Former Special Operations Command Chief of Training: Loss is ‘Devastating’

Posted Aug 6, 2011 by Howard Altman

Updated Aug 6, 2011 at 03:34 PM

Stephen P. Howard knows what it takes to train for the type of mission undertaken by those killed in the helicopter crash.

Howard, 55, was Special Operations Command chief of training for about four years, during 9/11 and the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom, until retiring in 2005.

“That is a devastating hit for our side,” said Howard, who still lives in Tampa. “This is such a huge loss of an amazing asset for the nation.”

Not only is this crash the biggest single-day loss of life in the Afghanistan war, but it also will likely be the biggest single-day loss of life for Socom, which was created in 1987.

“Usually, we only lose one or two guys at a time,” said Howard. “Oh my gosh, this is a tremendous loss.”

When it comes to training special operations forces like those who died on the Chinook, Howard said “our primary focus at Special Operations Command was always making sure we maintained high standards.”

Mission planners “would take fewer people, rather than lower our standards, so that the quality of the men and women we use in special operations,” he said. “The training standards have always been high, and we keep them there, so we can provide the absolutely best special operations forces for the United States.”

That standard, he said “has paid off in huge ways for this nation. That is why this loss is so devastating. The amount of investment, in time, careful training and equipment that goes into these special men is significant. It is just a very, very sad day.”

Though clearly a blow to our efforts in Afghanistan, the loss, said Howard, will land hardest on the families of those killed.

“Of course your thoughts go out to the families,” he said. “Always the families have the toughest part. Those of us in the community, when tragedy like this comes, always have solace that these men were doing something they loved and believe in that is what we devote our lives to. But that does not help the families or loved ones of those left behind trying to figure out what happened.”

Howard began his military career with the Army in 1975. After four-and-a-half years, he was commissioned as an Air Force officer, serving in Panama and Operation Desert Storm before taking over as chief of training at Socom. He retired as an Air Force colonel in 2005 and is now senior consultant for Quality Quest, “a defense strategist for irregular warfare” providing “joint live virtual and construction simulations integrating joint and special operations training.

For the past week, he has been fishing in Lake Michigan. But taking a break, he heard about what happened. He said the news puts life in perspective.

“I am very fortunate,” he said. “When something like this happens, it is such a tragedy. I am an old guy now. I survived that stuff. Those guys were cut down in their prime. It lets you realize how lucky and fortunate you are and that every day is a gift.”