CSM Forum

Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin, Oct-Dec, 2001 by Command Sergeant Major Lawrence J. Haubrich

The last decade has changed our Army in many ways; the Army is much smaller now with a higher operational tempo (OPTEMPO). Our missions are considerably more diverse, and we are undergoing a major transformation in our structure and institution. Through all the changes, the Military Intelligence (MI) soldier has served always out front, by acting as the eyes and ears of the Army.

MI soldiers are multi-talented, -skilled, and -functional, and they effectively accomplish today's unique missions throughout the world. The concepts of the Legacy Force and the Objective Force in Army Transformation are important ones. The senior leadership of the MI corps is part of the Legacy Force; we must continue to train our MI soldiers for combat while we assist them in the continuous transformation process. These soldiers going through initial training and attending the basic and advanced noncommissioned officer (NCO) courses, the officer basic or transition and advanced courses, and the warrant officer courses will comprise part of the Objective Force in the next decades.

These talented MI soldiers receive their initial training from these sources, but they must continue to learn through their units' development programs. Their success in the enhancement of their knowledge and skills relies on the MI officer and NCO leadership around the world. I am confident that our leaders are prepared and up to this challenge.

I have been fortunate to visit many of our units as the MI Corps Sergeant Major. In the past nine months, I visited a number of MI units including the Army Reserve Intelligence Support Center (ARISC) and 221st MI Battalion (Tactical Exploitation [TE]) (a U.S. Army National Guard unit) at Fort Gillem, Georgia; the MI Total Army School System (TASS) Battalion and four airborne units--the 525th MI Brigade, 319th MI Battalion (Operations), 519th MI Battalion (TE), and the 313th MI Battalion--at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. I want to personally thank these units for their hospitality.

Words cannot express my exhilaration at seeing our great MI soldiers, Department of Defense (DOD) civilians, and contractors working together so hard to sustain and develop our MI Corps. This team is the future of the Corps, for they are truly an "Army of One."

With great sadness, I must mention the terrorist attacks against our nation that occurred 11 September 2001. This is a difficult time for our nation and her Army. The people of the United States depend on the Army for their national security. We must all stand tall and proud; keep the faith. The leaders of this MI Corps must stay focused and provide a reassuring presence for our soldiers, their families, the Army, and the Nation. I ask that we all treasure each other and work together to protect the nation we all love so dearly.

Please take the time to reflect on the past, present, and future; give yourself credit for what you have done and then carry on with your mission. Continue to train hard, encourage recruiting, and take care of your soldiers and their families. Peace needs protection.

ALWAYS OUT FRONT!