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HERNDON, Virginia, July 30, 2020 – On July 13, Mission Essential hosted a virtual roundtable moderated by Bryan Hurley, Mission Essential VP of Business Development. Hurley was joined by two experienced SOF linguists, Ross and ‘Ahmad,’ and Mission Essential Director for European Operations Intelligence & Language Programs Jeff Malcolm. The seasoned group of professionals discussed their time in the field and the role of linguists in SOF success. A recording of the interview was livestreamed via YouTube on July 28.
Ross and Ahmad have years of experience working with special operations in multiple capacities. Both linguists have provided critical support to warfighters as a part of the Mission Essential team in Afghanistan.
The group discussed the vital services linguists provide for their teams, outside exceptional translation services, throughout the roundtable. Malcolm explained, “When we send a linguist out… [and] they’re in a situation, they are expected to do a lot of other things, including cultural advisory services… I hear consistently from the customer that the cultural perspective that the linguists bring is absolutely critical to mission success.”
Ross, drawing on his years working with Mission Essential, explained further, “As a linguist, there are some keywords and dialects we all have to learn to accommodate the diversity we see on missions… You have to be prepared physically and mentally… warzone ready.”
“Being a linguist is not just the ability to speak a language; it has so many other factors that one needs to learn in the practical world on a day-to-day basis.” Ahmad said, “I wear many hats. Whether it’s cultural advisor, team player, another set of eyes to ensure that we, the team, are secure.”
This roundtable is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
HERNDON, Virginia, July 9, 2020 – The Mission Essential Group has united its two intelligence business units, IMT LLC and Mission Essential’s Intel Analytics organization, to form Mission Essential Intelligence Solutions (MEIS). The new intel center of excellence will make an immediate impact on Mission Essential’s already substantive intel business in the rapidly growing $200B intelligence and C4ISR fields.
Over its 17-year history, The Mission Essential Group has successfully recruited more than 47,000 skilled professionals to mission critical assignments with almost half of those serving the intel space. Additionally, its IMT business unit has been the lead provider of technical engineering support to the Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) since 2006. The company’s intelligence sector has been its fastest-growing line of business for several years, and MEIS will capitalize on its experience and top talent to enable further acceleration of its expansion. Accompanying the creation of MEIS is a new, more fully integrated corporate structure that will streamline the alignment of its world-class information management system engineering, software development, information assurance, and system sustainment capabilities with its expeditionary and operational experience across the Department of Defense and Intelligence Communities.
The Mission Essential Group has tapped Tom Middleton, a well-known industry leader in the beltway, to head its latest expansion as president. Previously, Tom served for more than 35 years in a progressive career with General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and most recently served as their Vice President Business Development and Strategy, Intelligence and Homeland Security Division (IHS). During his tenure with GDIT, Tom built rapid and sustainable growth across several areas of specialization and often with industry-leading win rates. His significant expertise within the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense, demonstrated history of structuring and winning complex business opportunities, and participation in several key D.C. Intel focus groups will afford MEIS strong competitive positioning in the market.
“Mission Essential Intelligence Solutions will be a leader in the intelligence field. Its creation demonstrates the Mission Essential Group’s commitment to serving its current and future government partners in the Intelligence Community as well as growth and innovation in the Information Technology and Services industry,” said Middleton.
Gregory K. Miller, The Mission Essential Group’s founder and Chairman, commented, “The creation of MEIS completes another checkmark in our Strategic Brand Growth Plan. Our selection of Tom Middleton as its president places an accomplished key executive at the helm with the experience, knowledge, and relationships required to take this line of business to the next level”.
The creation of MEIS is the latest in a series of strategic steps forward for The Mission Essential Group. The organization has recently committed significant investments to further diversification in the areas of intelligence, language, human capital management, and cybersecurity, leaning on the 17 years of knowledge and experience gained through the successful execution of more than 100,000 missions. The Mission Essential Group’s growing Language and Logistics Solutions line of business will continue to be headed by Al Pisani. Pisani has served as president since 2018.
ABOUT THE MISSION ESSENTIAL GROUP
The Mission Essential Group, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is an agile, trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence communities, friendly foreign governments, and select private sector segments. The company is a leading provider of intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions/technology, Cyberspace/Security superiority, Human Capital Management, and language and cultural advisory services. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department. With home offices in Columbus Ohio and Herndon Virginia, The Mission Essential Group’s global footprint encompasses over 45 countries and 17 domestic U.S. locations.
Happy 4th of July from Mission Essential! While we appreciate and respect the sacrifices made by our military service members every day, America’s Independence Day is a special time for celebration, reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.
This week, Mission Essential highlighted a few of our veteran employees. Each person discussed their time in the service and described how they continue to serve their country through their work. We are proud that Mission Essential’s enterprise workforce is comprised of 36% veterans.
Thank you to all the men and women who have served in our military and those currently serving. We hope you have a safe and joyful holiday.
