Legendary Field Artillery Leader MG (R) Vernon B. Lewis Jr. Shares Lessons in Leadership During Fort Sill OPD
Fort Sill, Okla. — Retired Maj. Gen. Vernon B. Lewis Jr., former Assistant Commandant of the Field Artillery School and one of the oldest living Field Artillery general officers, led an officer professional development session Jan. 21 in Snow Hall for Captains Career Course classes 5-25 and 6-25, members of the Field Artillery Commandant’s staff, and attending field grade officers. The session was hosted by the Field Artillery Commandant, Brig. Gen. Jason T. Williams.
Lewis, whose career included multiple assignments at Fort Sill and senior leadership roles shaping Field Artillery training and leader development, drew from combat experience spanning the Korean War and Vietnam era to share candid lessons on leadership, gunnery expertise, and the art of fire support coordination. He emphasized the critical role of trust between maneuver commanders and fire supporters, the necessity of constant rehearsal, and the responsibility leaders carry to protect Soldiers while remaining decisive under pressure.
“You have to know your craft before the fight starts,” Lewis said. “There is no magic switch you can flip once you’re in contact. Expertise, preparation, and trust are what save lives and win battles.”
Lt. Col. Benjamin H. Rhoads, executive officer to the Field Artillery Commandant, said the session provided rare access to mentorship rooted in branch history. “General Lewis is a legend in the field artillery, and his insights give these captains perspective they’ll carry forward as future battery commanders, field grade officers, and senior leaders,” Rhoads said.
Lewis also challenged officers to think beyond artillery alone, underscoring the importance of integrating mortars, aviation, and joint fires while maintaining disciplined risk management. “Leadership is a privilege,” Lewis said. “If Soldiers trust your judgment, they’ll follow you anywhere—but that trust has to be earned long before the first round is fired.”
The session reinforced enduring Field Artillery leadership principles—technical mastery, accountability, and trust—while connecting decades of Fort Sill leadership and experience to modern operational challenges facing today’s force.
NEWS INFO
Date Taken:
01.21.2026
Date Posted:
02.05.2026 10:28
Story ID:
556645
Location:
FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA, US
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0
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