NEWS
HERNDON, Virginia, November 4, 2020 – Mission Essential premiered part three of a four-part discussion between General Tony Thomas, the 11th Commander of US SOCOM, and Major General Clay Hutmacher, who served 40 years in uniform before becoming the President and Chief Executive of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Throughout the series, the decorated duo discussed the U.S. strategy orientation often referred to as a “2+3” strategy – a strategy for countering two primary global powers – China and Russia – and three additional challenges – North Korea, Iran, and extremist groups. General Thomas describes the current positioning with these powers as “arguably the most strategically challenging moment in my lifetime, if not the history of our country.”
For the third part of the webinar series General Thomas explored the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran, smaller, yet still significant threats to the United States in the world of Great Power Competition.
During the conversation, General Thomas made sure to point out that each Great Power in the strategy is interwoven with each other. For example, Russia’s current partnership with China. “[Russia and China] are melded together with one advisory, the United States,” said General Thomas. “Do I think this deal will last for long? No. In fact, I think China is using Russia as a springboard and will leave them in the dust as they continue to climb.”
Join Mission Essential tomorrow for Part 4 of the Great Power Competition: Extremists groups.
This interview is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
HERNDON, Virginia, October 28, 2020 – Mission Essential premiered part two of a four-part discussion between General Tony Thomas, the 11th Commander of US SOCOM, and Major General Clay Hutmacher, who served 40 years in uniform before becoming the President and Chief Executive of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Throughout the series, the decorated duo discussed the U.S. strategy orientation often referred to as a “2+3” strategy – a strategy for countering two primary global powers – China and Russia – and three additional challenges – North Korea, Iran, and extremist groups. General Thomas describes the current positioning with these powers as “arguably the most strategically challenging moment in my lifetime, if not the history of our country.”
In part two, General Thomas explored Russia, a military and historic superpower. The discussion covered Russia’s rise to power, their partnership with China, and much more.
During the conversation, General Thomas made sure to point out that each Great Power in the strategy is interwoven with each other. For example, Russia’s current partnership with China. “[Russia and China] are melded together with one advisory, the United States,” said General Thomas. “Do I think this deal will last for long? No. In fact, I think China is using Russia as a springboard and will leave them in the dust as they continue to climb.”
Join Mission Essential next week for Part 3 & 4 of the Great Power Competition: DPRK & Iran and Extremists groups.
This interview is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
HERNDON, Virginia, October 21, 2020 – Mission Essential premiered part one of a four-part discussion between General Tony Thomas, the 11th Commander of US SOCOM, and Major General Clay Hutmacher, who served 40 years in uniform before becoming the President and Chief Executive of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Throughout the series, the decorated duo discussed the U.S. strategy orientation often referred to as a “2+3” strategy – a strategy for countering two primary global powers – China and Russia – and three additional challenges – North Korea, Iran, and extremist groups. General Thomas describes the current positioning with these powers as “arguably the most strategically challenging moment in my lifetime, if not the history of our country.”
Part one kicked off with an in-depth look at China, the preeminent threat to the United States. General Thomas assessed China’s threat level, strategic goals, strengths and vulnerabilities, and much more.
When discussing China’s strategic aspirations, General Thomas said, “China becomes a rich, powerful, respected nation. They undo 100 years of shame. They return to prominence; and that they rectify what they call territorial challenges,” he explained. “[It’s] a very specific plan, it’s out there.”
Join Mission Essential next week for Part 2 of the Great Power Competition: Russia.
This interview is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
HERNDON, Virginia, October 12, 2020 – Mission Essential premiered its first two-part conversation featuring Col. Sean Corrigan (R), interviewed by Major General Clay Hutmacher (R). Col. Corrigan, a 30-year veteran of the United States Army, discussed the current dilemma the United States faces with Iran and the potential future of US – Iran relations.
Col. Corrigan’s expertise on Iran and the Middle East comes from his time as the Commander of a task force dedicated to countering malign Iranian influence in Iraq. He was also the Commander of all US Special Forces in Yemen from 2012-13 when Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attempted to seize the US embassy days after the Benghazi consulate. His first-hand experience observing Iranian irregular warfare activities in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, combined with his academic research background, gave him a unique perspective on Iran’s relations with the US and the region.
“The biggest threat [to the IRGC] is internal, a velvet revolution… an imposed internal revolution sponsored by the likes of the US or the UK or whomever,” said Corrigan. “They’re worried more about their own people than they are about us.”
