Reserve unit commander cites qualities for graduating space officers

By Scott Andreae (SMDC/ARSTRAT)March 5, 2014

Maj. Gen. Dan York addresses graduates of the Army Space Operations Officer Qualifying Course
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Maj. Gen. Dan York meets with Army Reservists at U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command
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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The top officer of a wide-ranging Army Reserve command was the guest speaker Feb. 27 for a graduating class of new space officers largely composed of Army Reserve and National Guard service members.

Maj. Gen. Dan York, commander of the 76th Operational Response Command, encouraged the Space Operations Officer Qualifying Course graduates to apply leadership, vision, teamwork, character, attitude, conduct and wisdom in their professional lives.

The Troop Program Unit at U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command is part of the 76th ORC. The TPU has about 280 Army Reserve Soldiers who work in the 1st Space Brigade, Missile Defense Integrated Operations Center, various USASMDC/ARSTRAT staff directorates and U.S. Northern Command/North American Air Defense Command, among others.

The graduating class had eight Army Reserve students, five from the Army National Guard and one active duty. Graduates of the course become Functional Area 40 space operations officers.

York emphasized to the graduates their important roles in the multi-component Army, both in the specialized career field of military space and in leading people.

"You're leaders by virtue of wearing the uniform," he said. "How can we keep space where it needs to be in terms of importance both in defense and where we need to go next as a nation?"

He gave examples of behavior and qualities from his time in Ranger School, at Fort Rucker, Ala., and as a company commander in the 101st Airborne Division. York focused on seven aspects:

Leadership -- "Intentionally work at building the bench. Make sure people are placed where they fit and where their strengths are."

Vision -- "Strategic thinking is imperative in space. How are you going to look ahead and see things?"

Teamwork -- "In your FA40 community you're a team. You guys have all got to get along and talk."

Character -- "Protect your character with all of your passion, might and discernment. You represent space and you represent yourselves."

Attitude -- "Are you going to come in motivated and challenged to make a difference with the people around you?"

Conduct -- "Treat others the way you want to be treated. Know your material; lives are at stake."

Wisdom -- "Think before you act. Be professional. You will endure and people will want to follow you."

The 76th ORC is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. It provides command and control for 19 specialized Army Reserve units and Army Reserve Elements that operationally support combatant commands, Department of Defense agencies and Army commands, including SMDC.

Graduates of Space Operations Officer Qualifying Course class 14-01 are Capt. Nathaniel D. Balough, Maj. Viki R. Binstock, Maj. Andrew Craig, 1st Sgt. Vanessa J. Frederick, Maj. Chad J. Haman, Col. Steven A. Matayoshi, Staff Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell, Maj. David E. Pyatt, Maj. Gregory S. Robinson, Maj. Adam C. Stanley, Capt. Jennifer L. Staton, Capt. Brian J. Weimer, Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Williams and 1st Lt. Ben Wilson.

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