Always out front

Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin, April-June, 2004 by James A. Marks

This is my last opportunity to speak to the field as your Commanding General and Chief of the MI Corps. What an incredible three years in command! I assumed command on 9/11, went to war as the CFLCC/CJTF-7 C2, and then resumed my duties as the Commanding General, USAIC & FH. No one could design a better, more fulfilling way to complete service to the nation.

As I quickly approach my retirement date from active duty, I am filled with both pride in our Army and gratitude to the fantastic soldiers, leaders, and teammates I have had the privilege to "soldier with" throughout my career. My career was continually enriched thanks to the hard work and outstanding character of countless true American heroes. Today, I owe thanks to the entire MI Corps that is soldiering tirelessly to support the Nation and Army at War.

Ours is an Army at War. The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) will redefine our culture and the way we organize, equip, train, and fight. Much as the Cold War shaped our Army over the past 50 years, the GWOT will do the same in the coming decades. This will be your calling, to resolve that our Army will be as it has been for over 200 years: unmatched physically, intellectually, and morally.

The intelligence team that contributes to and leads our Army must continue the tradition of excellence and sacrifice. You will. There is no question; you will.

Remember, our team is a team of soldiers, other service members on the Joint team, civilians, and contractors. They must be enabled, certainly, by the best technology our nation can provide. But never forget the soldier on the ground. It is he and she who provide the leadership, drive, and focus that push our enablers to do what we demand of them. It is the soldier who shows the way, understands the commander's intent, translates that intent into action, and answers the call. It is the soldier. It's all about the soldier. Soldiers are not in the Army; they are the Army.

Over the 30 years I have been in uniform, soldiers taught me lessons, all sorts of lessons. These were not lessons just simply applicable to life as a soldier; these were life's lessons, lessons that guide me today as a husband, father, brother, friend. As I fold my BDUs and store them away, let me share for a final time the thoughts of soldiers who shaped me as a soldier. The legacy of service lives in them and their lessons continue to guide all of us into the future. Pass these lessons along. You are a link in the chain of selfless service.

Using these essential lessons, I urge everyone to drive on in your mission to defend our nation and its interests and to take the fight to our enemies. In the October-December 2001 issue of MIPB, not long after those dark hours on 11 September, I issued a call to recommit ourselves to our profession. I issue that challenge again today. We are all members of a critical team. Keep your head up. Take pride and responsibility for what you do and when the commander needs intelligence support, tell him--

I GOT IT!

"In the wake of the recent tragedy, I call on all intelligence personnel--military, civilian, and contractor--to recommit themselves to our profession. We witnessed a reminder of the importance of what we do and why we do it. An awesome responsibility to shoulder, this is a burden we can bear together. Although we must look inside and consider our roles in this endeavor, we can rest assured that we have a vast store of corporate strength within our great Army institution."

Soldier's Lessons ... Pass them along

Take the job, not yourself, seriously. Disagreement is not disrespect or disloyalty. Always consider the little guy first. Be visible, sensitive, compassionate ... and hard as nails. Be a good listener, ... squint with your ears. Talk up your soldiers to their buddies and their boss. Challenge every assumption. Be innovative. Inspect something daily. Own the mission ... give orders in your name. Never look the other way--take immediate corrective action. Smoke those of low integrity. Explain to soldiers what they are about to do and why. Underwrite mistakes and risk taking. Risk management--always. Live a disciplined life. Experience the soldier's hardships. Have a love affair with the Army--be enthusiastic!

Major General James A. Marks Commander, U.S. Army Military Intelligence Center and Fort Hauchuca