Two Brilliant Choices

While browsing the internet today I noted the announcement by CNAS of their Next Generation National Security Leaders. According to their announcement, there were over 450 candidates applicants for the program of which 24 were chosen. I have heard of a handful of the selected folks, but I was surprised a bit when I realized that I have met two of the selected: LT Emelia Probasco and LCDR Tony Russell, who ultimately represent the only US Navy and US Coast Guard officers selected for the program.

My first thought was the question why the selected Navy and Coast Guard individuals are both part of public affairs, but as I have thought more about it, because I have met them both and have had the opportunity to get into good discussions with both of them, I think that might be a coincidence. At the same time, I do wonder if their experience working in public affairs gives them a unique advantage if only in terms of the wide variety and exposure to the enormous range of issues they get as part of that job.

I think people could, if they have not met either individual, read from the resume listed and note that LT Probasco is currently on the CNOs staff and that LCDR Russell is currently on the Commandants staff, and suggest these positions gave them an advantage in the selection process. Having met them both, I want to give some personal thoughts on this.

When I went to Washington DC in March, it was my great pleasure to sit down for a couple of hours and discuss social media with LCDR Russell, who at the time was one member of the team developing the official Coast Guard social media initiatives. At the time that included the Commandant's Corner Journal, although Master Chief Charles (Skip) W. Bowen had also just started Coast Guard All Hands blog, which in my opinion is an interesting inside the lines blog. The discussion LCDR Russell and I had was mostly me inquiring about what has eventually become The Coast Guard Compass official Coast Guard blog.

But the knowledge and interest of social software wasn't what impressed me about LCDR Tony Russell, rather I was caught off guard by his depth of intelligence and his charisma, a charm of appeal that was engaging and lifted the conversations of various topics with both spark and wit. On the phone I was under the impression I was speaking to some old wise man, but in person he personified the energy of youth. It left me with a positive impression that I am very honored to say has become something akin to a friendship as we still pass notes back and forth regularly, including on topics beyond our mutual interest of matters related to the business of the Coast Guard.

And it is of that personified energy of youth that caught my attention with the selection of LT Probasco. When I noted the list, I recalled immediately meeting her among a crowd of young officers at the Naval War College a few months ago. Although I'd suggest watching a certain 'Moose' charm the hell out of my wife over dinner and desert will rank as my most memorable experience at the Current Strategy Forum; the 20 minutes drinking and laughing with the young intelligent and charismatic officers of the CNOs staff at the SECNAVs reception is a very close number 2. I do not jest when I say LT Probasco stands out, indeed about 15 minutes after talking and listening to her I remember being so impressed I paused and asked her how old she was, being cautious not to offend her. It was her remarkable intelligence and wit, and perhaps the 2-3 beers, that had me asking such a personal question... but the thing was, this LT was continuously exceeding my expectations.

Well done by CNAS in my opinion. Among the several hundred young officers I have met over the last year, in my opinion I think CNAS has clearly picked two gems to represent the US Navy and US Coast Guard among the selected. Congratulations to LT Emelia Probasco and LCDR Tony Russell, very well deserved.

Correction: As my wife, and now several others have pointed out, Emmy is a SWO not a PAO. I met her while talking to the CNO's excellent PAO folks and messed that up. My stupid mistake, particularly lame considering we discussed her being a SWO in our conversations.