A Message from the Deputy Commandant for Information

No discussion about our Service’s intelligence or information warfighting functions would be complete without a grateful nod to the deep and lasting impact the late Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, USMC (Ret.) had upon these critical fields. His bold leadership and vision expanded the reach and
value of intelligence and information capabilities across the Marine Corps, the joint force, and the national intel and cyber communities. Through his steady guidance and tireless advocacy, LtGen Stewart established these functions firmly within our Corps’ future and purpose.

As a colonel, and then as a brand new one-star on the HQMC staff, I watched Vince build the framework for the Marine Corps ISR Enterprise, and then advocate for it until his vision grew from an idea into a reality. His vision and inexhaustible energy became the catalyst that drove the development and meteoric rise of MARFORCYBER while I served as the Deputy J3 at US CYBERCOM. Vince put MARFORCYBER front-and-center in our Nation’s global campaign against violent extremist organizations. His Marines came to the cyber domain ready to fight, their calling card a potent mix of intensity and technique that reflected their commander’s aggressive spirit. When ISIS rose to power in Syria and then drove into Iraq, the Marines he trained formed the foundation of Joint Task Force ARES, leading the charge to counter that threat, just as they counter other threats today.

Guided by a keen understanding of technology and its implications for the modem warfighter, Vince secured the funding to build the state-of-the-art cyberspace weapon system we call Lasswell Hall. Planning and executing a military construction project is no task for the faint of heart, but the “Fighting
Leatherneck from Western Illinois” would have it no other way. Today, Lasswell Hall is a critical node within US CYBERCOM, and vital to our nation’s power projection.

Vince was the Deputy Commander at US CYBERCOM when I took command of MARFORCYBER. I quickly lost count of the number of times I saw his icon appear on my TANDBERG, signaling that Vince had yet another critical insight or instruction to pass. The ” Godfather” of Marine Corps intel and cyber was always in overwatch. As I transitioned to HQMC, I conferred often with Vince. Though already retired, he still managed somehow to impart exactly the right advice or perspective, just when I needed it the most. He may have become my friend, but he never stopped being my mentor. Most of all, Vince was tough, through-and-through. He was guided by principle, not popularity, in everything he did. He always reached for the stars. He never backed down, and he always came through, for his Nation and for his people. He will be long remembered, and sorely missed. Especially by me.

Share this: