My Veterans Day Perspective.

CAPT Donald Nisbett — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:56:59 -0500

As I reflect on my first year of retirement after 31 years of naval service, I am filled with a sense of pride and relief knowing that the future of our naval forces is in good hands. For my last eight years on active duty, I was fortunate enough to participate in the professional development of future leaders, first in flight training and later in officer accessions. While I’m proud of these operational accomplishments, the ability to directly impact the newest Navy and Marine Corps leaders and help shape the future of military leadership brought me the most joy.

I personally would not have achieved my success without the trailblazers that came before me and the support of family, friends, colleagues, and mentors along the way. Our future leaders will also come to know that this is truly a team sport, and they will need to rely on multiple resources for that same support. Men and women from all walks of life and representing all that is good in our nation's young people have voluntarily answered the call of duty to be part of something greater than themselves.

However, this burden of responsibility of ensuring our profession of arms remains the most formidable in the world continues to be borne by a smaller segment of our population, as the propensity to serve continues to decline. In his book, Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965, Morris J. MacGregor, Jr. contends “…the Navy … made significant changes in their racial policies, primarily to make more efficient and effective use of available manpower. ‘In a period of reduced manpower allocations and increased demand for technically trained men, [the Navy] came to realize that racial distinctions were imposing unacceptable administrative burdens and reducing fighting efficiency.’” It wasn’t until 1944 that 12 line officers and one warrant officer, known as the Golden Thirteen, became the first black officers in the Navy. 46 years later, I was the beneficiary of those trailblazers. The struggle to recruit and retain diversity, especially among the officer ranks, continues.

Admiral Mike Mullen, in the Chief of Naval Operations’ 2007 guidance, emphasized diversity as a strategic imperative, stating, “As the world becomes more globalized and our Nation more diverse, our ability to access, retain and employ the different talents and experiences resident in our country’s population will increasingly impact mission success at home and abroad.” Much like the incentive to integrate the armed services to increase fighting efficiency following WWII, today’s services must keep pace to attract and retain more diversity.

I’m excited about my ability to serve as a mentor and veteran example to continue to advocate for greater diversity in our armed forces. In my opinion, the leadership challenge for increased diversity in our officer ranks is fourfold: understand and acknowledge the importance of diversity for the future of the Navy; recognize and utilize the unique talents of the people; foster an environment of opportunity; and encourage people to lead and empower them to reach their full potential.

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Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Nov 9 at 2022 6:10 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 18:10:18 -0500

Congratulations are in order for your sacrifice, devotion and faithful service of a grateful nation!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 11 at 2022 6:17 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 06:17:13 -0500

Thanks for your service

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 11 at 2022 7:43 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 19:43:00 -0500

Thank you for your service! Beat Navy! ;-)

Response by SSG John Jensen made Nov 12 at 2022 11:23 AM

SSG John Jensen — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 11:23:15 -0500

This little doll was brought home from France after WWI by Great Uncle Forrest - I recently found out his Military Unit, he was in a Motor Maintenance Reg't - He was a Truck Mechanic! in WWI! - Trucks had only been invented 10 years before! We're talking serious High Tech here! those computer jerks don't know what they're talking about! And Great Uncle Bion MacBryde was Navy in WWI, he was a radio operator, do you know how NEW Wireless Radios were? for his training the Navy sent an enlisted man to HARVARD! That's Serious High Tech! And Mom's Great Uncle Fred Keller was Army Aviation in WWI, I think you know how New Airplanes were then! And Fred Keller was the Son a a Union Cavalryman! and immigrant from the German Duchy of Sax Coburg.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Nov 15 at 2022 2:02 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:02:51 -0500

Congratulations on Your retirement "Skipper" Thank You for sharing this post.