Chairman’s Update

NIP has had another good year in 2017!  Our fall Board meeting and luncheon had over 100 people attending.  RADM Bob Sharp let us know that Naval Intelligence is doing well. Retention is good and the force is engaged and relevant supporting our Fleet and national security missions around the globe. We also enjoyed a short history lesson from RADM Brooks on the Naval Intelligence Officer and enlisted community.  His description of the decade long debate (1950’s and 1960s) over merging the Air Intelligence community with Naval Intelligence was exceptionally interesting to hear. It is also another “lesson learned” on how just a few people with a great idea (just like LT Mason, ONI’s founder!) have enabled critical policy decisions on capability and force structure that provided the Navy with the foundation on which to build the OSIS, win the Cold War and provide the force that have responded so exceptionally well to the war on terrorism.   I especially want to highlight our civilian and reserve Intelligence professionals.  As one reserve Intelligence Captain just reminded a small gathering for a promotion: “We may not have any hobbies, but we have each other.”   Another testament to the real importance of NIP!

 New Board members elected at the October meeting include Liz Train (RADM, Ret) who takes over as head of the NIP Foundation committee; Alex Miller (RADM, ret) who will be helping with our outreach to industry and Cryptologic shipmates; Rob Hoppa (RDML, Ret) who is taking lead on our mentorship efforts and is our also focusing on NIP in Tidewater; and Mara Motherway (CDR, Ret) also helping with outreach to industry and working with us on Navy Information Warfare Day.  Eileen MacKrell will continue as NIP President. Rich Barkell continues his outstanding work as our NIP CFO/Treasurer.  Cindy Sikes also continues as our Secretary.  Dick Pera was also re-elected to the board and leads our Finance committee. Our next board meeting is 24 February and our Red Tie luncheon will be on 13 April.  

We are working on new initiatives and ways to engage and recruit more members to Naval Intelligence Professionals.  Please remember we are open to any civilian, contractor or US military officer or enlisted who has served or supported the Naval Intelligence mission. Mentoring is one of our key focus areas and I would offer you this question to ask anyone you meet who is currently serving the Naval Intelligence mission:  “Who is your mentor?”  If they don’t have a good answer - and most do not – ask if you can send us their name and contact information. We are here to help.

 Your individual support and actions are needed and appreciated. Donations to NIP, which are tax deductible, can be made at the web site (navintpro.org). Our site will immediately provide you an invoice suitable for your 2017 tax records.   It’s a good time to give.
Happy Holidays to all and Best Wishes for Next Year!

Tony L. Cothron
Rear Admiral, USN, Retired
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Naval Intelligence Professionals
nipchairman@gmail.com