Jennifer LaBarge, Site Lead – US Air Force Veteran
Brittany McQuade, Senior Security Manager/FSO – US Navy Veteran
Ralph Miller, Sr. Project Advisor – US Army Veteran
Dave Slovina, Haystack LLC, President – US Navy Veteran
David Thomas, Senior Recruiting Specialist – US Navy Veteran
FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE/EMBARGO: 19 June 2020
The discussion was moderated Colonel Mike Kershner, US Army Special Forces (R) and panelists Colonel Andy Milburn, United States Marine Corps (R), and Colonel Dave Maxwell U.S. Army Special Forces (R).
Herndon, Virginia, June, 19, 2020 – On June 5, 2020, Mission Essential hosted a virtual panel, SOF Experience with Linguists: Understanding and Navigating the Human Domain, moderated by Colonel Mike Kershner, US Army Special Forces (R). He was joined by panelists Colonel Andy Milburn, United States Marine Corps (R), and Colonel Dave Maxwell U.S. Army Special Forces (R). The group discussed in-depth cultural intelligence, understanding the human element in linguistics, and many other topics vital to USSOCOM today. A recording of the interview was livestreamed via YouTube on June 17.
All the panel participants have extensive Special Forces backgrounds and utilized linguists often during their time in the service. Kershner, who spent more than 27 years of active service in the infantry and Special Forces, posed thoughtful questions to the panel about language, culture, linguists, the future of AI in the military, and special forces’ role in great power competition.
Milburn drew from his many years with the Marines, where he worked in infantry and Special Forces, providing many real-life examples from his tours in Iraq. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership and examining our own culture to then better understand foreign cultures. “Language and culture have implications that go far beyond simple communication. They are the difference between operating effectively and operating incompetently,” said Milburn.
Maxwell, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and 30-year veteran of special forces and the Army, discussed the need for cultural understanding, cultural awareness, and cultural respect as it relates to the national security strategy.
“I really think it’s important for us not to focus on Russia and China, but to focus on the areas where we might meet – Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe,” said Maxwell. “To do that, we have to be culturally aware, culturally knowledgeable, and, whether we can speak a language or not, have the cultural respect that comes with developing relationships and living and working with our friends, partners, and allies.”
This panel is a part of a larger webinar series, Mission Essential Conversations: A SITREP to trending matters of language and intel affairs.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
The COVID-19 pandemic has already irrevocably transformed our world, and the change is not complete. During this time of crisis, Mission Essential continues to inform and empower our communities and help spread compassion. Each day is an unknown, but together we are adapting, and together are weathering the storm.
While so many are facing fear and physical isolation, it is critical to remind ourselves that we’re part of a greater, global community. Our objective is to emerge from this crisis with the tools to help build a better world. Mission Essential is working tirelessly to provide the highest level of service to our employees, our customers, and our communities. Stay strong. Stay safe.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/EMBARGO: 19 May 2020
Mission Essential Releases Interview between General Tony Thomas, USSOCOM (R) and Major General Clay Hutmacher, USSOCOM (R) on the Future of IO in the Military
Tampa, FL, May 19, 2020 – On May 8, 2020, Mission Essential hosted a virtual interview between General Tony Thomas, USSOCOM, (R) and Major General Clay Hutmacher, USSOCOM, (R) to capture General Thomas’ thoughts on the current and future function of IO in our nation’s military actions. A recording of the interview is available today Monday, May 18.
General Thomas’ reflections come at a critical time in history when those who provide intelligence support to the U.S. military must remain nimble in response to an ever-evolving battlefield. “The integration of technology and human expertise has long been the focus of Mission Essential,” shared Bryan Hurley, Vice President at Mission Essential. “IO is a key component of global security today. The type and diversity of threats demand ongoing development and training.”
General Thomas, former Commanding General for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), was one of the military’s earliest and staunchest advocates for applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the battlefield and was the first senior officer to appoint a Chief Data Officer to bring private sector solutions to the command.
ABOUT GENERAL THOMAS AND MAJOR GENERAL HUTMACHER
General Tony Thomas (R) recently retired after three years as the Commanding General for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). As the commander of SOCOM, he oversaw 85,000 troops and civilians deployed in over 100 countries. In his last two roles leading globally deployed forces, Gen. Thomas increased the focus on cyber and information operations. He is currently a venture partner at LUX Capital.
Major General Clay Hutmacher (R) retired in 2018 after a 40 year career as a United States Army Officer. Most recent assignments include Director of Operations in the U.S. Special Operation Command, Tampa, FL and MH-60 Direct Action Penetrator Platoon Leader for Delta Company. Upon retirement, MG Hutmacher assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/EMBARGO: 15 May 2020
Mission Essential Passes International Organization of Standardization 9001: 2015 Certification Audit
Intelligence and Language Solutions Company Meets the International Standard that Specifies Requirements for a Quality Management System
HERNDON, Virginia, May 15, 2020 – Mission Essential is committed to providing services that meet all customer and regulatory requirements. To further that commitment, the company participated in the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 9001: 2015 certification audit the week of April 27, 2020. Mission Essential passed the audit in record time and received the final certificate.
