s important to get the word out about what the Army can offer,” Michta said. “If more people were aware of the sheer variety of experiences that a person can have, the shared sense of purpose, and the professional developmental opportunities the Army can offer, I think a lot more people would seriously consider it.
“Don’t write something off just because you’re not familiar with it or you have preconceived notions of what this profession entails. There’s always more to it than you think.”
By Jennifer DeHaan
