Ciro Stefano

The 82nd Airborne Division’s AA Arm Patch

Retired United States Army Colonel Ciro Stefano continues to serve the US armed forces through his work with several Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Ciro Stefano is the Director of Executive Engagement and an Advisory Board member for Vets2Industry, a resource library for veterans and their families. Ciro Stefano is also a proud lifetime member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army.

The 82nd Airborne Division was established during World War I. At that time, Army units adopted nicknames to boost morale and build camaraderie among unit members.

Members of the Army 82nd Airborne Division are known for wearing maroon berets and arm patches with the letters “AA,” which stands for “All American,” the nickname the unit has used since its inception in 1917 at Camp Gordon, Georgia.

The nickname was chosen in a contest held by the Atlanta Georgian newspaper. “All American” was the entry submitted by a woman named Vivienne Goodwyn. The nickname was selected because it embodied the diverse composition of the unit’s members. The Army 82nd Airborne Division was the only unit in the US Army that had members from all 48 (at the time) states.

NRA Provides Law Enforcement, Military, and Security Training

Since July 2018, Colonel Ciro Stefano has been providing strategic leadership guidance to the adjutant general of the New York National Guard in his role as a senior army advisor. In addition to being a Lifetime Member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Colonel Ciro Stefano is also a Patriot Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA).

With over five million members, the NRA is a civil rights organization that teaches firearm safety and competency. In 1960, the NRA instituted a Law Enforcement Division to provide training and certification to the law enforcement and military communities, and well as those in charge of security. Law enforcement officers who undergo NRA training gain access to program materials including training kits, gear, and recreational and shooting materials, among others.

In addition to providing training and certification, the NRA organizes events, such as the Police Pistol Combat and Tactical Police Competition, which is open to law enforcement officers from the U.S. military and the public and private sectors. Once a year, the NRA also opens its doors to law enforcement members from around the world as it hosts the National Police Shooting Championships.

A Handful of Great Mountains to Hike in New York State

Ciro Stefano serves as Senior Army Advisor to the Adjutant General of the New York National Guard. Outside of work, Ciro Stefano enjoys keeping active by hiking mountains. New York State boasts a number of mountains with excellent trails for hikers of varying skill levels. These include:

1. Prospect Mountain: A rather easy trail next to Lake George, the Prospect Mountain loop is only about 3 miles out and back, but it provides beautiful, sweeping views of the surrounding areas. Many people come to the mountain when the foliage starts to change color.

2. Mt. Jo: Another fairly easy hike is Mt. Jo. Individuals can summit the mountain virtual year-round to get great views of Heart Lake and the Adirondack high peaks. The entire trail is just a 2.1-mile loop.

3. Ampersand Mountain: This trail, located near Saranac Lake, is a bit more challenging. While hikers may have to pace themselves as they move toward the summit, they will find some incredible views of the entire region.

4. Hunter Mountain: Not far from West Kill, this trail will really challenge hikers, so it is best for experienced individuals. The steady incline leads up to a functioning fire tower that individuals can climb for even better views.

A Few Thoughts on Effective Leadership

A former military educator and U.S. Army Colonel, Ciro Stefano has served with distinction at every level of command in the Army. COL Ciro Stefano has helped shape and guide the careers of literally thousands of Soldiers. Under his leadership as the Chief of Military Science at the United States Military Academy at West Point, he taught America’s future leaders how to think, not what to think.

If you’re committed to a career in the U.S. Army, there are some things you would do well to keep in mind.

Expectations:

Top Quality teaching, preparation and staff work; coordinate, anticipate and verify
It’s your job to follow-up with me, not vice versa
Don’t make excuses, rather achieve results
Provide possible solutions to the problems you present
Do the right thing, even when no one is looking
Achieve our mission – always
Remain physically fit, when possible, conduct PT together
Treat everyone with dignity and respect
Communicate effectively (written and orally)
Make safety a priority – both on and off duty

My leadership Style:

Always open-minded and positive
Approachable
Enjoy mentoring and serving as a role model
Believe in Mission Command
I will observe how you teach and will assist as desired
Believe in being out and about, not locked to my desk/computer
Might be quiet some mornings; this is when I’m most cerebral – planning and thinking
Have been known to have unrealistic expectations of those around me (very high standards)

Expectations of NCOs:

Provide me your candid feedback
Teach cadets the importance of a good officer-NCO relationship
Train Soldier like your life depends on it
Set the example – always
Train technical and tactical competency
Keep Soldiers safe
Complete all actions/paperwork on time

How You Can Help Veterans Transition into Civilian Life

Ciro Stefano is a decorated U.S. Army colonel and former military educator who helped develop the first Strategic Plan for the United States Military Academy’s Military Program. In addition to his service, COL. Ciro Stefano is a member of the advisory board of Vets2Industry, an organization that works to create a consolidated source of information for veterans transitioning into civilian life.

Veterans who are exiting a military career face many challenges to reintegration, and understanding these can help them succeed in the transition. Often they are returning from long absences, so it’s important to have the support of their family as they reconnect with loved ones and adjust to new routines created in their absence.

Entering the workforce after a military career can be particularly challenging. Some veterans may never have worked in a civilian job. It’s important to work with veterans to translate their military skills and expertise into civilian terms. Even things like interviewing for a job or creating a resume can be daunting.

One of the hardest things to adjust to for some veterans is the relative lack of structure in civilian life. In the military, there’s never much doubt as to who is in charge and what should be done. Allowing time for veterans to adjust to this change is highly beneficial.