This interview is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
HERNDON, Virginia, September 3, 2020 – On Wednesday, September 2, Mission Essential premiered an in-depth conversation with former linguist Joe L. Joe, a Pakistani American, is fluent in Pashto, Urdu, and Hindi.
Throughout the broadcast, Joe speaks passionately about his three years embedded with US troops and intelligence officials in Afghanistan, serving as a Mission Essential employee, translator, and political advisor. He served as a liaison between the US and Afghan governments and conducted interrogations and intelligence gathering of interned Taliban and al-Qaeda enemy combatants.
“I could see the impact we were having in Afghanistan,” said Joe. “You’re not reading about this stuff from thousands of miles away, you’re immersed in the environment. You’re involved in the work. You’re having a direct impact on a mission.”
Following his dynamic life and career, Joe details many of experiences from growing up in the Bronx to interpreting as a Mission Essential employee alongside Green Berets, then to his commission as a Lieutenant in the United States Army.
“You’re bringing strangers from different corners of the world together for a mission. Lives are on the line and it is your responsibility to cultivate that relationship as a linguist,” said Joe.
This interview is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
HERNDON, Virginia, July 30, 2020 – On July 13, Mission Essential hosted a virtual roundtable moderated by Bryan Hurley, Mission Essential VP of Business Development. Hurley was joined by two experienced SOF linguists, Ross and ‘Ahmad,’ and Mission Essential Director for European Operations Intelligence & Language Programs Jeff Malcolm. The seasoned group of professionals discussed their time in the field and the role of linguists in SOF success. A recording of the interview was livestreamed via YouTube on July 28.
Ross and Ahmad have years of experience working with special operations in multiple capacities. Both linguists have provided critical support to warfighters as a part of the Mission Essential team in Afghanistan.
The group discussed the vital services linguists provide for their teams, outside exceptional translation services, throughout the roundtable. Malcolm explained, “When we send a linguist out… [and] they’re in a situation, they are expected to do a lot of other things, including cultural advisory services… I hear consistently from the customer that the cultural perspective that the linguists bring is absolutely critical to mission success.”
Ross, drawing on his years working with Mission Essential, explained further, “As a linguist, there are some keywords and dialects we all have to learn to accommodate the diversity we see on missions… You have to be prepared physically and mentally… warzone ready.”
“Being a linguist is not just the ability to speak a language; it has so many other factors that one needs to learn in the practical world on a day-to-day basis.” Ahmad said, “I wear many hats. Whether it’s cultural advisor, team player, another set of eyes to ensure that we, the team, are secure.”
This roundtable is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
HERNDON, Virginia, July 9, 2020 – The Mission Essential Group has united its two intelligence business units, IMT LLC and Mission Essential’s Intel Analytics organization, to form Mission Essential Intelligence Solutions (MEIS). The new intel center of excellence will make an immediate impact on Mission Essential’s already substantive intel business in the rapidly growing $200B intelligence and C4ISR fields.
Over its 17-year history, The Mission Essential Group has successfully recruited more than 47,000 skilled professionals to mission critical assignments with almost half of those serving the intel space. Additionally, its IMT business unit has been the lead provider of technical engineering support to the Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) since 2006. The company’s intelligence sector has been its fastest-growing line of business for several years, and MEIS will capitalize on its experience and top talent to enable further acceleration of its expansion. Accompanying the creation of MEIS is a new, more fully integrated corporate structure that will streamline the alignment of its world-class information management system engineering, software development, information assurance, and system sustainment capabilities with its expeditionary and operational experience across the Department of Defense and Intelligence Communities.
The Mission Essential Group has tapped Tom Middleton, a well-known industry leader in the beltway, to head its latest expansion as president. Previously, Tom served for more than 35 years in a progressive career with General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and most recently served as their Vice President Business Development and Strategy, Intelligence and Homeland Security Division (IHS). During his tenure with GDIT, Tom built rapid and sustainable growth across several areas of specialization and often with industry-leading win rates. His significant expertise within the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense, demonstrated history of structuring and winning complex business opportunities, and participation in several key D.C. Intel focus groups will afford MEIS strong competitive positioning in the market.
“Mission Essential Intelligence Solutions will be a leader in the intelligence field. Its creation demonstrates the Mission Essential Group’s commitment to serving its current and future government partners in the Intelligence Community as well as growth and innovation in the Information Technology and Services industry,” said Middleton.
