What Participants Have to Say About the Regional Security Education Program

From my perspective, the importance of the RSEP team is in giving us the context that helps frame the operations in which we are involved. The background historical, economic, political and cultural information helps to ensure that our tactical actions and decisions correctly support the strategic aims of the nation.
RDML Mark D. Guadagnini, USN
Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9
30 September 2010

I want to thank you for the outstanding support provided by your Regional Security Education Program and personally let you know what your team did for us and what it meant for the CONTINUING PROMISE Team...The RSEP program provided great context for our operations, and allowed us to better understand the strategic impact of our actions during this humanitarian mission.
CAPT Tom Negus, USN
Mission Commander, Continuing Promise 2010
18 July 2010

The [RSEP] team provided what I consider essential training for a CSG, and we put it to immediate use during our participation the week-long celebration of 100 years of French Naval Aviation. I belive the briefs and one-on-one discussions with Steve [Loeffler] helped us stage a flawless reception for the U.S. Ambassador to France and directly contributed to zero liberty incidents in six Mediterranean port calls.
RDML Patrick Driscoll, USN
Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10
20 June 2010

This was my first experience with RSEP, and I was very impressed, as were my wardroom and CPO mess.  RSEP was extremely relevant and beneficial to the crew.  The background they provided ties much of the training the crew received from other organizations together in a way that the operator can now understand much more of the historical context in which he is operating.
Capt. Jeffrey T. Griffin, USN
Commanding Officer, USS Normandy
3 June 2010

Decision-makers and operators really need and appreciate this kind of research, expertise and assessment. Having a variety of perspectives and insights can help us better understand our mission.
LT Jeremy Wagner, USN
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 targeting officer
31 August 2009

I believe it [RSEP] is a vital element of the Global Maritime Partnership effort.
CAPT Mark Sedlacek, USN
Commander, Destroyer Squadron 28
13 April 2009

Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive and reflected a new appreciation for how important their understanding of culture and history is to framing current conflicts and successfully executing our daily missions. I will recommend that this training continue to be incorporated into the deployment cycle . . . IWO JIMA Strike Group looks forward to an ongoing partnership wit the RSEP in leveraging our nation's most accomplished academic talent to further enhance our expeditionary war fighting effectiveness.
CAPT Brian T. Smith, USN
Commander, IWO JIMA Expeditionary Strike Group
23 September 2008

I would like to take a moment to recognize the terrific job the RSEP team has done over the past week. I have been through these briefs in the past and these have been by far the best. [The team's] people skills are great; they fit right in with the staff. I will continue to reach back to them as the deployment continues. Thanks so much.
RDML J.P. Wisecup, USN
Commander, REAGAN Carrier Strike Group
26 May 2008

The RSEP program was perfect for us (IKE CSG). Having a 'menu' to work with and using the time on the TransLant gave the whole program focus and purpose. You had a terrific mix of facilitators . . .  and we had enough time to 'bond' with them - which I really appreciate. If you use the same formula for HST and ENT this summer, it's sure to be a winner!!
RDML Al Myers, USN
Commander, EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group
9 May 2007