INSCOM Chief of Staff Speaks at Women's History Month Observance

Courtesy Photo | Col. Christy L. Nyland (center), chief of staff, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), was the guest speaker during Fort Belvoir’s Women’s History Month Observance held at its Community Center, March 27, 2024. Hosted by Col. Joseph V. Messina (right), commander, Fort Belvoir Garrison, the theme was “Women Who Have Made Great Achievements.” Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Garth Newell (left) poses with Nyland and Messina. (U.S. Army photo by Paul Lara)  

UNITED STATES

03.27.2024

Story by Ron Young 

U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Col. Christy L. Nyland, chief of staff, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), was the guest speaker during Fort Belvoir’s Women’s History Month Observance held at its Community Center, March 27, 2024.

Hosted by Col. Joseph V. Messina, commander, Fort Belvoir Garrison, the theme was “Women Who Have Made Great Achievements.”

Nyland’s message focused on a question she was asked when she was a young captain prior to a physical training (PT) session: “Who are you, and why are you here?” When the group of company commanders and first sergeants gathered, Nyland was the only female in the formation.

“In the past 20 years we have had a front row seat in experiencing and seeing an immense amount of positive change in fully integrating females into service,” said Nyland. “It’s truly only been in the last 10 years of accelerated change and integration.”

Nyland noted that it is amazing that the fact that your gender automatically screens you out is no longer an obstacle. There have been great adjustments to policies and regulations, including maternity leave, health care and even uniform standards that demonstrate the DoD’s effort to fully integrate females into the service.

“We stand here today on the shoulders of giants, those who had the courage to stand their ground, fight for equality and not back down when asked their version of ‘who are you and why are you here,’” Nyland added.

Nyland closed her speech by expressing her gratitude to all the women who serve our nation and the men that have supported and empowered women along the way.

"Your sacrifice, contributions and dedication have enriched our military community and strengthened our nation," said Nyland. "There is still work to be done – sustained commitment and vigilance are essential to reaching a time when the stories and headlines will no longer amplify, 'first female to.' The stories will focus on the achievements, qualifications and expertise of the female who earned the honor."

Nyland assumed duty as INSCOM’s deputy commander on Aug. 22, 2022, and was named INSCOM chief of staff on Feb. 20, 2023. She was previously the Army Field Support Center commander.

A native of New Orleans, she received her commission as a Military Intelligence lieutenant and Distinguished Military Graduate through the Army ROTC program at the University of Southern Mississippi.

During Women’s History Month, the Army joins the nation to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of women. Women have played vital roles in the Army since the Revolutionary War and are critical members of the Army team. Women’s History Month stands as a reminder of the strength the Army has through its high-quality and diverse all-volunteer force.

INSCOM executes mission command of operational intelligence and security forces; conducts and synchronizes worldwide multidiscipline and all-source intelligence and security operations; and delivers linguist support and intelligence-related advanced skills training, acquisition support, logistics, communications, and other specialized capabilities in support of Army, Joint, Coalition Commands and the U.S. Intelligence Community.

• Date Taken: 03.27.2024
• Date Posted: 03.28.2024 16:28
• Story ID: 467226
• Location: US