Podcasts about reserve affairs

In this episode, guest Colonel Kris Saling, Director of Innovation for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in the U.S. Army, shares insights on the evolving landscape of talent management. The discussion covers how traditional talent processes—rooted in the industrial era—are being transformed by rapid technological changes, the importance of feedback loops, and the need for ongoing development for employees. Colonel Saling explains how the Army is using data and people analytics to empower lower-level leaders and individuals to make better talent decisions. The conversation also addresses common challenges such as retaining top performers and encouraging internal mobility, offering actionable advice for managers in both large and small organizations.

We reached out to our guest for this week's episode after he testified before Congress and used the opportunity to repeatedly highlight military human performance programs. He was also our first guest to tune in from the Pentagon Briefing Room. Troy Black is the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, making him the most senior NCO in the entire United States military. We were particularly interested in having him on when we saw that the #2 priority on his strategy document is Holistic Human Performance. SEAC Black assumed his current post as the 5th SEAC on Nov. 3rd, 2023 following his selection and service as the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, he attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in April of 1988 and attended the School of Infantry and Marine Corps Security Force School. Throughout his career, SEAC Black has been assigned numerous duties to include: Machine Gunner, Machine Gun Squad and Section Leader; Weapons Platoon Sergeant and Weapons Platoon Commander; Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) Platoon Sergeant and Operations Chief, Series Gunnery Sergeant, DI School Instructor, and RTR Drill Master; First Sergeant, Sergeant Major, 3d Bn, 7th Marines, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He has deployed in support of Operation Just Cause, Operation Sea Soldier, Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and Sea Angel; Operation Iraqi Freedom II (OIF), Operation Bright Star, Operation Iraqi Freedom IV (OIF) ; Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010; WESTPAC 14.2 and Operation Inherent Resolve. SEAC Black has a Bachelor of Science in Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies from National American University and graduated from the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy December of 2011.

"Unlocking AFSA's Value: Wendy Thi's Perspective on Serving and Empowering the Veteran Community" Join us in a great discussion on lessons learned at the pentagon, navigating separation/retirement, and what AFSA means to Wendy. In this episode, we are joined by retired Chief Master Sergeant Wendy Thi. Currently a DoD Skillbridge Fellow at Stronghold Leadership and Greencastle Consulting, Wendy previously served as an Executive Council Member at the Air Force Sergeants Association. She focused on building relationships and facilitating communication between the International Executive Board of Directors, servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Wendy's extensive career includes being the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Manpower & Reserve Affairs. In this role, she provided guidance on strategic plans and policies affecting Air Force and Space Force human resources, impacting nearly 700,000 military and civilian personnel. With a background in human resources, Wendy excels in policy, training and development, and has a solid understanding of engineering basics. She broke gender and diversity barriers by establishing the first enlisted professional military education course for the Royal Saudi Air Force in Saudi Arabia. Despite overcoming simultaneous bilateral knee replacements, Wendy remains active in rowing and cycling, having completed numerous marathons and half marathons. She proudly holds the title of "Best Furbaby Mama in the World" and is known for her truth-telling nature, strong character, and commitment to integrity. Join us as we discuss Wendy's military journey, her role in shaping HR policies, and the lessons she's learned as a leader. Discover how her strengths in harmony, achiever, discipline, learner, and responsibility have influenced her approach to work and life. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Wendy's remarkable experiences and her dedication to making a positive impact. THIS IS A PRIVATE ACCOUNT. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AN OFFICIAL AIR FORCE SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION PLATFORM, AND/OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.

