U.S. Air Power Lt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn, seventeenth President of the Nationwide Protection College, served because the keynote speaker for 206 graduates, together with 19 worldwide college students from 12 international locations. Plehn shared anecdotes and recommendation for the brand new graduates, and present Naval and protection leaders, emphasizing the facility of narrative and consistency in a single’s profession.
“The principle theme of my discuss is concerning the energy of perseverance and success,” mentioned Plehn. “If you get to steer a company, you’ll be able to say one thing new each time or you’ll be able to construct a narrative you proceed to refine that over time.”
Plehn selected to refine his story, he mentioned, providing a perspective he has developed over his lengthy distinguished profession resulting in his 5 key principals to success – efficiency, initiative, angle, training and perseverance.
Plehn expanded on every, emphasizing the significance of taking possession of your work, honoring your popularity, and persevering to success. He expressed how vital perseverance is in reaching optimistic outcomes, though a frontrunner understands when to press ahead in one other course, he famous.
“Typically you must settle for it as a result of there are some failures on the market which are ultimate,” Plehn added. “And, the earlier you come to that realization, you will get off onto a brand new path.”
Plehn additionally commented on the complementary roles of NDU and NPS, and the way the mission of NPS is important to making sure the technological management of our Navy and joint power.
“This prestigious college develops warrior expertise and analysis options through grasp’s and PhD applications for the Division of the Navy, DOD, U.S. Authorities, companions and our allies,” mentioned Plehn. “On the Nationwide Protection College, we seek advice from that as Mental Overmatch; and that’s precisely what you’ll deliver to the battle.”
Talking on the convergence of educational rigor and army technique, retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau, president of NPS, imparted a compelling message on the immediacy of management and self-awareness.
“You might be leaders,” mentioned Rondeau. “If you hear the time period, ‘You are a future chief,’ do not accept that. You are a frontrunner as we speak and also you had been a frontrunner previous to coming in right here. And your voice just isn’t the voice of the longer term, it’s the voice of now.”
A member of the graduating class, U.S. Navy Lt. Ben Paddock shared his journey incomes his grasp’s in Homeland Safety and Protection at NPS, reflecting on its significance in his life and his household’s legacy. Paddock represents the second technology of NPS alumni in his household – his father can also be an alumnus of NPS, incomes a Grasp’s in Manpower Techniques Evaluation in 1986.
“Coming to NPS has been a lifelong ambition, sparked by my father’s tales from his time right here,” he shared. “The expertise has expanded my worldview, pushing me academically and permitting me to attach with fellow officers from across the globe. It has been extraordinary, and I will actually miss it.”
As he prepares to transition from this chapter, Paddock appears ahead to the longer term with anticipation.
“I am set to affix division head college in Newport, Rhode Island, earlier than specializing in Aegis techniques in Dahlgren after which taking over the position of chief engineer on the USS Daniel Inouye in Hawaii,” he added.
Plehn wrapped up his tackle by reinforcing the significance of resilience within the face of adversity. Drawing from a reservoir of non-public expertise and historic references, Plehn inspired the graduates to adapt to life’s unpredictable nature and to at all times pursue excellence.
Because the graduates ready to embark on their subsequent steps, Plehn provided a ultimate reminder.
“Justice, tempered with mercy is an excellent attribute in all of our leaders. Put money into the individuals who present promise,” he mentioned.
“They don’t seem to be going to get it proper each single time. You aren’t going to get it proper each single time,” Plehn continued. “There can be failures in entrance of you, and also you get to choose about what you do about these failures. Dream large. Work arduous. And do not give up.”
For extra details about this newest class and to watch the total ceremony, go to the NPS Commencement web site at https://nps.edu/commencement.
