Lt. Col. Gavin Rice ('14) - Team Lead, Pentagon

In this episode of the IWP Files, host Katie Bridges interviews Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Rice, a 2014 graduate of the professional Master of Arts in Strategic and International Studies at the Institute of World Politics. Gavin currently works as a team lead within the chairman's action group at the Pentagon. He provides insights into his day-to-day responsibilities, working with a new chairman, and the trajectory of his career. Gavin also discusses the value of his education at IWP and offers advice for those looking to pursue a career in defense.TOPICS DISCUSSED:- Gavin's work at the Pentagon and his role in the chairman's action group- Working with a new chairman and the excitement and challenges that come with change- The trajectory of Gavin's career, including his military service and transition to a strategist- The process of becoming a functional area 59 (FA 59)- The importance of knowing oneself and finding a mentor in one's career- Making the most of education by reading, taking notes, and understanding historical context- Gavin's biggest impacts in his career so far, including publishing the army Special Operations Forces Strategy for 2030 and working with allies and partnersKEY TAKEAWAYS AND LESSONS:- Dare to know: Be a critical thinker, challenge ideas, and be a creative and innovative thinker.- Master your craft: Study and understand best practices and historical context to better adapt and innovate in your work.- Appreciate the history: Understanding the historical context of defense and national security helps provide a framework for decision-making and problem-solving.- Know yourself: Take self-assessments, find mentors, and continually refine and redefine your goals and capabilities.- Value allies and partners: Recognize the capabilities and contributions of allies and partners in defense and national security efforts.Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academic-programs/REFERENCES:- Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/- IWP on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @theIWP- School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW): https://www.usmcu.edu/saw/- Army Special Operations Forces Strategy for 2030: https://www.soc.mil/temp-pages/strategy/ARSOF_STRATEGY_2030.pdf