This is a Pride Month special episode! We have the rare privilege of speaking candidly with the Honorable Alex Wagner, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Join us as we delve into Mr. Wagner's illustrious career, the importance of the Manpower and Reserve Affairs portfolio, and his personal experiences as a political appointee and a trailblazing gay man in his position. Conversation Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro 3:05 - Let's get after it 3:33 - Who is the Honorable Alex Wagner? 5:18 - Hero's Gauntlet 5:35 - “What's a stand-out moment during your trips since joining the USAF?” 10:02 - “Did you volunteer to take the USAF PT Test!?” 13:52 - “What is the strangest thing you oversee within your portfolio?” 19:10 - Defining the MR Portfolio 23:08 - teamwork makes the dream work 24:25 - Sometimes you gotta be the punching bag (and a shout out to Public Health!) 26:50 - Policies for the DoD being worked 32:05 - “Everyday I strive to make the military an employer of choice” 35:45 - A candid discussion on Mr. Wagner's life and his connection to the LGBTQ+ community 40:05 - The most important thing 42:11 - Why I love Mr. Wagner so much Alex Wagner was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on June 7, 2022, and sworn in as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force on June 10, 2022. He brings a wealth of experience in national security, law, and private industry to his current role. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Wagner served as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the Aerospace Industries Association, focusing on talent development in the aerospace and defense industry, workforce diversity, and STEM education. He has also worked as a lawyer specializing in intellectual property law and the First Amendment. Additionally, Mr. Wagner served in various positions in the Department of Defense during the Obama-Biden administration, where he contributed to important policies on human rights, arms control, and non-proliferation. In this episode, we explore the significance of the Manpower and Reserve Affairs (MR) portfolio and its impact on the Airmen and Guardians of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Mr. Wagner provides insights into the role of a political appointee versus a military member within MR, highlighting the relationship with senior leaders and other Air Staff members. We discuss policies and initiatives that directly affect Airmen and Guardians, including new measures to support their well-being. Additionally, we delve into Mr. Wagner's journey to becoming Assistant Secretary, his past experiences, and the best business practices he brings to his role, emphasizing LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. Mr. Wagner candidly shares his thoughts on being a gay man in a leadership position, reflecting on progress made and the challenges ahead. His personal experiences add a unique perspective to his advocacy. Team HeroFront wants to express a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Honorable Alex Wagner and his superb team for coordinating/sharing his time and insights. Join us for future episodes as we continue to explore the fascinating individuals shaping the landscape of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. THIS IS A PRIVATE ACCOUNT. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.

Camp Lejeune Command: Commander's Notes 1992-1995 by Kenneth D. Dunn“Camp Lejeune Command” describes Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Dunn's life as an Artillery Battalion Commander at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina during the early 1990's. The book starts the summer before the family moves to Jacksonville, NC while still stationed at Fort Monmouth, NJ. Dunn describes his daily activities and the feelings associated with those activities, while commanding 5th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2d Marine Division. This is a great read about command, family and of course, the United States Marine Corps.Kenneth D. Dunn is a native of Louisville, Kentucky. Upon his graduation from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1974, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and served in the U. S. Marine Corps for 30 years, retiring in July 2004. He served as an artillery officer and commanded 5th Battalion, 10th Marines, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 1993-95, and Weapons Training Battalion, Quantico, Virginia, 1998-2000. From 2001-2003, he served as the Chief of Staff, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan. In retirement, Dr. Dunn has worked as a civilian analyst at Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps. He now serves in the Manpower Plans and Policy Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps.Dr. Dunn earned two masters degrees: one in Human Resources Management from Pepperdine University (1978), the other in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University (1996), as well as a Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University (2008). He is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College (1987) and the National War College (1996). Dr. Dunn also served as an instructor at Amphibious Warfare School (1984-86) and as Professor of Military Strategy and Land Combat Systems, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University (1996-98).His present position is the Director, Marine Corps Leadership Seminar which is an outreach effort to showcase Marine Corps Leadership to select, diverse colleges and universities in the United States. Leadership seminars have been conducted in Atlanta, St. Louis, Orlando, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Houston, Richmond and Seattle. In 2012, Dr. Dunn began and continues to work as an Adjunct Professor, Marine Corps University, teaching Command and Staff College students. In 2018, Dr. Dunn developed an elective for Command and Staff College, “Marine Corps Great Leaders: Montford Point Forward.” He subsequently prepared that same course for the College of Distance Education and Training in 2019 for on-line distribution.He is a life member of the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Marine Corps Association, the National Naval Officers Association and the Montford Point Marine Association.Dr. Dunn is married to the former Connie Brandford of Annapolis, Maryland. They have three children and two grandchildren, all of whom live in Northern Virginia.He enjoys reading, writing, American history, sports, coaching and family-related activities. He published an article, Predeployment Training Lessons, in the January, 2006 edition of the Marine Corps Gazette and Marine Corps Total Force System: The Gold Standard in the June 2010 edition.Dr. Dunn published his first book, Camp Lejeune Command: Commander's Notes 1992 – 1995, in May 2015.Dr. Dunn was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame, Boys and Girls Clubs of America in May 2011.https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Lejeune-Command-Commanders-1992-1995/dp/1491857625https://readingglassbooks.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/51123rgb.mp3 

