STEWART, Ga.Every branch of the Army has its own award, its own way of identifying Soldiers as leaders. These Soldiers exemplify their branch in all aspects, giving other Soldiers a role model to emulate. For the Military Intelligence Branch, this is the Knowlton award, presented to individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Military Intelligence.
First Brigade, 3rd Special Troops Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Sheryl Lyon, and Capt. Jason Buchanan, also of 1-3 BSTB received the Knowlton award, July 22, outside of the 1-3 BSTB Headquarters.
"It takes a certain kind of intelligence leader to train other intelligence Soldiers and combine that integration intelligence into our combined arms operations," said Lt. Col. Michael Marti, Division G2.
The man behind the award, Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton, was born into a military Family and first served at the age of 15 in the French and Indian War. He also played a pinnacle part in the Battle of Bunker Hill. In 1776, General George Washington promoted Knowlton to lieutenant colonel and ordered him to select an elite group of men to carry out reconnaissance
missions. "Knowlton's Rangers" were born, America's first spies and Special Forces unit. This date is also on the modern Army's intelligence service seal and refers to the creation of this group.
"Some of the qualities needed in a Soldier to receive this award is that they're willing and capable of leading Soldiers of all (military occupational specialties) and War Fighting functions on our Army's battlefields," said Lt. Col. Marti. "Someone who lives the Army Values and possesses the technical expertise of their craft and trade and spends time developing their subordinates."
One of the reasons Capt. Buchanan earned his award was his actions in Iraq during the last deployment.
"One of our convoys got attacked during our last deployment," said Cmmmand Sgt. Maj. Lyons to the formation. "When the commanding officer of the convoy failed to command, Capt. Buchanan took charge and shouted orders to the surrounding troops, creating a swift line of defense."
Although established in 1995 by the Military Intelligence Corps Association, the award hasn't changed its standards or requirements.
"I don't see this award evolving over time," said Lt. Col. Marti. "I think the core values are there on whom we want to have the award. So I think the only thing changing over time is that we'll continue to build a long history and lineage."
He said the core values of the Military Intelligence Corps live on in the Knowlton award, which recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Intelligence in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipients, their superiors, subordinates, and peers. These individuals must also demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character, display an outstanding degree of professional competence, and serve the Military Intelligence Corps with distinction. These attributes not only describe an outstanding Intelligence Soldier, but also should be something all Soldiers strive to obtain in their military service, not for the awards, but to serve and be a part something greater than oneself," he said.
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