Gregory K. Miller, The Mission Essential Group’s founder and Chairman, commented, “The creation of MEIS completes another checkmark in our Strategic Brand Growth Plan. Our selection of Tom Middleton as its president places an accomplished key executive at the helm with the experience, knowledge, and relationships required to take this line of business to the next level”.
The creation of MEIS is the latest in a series of strategic steps forward for The Mission Essential Group. The organization has recently committed significant investments to further diversification in the areas of intelligence, language, human capital management, and cybersecurity, leaning on the 17 years of knowledge and experience gained through the successful execution of more than 100,000 missions. The Mission Essential Group’s growing Language and Logistics Solutions line of business will continue to be headed by Al Pisani. Pisani has served as president since 2018.
ABOUT THE MISSION ESSENTIAL GROUP
The Mission Essential Group, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is an agile, trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence communities, friendly foreign governments, and select private sector segments. The company is a leading provider of intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions/technology, Cyberspace/Security superiority, Human Capital Management, and language and cultural advisory services. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department. With home offices in Columbus Ohio and Herndon Virginia, The Mission Essential Group’s global footprint encompasses over 45 countries and 17 domestic U.S. locations.
Happy 4th of July from Mission Essential! While we appreciate and respect the sacrifices made by our military service members every day, America’s Independence Day is a special time for celebration, reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.
This week, Mission Essential highlighted a few of our veteran employees. Each person discussed their time in the service and described how they continue to serve their country through their work. We are proud that Mission Essential’s enterprise workforce is comprised of 36% veterans.
Thank you to all the men and women who have served in our military and those currently serving. We hope you have a safe and joyful holiday.
Jennifer LaBarge, Site Lead – US Air Force Veteran
Brittany McQuade, Senior Security Manager/FSO – US Navy Veteran
Ralph Miller, Sr. Project Advisor – US Army Veteran
Dave Slovina, Haystack LLC, President – US Navy Veteran
David Thomas, Senior Recruiting Specialist – US Navy Veteran
FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE/EMBARGO: 19 June 2020
The discussion was moderated Colonel Mike Kershner, US Army Special Forces (R) and panelists Colonel Andy Milburn, United States Marine Corps (R), and Colonel Dave Maxwell U.S. Army Special Forces (R).
Herndon, Virginia, June, 19, 2020 – On June 5, 2020, Mission Essential hosted a virtual panel, SOF Experience with Linguists: Understanding and Navigating the Human Domain, moderated by Colonel Mike Kershner, US Army Special Forces (R). He was joined by panelists Colonel Andy Milburn, United States Marine Corps (R), and Colonel Dave Maxwell U.S. Army Special Forces (R). The group discussed in-depth cultural intelligence, understanding the human element in linguistics, and many other topics vital to USSOCOM today. A recording of the interview was livestreamed via YouTube on June 17.
All the panel participants have extensive Special Forces backgrounds and utilized linguists often during their time in the service. Kershner, who spent more than 27 years of active service in the infantry and Special Forces, posed thoughtful questions to the panel about language, culture, linguists, the future of AI in the military, and special forces’ role in great power competition.
Milburn drew from his many years with the Marines, where he worked in infantry and Special Forces, providing many real-life examples from his tours in Iraq. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership and examining our own culture to then better understand foreign cultures. “Language and culture have implications that go far beyond simple communication. They are the difference between operating effectively and operating incompetently,” said Milburn.
Maxwell, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and 30-year veteran of special forces and the Army, discussed the need for cultural understanding, cultural awareness, and cultural respect as it relates to the national security strategy.
“I really think it’s important for us not to focus on Russia and China, but to focus on the areas where we might meet – Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe,” said Maxwell. “To do that, we have to be culturally aware, culturally knowledgeable, and, whether we can speak a language or not, have the cultural respect that comes with developing relationships and living and working with our friends, partners, and allies.”
This panel is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
The COVID-19 pandemic has already irrevocably transformed our world, and the change is not complete. During this time of crisis, Mission Essential continues to inform and empower our communities and help spread compassion. Each day is an unknown, but together we are adapting, and together are weathering the storm.
While so many are facing fear and physical isolation, it is critical to remind ourselves that we’re part of a greater, global community. Our objective is to emerge from this crisis with the tools to help build a better world. Mission Essential is working tirelessly to provide the highest level of service to our employees, our customers, and our communities. Stay strong. Stay safe.
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