Interview w/Wayne Grasdock

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Tell me about your current role at Yale University?

My role at Yale University is three-fold. First, my role is to develop Midshipmen, preparing them for service as Navy and Marine Corps officers in our Department of Defense. To break that down, education, mental toughness, physical toughness, and moral courage are the key training areas I am accountable for, that will help them in their future responsibility to lead the men and women of our Armed Forces.

Second, I am a role model for my staff, and quite frankly, all Yale students-Midshipmen and Cadets, and non- ROTC students. In other words, just like many other leaders across our country, I strive to be the example students want to be associated with. I am not saying that I want them to be like me, with the same attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs as me; what I am saying is, I want them to develop their own creative intellect and unique characteristics they don’t like in me.

Third, I am the Navy’s representative to Yale. One simple way to explain my role is this- We all pay taxes. As such, this is our Navy and Marine Corps. You own it as much as I do. The only differences is, I am in it, and you are not. Everyone at Yale (students, faculty, and staff), and everyone else across the country, has the right to know more about the Navy and Marine Corps they own, if they desire. This is especially true at Yale, considering the fact that Yale has a long and storied history with our Navy and Marine Corps. Many think that Yale-Navy-marine Corps history starts with the founding of Naval ROTC in 1926–Yale being the first of the six original schools with Naval ROTC. However, Yale-Navy-Marine Corps ties started well before 1926. Members of the First Yale Unit (World War I Aviation Unit) became Navy Reserves in August 1916–the first air reserve squadron. They performed honorably for our country, just like other Yale graduates do today on active duty. So, to make a long story short, I am here to help maintain the great relationship among Yale, the Navy, and the Marine Corps. We have many common interests. As a side note, if you want to hear more about the First Yale Unit, Google “The Millionaires’ Unit”–buy the book, buy the DVD!

Would you share some of your military experience and transition to the private sector?

Yes, no problem. My military experience is primarily in the submarine community, both at sea and shore based submarine squadrons and support facilities, mostly on the east coast. Three submarines I served on are what is called “fast attack” submarines. These types of submarines have a variety of missions. For example, they collect intelligence data, they carry special operation forces such as Navy SEALS, they protect ships from enemy ships and submarines by the use of torpedoes, and they also can launch cruise missiles. I have been involved in all those missions. Separate from the fast attack submarines, and one submarine I served on, is what is called a “ballistic missile” submarine. These types of submarines have one primary mission: strategic deterrence. They serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental missiles that have nuclear warheads.

My transition to the private sector is relatively seamless because I previously served on a senior staff at the Pentagon (working with military, government civilians, and non-government civilians), and also in academia at the U.S. Naval Academy. Many of the missions of Yale (education” ..through mental discipline and social experience…cultivation of citizens with a rich awareness of our heritage to lead and serve…”) are similar to missions in other organizations I have been at. For the missions and unique characteristics at Yale that I am not experienced with, the faculty and staff have been more than accommodating. I cannot ask for anything more.

How does your military experience impact your position at Yale?

As I previously alluded to, many aspects of the Yale mission are in synch with missions of previous organizations I have been associated with. As such, my military experience has prepared me well for this job. The one aspect of the Yale mission I enhance in the Naval ROTC program is “… a rich awareness of our heritage to lead and serve…” That is, I bring the naval component of that heritage to Yale. It has been here since 1916, using a nautical term, keep it on track and in the center of the channel. To explain further, it is more than just “heritage” in a historical context. I also consider heritage as the very recent past. For example, what did the Navy and Marine Corps do this year, and how does that relate to what the Class of 2017 is going to be doing next year after that graduate and receive a commission in our Navy and Marine Corps? Earlier this year, I was on a submarine that was deployed overseas, interacting with the officer and enlisted crew members. Also, I had an opportunity to speak to several crew members on a U.S. Navy ship in a foreign port. As such, I am familiar with current naval events, and what Yale NROTC will soon be doing.

Could you discuss some of the intangible skills that veterans like yourself bring to an organization?

All veterans, just like many great citizens who are non-veterans, have and use various skills to lead and serve our country in numerous capacities. One of the more significant skills that veterans bring to an organization, is the mental discipline of performing an arduous mission, following ridged guidelines, without the opportunity to walk away. Of course there are non-veterans with skills like that, but perhaps not at the same high percentage as those who are veterans. That said, this particular skill set is not necessarily needed by all organizations, but it is one that has many advantages for some organizations.

What do you think about the Yale Veterans Network?

The Yale Veterans Network (YVN) is a great organization that provides veterans at Yale the opportunity to be recognized and appreciated. You may have heard the term “leave no one behind”–it is relatively common among the Armed Forces–at Yale, with support from the YVN and Yale Veterans Association (YVA), no veterans are left behind. As you are well aware, there was a time in this country when that was not the case. It is organizations like the YVN and YVA and the Yale Veteran Liaison (recently appointed Mr. Jack Beecher) who ensure that does not happen again.

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