Senior Producer of The Trident Room Podcast, Mike Wish. sits down and has a conversation with Marigee Bacolod. Maj Rob Wells, Alex W. Ryan and students of NPS. This episode was recorded on May 13, 2021. MARIGEE BACOLOD contributes to two key areas in labor economics: skills and its rewards in the labor market, and economics of education, including applications to the U.S. military. For instance, Marigee studies skill returns in local labor markets, the gender wage gap, teacher quality, distance education, and military manpower quality. Progress in these areas helps our understanding and promotion of multiple skill development and talent management. At NPS, Marigee teaches courses and supervises theses in the M.S. in Management and MBA programs. Prior to joining NPS in 2014, she was Assistant Professor of Economics at University of California, Irvine, and was Adjunct Faculty at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Marigee earned my Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA, from where she also received my M.A. and B.A. in Economics. MAJ ROB WELLS is an Artillery Officer currently serving at Camp Lejeune, NC. He was commissioned in 2008 and his operational tours have included 11th Marines, 1st ANGLICO, and 10th Marines. Maj Wells has deployed multiple times overseas to the Pacific Area of Operations, Afghanistan, and various locations throughout the Central Command Area of Operations. From 2019 to 2021, he was assigned to Manpower and Reserve Affairs, MMRP, and worked on development, policy, and implementation of the Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System (JEPES). ALEX W. RYAN is a Naval Postgraduate School Alumni with the background of data science. Data science skills: NLP, computer vision, data preprocessing, machine learning, OCR, docker, geospatial analysis, project management The Trident Room Podcast is brought to you by the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation. npsfoundation.org For comments, suggestions, and critiques, please email us at TridentRoomPodcastHost@nps.edu, and find us online at nps.edu/tridentroompodcast. Thank you! The views expressed in this interview are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the US Navy, or the Naval Postgraduate School.

Listen in for part 2 of our women's panel with Kris Saling, Chief Analytics Officer for the Army Talent Management Task Force and Director of People Analytics in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs), and Jazmin Furtado, Liaison at AI Accelerator and Data Strategy Lead at US Space Force. In this episode, Carolyn, Kris, and Jazmin get real about the power of the collective, emerging solutions, and the importance to assess and provide within federal government technology. Episode Table of Contents[00:31] Meditation Is Really Good [07:40] Where Are We Going With AI [13:14] Are Women in Tech Paid Equal Like Their Male Counterparts [20:40] Tell People How Much You're Making Episode Links and Resources Meditation Is Really GoodCarolyn: We are in part two of our women in technology panel, with Kris Saling, Deputy Director of Army People Analytics, and Captain Jazmin Furtado a Data Strategy Lead at the US Space Force and Space Force Liaison at the MIT AI Accelerator. On today's episode, we're going to dive more into government technology in general. I get Kris and Jazmin to do a little fortune-telling on where tech is headed. What advancements they've seen in their careers. And we get real with some salary talk. Just a little reminder, the views of Kris and Jazmin are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their agencies. Now let's get to it on Tech Transforms with our women panel. I know that meditation is really good for the monks that live in caves in India. And I know that I should probably do it. Until I saw the science behind it and what it can really do for my brain. I dabbled in it. I never fully embraced it. And once I started understanding why it was working and that there was true science behind it, man, I'm all in. I'm just thinking of just one example of things that are good for me in my life, that I've been able to embrace and bring into my life because I understand them. I understand how they work rather than like you said, Kris, the leadership saying, "No, we don't give a shit about how you got there. Just give us the answer." Make The Process More EfficientCarolyn: But now you're getting people who really want to understand why. I would imagine that the program for the answers that you've been spoonfeeding them. The programs are becoming a lot more powerful and effective. Because the people who are taking those in the past spoonfed answers. Now really understanding them can truly implement them at a level that is a lot more powerful. Is that true? Kris: I would say that's definitely true because we're working on a couple of projects right now where we are trying to integrate machine learning into promotions and selections as a decision support tool. I'd never in a million years, would've thought we'd get a chance to work on that data and introduce something that is an algorithm into a just intrinsically human process. But we have enough people thinking along this vein. We have enough people looking at the data we've collected about how we read records and how we read files. And they're like, "There's got to be an easier way to do this. There's got to be something we can do to support the board, to pull out the key insights. To package them differently, to display them differently, to sort." And they came to us with the question of how can we make this process more efficient? And I just came back with exactly what the computer is supposed to do. It doesn't get tired, it doesn't get bored. Its attention doesn't wonder, and it can read things a whole heck of a lot faster than we can. So let's see how we can crunch your data a little bit better into more digestible packages for you to review. A Long Way to Go For AIKris: So we keep the human in the process. We keep that comfort level, but now the humans have enough comfort with the machine process. It's not quite human-machine teaming yet. I'm hoping that we'll get to some true instances of

