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MAJ Ryan Welch, Command and General Staff College student, addresses a group of industry professionals about his experiences while deployed as an Apache pilot in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The briefing was part of the CGSC speakers program. Photo by Brandon J. Pollachek
As a group of more than 100 corporate employees gathered for a lunchtime speaking engagement in Cambridge, MA, the setting was status quo except for the speaker. The audience, used to hearing from members of academia located at nearby Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or their government counterparts, senior leaders charged with working hand and hand with industry to provide soldiers with equipment, was provided a twist from the norm, as they were able to hear instead from the end user of their product.
The newly formed Command and General Staff College industry speakers program matches up students attending the intermediate development course at Fort Leavenworth, KS with industry. Students are afforded an opportunity to share their military experiences with the men and women that produce the very products they are currently utilizing on the battlefield.
The program’s roots are based on Lt. Gen. William Caldwell’s, Commandant, US Army CGSC, requirement for CGSC officers to speak publically as a prerequisite to complete the course and a desire from PEO’s to have Army officers engage our industry partners. Six PEO’s participate in the program, each reaching out to those that they do business and have more than 35 companies participating so far.
All students attending CGSC, primarily Army Majors, are required to participate in a speaking engagement during the course of the program. “With less than one percent of the U.S. population serving in the military, I think it is imperative for our Soldiers to share their stories with the American public they serve,” said Caldwell. “The ‘Sharing our Story with the Nation’ program (which the Industry speakers program falls within) gives students the opportunity to honor their fallen comrades and tell the incredible story of the American Soldier, while simultaneously educating and informing members of the community. I truly see this as one component of being able to effectively operate in today’s information environment.”
One of the first students to participate in the program was Maj. Ryan Welch, an Apache pilot. Welch delivered a presentation centered on a few battles he participated in while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his 30-minute presentation, Welch fielded questions from the audience for more than 45 minutes. Points of interest included everything from the various systems he utilizes in the cockpit to troop morale and challenges the pilot faced in the deployed environment.
“I chose to participate in the industry speakers program in order to thank industry research and development personnel for their vital role in providing our warfighters with top-end technological equipment in the GWOT (Global War on Terror),” said Welch. “Secondly, I wanted to share some stories about the heroics and tremendous sacrifices that our Soldiers make on the battlefield every day. I feel that it is important for these workers to know what their work ultimately results in where the ‘rubber meets the road’”.
In addition to the benefits speakers receive from participating, the CGSC Industry Speakers program also represents an opportunity for PEO’s to solidify their relationships with their industry partners.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for young officers to gain some appreciation of what industry does and as well as for workers at defense contractors to hear directly from Soldiers about the Army and what the capabilities industry provides means to them. It’s a great experience for all involved,” noted BG Thomas Cole, Program Executive Officer IEW&S.
“The feedback I have received on this program has been nothing short of phenomenal. Every audience from Massachusetts to Arizona has raved about the professionalism and enthusiasm of our student representatives,” said Caldwell. “With 16 engagements conducted in less than 4 months, I see this program as a true win, win for everyone.”
Following his briefing Welch stated, “The primary benefit of this engagement was the ability to connect with people who are involved in the development of equipment that will make my future units more combat effective.”
Additionally, Welch viewed his speaking engagement as a chance to connect with the audience on two levels. He wanted industry to be able to take away the fact that “what they do is important, and results in lives saved,” said Welch. “We are making significant gains on the battlefield that are a direct result of your diligence and determination in resourcing Soldiers.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]