Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James R. Kriesel, deputy commanding general, Combined Joint...... read more read more
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CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James R. Kriesel, deputy commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), traveled to the United Kingdom in part to serve as a guest speaker at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in Berkshire. The visit afforded the opportunity to reinforce aspects of the unique U.S.-U.K. partnership.
Kriesel spoke to the cadets about the CJTF-HOA mission, the profession of arms and the value of building and strengthening partnerships to contribute to security and stability in Africa.
“We are thrilled to have Brig. Gen. Kriesel as a guest here at RMAS. As a leader at CJTF-HOA, a command where we work as partners day after day, we welcome his perspective on leadership, and service,” said British Army Brigadier James Carr-Smith, commander of RMAS.
This historic visit not only marked the first time a CJTF-HOA representative was invited to speak at RMAS, but also marked the first time a U.S. Air Force general officer was extended the honor.
“I’m grateful as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and a coalition partner that the U.K. invited me to come and learn about Sandhurst and speak to cadets, and special thanks to British Army Maj. Gen. Paul Nanson, Commandant of Royal Military Academy Sandhurst,” said Kriesel.
Kriesel began by sharing stories of his career in the Air Force, experiences as a fighter pilot, combat deployments, mentors who made an impact on him, and how all of these brought him to where he is now. He went on to explain the journey of leadership in the military with a core tenant of “compete to the highest standard!”
“Our profession is defined by our values, ethics, standards, and code of conduct,” said Kriesel. “Our status as a profession is granted by those to whom we are accountable: our civilian authority and our citizens. You have to commit to the team, lead with the soul of a servant, and win, no matter what stands in your way, because our way of life depends on it.”
Kriesel asked the cadets, “Are you open minded enough? You may not realize it, but you are at great risk of a failure of imagination—being unconsciously trapped by your success, experience and rank. Very soon, we will trust sons and daughters to your care, awaiting your leadership; it is the sacred element of trust that enables our profession of arms to persevere.”
Sandhurst was founded in 1947 and is the training grounds for all British Army officers, as well as many from around the world, to include the United States. While there, Kriesel met with Nanson, Carr-Smith, and Australian Major General Anthony Rawlins, toured the academy grounds, and met with cadets. Given his commitment to the coalition and our United Kingdom partners, Kriesel also awarded British Army Staff Sergeant Lucy Austin with her end of tour award for her contributions to CJTF-HOA’s mission as a former U.K.-embedded Non-Commissioned Officer.
“This opportunity, to share my experiences and offer insight to a new generation of RMAS cadets, is just one example of what reinforces the partnership between the U.S. and the U.K.,” said Kriesel.
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| Date Taken: | 11.12.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2019 10:25 |
| Story ID: | 354767 |
| Location: | GB |
| Web Views: | 416 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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