Marine Corps base Quantico -- Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James Winnefeld Jr. visited Marine Corps Base Quantico on Nov. 4 to view Infantry Officer Course training. Formerly the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command–U.S. Northern Command, Winnefeld is in his second two-year term as vice chairman and the second-highest-ranking officer in the Department of Defense.
According to Maj. NaTasha Everly, protocol officer at The Basic School, Winnefeld’s visit began with a briefing on basic and infantry training for officers from Col. Christian Wortman, commanding officer of The Basic School, and Maj. George Flynn, director of IOC. Following that, Winnefeld and IOC and TBS personnel drove out to the mortar range to view training and a live-fire event. The Marines participating in the training at the range had hiked there from IOC the night before, carrying packs and a full complement of crew-served weapons, and commenced training after approximately three hours of sleep, according to Capt. Charles Broun, deputy director of IOC.
2nd Lt. Karen Holliday, deputy protocol officer for TBS, said that Winnefeld asked numerous questions during his visit, wanting to know specific details about the training evolution. Winnefeld said, “I love the Marines, and I’ve spent my entire career working with Marines. I wanted to see what approach they take to mold young men and women into the world’s finest fighting force.”
Regarding the integration of women into combat arms occupational specialties, Winnefeld said the Joint Chiefs “are determined to do it. A key element [of the integration] is that we will keep the standards the same.” Winnefeld expressed that leaders at the highest levels “want to do it deliberately and ensure we get it right.” He further discussed having served on aircraft carriers both before and after women were integrated into the crews and said the carrier fleet was made better by incorporating women.
A true supporter of Marines, Winnefeld ran the Marine Corps Marathon this year and commended the race organizers and volunteers, saying, “they did a fantastic job setting it up.”
Winnefeld also had positive words for new Commandant of the Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford. “I have known Joe a long time, and I have tremendous confidence in him. He will be a great commandant.”
ebaker@quanticosentryonline.com