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FORT BRAGG, N.C. – One of the Army’s most experienced psychological operations officers officially retired after 27 years of active-duty service during a ceremony, May 2, on Fort Bragg’s John F. Kennedy Plaza.
Col. Curtis D. Boyd served as chief of staff for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School since October 2009. Prior to this assignment, Boyd commanded the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), now known as the 4th Military Information Support Group (Airborne).
Commissioned as an infantry officer in 1984, Boyd served in the 82nd Airborne Division before joining the Army’s special-operations community. In his 27 years of service, Boyd spent 20 of them assigned to Fort Bragg.
“I doubt anyone would argue he is the godfather of [Military Information Support Operations], certainly the godfather of his branch,” said Maj. Gen. Bennet S. Sacolick, SWCS Commanding General, during Boyd’s retirement ceremony.
Boyd was officially named a Distinguished Member of the Psychological Operations Regiment during the ceremony. While distinguished members of special-operations regiments are rarely inducted immediately upon retirement, Sacolick said Boyd deserved special recognition, and had been voted in by his peers.
“He laid the intellectual framework for psychological operations,” Sacolick said. “He is a man of profound intellect.”
Boyd has also served in the Joint Special Operations Command and U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), and managed special-operations proponency at SWCS in previous assignments.
“You have created a climate of excellence achieved only through our desire for perfection,” said Boyd to Sacolick in his remarks. “You’ve made attributes matter, for trainees and trainers alike. Army special-operations forces epitomize our Army values and then some.”
“It has been my absolute honor and privilege to have known and served with you at such an important time in our nation's history,” Boyd said.
As the SWCS Chief of Staff, Boyd has had a hand in managing training and education for three Army branches: Special Forces, Civil Affairs and MISO. This training includes entry-level qualification and advanced tactical and leadership courses for the Army's seasoned special operators.
In particular, Boyd has emphasized the importance of higher education by helping introduce new degree programs for special-operations officers and NCOs.
Boyd’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service medal with oak leaf cluster, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge with bronze star, Pathfinder Badge and Ranger Tab. Boyd conducted a combat parachute jump into Panama with the 82nd Airborne Division in 1989.
Boyd deployed in support of many operations including Just Cause, Uphold Democracy, Restore Democracy, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Joint Endeavour, Joint Guard, Enduring Freedom and Iraq Freedom.
| Date Taken: | 05.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2011 09:34 |
| Story ID: | 69829 |
| Location: | FAYETTEVILLE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 482 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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