Author: captain1610

I like this from the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum

“Agile learners are motivated, and look for opportunities for self-development in order to prepare for the challenges they may face in the future. Later, when they are in challenging, complex, ambiguous situations leaders that are agile learners are able to rapidly apply what they have learned from their self- development. They quickly try new approaches, learning from the consequences, and taking action to continue on and continue learning from the experience.” 

@FrontlineLDR

Admiral Michelle Howard to the Master Chief Leadership Mess Symposium

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens began his annual Leadership Mess Symposium in Suffolk, Virginia, October 21, which included more than 100 fleet, force, and flag-level command master chiefs.

The symposium is designed to be a forum for the Navy’s top enlisted leaders to come together to hear about current issues, programs and practices from MCPON and other senior leaders. 

Admiral Howard spoke on three topics – three cultures – that are a high priority for her: gender integration, cyber, and ethics.


“Those are the three things I want to talk to you about today,” said Howard. “And what’s great is they are three things that cut across the fleet, they cut across the Armed Forces and literally they are issues that cut across America and the folks we bring into the Navy.” 

“Probably the hardest challenge leaders have is taking ownership of themselves, and making sure that they are always positive examples, that they always have this great attitude and that they control themselves.”

The things you do for your Sailors

The things you do for yourself last as long as you do, but the things you do for your Sailors remain as your legacy, forever. 

“Communication shouldn’t start when you’re concerned about a shipmate or when someone is getting ready to leave for a new duty station. In order to have meaningful communication there must be trust, which is built over time. Remember to take a moment and ask your shipmates how things are going-and actively listen. Through simple acts of kindness, you can be there for “every Sailor, every day.” From NAVYNEWS or Captain Monty Ashliman, NAS Lemoore


We (cryptologists/Information Warfare Officers) don’t do that

How often do you hear “we don’t do that” when you ask about some new possibility, idea, mission, career opportunity or function?

I had a breakfast discussion with a Shipmate in D.C. recently and we talked about possibilities.

We talked about the 1610 who wanted to be an astronaut – but we don’t do that.  Until Captain Ellis A. Fiedtkou-Leonard did.

We talked about the 1610 who wanted to fly as a linguist in the EA-6B – but we don’t do that.  Until CDR Mike Makfinsky did.

We talked about the 1610 who wanted to work on the Vice President’s staff – but we don’t do that.  Until Captain Rich Wilhelm did.

We talked about the 1610 who wanted to be the Naval Attache to Moscow – but we don’t do that.  Until Captain Dick Hutchinson did.

We talked about the 1610 and CTI2 females who wanted to fly in EP-3s – but we don’t do that.  Until LT Barb Doyne and CTI2 Nancy Johnson did.

We talked about the 1610 who wanted to be the Naval Attache to South Korea – but we don’t do that.  Until CDR Jim Kim converted to FAO and made Captain and did.

We talked about the potential for an IW officer to be a Vice Admiral – but we don’t have a 3 star billet to fill.  Until Vice Admiral Michael Rogers filled it.  (Now we have a 3 star and a 4 star.)

We talked about the CTICS who wanted to be a regular contributor to USNI Proceedings magazine – but we don’t do that.  Until for the first time in the 138 year old history of the magazine, CTICS Jim Murphy did.

Don’t let “WE don’t do that” keep YOU from doing it!

Help me out with your own “We don’t do that” comment below.

Captain Howie Ehret – the Cryptologic Community’s Rickover (without the obnoxious behavior)

Howie’s Shipmates – Rusty Smith, H Winsor Whiton & Jerome Rapin attend.

Captain Howie Ehret was one of five Cryptologists Added to NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor

FORT MEADE, MD-Five “cryptologic greats” were inducted into the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor today at the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM). Rick Ledgett, Deputy Director of the National Security Agency, presided over the ceremony and highlighted the distinguished achievements of each of the inductees.  This is the only one that interests me.
  • Captain Howard Ehret: A modern pioneer in U.S. Naval cryptology – namely “Naval Cryptology’s Rickover” – who brought state-of-the-art technology to naval operations and standardized naval cryptologic work roles and education to change the culture of naval cryptology and reduce the threat of enemies to the U.S.
To learn more about this legendary figure, I have blogged about him: