Award Information
The R. Lynn Rylander Award, our highest honor, is presented annually to an individual who has made distinctive contributions in the areas of Special Operations, Low Intensity Conflict, or Irregular Warfare. Achievements may be singular or cumulative, but in the spirit of R. Lynn Rylander’s service, the policy, guidance, leadership, or mission contributions must have been of the highest impact – highly significant and lasting – to the SO/LIC community and show support of the goals and objectives of NDIA and the SO/LIC Division.
The Award is named for R. Lynn Rylander, a Department of Defense civilian who was a founding member of the organization which is now the SO/LIC Division of NDIA. Lynn was an early advocate and activist on the revitalization of Special Operations Forces and the organizational and legislative changes required to sustain them.
Each year, the name of the Rylander Award recipient is added to the award trophy, which is in the form of a chess figure that advances, attacks, and defends indirectly. These characteristics are critical to the men and women involved in the conduct of Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict.
DEPROSPERO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Ambassador (Ret) Dell L. Dailey
The DeProspero Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes sustained, distinguished service and is presented annually to an individual who has made distinctive lifetime contributions with significant impact in the areas of Special Operations, Low Intensity Conflict, or Irregular Warfare.
The award is named for Colonel Albert A. DeProspero, a retired Army Special Forces Colonel who was a founding member of the SO/LIC Division of NDIA, a former Chairman of the SO/LIC Executive Board, and a lifelong supporter of and advocate for the SO/LIC Community.
Army: SFC Lance E. Flory
Marine Corps: GySgt Michael Sims
Navy: LT Michael E. Young
Air Force: MSgt Paul J. Foles
Coast Guard: LT Jeffrey M. Schwind
Civ: Mr. Michael Fieldson
ESSAY CONTEST
1st Place: Major Erik Stanfield is a Special Forces officer assigned to U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He wrote this essay in conjunction with graduate research while attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Major Stanfield will return to the SOCOM force upon graduation in June 2017 with a master's degree in defense analysis, focused on countering weapons of mass destruction. Click here to view
2nd Place: Major Garrett Searle is a U.S. Army Civil Affairs Officer. He submitted this paper while attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he is currently pursuing a master's degree in information strategy and political warfare. Click here to view