Jacob Simmons’ Post

LtCol Raible’s Commander’s Guidance is well worth the read. First, let me provide you with some historical context that is near and dear to many, including myself: https://lnkd.in/gRz9uTgF LtCol Raible’s Commander’s Guidance can be applied in any setting and situation. True leadership is transferable to any job, in any industry, military or civilian sector. All 6 principles are direct and clear to the point. I, wholeheartedly believe them to all be of equal importance and value. From my personal observations of working in the civilian sector thus far, principle #6 is a definite opportunity to improve upon. “When all else fades away, attack pilots have one mission: provide offensive air support for Marines.” This statement clearly identifies the main objective (“the job”) and who they support. Can everyone in your organization clearly articulate their main objective and who they support? #leadership #organization #remember #honor #fallenheroes #semperfidelis #Marines

Lt. Col. Raible’s comments are as applicable to a Marine combat pilot providing close air support to dusty infantrymen in combat as they are to a computer engineer supporting a product rollout from an air-conditioned office.    •   Continually seek self-improvement.    •   Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.    •   And always strive for greatness, regardless of the mission. Following these three simple rules all but guarantees success.

This was my absolute favorite panel of the entire event. Seeing two of my former wing commanders on stage, speaking so resolutely toward the needs of our nation, toward a nation that my own children will be proud to grow up in, brought hope and joy to my heart. I also deeply resonated with General Mike Minihan's remarks: "If we don't get connectivity correct, then we are condemned to operate that airplane in the same way our grandfathers did, in the 50s, 60s, and 70s." --and-- "Amateurs study tactics. Professionals study logistics. Victors study maneuver!" --and-- "The readiness that underpins deterrence is the same readiness that underpins decisive victory." --and-- "Airmen fill the gap between what they have and what they need. They do that with tenacity...they do that with courage...they do that with professionalism...they do that with passion!" Such a feast of motivation and truth. I also love watching Airmen close that gap, and I'm grateful to still be in a position to help and contribute to their efforts. I love my chosen career of innovation. The path between idea and innovation is one of maneuver, with innovators creating the conditions for great ideas to become reality, in advance of their time of need. Because...innovation IS readiness and innovation underpins decisive victory. #victorsstudymaneuver Productable

Would be great to get thoughts about the current situation WRT SF’s value proposition and the current situation with respect to recruiting and force fill.

I was privileged to attend the Indo-Pacific Intelligence Chiefs Conference in Sydney, co-hosted by the U.S. and Australia, focused on the Indo-Pacific Directors of Military Intelligence (DMIs). This event marked a milestone with the largest attendance of Senior Enlisted Advisors to the DMIs, reflecting our commitment to strengthening ties across the region. During the panel pictured above and expertly moderated by the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), we discussed critical topics with 23 DMIs, including the asymmetric advantage that an empowered and educated Non-Commissioned Officer can provide to their formations. We shared real-world examples from history and events unfolding in Europe, emphasizing the vital role of enlisted leadership, friendship, and collaboration in addressing shared security challenges. Strengthening these relationships is essential for fostering stability and resilience in the Indo-Pacific. Together, we can navigate the complexities of our shared security landscape. Thanks to David Isom for the example of building Senior Enlisted partnerships and helping with the attendance at this event. Article: https://lnkd.in/gA6x82uV #IndoPacific #Collaboration #MilitaryLeadership #NCOAdvantage #SecurityChallenges #InternationalRelations #StrategicPartnerships #MaritimeSecurity #Empowerment

I wrote the below essay on Leadership in support of my recently published book Hybrid Warfare. "If you have people under your charge, then you are duty-bound to think—to make well-considered decisions based on a studied knowledge base. Military leadership is unique because ill-considered decisions send soldiers to their deaths." During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, MajGen OP Smith of First Marine Division set a standard for all future division commanders to aspire to. https://lnkd.in/eYi72bTc

Our article, “Getting the Best out of Joint Warfghter Development,” was just published by the Joint Force Quarterly (JFQ), Vol. 113 (2nd Quarter, April 2024). It's always a pleasure working and writing with Charles Davis and Jeff Turner. It's an honor supporting the team at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) and promoting the importance of creating and enhancing the education and skills of the Joint Warfighter. Thank you to Bill Eliason, PhD at National Defense University, for his work at JFQ and supporting our ideas and efforts! The article explores whether the Department of Defense (DoD) is producing optimal joint warfighters for U.S. military operations. Joint warfighting, crucial for conducting effective joint operations, requires leaders with a joint mindset. The development of skilled joint warfighters hinges on three key elements: balanced Service representation, experienced faculty, and a rigorous curriculum. The Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) in the Joint Forces Staff College, National Defense University exemplifies this integration, emphasizing proportional Service representation, faculty with extensive joint experience, and practical exercises to foster collaboration and interdependence. The article stresses the increasing need for joint warfighters capable of planning and executing complex, multidomain operations. The entire issue is here: https://lnkd.in/gFA99m3j Our article is here: https://lnkd.in/guZT4Ny4

General Mark A. Milley is the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff USA Army. Geostrategic competition and rapidly advancing technology are driving fundamental changes to the character of war. Our opportunity to ensure that we maintain an enduring competitive advantage is fleeting. We must modernize the Joint Force to deter our adversaries, defend the United States, ensure future military advantage, and, if necessary, prevail in conflict. The Joint Force has taken the first step by developing and publishing the Joint Warfighting Concept (JWC) and updating Joint Publication 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. The JWC is a joint, combined vision for how the U.S. military will operate across all domains. The next step is to create a leadership structure that turns concepts into capabilities. The Joint Force must make fundamental changes now to win the next war and, by doing so, we will deter the war from happening in the first place.

Lethality, audacity, and creativity. That’s the culture of the Special Forces Regiment and the values each Special Operator is expected to live by. They’re also the foundation of what it takes to be the premier partnered irregular warfare force in the arsenal of the United States Military. Fran Racioppi is joined by Major General Gil Ferguson, Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) - US Army, for a conversation on the culture of the Regiment, how the Special Forces Groups are preparing for regional conflicts with unknown enemies at unknown times, and how Green Berets are solidifying themselves as the go-to option in the deep sensor fight against our peer adversaries. General Ferguson also explains the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad, where he sees Special Forces in a decade, and as our units evolve, what needs to stay the same. Episode 142 is live! Listen, Watch, or Read: https://lnkd.in/gcBhjdjv The opinions presented on The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of the guests and the host. They do not reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy. #SpecialForces #GreenBerets #USArmy #SpecialOperations #MilitaryCulture #Leadership

America's NCOs. This is a great piece that explains in lay terms why we have the superb fighting forces we do. There is too much focus on technology and the number of ships, airplanes, and armor when assessing threats. Our main "peer" threat nations cannot develop individual leadership skills found in our NCOs. https://lnkd.in/dGzAa5im