Veterans Day Reflections from Pat McGrath, NOBLE's Chief Revenue Officer
A commitment to those who serve is the core purpose of our organization. Each Veterans Day, we extend recognition to those who serve and have served in the United States Military on behalf of our Nation. The dedication and sacrifice of these individuals are an inspiration to all.
NOBLE is honored to include many former military members among our organization. Their stories inspire and inform our organization and the services we provide. Pat McGrath, NOBLE's Chief Revenue Officer, spoke about his military career and the meaning of service.
Question: If you enlisted, what were some of the reasons that you joined the military? How did you choose your branch of service?
PM: I joined the Navy in 1979. I was draft-eligible in high school, but the draft had already been canceled, so I enlisted with a buddy under the “Buddy Program.” It wasn’t a good time right after Vietnam, but my brother had already enlisted, and they were looking for patriotic people.
My buddy and I chose the Navy so we could join Navy Special Warfare. I specifically wanted to work with the “Marine Mammal Program”.
Question: Where did you serve? If you saw multiple deployments, how did these experiences change your perspective?
PM: I served all around the world, both aboard ship and ashore. My multiple and diverse tours of duty gave me an extensive background in leadership, training, and professionalism. It also gave me a deeper understanding of people and human relationships.
Probably one of my favorite and most memorable tours of duty was serving as a Navy Marine Mammal Handler, where I got to work with and train dolphins and sea lions.
Question: What are some things you remember most about military life?
PM: I remember the long and arduous training and tactics I experienced that helped me survive in any environment or circumstance. By being associated with team and small-unit missions, I learned the benefits of knowing and trusting your fellow team members and of leveraging everyone’s strengths and skills.
Question: What would you say to a young person considering joining the military?
PM: As a former Navy Career Counselor and Senior Enlisted, I would advise them to consider their patriotic feelings and the possibility of laying down their lives for their country and fellow service members.
Although the benefits —college, paid leave, and medical — are great, they need to understand their responsibilities to their country and fellow service members.
Question: "How did your military training and experience prepare you for your career after the military?
PM: When not operating due to injury or shore duty status, I learned other skill sets that would be considered “Corporate Services” such as training, supply and logistics, procurement, and materiel requirement development. All these skills have proven beneficial in my post-retirement career.
Question: What does service mean to you?
PM: Serving in the United States Navy taught me the true meaning of sacrifice both personally and professionally. It also showed me the absolute meaning of patriotism.
More about Pat McGrath
Pat, a CBRNE subject matter expert (SME), possesses an extensive Department of Defense and Department of the Army civilian background in the multi-faceted field of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE). He is a retired military service member with 30 years of experience in conducting special operations, training, and management across a range of complex environments.
As an EOD/CBRNE representative in the G3 Section of the US Army 20th CBRNE Command, Pat supported command and control of a full spectrum of Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological, and high-yield Explosives (CBRNE) operations and provided technical reach-back support for Combatant Commanders and US Federal Agencies. He also led the design, development, and implementation of training courses, command training guidance, and policies for pre-deployment exercises.
Pat is the recipient of numerous awards, including the CBRNE Ancient Order of the Dragon (AOOD) Award, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, five Navy Commendation Medals, and two Navy Achievement Medals.
About NOBLE
NOBLE, a leader in global sustainment and operations support for the US Military and civilian government, offers an unparalleled range of mission-critical products and services. Our supply chain contains over 15,000 suppliers and millions of products. We carry top brands and cutting-edge solutions across six domains: aerospace, C5ISR, CBRNE, expeditionary, MRO, and tactical. With strategically located fulfillment centers and operations in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we rapidly deploy routine and emergency orders, even to high-risk geographical areas.
