Photo By Steven Stover | FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. – Col. Adam Volant (left), commander of Task Force Echo...... read more read more
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FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. – The 780th Military Intelligence (MI) Brigade (Cyber) Soldiers, Army Civilians, contractors and their Family members, bid a fond farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Sheldon Chandler, the brigade’s senior enlisted Soldier, and his wife, Christina, in a Change of Responsibility ceremony which also honors their more than 25-years of selfless service on the field next to the brigade headquarters, September 8.
Chandler answered a few questions before the ceremony.
1. Looking back at your time as the 780th MI Brigade Command Sergeant Major, what are you most proud of? What were the biggest challenges?
A. When I assumed responsibility of the Brigade two years ago, I knew that the Army only lets you lead an organization for two years before you have to pass on the reigns to a new leader. The last two years have come and went incredibly fast but there has been much growth within the Brigade and the Cyber Force. To answer your specific question…the answer is simple. I am most proud of the Soldiers and the partnerships across the force. The hard work and dedication to the mission that our Soldiers and Civilians display on a daily basis are in fact the principal reason that we have come so far over the last two years. The partnerships that have been developed between the Cyber Protection Brigade, 1st Information Operations Command, 704th MI Brigade, 902nd MI Group, Centers of Excellence (both Cyber and Intelligence), DAMO-CY (the Army’s Management Office for Cyber) and the Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) have been the best that I have seen in my 26 years of service. We would absolutely not be where we are today without the hard work and commitment to excellence from the long line of professionals on the INSCOM and ARCYBER (U.S. Army Cyber Command) team. To the second part of your question; the biggest challenge that I encountered was “building a force when already engaged in the fight”. I often use the creation of the enlisted MOS (military occupational specialty) for Special Forces that was created in 1984 as an example. Although there was Special Operations Forces engaged around world dating back to Vietnam, the new branch generally did not engage in combat operations until 1989 until OPERATION JUST CAUSE in Panama. The years leading up to Panama provided the Army with an opportunity to train Soldiers and personnel to their unit METL and critical tasks lists before direct engagement with an adversary. Cyberspace has been unique in the fact that we were engaged with our adversaries during the same time we were building the force. To be able to lead the DoD in the manning and readiness of our Cyber Teams, develop a school house, modify Army processes and regulatory guidance while engaged with multiple adversaries is a testament of the men and women who continue to pioneer the domain and build capacity for our Nation.
2. Any thoughts for the Cyber Enlisted Force?
A. Cyber Warriors are unique in their technical talents and aptitude to tackle tough and complex problem sets. I would offer though that it is the complete team that will make or break the mission. It is the efforts of other occupational specialties that complement the Cyber branch and collectively drive the mission forward. We have superior talent in the Brigade that are experts in their career fields as well…weather it is intelligence analysis, targeting, planning, logistics, and administrative responsibilities – the collective team is what has been getting it done. My second thought would be that everyone needs to be a leader and Soldier first. I recently had the distinct honor to hear Admiral (Michael) Rogers, the commander of United States Cyber Command address the importance of service culture at the ARCYBER Senior Leaders Week. His gist was that it is the culture of each military service that has been the major reason for success in the cyberspace domain. Each service culture brings a unique set of skills and historical traditions that complement the cyber mission. For the Army, it is our standards, discipline, planning, rehearsals, troop leading procedures, et al, which has allowed the Army to trail blaze in cyberspace.
3. What’s next for the Chandlers?
A. Since I am answering this question…I will say fishing, fishing, and more fishing which will also include buying a new fishing boat. Honestly, my number one priority is to continue to make my family a priority. They have given much over the last twenty six years and we are going to continue to enjoy life together. With much more time on my hands, I look forward to having more time to coach my son in baseball and lacrosse and watching my daughter figure skate much more.
4. Any final thoughts?
A. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Command Sgt. Major of the 780th MI Brigade. Many of our Soldiers have heard it – I will close with the “three-legged stool”. Balance is critically important in our Profession of Arms and the three-legged stool has helped me achieve balanced success throughout my career. The three-legged stool has a professional leg, personal leg, and a faith leg (not necessarily spiritual…but what you personally believe in). The key to success is to ensure that no one leg grows longer than the other. Balance each leg with the same level of importance and success can be achieved.
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.07.2017 14:37 |
| Story ID: | 247345 |
| Location: | FORT MEADE, MD, US |
| Web Views: | 404 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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