Letter to the editor
Editor’s Note: In 2011, our friend, Ritch Eich, published an article in the prestigious Proceedings Magazine (a monthly published by the U.S. Naval Institute founded in 1874) calling for Marines to be considered for the helm of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. 14 years later, he finally got his wish. Here are parts of his original article.
To the Editor,
The Department of Defense has appointed Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte to head the United States Naval Academy, making him the first Marine officer to serve as the academy’s superintendent in its nearly 180-year history. He assumed his new role on Aug. 15. Lt. Gen. Borgschulte’s appointment was a good move and long overdue.
The Naval Academy in Annapolis has an illustrious history, having since 1845 educated and trained midshipmen to become officers.
As the prowess and stature of the Academy have progressed, the Academy too has had to evolve. Decisions to enroll women and actively recruit minority students and faculty, curricular expansions, and other changes have made the school richer.
The Marine Corps is an integral part of the Department of the Navy, but no Marine officer had ever been selected superintendent. This top position always went to a naval officer, although Marines were eligible, too.
As the need for rapidly deployable ground and air capability has increased, the Marine Corps has become an even more critical part of U.S. military strength. Marines are often first responders, ready to secure the peace in any area hit by a struggle or disaster before other branches are mobilized. These capabilities demand leadership that requires decisiveness, cost-consciousness, expediency, and efficiency. A Marine officer is an experienced and capable leader in the smallest details of combat training.
Also, the Marine Corps shares duties with all the service branches. The oversight of training by one of its officers can greatly increase the comprehensive focus of training at the Academy.
Traditionally, Marines focus on awareness of military and political history, philosophy, formal strategic development, logistics planning, and contingencies. The Navy emphasizes technical education, engineering, and mathematics. Leadership in the Marine Corps can improve the Naval Academy’s big-picture perspective.
In this era of ongoing conflict, the need for new perspectives is crucial. Leadership from a top Marine will enhance excellence at the Naval Academy.