Women in tech unite on this special episode of Tech Transforms featuring Kris Saling, Chief Analytics Officer for the Army Talent Management Task Force and Director of People Analytics in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs), and Jazmin Furtado, Liaison at AI Accelerator and Data Strategy Lead at US Space Force. Carolyn, Kris and Jazmin discuss the impact of self-awareness and the importance of data education and fostering change when it comes to government technology. Episode Table of Contents[00:27] Introducing the Women in Tech: Kris Saling & Captain Jazmin Furtado [10:32 ] Take It From a Human Approach [17:27] Pulling Other Women in Tech Into the Circle [24:45] Women in Tech Are Influencing One Another [30:14] Women in Tech Are Making Sure They're Helping Everybody Episode Links and Resources Introducing the Women in Tech: Kris Saling & Captain Jazmin FurtadoCarolyn: This week we are going full girl power, so Mark got uninvited. Today we have our Women In Tech panel featuring a couple of guests who have previously been on our show, Kris Saling, Deputy Director of Army People Analytics, and Captain Jazmin Furtado, a Data Strategy Lead at the U.S. Space Force and Space Force Liaison at the MIT AI Accelerator. Welcome back Jazmin and Kris to Tech Transforms to talk about your journeys in government technology. I'm really excited to talk to both of you again, but before we get into that let me do a little housekeeping. So I just want to remind our listeners that the views of both Kris and Jazmin are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their agencies. I'm just going to say that for myself, too. Because I warned this, too, before we started. I'm like, "I got some stuff I need to get out." And I want to be able to talk freely today. Let's start talking about challenges that both of you have faced being a woman in the technology space. The fact that we even have to say, "Being a woman in the government technology space," other than, we're in the technology space and we kick ass. I hate that we have to do that but I still feel like we do. I'm already getting up on my soapbox. But, let's start with you, Kris. Some of the challenges that you've faced. Kris: So, it's one of those where I don't want to say there aren't any challenges. But I've encountered so many of these challenges throughout my career. I just hit 20 years last summer, I'm going to hit 21 years this coming summer. Yes, it's almost the summer again. Kris Saling's Challenges for Being One of the Women in TechKris: So it's been a long time of sitting there with the typical, the anxieties, the imposter anxiety, the "What is my balance between being assertive. And how do I not come off as, "Insert your," kind of "The common anxieties"? It really hasn't been all that different. I've been trying to figure out the right balance of how to present different things. How to present facts so that they are listened to. How to present data to an audience where not only do we have the schism between having an audience that's operational and I'm on the technical side. But sometimes it's very obvious that I know quite a bit more about the subject than the people I'm talking to. I think one of the biggest challenges is I really didn't get to know myself and how I wanted to present these things. Because I was very much fixed on how to present that particular image until I really got into data education and started teaching people. That really helped me find a balance in how I wanted to talk about very technical subjects, both with a technical and a lay audience.So I won't say it's overcome all the challenges. You still go out a lot of times, still the only woman sitting in the room. I do have a little bit of a reputation now that I can trade on. So I come into the room with a certain amount of that reputation. But I've seen a lot of cases where that hasn't been the case. Where people have come in...

