MARFORCYBER Commander Talks Warfighting with Naval Academy Midshipmen
The Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER), Maj. Gen. Lori E. Reynolds, talked warfighting at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., Feb. 9, 2017.
During her lecture, Reynolds addressed the midshipmen on various topics including an overview of the mission of MARFORCYBER, the challenges and responsibilities of maneuvering in cyberspace, their future role in cyber as Platoon Commanders and Division Officers, and the Marine Corps’ view of... read more
The Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER), Maj. Gen. Lori E. Reynolds, talked warfighting at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., Feb. 9, 2017.
During her lecture, Reynolds addressed the midshipmen on various topics including an overview of the mission of MARFORCYBER, the challenges and responsibilities of maneuvering in cyberspace, their future role in cyber as Platoon Commanders and Division Officers, and the Marine Corps’ view of cyberspace.
“When the Marine Corps views cyberspace, we view it as a warfighting domain,” said Reynolds. She added that cyberspace is also viewed by the Marine Corps as a weapons platform, a space that must be protected in order to enable Command and Control, and as a place that enables the delivery of cyber effects. Noting, “In fact, right now, it’s a place where we can actually ruin ISIS’ day.”
Reynolds, who deployed the I MEF Headquarters group to Camp Leatherneck Afghanistan in March 2010, made the comparison of the actions required to defend in cyberspace to those required to defend a Forward Operating Base, or FOB. Marines understand the actions required to achieve superiority in a physical battlespace and in order to fight and win in the cyber battlespace, the same principles must apply.
After taking questions from the midshipmen, Reynolds, a 1986 Naval Academy alumnus, ended her comments by what she referred to as, “putting her previous hat back on as the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island”. Reynolds reminded the midshipmen that we are a Nation at war, but that does not deter young men and women, like them, who continue to leave the safety of their homes, families, and friends to answer a call to service. “They are choosing to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, whether they can see them or not,” she said, “And they deserve our best leadership and that’s what this Academy is all about.”
She continued, “If you think for a minute as you’re sitting in one of these lectures or one of your classes that this is all about you – you’ve missed it. This is all about them.”
Referring to the future Marines and sailors the midshipmen will have the privilege to lead, Reynolds ended her comments with this request of the midshipmen, “They are willing to give their lives and they do. They deserve our very best leadership and that’s you. Take that personally.” show less
