Commander emphasizes influence of a field grade officer at CGSOC graduation

(Sarah Hauck, CGSC Public Affairs) The Command and General Staff Officers Course Class of 2026 graduated May 29, 2026 in a ceremony in the Eisenhower Auditorium of the Lewis and Clark Center on Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The 951 graduates of this year’s class experienced reformed and modernized curriculum that reflected the rapid technological and tactical advancements dictated by the current operational environment.

They navigated unexpected learning environment and academic calendar shifts.

With more than 30 years of military and leadership experience, Lt. Gen. Jim Isenhower, commanding general, U.S. Army Combined Arms Command and Fort Leavenworth, told the class that the responsibility placed on them as graduates of CGSOC is to be the conductor of the locomotive, prepared through the academic rigor they conquered over the last 10 months.

“You can influence all the way down to a private every day as a Battalion S3 or XO. And you’ve also got the opportunity and will be expected to influence all the way up to the senior leaders of our Army. You’re at the center. You are the most important demographic in our Army,” Isenhower said.

During his commencement address, Isenhower reflected on his leadership transition following his own CGSOC graduation.

Field-grade leadership was something he’d only observed, but quickly learned the impact, good or bad, would have lasting impressions on more than just his career.

A single conversation, and high-performing Soldier’s decision to leave service directly impacted Isenhower’s leadership style and view of field-grade officers.

He challenged each of the graduates to approach their next assignments with courage to challenge the late-night work parties, and missed bedtime stories.

The graduates are at pivotal times not only in their careers, Isenhower explained, but also in their lives.

Early in his own field-grade time Isenhower explained establishing non-negotiable working hours to ensure his teams were home, putting in their second shift of life, on a regular, predictable basis.

“I realized field grades are stewards of the profession, and they have an obligation to inspire future service, not to discourage it…that shaped how I approached my field grade time,” Isenhower said.

The inspiration of service doesn’t stop within the walls of the unit headquarters, extending to those of the home.

According to Isenhower, nearly 30% of the Army’s volunteer force comes “from the Army”, emphasizing the example being set by graduates of true work-life balance.

Isenhower concluded with a reiteration of expectations of the graduates’ new leaders, which included performing at levels far beyond those of their peers, but also to establish leadership philosophies that focused on work-life balance and implemented through their own unwavering example.

“I’m already proud of what you’re going to do,” he said. “I think you and our families for taking this on and investing in all of our Soldiers and their families.”

The following individuals were recognized for their dedication to stewarding the Army profession:

The General George C. Marshall Award is presented to the distinguished United States graduate of each class
– Major Andrew L. Scholl, Transportation Corps
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation through a gift from the Veterans of Foreign Wars; CGSC Foundation Alumni Association Life Membership compliments of First Command

The General Dwight D. Eisenhower Award is presented to the distinguished international officer of each class
– Maj. Aleksander Granberg, Norway
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation through a gift from the David G. Beaham Memorial Fund; CGSC Foundation Alumni Association Life Membership compliments of First Command

The General Douglas MacArthur Military Leadership Writing Award recognizes scholarship and professional writing on military leadership
– Maj. Prabhat Mishra, India
Sponsored by the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation

The Arter-Darby Military History Writing Award goes to the student for excellent scholarship and writing in military history
– Maj. Paul D. Mackey, Infantry
Sponsored by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Arter and the Edith and Harry Darby Foundation

The Arter-Doniphan Award goes to the class graduate who earned the highest overall grade point average
– Maj. Aleksander Granberg, Norway
Sponsored by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Arter and the Alexander Doniphan Committee

The General John J. Pershing Award recognizes the outstanding non-resident graduate of the Command and General Staff Officer Course via distance learning
– Maj. Aloysius J. Hunter, Engineers, U.S. Army Reserve

The Iron Major Award goes to the student who finishes first in a grueling series of events designed to test endurance and strength
– (Male): Maj. Andrew W. Stoafer, Infantry
– (Female) Maj. JaLyssa J. Walker, Transportation Corps
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation

Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA) Excellence in Information Warfare Writing Award
– Maj. Ryan D. Menge, U.S. Air Force
Sponsored by the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association

The Lieutenant Colonel Boyd McCanna Harris Leadership Award is presented for recognized superior research by a resident CGSOC student in the field of Organizational Leadership
– Maj. Christopher A. Watson, Infantry
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation through a gift from Gary and Moira Sinise

The Birrer-Brooks Award recognizes the most outstanding Master of Military Art and Science Thesis
– Maj. Prabhat Mishra, India
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation through a gift from Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. Doug Tystad

The Major General Hans Schlup Award recognizes the importance of relationships developed among the network of friends and professional acquaintances made while attend the Command and General Staff College
– Lt. Col. Faleh S. F. H. H. Alrashid, Kuwait
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation through a gift from the CGSOC Class of 1978

The General James M. Wright Award is presented to the distinguished master sustainer in each class
– Maj. Andrew L. Scholl, Transportation Corps
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation through a gift from Lt. Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. Robert Myers

The General George S. Patton Award is presented to the distinguished master tactician in each class
– Maj. Jordan J. Downey, Field Artillery
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation through a gift from Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. Doug Tystad

Homeland Security Studies Award
– Maj. Alex Kennedy, Medical Service Corps
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation

The Excellence in Joint Service Warfare Award is awarded to the student who contributes most significantly to the study of joint service warfare
– Maj. Alaina M. Brooks, U.S. Marine Corps
Sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

The Brigadier General Benjamin H. Grierson Award goes to the student who demonstrates excellence in strategic studies
– Maj. Tara C. Santon, Public Affairs
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation

The Father Donald Smythe Award recognizes excellence in military history
– Maj. Luke F. Donaldson, U.S. Marine Corps
Sponsored by Armed Forces Insurance

The Simons Center Interagency Writing Award recognizes scholarship that advances interagency cooperation, coordination and collaboration
– Chaplain (Maj.) Scott A. Lovejoy
Sponsored by the CGSC Foundation through a gift from Mr. H. Ross Perot

On May 28, the day prior to the class graduation, the international officers in the class received their International Graduate Badges in a ceremony hosted by CGSC Commandant Col. Ethan Diven and CGSC Dean of Academics David Cotter, Ph.D. That afternoon, members of the class that earned their Master of of Military Arts and Science were recognized in a “hooding ceremony” in the Eisenhower Auditorium.

The CGSOC Class of 2026 included 951 total graduates of which 951 were Army (Active, Reserve, National Guard); 68 from the U.S. Air Force, 12 from the U.S. Navy; 25 from the U.S. Marine Corps; one from the U.S. Space Force; two government civilians; and 120 international students.

The 2026 class earned 54 Master of Military Arts and Science degrees; 860 Master of Operational Science degrees; and 155 Advanced Warfighter Certificates.

For photos of all the awardees and the ceremony see the CGSC Flickr album

Watch video of the complete graduation ceremony

For photos from the International Officer Badge ceremony on May 28, 2026, see the CGSC Flickr album

Watch video of the International Officer Badge Ceremony on May 28, 2026

For photos from MMAS Hooding ceremony on May 28, 2026, see the CGSC Flickr album