Nomination for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs

On December 1, 2012, a couple from Asbury Park, New Jersey exchanged their vows in front of 250 guests at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point's Cadet Chapel. The ceremony was conducted by a friend, Senior Army Chaplain Colonel Wesley Smith of Dover Air Force Base.  They had the typical sword salute at their wedding as the bride was a graduate of West Point.  But the wedding was hardly typical as the couple were lesbians and were the first to get married in the Cadet Chapel.

https://www.gayagenda.com/tag/brenda-sue-fulton/
December 9, 2012

History of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistant_Secretary_of_Defense_for_Manpower_and_Reserve_Affairs

'I'm Astounded, Frankly, That You've Been Nominated': Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri Rips DOD Nominee Over Religious Views
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjCv0pQkuoU




Dr. Casey Wardynski  served as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs under President Trump. Prior to serving as a principal official in the Trump Administration, Casey served a thirty-year career in the U.S. Army.  Also, from 2011 to 2016, Casey served as Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools. Running for Congress in Alabama 5, Mo Brooks' seat - who is now running for US Senate.

Veterans have routinely reported illnesses and disabilities long after they return home from deployments, triggering a battle with the VA for health care and financial benefits. As many as 2.6 million veterans of the Vietnam War were exposed to Agent Orange, a tactical herbicide sprayed to destroy thick vegetation, according to ProPublica. The toxin has been recognized by the VA as a cause of certain presumptive diseases — a status that eliminates the burden of proof of servicemembers as they file claims for benefits — but studies linking other diseases have yet to be recognized.Most recently, veterans exposed to open-air burn pits and other environmental dangers during deployments in support of the war on terrorism are eligible to register their service with the VA. However, researchers, including VA staff, have not completed studies on hazards related to burn pits and other military environmental exposures, according to the VA.Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with teammate Cory Titus, the Director of Veteran Benefits and Guard and Reserve Affairs at MOAA about the importance of understanding the work behind the push for policy and legislation surrounding toxic exposures for our military members. 

E. Casey Wardynski, PhD, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, discusses the modern talent management system and how it applies to the CA force. Dr. Wardynski is the godfather of Army talent management. This episode was produced and edited by John McElligott. Tesla Government is the sponsor. The One CA Podcast is brought to you by the Civil Affairs Association.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life podcast, we hear from COL Andrew Landers ('92) and his wife Michelle Franks Landers ('93). COL Landers currently serves as Supervising Assistant Deputy for Health Affairs for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) at the Pentagon after returning stateside from commanding the 549th Hospital Center & the Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea. COL Landers was a distinguished military grad at Ouachita and a commissioned ROTC graduate before receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University. In his 24-year career with the army he has received numerous awards and decorations including several bronze stars and the valor award, served in special operations and been deployed all over the world. Michelle is an attorney and 24-year senior U.S. Army spouse. She enjoyed an extensive career in law, politics and federal defense contracting and now focuses her time and passion on supporting military families for which Michelle has been honored numerous times. In addition to their military service, Andrew and Michelle share about their time at Ouachita including meeting each other on a blind date for Roommate Roundup, Michelle's performance in the EEE skeletons Tiger Tunes show and how Ouachita prepared them both for a life of travel and service.

"Winning matters, and People are my number one priority. People are our Soldiers - Regular Army, National Guard, and Reserve - their Families, Civilians, and Soldiers for Life - Retirees and Veterans. We win through our people, and people will drive success in our Readiness, Modernization and Reform priorities. We must take care of our people..." General James McConville, 40th Chief of Staff, Army Listen as LTC Olivia Nunn speaks to Dr. Lyle Hogue from the Assistant Secretary of the Army -Manpower and Reserve Affairs on the Army's People Strategy. 

Department of Veterans Affairs leadership changes Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) discusses turnover at the VA, and how Congress is addressing concerns about veteran suicide. Navy's new priorities for recruitment and retainment Gregory Slavonic, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs breaks down the Navy’s new civilian capital strategy, and what it means for the branch’s workforce. Using AI at the HHS Office of Inspector General Chris Chilbert, chief information officer at the Department of Health and Human Services OIG, discusses how they’re using artificial intelligence and data to conduct oversight of one of the largest federal agencies.