The adoption of a quality management system is a strategic decision for an organization that can help improve overall performance and provide a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives. ISO is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies. ISO 9001: 2015 allows Mission Essential to put quality processes in place throughout the company.
“Our organization is constantly looking for new ways to improve our processes and services for the benefit of our customers,” said Mission Essential, LLC President Al Pisani. “This certification is a reflection of the preparation, commitment, and hard work of this team and the strong systems we have in place.”
The certificate will continue to be reviewed through an annual audit.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is a trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence Communities, and a leading provider of language and cultural advisory services, intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions and technology, and cyberspace superiority. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
Galena Seiler, a Mission Essential employee, has been sewing for years, primarily quilting. Since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, Seiler has been using her skills for a different purpose: creating personal protective equipment (PPE) for her local community. Armed with a sewing machine and a purpose, Seiler began researching patterns through Pinterest and the Facebook group, Million Mask Challenge – Virginia/DC/Maryland. The group includes thousands of local citizens coming together to share tips, patterns, supplies, and advice.
At first, Seiler started creating masks out of her personal fabric stock (including her Harry Potter and Star Wars themed bolts), and her reserves were quickly exhausted. In need of supplies, Seiler turned to social media again, this time her neighborhood’s Facebook group. The response was overwhelming. In no time, neighbors began dropping necessary supplies like elastic and fabric off on her doorstep.
In addition to masks, Seiler has expanded her repertoire to include surgery caps and mask guards. Seiler and her 11-year-old daughter spend every weekend cutting, assembling, and sewing PPE for distribution around the community. She has even been creating masks for her coworkers!
“It feels good to be contributing when there is not much else I can do,” explained Seiler. “If masks make people safer at work, I am glad to give back.” Galena is a valued employee of Mission Essential. We commend her contributions to her community and are proud to have her as a member of our team.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/EMBARGO: 30 March 2020
Mission Essential, LLC Awarded New Task Order Under the USAFE-AFAFRICA A&AS IV IDIQ
The Company Will Provide Analytical, Technical, and Engineering Support on the Five-Year Contract
HERNDON, Virginia, March 30, 2020 – Mission Essential was awarded a new task order – Monolith Excelsior – under the USAFE-AFAFRICA A&AS IV IDIQ, the air component for both U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM). USAFE-AFAFRICA executes the Air Force, EUCOM and AFRICOM missions with forward-based airpower and infrastructure. The task order is a combination of existing work and new growth requirements.
On Monolith Excelsior, Mission Essential will provide the United States Air Force’s 693d Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG), an intelligence unit located at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, with analytical, technical, and engineering support to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission requirements across EUCOM and AFRICOM. The company will provide ISR collection management, signals intelligence (SIGINT) analysis, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) analysis, SSO support, training, infrastructure engineering, network and systems engineering, information systems security management, and cross-domain solutions engineering.
“Outstanding customer execution and customer satisfaction are two Mission Essential staples,” said Mission Essential President Al Pisani. “We are honored to continue cultivating our longstanding partnership with USAFE-AFAFRICA.”
The company will provide support in Germany on the five-year contract.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, is an agile, trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence communities, friendly foreign governments, and select private sector segments. The company is a leading provider of intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions/technology, Cyberspace/Security superiority, Human Capital Management, and language and cultural advisory services. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/EMBARGO: 24 February 2020
Mission Essential, LLC Wins USAREUR Kosovo II Linguist Support Services under the DoD Language Interpretation and Translation Enterprise II (DLITE II)
The Intelligence and Language Solutions Company Provides Critical Linguist Support for the United States Army Europe on Kosovo Contract
HERNDON, Virginia, Feb. 24, 2020 – The Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) awarded Herndon, Virginia-based Mission Essential, LLC, a contract to provide critical linguist support to U.S. Armed Forces in the Republic of Kosovo.
The contract will support USAREUR armed forces deployed as a part of a multinational brigade peacekeeping force, under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFOR is a NATO-led international peacekeeping force in Kosovo. Mission Essential, a global provider of intelligence and language solutions, will execute the five-year contract.
“Mission Essential has a rich history of providing unparalleled language and cultural services to the United States Armed Forces,” said Mission Essential President Al Pisani. “We are proud to contribute our linguistic expertise to our servicemen and women in Kosovo. This award continues our strong and long-standing partnership with the United States European Command.”
The company will staff linguist positions placed at three main operating bases throughout Kosovo.
ABOUT MISSION ESSENTIAL
Mission Essential, founded by U.S. Army SOF veteran and current Chairman Gregory K. Miller, an agile trusted partner to the Defense and Intelligence communities, friendly foreign governments, and select private sector segments. The company is a leading provider of intelligence analysis and operations support, ISR solutions/technology, Cyberspace/Security superiority, Human Capital Management, and language and cultural advisory services. Mission Essential executes prime contracts with numerous Intelligence Community members, as well as with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Central, European, and Africa Commands; and the State Department.
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