Spotlight On: Captain Chad DeBos, United States Army

During the United States Military Academy's 22nd annual National Conference on Ethics in America which was held in October 2007 at West Point, New York, I was honored to meet many outstanding individuals. The theme of this year's conference was Providing the Nation with Citizens of Character.

Captain Chad DeBos, a Military Intelligence Officer with the United States Army, worked extensively with a group of young people as a conference mentor, guiding them to reflect on character, integrity and honor and what it means to be empowered as an ethical leader.

[Reprinted from the conference booklet]

Captain Chad W. DeBos was born 29 February 1972 in Massillon, Ohio. He graduated high school in 1990 and enlisted in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman. He served with A Company, 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Battalion Combat Team; Vicenza, Italy and XVIII Airborne Corps Long Range Surveillance Company; Fort Bragg. In 1995, he separated to attend college.

In 1999, Captain DeBos was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Corps through the Kent State University Army ROTC program. As a Distinguished Military Graduate, Captain DeBos graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Captain DeBos was assigned to Fort Bragg’s 319th Military Intelligence Battalion (Operations) (Airborne), 525th Military Intelligence Brigade (Airborne). In support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Captain DeBos was attached to 1st Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment (Attack)(Airborne) as the Battalion Intelligence Officer. He deployed in July 2002 to Afghanistan and served as the Aviation Task Force Intelligence Officer in support of Coalition Task Force 82. Following redeployment and advanced military schooling, Captain DeBos was assigned to the United States Army Intelligence Center, Fort Huachuca. There he served as the Assistant G3/Operations Officer, Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, Company Commander for Bravo Company, 304th Military Intelligence Battalion, and as Officer Lifecycle Manager for the Chief of the Military Intelligence Corps.

Captain DeBos is currently attending the University of Virginia to obtain a masters degree in Instructional Technology. After advanced civil schooling, he will be assigned to the United States Military Academy’s Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic.

Captain DeBos’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/ 2OLC, Army Achievement Medal w/ 1OLC, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/ bronze star device, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Belgian Armed Forces Parachutist Badge, German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge (Bronze), and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold).

Captain DeBos and his wife Jody have one son, Cody (8) and one daughter, Hannah (5).

In numerous conversations with Captain DeBos, I was impressed with his dedication to our nation, to his family, and to the future leaders entrusted to his guidance during the conference. Perhaps we can gain insight from the words of his group after discussing one of the conference sessions:

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE IN?

• Camaraderie
• Loyalty
• Self-preservation
• Family
• Humility
• Sense of humor
• Selflessness
• Lead by example
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Respect
• Greater good
• Do unto others
• Honesty
• Courage
• Passion
• Discipline
• Compassion
• Understanding

READ MORE

Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 1 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 2 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 3 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 4 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 5 of 5	Click here to visit site
National Conference on Ethics in America	Click here to visit site