Deputy Commandant’s Corner
By CW5 Stephen C. Napoli
| Warrant Officer Journal, October-December 2023 Edition
Read Time: < 1 mins
It has been almost four months since our previous Deputy Commandant, CW5 Julian Evans, unexpectedly passed away. And it has been almost two months since I started the adventure of trying to fulfill many of the visions he had. The outpouring of support from across the Army has been very encouraging and appreciated. While it is never a pleasure to assume a position under tragic conditions, it does not mean I will approach the responsibilities without a level of excitement. The excitement is not about the “why” in the situation. Rather, it is about the “what’s next?”
That is one of the subjective things we do as Soldiers. We ask, “what’s next?” Then we turn goals into accomplishments. Then we ask the question again. It is a question that can demonstrate progress. It enables us to forecast and prepare for future requirements in our homes and on the next battlefield. And it helps us to avoid complacency. When we stop asking that question, we are satisfied. That can be a dangerous position for many reasons. I have been asking that question often as I get acclimated to new demands. I will continue to ask that question of myself and my teammates.
Individual and collective growth should be bathed in the “what’s next?” mindset. The personnel at the Warrant Officer Career College are committed to providing the best education it has ever delivered. I was a department director for two years at the WOCC prior to my new role, and I saw that desire every day as instructors prepared and developed lesson plans. I see it from my new position on a much broader scale where so many moving pieces work together to serve now and plan for the future.
I am a fan of Vince Lombardi quotes. As I assumed the mantle as the Deputy Commandant, I found myself reflecting on an applicable Coach Lombardi message: “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” I am committed to the profession and the team that I am blessed to serve with at the WOCC. I assure you that any efforts I make are indeed individual; however, they are small contributions within the collective effort at the Warrant Officer Career College to maximize the Army’s capability to fight and win – in any required or anticipated capacity. I am honored to be in the position. I am sincerely at the disposal of every person that reads these words, as we all attempt to contribute to the success of individuals and teams that serve this great nation and great Army.