(Fort Leavenworth, Kan.) Army Major Brian Ducote is the recipient of the George C. Marshall Award for being the top graduate from the Army Command and General Staff College graduating class of 960 students. Ducote received the award during graduation June 12 at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Named for Gen. George C. Marshall, who graduated first in his class from the Staff College Course in 1908, the Marshall Award is presented to the distinguished graduate in recognition of scholarship and leadership. The award is a framed M-1911A1 Pistol.
Ducote, an Infantry officer, excelled in "academics, physical fitness, and community engagement throughout the course," said his staff group advisor, Mark Wilcox. "His tactical proficiency and mastery of Army doctrine was unmatched in the section...(Ducote) is the whole package and a true 'Pentathlete' - technically, tactically, academically and physically proficient; civically engaged," Wilcox said.
The 10-month CGSC course is designed to educate and train field grade officers to be adaptive leaders, capable of critical thinking, and prepared to operate in full-spectrum Army, joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environments.
Ducote, a 1999 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish/Portugese and Computer Science Engineering. While attending ILE, Ducote earned a Master of Military Arts and Science degree, which examined the potential of local councils in Iraq as a way to national unity.
Prior to coming to Fort Leavenworth, Ducote commanded a light infantry company in Baghdad suring the surge (OIF IV). Previously in his career, Ducote deployed to Kosovo and Iraq during OIF II. Ducote has deployed to Kosovo and twice to Iraq.
Of his experience at CGSC , Ducote said, "I am reminded that I have been blessed with exceptional instructors and small group leader, an intellectual staff group and section, and a supportive wife and family. This year has not been about what I know, but rather all that I don't know. I am humbled and thankful for the opportunity to learn so much and grow professionally from so many selfless people contributing to the remarkable learning environment found here at the Command and General Staff College."
Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, Commandant of the CGSC, said "We commend Major Ducote for his achievement, being selected for the George C. Marshall Award is a major accomplishment and it demonstrates Major Ducote's superior leadership and academic excellence. Major Ducote has excelled in all areas while attending the course; he clearly epitomizes the 'Leavenworth' graduate who possesses the skills necessary to lead change within our Armed Forces in this era of persistent conflict and uncertainty."
Ducote will remain at Fort Leavenworth for an additional year because Ducote has been selected through a rigorous selection process to attend the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) , which is a second year of intermediate, master's level education.
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