The U.S. Military Academy welcomed Lt. Gen. Braga (USMA Class of 1991) and Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann, the Commanding General and Command Sgt. Maj. of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Both embarked on a collaborative journey from Feb. 7-9 at the U.S. Military Academy. Their visit, spanning various engagements with cadets, staff and faculty, underscored the essence of leadership, innovation and academic-practitioner collaboration.
During a poignant address to the West Point Cow (junior) class, Braga emphasized the pivotal role of academics and practitioners in shaping future operations. He delved into the past, present and future of USASOC, highlighting the organization's commitment to its people and the imperative of seizing opportunities.
A significant highlight was their participation in the West Point Department of Social Sciences International Security Seminar, where Braga elucidated on the intricacies of irregular warfare in the 21st century. He stressed the importance of collaboration with allies and partners, as well as leveraging innovation to enhance national security objectives.
Furthermore, the USASOC command team visited the West Point Robotics Research Center, witnessing the groundbreaking efforts of USMA cadets in pioneering robotic integration within the Special Operations Forces community. Their collaboration with Department of Defense research partners exemplifies a commitment to enhancing warfighting capabilities, with a focus on sensor systems, autonomous robots, and unmanned aircraft systems.
The visit not only showcased the symbiotic relationship between academia and the military but also reaffirmed West Point's dedication to molding future Army leaders. Braga and Naumann's engagement underscored the value of innovation and people-centric approaches in advancing national security objectives.
As Braga aptly stated, "People are our Platform." Their visit leaves an indelible mark, inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation.
West Point looks forward to the enduring partnership with USASOC, charting the course and collaborating for a brighter, more secure future.