LTG Thomas Seamands, Deputy Army Chief of Staff for Personnel, and Casey Wardynski, assistant secretary for Manpower & Reserve Affairs at the Army, discuss how the branch’s new personnel strategy will improve their workforce and job selection, and how the rollout is progressing. Adarryl Roberts, program executive officer at the Defense Logistics Agency, and Martina Miles Johnson, Research and Development Manufacturing Technology Integrator at DLA, discuss how they’re looking to utilize new capabilities, and the agency’s upcoming industry day. Mike Madsen, director of Strategic Engagement at DIU, outlines the office’s AI efforts, and how they’ll help the Navy and other military branches perform maintenance. Government Matters caps off our AUSA 2019 coverage with a recap of what top Army brass had to say about modernization at the branch.

The Honorable Deborah Lee James has served in senior homeland and national security management, policy, and program positions in the US Government and private sector for more than 35 years. She has led and transformed large-scale enterprises, including a $2 billion private sector entity and a $140 billion government agency, the U.S. Air Force. Today she serves on several for-profit and not-for-profit organizations; provides strategic advice to a variety of firms; and speaks on matters of national security, leadership, and other topical areas. She is also the author of "Aim High: Chart Your Course and Find Success" Deborah had wanted to work in the State Department and had thought she had done everything right to make that happen, but when she applied, she wasn’t selected. This came as a huge surprise to her but eventually found a job working for the department of the Army. It was at this job she found her first mentor. He helped by opening doors to opportunities and giving her advice on her career. One of her first big career opportunities was to be an intern at the White House in the 1980s. She also worked on the staff of the house armed service committee. She then went to work for the Assistant Secretary of Defense specifically on Reserve Affairs. She left the civilian-military workforce for 15 years, but then from 2013 to 2017 came back as the Secretary of the Air Force. She left government service after 17 years and made the switch to the private side expecting it to be an easy transition where she would have no problem succeeding. She ended up having a few bad bosses before finally finding a fit at SAIC. One of her jobs was managing the MRAP program to get the MRAPs out to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. This program brought tremendous purpose. Within the first few months of becoming the Secretary of the Air Force, a cheating scandal within the Nuclear community was uncovered. And although it only included a handful of people it brought to light cultural issues that needed to be addressed and changed. She also worked on diversity and inclusion with a big focus on opening jobs and making it easier for women to do jobs. While also working on work-life balance and changing the maternity program. We also talked about a few topics that are covered in the book Air High: Chart Your Course and Find Success ranging from the importance of outsourcing, Knowing what is important to you, and positive and negative role models that helped push her to be who she is today. You won't want to miss this week's episode. Mentioned in this episode (contains affiliate links) Aim High: Chart Your Course and Find Success My Vector Follow Honorable Deborah James Twitter LinkedIn Website

