“The Black Sheep” of a Family of Educators
Rear Admiral (Ret.) Donald Quinn explains how he is continuing the legacy of his parents by advocating for policies and programs that improve the health, education, and opportunities of our children
I served nearly 35 years in the U.S. Navy as a career aviator, flying primarily in A-6 and EA-6B aircraft. I was fortunate to lead seven commands, including two Electronic Attack Squadrons and a Carrier Air Wing. But, in my family, I like to say my brother (also a career Naval Aviator) and I are “The Black Sheep.”
Both of my parents were educators. My father was a career physical education teacher and high school coach. Mom taught grade school until she took on the duties of raising six kids full time. My four non-Navy siblings are teachers, as are three of my in-laws. At family gatherings we don’t talk about national security or military readiness. The hot topics are “Common Core,” “No Child Left Behind,” and proficiency tests. If the conversation gets dull, I ask, “What it’s like to be required to pay union dues by law?,” then sneak out of the room.
Most career military personnel are also good trainers. You are taught to “train your relief.” So I was naturally drawn toward the manpower, personnel, training, and education aspect of our profession. That was my area of focus as a flag officer. I commanded Navy Personnel Command and was the 17th Commander of Naval Education and Training Command, where I was responsible for over 200 schools worldwide and as many as 50,000 students and staff.
The technology that enables us to accomplish our mission with less manpower demands that those that remain be able to employ it.
The All Volunteer Force is fast approaching a point of crisis, as 71% of America’s youth are unable to serve due to academic, physical, drug, or crime issues. The two issues we dealt with daily, especially during my time as a flag officer, were the first two. No matter what your speciality, you must be able to learn your job and technology is now part of every one of them. The technology that enables us to accomplish our mission with less manpower demands that those that remain be able to employ it. You must also be able to operate under stress, which means physical fitness.
Understanding the skills and habits required to meet the complex needs of our increasingly high-tech military, I also know that nearly one in five young Americans does not graduate on time from high school. Of those who do graduate and try to join the military, another one in five cannot pass the basic military entrance exam. These statistics do not even take into account the propensity to serve. They just reflect the capability of the whole cohort to succeed in our military.
As the son of a physical education teacher and coach, the fitness levels I see in the majority of America’s youth are appalling.
As the son of a physical education teacher and coach, the fitness levels I see in the majority of America’s youth are appalling. Obesity is our national disease and statistics show that it gets worse every year. Even many of those who are not obese cannot run a mile and a half in under 15 minutes. Given the lack of physical exercise, it is not surprising that we see a lot of injuries in basic training, or Boot Camp. The time lost is precious and demoralizing. And it eats into the finite period of the service contract.
Without emphasis on high-quality early education, rigorous K-12 academic standards, and physical education in our schools, I am certain our nation will not just fall behind in military readiness, but in other areas that, to this point, have made us a world power.
This is not simply a social observation. Our National Security is at risk. Even with all of our superb technology, in the end, victory in combat comes from the actions of people. Yet three quarters of the nation’s youth cannot serve. Without emphasis on high-quality early education, rigorous K-12 academic standards, and physical education in our schools, I am certain our nation will not just fall behind in military readiness, but in other areas that, to this point, have made us a world power.
I like to think that, in retirement, I am continuing the legacy of my parents by advocating for policies and programs that improve the health, education, and opportunities of our children. Here in Pensacola, we provide information to every new mother about the importance of high-quality early childhood programs and frequently address the role physical activity plays in leading a healthy lifestyle. More recently, in my role as a member of Mission: Readiness, I have met with Florida gubernatorial campaigns to stress the importance of high-quality early childhood education, rigorous education standards, and physical activity for Florida’s youth.
At the heart of it, I know that it is the responsibility of society as a whole – including parents, teachers, business leaders, and lawmakers – to enable the future success of our nation’s youth and advocate for high-quality programs that prepare our young men and women to be productive members of society.
It is an honor to join more than 700 other retired flag and general officers who lend their names to such an important cause – to ensure that the next generation of Americans can compete and win, both in our military and in society at large.
I am proud to serve Pensacola and the state of Florida in retirement, in part as a member of Mission: Readiness. It is an honor to join more than 700 other retired flag and general officers who lend their names to such an important cause – to ensure that the next generation of Americans can compete and win, both in our military and in society at large.
Read More About
States