An interview with James G. Stavridis

Joint Force Quarterly, July, 2008 by David H. Gurney

As for how we incorporate interagency partners, right now, we already have a sizeable interagency presence, with 17 departments and agencies represented. These personnel are integrated into our mission directorates based upon the needs of our interagency partners and the best use of their functions and specialties. One of our task forces, Joint Interagency Task Force-South, is a model of interagency and multinational integration and serves as a powerful example of the benefits of expanded cooperation. As U.S. Southern Command's interagency partnerships grow and as our new cultural mindset and processes mature, we will continue to work with our interagency counterparts to ensure their integration at the command promotes their personnel's professional development and increased capacity; that their inclusion is in consonance with their resource objectives; and that their efforts advance the achievement of their core missions and supporting activities.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

I am sure that just about every commander throughout history has said, "These are exciting times of change and opportunity." When it comes to U.S. Southern Command, the change this past year has been real and profound. We are operating with a transformed structure and a new cultural mindset to meet the security demands of a new world reality. The opportunities ahead of us seem more numerous and potentially more fruitful from our new perspective.

NOTES

(1) Available at <www.southcom.mil>, under Mission page.

(2) Available at <www.csis.org/smartpower>.

Col David H. Gurney, USMC (Ret.) of Joint Force Quarterly interviewed Admiral Stawidis at U.S. Southern Command Headquarters on April 4, 2008.

Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN, is Commander, U.S. Southern Command.