Photo By Maj. Jessica Donnelly | Lt. Col. Richard Wholey, 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade deputy commander, was...... read more read more
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - A Soldier with the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, was chosen above his peers to attend the U.S. Army Senior Service College Fellowship through the University of Texas in Austin, in order to complete the highest level of formal military education for commissioned officers.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Richard Wholey, 228th TTSB deputy commander, will leave for the one-year active duty resident fellowship in July to fulfill his requirement of Military Education Level One, which is the education prerequisite to be eligible for promotion to general officer.
“The purpose of the U.S. Army War College is to educate and develop leaders for service at the strategic-level, while advancing knowledge in the global application of Landpower,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Gayle, SCNG Joint Force Headquarters deputy human resources officer.
In order to progress through the ranks, and further leadership development, Soldiers must complete multiple levels of military education throughout their Army career. Due to civilian commitments and budget constraints, National Guard Soldiers are accustomed to completing these courses through distance learning, while their active duty counterparts attend the schools. So, when a National Guard Soldier is chosen to attend one of these courses, it is considered an accomplishment in itself.
“Lt. Col. Wholey has an exceptional performance record that set him apart from his peers,” said Gayle.
Gayle added that to be selected, eligible officers must submit an application where a board of Senior Service College graduates from the South Carolina Army National Guard will select a qualified applicant, based on a variety of criteria and merit list, to be referred to the National Guard Bureau.
Wholey explained that he had to compete for one of only 27 available slots for National Guard Soldiers, along with candidates from 54 states and territories, to attend Senior Service College. The selection is based on a merit list and 12 of the Soldiers were selected for the traditional resident program in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, seven were chosen for fellowships with universities across the nation, such as Wholey, and the final eight were selected to attend either the Naval War College, Air War College or other resident program.
“I’m proud that I was chosen to get to represent this brigade and I promise you I will not let you down,” said Wholey to the unit members. “I feel confident leaving this organization in great hands with superior leaders, great soldiers and most importantly, great families…I hope one day to come back here and serve with you all again, but if not, the relationships I’ve made will last a lifetime.”
While attending the fellowship, Wholey will receive educational experience comparable to the U.S. Army Senior Service College traditional resident program. At the completion of the fellowship, Wholey is expected to have expanded his knowledge, proficiency and skills in public policy through the study of National security policy, strategy and operational issues, as well as prepared himself for the responsibilities of strategic leadership. The fellowship also emphasizes professional development to ensure only highly-trained officers progressing through the ranks to general officer.
“Lt. Col. Wholey was selected for this honor because of his accomplishments during his military service,” said Col. Wallace Hall, 228th TTSB commander. “He has served in key leadership positions and received many accolades throughout his career. How he mentors and trains Soldiers and how he grows his leaders have all contributed to his success.”
For officers not selected for the U.S. Army Senior Service College resident program, they can reapply the following year or they can choose to complete the Department of Distance Education Program, added Gayle. The distance learning program is made up of a rigorous, two-year curriculum that still results in a U.S. Army War College diploma and fully-accredited Master of Strategic Studies Degree.
Wholey has served in various positions throughout the brigade since his commissioning in 1996. He completed two combat tours where he served as a company commander and later as a battalion commander while deployed. He was recognized as the first recipient of the Joseph G. Totten award during a ceremony at the University Readiness Center in Spartanburg, S.C., June 7. The award was created as a way to recognize a select few Soldiers who have served in the 228th TTSB and have made a significant impact to the unit. Wholey was also presented with an Army Commendation Medal during the ceremony as an interim award for the Legion of Merit.
“I know you are going to exceed the standards while at War College and I look forward to you coming back and serving in my position one day,” said Hall.
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.17.2014 09:07 |
| Story ID: | 133335 |
| Location: | SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 236 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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