New center imparts ethical command leader development

U.S. Naval War College
Courtesy Story

Date: 05.06.2014
Posted: 06.03.2014 08:08
News ID: 131898
NLEC ribbon cutting

NEWPORT, R.I. - Instructors and staff of the new Naval Leadership and Ethics Center (NLEC) celebrated the establishment of their command during a ribbon cutting ceremony in Newport, R.I., May 6.

Aligned as an echelon three command under U.S. Naval War College (NWC) as of May 1, the NLEC will serve as the Navy and NWC's instrument to provide curriculum development along with assessment to instill fundamental tenets of ethical leadership throughout the Navy; develop and guide leaders with a strong abiding sense of responsibility, authority, and accountability; and impart commitment of Navy Core Values and Navy Ethos to Sailors.

With resources and personnel from the former Command Leadership School in Newport, the Navy's vision for the new organization is to create courses and educational material that will have an impact across the fleet for leader development and ethical decision making. As a school house, NLEC will also continue leadership education for future members of the command leadership triad - command master chiefs or chiefs of the boat, executive officers, and commanding officers.

Capt. Mark Johnson, NLEC commanding officer, reflected on the benefits that the organization will provide for the Navy's Leader Development Continuum, which provides a common framework for leader development through professional experience, training, education, and personal development.

"We've been given a tremendous opportunity to build something important and enduring for our profession," said Johnson. "We're excited and honored to have that opportunity. I can think of no higher calling than helping to develop leaders for our Navy."

Educating Sailors at all levels in leadership and character has been a cornerstone of Navy education and training, and those attributes are vitally important dimensions that define the Navy's people and what they do throughout their service.

"The establishment of NLEC signifies an increased investment and commitment of the Navy's most valuable asset, our people," said Rear Adm. Walter E. "Ted" Carter Jr., president, NWC. "This serves as an opportunity to take a more proactive approach in improving a culture of character development in conjunction with continued command leader education. Our goal is improved leader development."

Since January 2014, NWC and the former CLS faculty and staff have been working meticulously to execute this vision.

"This is an incredible accomplishment and I trust we will succeed in executing these new responsibilities educating our officers and enlisted across all warfare communities, staff corps, and sub-specialties in a wide range of leadership and ethical issues across the Fleet," said Carter.

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