One of the things that will occur as you [move up the ranks] is you're going to have a more diverse workforce A BETTER PEACE welcomes to the studio U.S. Army Reserve Major General Tammy Smith to discuss her perspectives on strategic leadership, especially her current role in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. With WAR ROOM Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline E. Whitt, MG Smith tells how her career followed many different directions over time. Through self-awareness and purposeful self-development activities, she adapted and overcame at each step, especially when she did not have the technical expertise of those around her. This was true even in her current position, where she takes on the quality of life portfolio, something she had limited knowledge about previously, but is enjoying and adding value to it every way she can!     Tammy Smith is is a major general in the U.S. Army Reserve and Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Jacqueline E. Whitt is the Editor-in-Chief of WAR ROOM. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo: Fort Drum community members welcomed Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith, then-Army Deputy G-1, as guest speaker for their annual LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Pride Month observance. Photo Credit: Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs, public domain Other releases in the Senior Leader Perspectives series: A TRANSATLANTIC PERSPECTIVE ON NATO (LEADER PERSPECTIVES)OBSERVATIONS FROM NATO’S NORTHERN FRONT (LEADER PERSPECTIVES)ALLIES ARE MORE THAN FRIENDS (LEADER PERSPECTIVES)THE CHALLENGES OF KEEPING SPACE SECURE (LEADER PERSPECTIVES)TENSIONS AND PARADOXES FACING SENIOR LEADERS (LEADER PERSPECTIVES)LEADING AND WINNING IN GREAT POWER COMPETITION (LEADER PERSPECTIVES)LEARNING ABOUT LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE CLASSICS (LEADER PERSPECTIVES)WHAT IT TAKES FOR COLONELS TO BE SUCCESSFUL (LEADER PERSPECTIVES)BALANCING BETWEEN CIVILIAN LIFE AND SERVICE IN THE NATIONAL GUARD“WHAT GOT YOU HERE WON’T GET YOU THERE” — AND OTHER CAUTIONARY TALES FOR LEADERSWHEN THE MILITARY IS NOT IN CHARGE: DEFENSE SUPPORT TO CIVIL AUTHORITIESWHAT DOES ‘SUCCESS’ MEAN AS A STRATEGIC LEADER?STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND CHANGING THE US ARMY IN EUROPETHE CHALLENGES OF SENIOR LEADER COMMUNICATIONTHE SENIOR NCO AS A STRATEGIC LEADERSTRATEGIC LEADERSHIP FROM AN AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVEWHAT DO THE BRITS THINK OF AMERICAN OFFICERS?PERSPECTIVES ON STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP — GEN. ROBIN RAND, U.S. AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMANDGROWING AFRICAN PEACEKEEPING CAPACITY

Today it is commonplace for a female to command a brigade, and it is hugely important The military is a constantly evolving organization. Change in the US military is driven by both the need to serve as an effective fighting force and maintain a connection with society. An example is the recent integration of women in combat roles. Although women have been associated with the US military since the American Revolution, traditional gender roles often defined the limits of women's service. Nevertheless, women who have chosen to serve have transcended these limitations, performed acts of heroism and courage, and inspired future generations of women to serve and push against the social and structural boundaries placed before them. This episode features one of those women: Major General Jessica Wright, U.S. Army retired, who served over six years as The 50th Adjutant General of Pennsylvania and, following retirement, served as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. With A BETTER PEACE Editor Jacqueline E. Whitt, Major General Wright reflects on her service, women in the military, and those service members who enabled and supported her throughout her career.       Jessica Wright is a retired major general in the U.S. Army. Jacqueline E. Whitt is the Editor-in-Chief of A BETTER PEACE. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photos: (L) Women's Army Corps Dorothy "Dora" Feinbloom, served with the Army Air Corps in 1943; (R) PFC Christina Fuentes Montenegro, one of the first three women to graduate from the Marine Corps’ Infantry Training Battalion in October 2013. Photo Credits: (L) National World War II Museum, (R) U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Main

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. Beginning at the Naval Academy and continuing on to the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senator Jim Webb has lived a storied career in public service. As a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Senator Webb became the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, and shortly after served as Secretary of the Navy. After his successful election to the U.S. Senate in 2006, Senator Webb proved to be a leader in expanding benefits to military families. Today, Senator Webb continues to shape the national dialogue on veteran’s affairs and foreign relations. In his event with the IOP, Senator Webb reflected on current trends in U.S. politics as he prepares for a presidential run in 2016.

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. Beginning at the Naval Academy and continuing on to the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senator Jim Webb has lived a storied career in public service. As a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Senator Webb became the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, and shortly after served as Secretary of the Navy. After his successful election to the U.S. Senate in 2006, Senator Webb proved to be a leader in expanding benefits to military families. Today, Senator Webb continues to shape the national dialogue on veteran’s affairs and foreign relations. In his event with the IOP, Senator Webb reflected on current trends in U.S. politics as he prepares for a presidential run in 2016.

Video gaming, game development, virtual reality, America's Army. Dr. Michael Zyda's research interests include computer graphics; networked 3D virtual environments; agent-based simulation; modeling human and organizational behavior; and interactive games. Dr. Zyda served as the principal investigator and development director of the America's Army PC game funded by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

Video gaming, game development, virtual reality, America's Army. Dr. Michael Zyda's research interests include computer graphics; networked 3D virtual environments; agent-based simulation; modeling human and organizational behavior; and interactive games. Dr. Zyda served as the principal investigator and development director of the America's Army PC game funded by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.