The colonels of the U.S. Army
Operational Test Command (OTC) are known as some
serious golfers; however, with the newly assigned
director of the command's Close Combat Test
Directorate, Col. Steven Duke, you'll find a
football-watching, tailgating type of guy.
Recently promoted Duke, is the former deputy
commander of the 2nd brigade, 1st Cavalry Division,
brings a wealth of operational experience to the
West Fort Hood-based directorate responsible for
independent testing of armored and infantry systems.
"I'm kind of a knuckle-dragging tanker," said Duke,
who was deployed to Iraq in October 2006. "My
promotion is testament that if you surround yourself
with good people, trust them, and let them do their
jobs, good things happen most of the time."
Duke, who initially joined the Army so it could pay
for his broadcast journalism degree, attributes his
tenure in the military to the great people who have
taken care of him at every level--from platoon
leader on up, he said.
"I wanted to be in the Army; I wanted to serve,"
Duke said. "If you would've asked me at year
two if I'd stay in for 20 years, I'd probably say,
'I don't think so.' And for sure if you were
to ask me if I'd make full colonel, I would have
said, 'no way,' just because of my big mouth and
confrontational nature."
Duke, however, plans on using his candor and good
sense of humor in his leadership position to create
an atmosphere conducive to idea sharing--regardless
of rank--for the betterment of the command.
"Some superiors may be intimidated by a subordinate
soldier who comes up with an idea and think, 'I
should have thought of that,'" Duke said.
"I've never been that way; I like to surround myself
with knowledgeable people."
The colonel hopes to draw on his own knowledge in
the field to bring leadership and guidance to the
already established team at the directorate.
"I think sometimes we feel like we're obligated to
sit in our office 14 hours a day because that's what
you ought to do," said Duke. "I expect people
to do the right thing and be there when they need to
be there. And to pour everything they've got
into whatever that mission is to achieve it to a
high standard."
"If something's happened that you need to come in on
the weekends to achieve, then do that," he said.
"If not, refresh yourself, spend time with your
family and recharge. It's pointless to sit and
stare at the walls thinking you ought to be doing
something."
During Duke's off time, the native Tennessean enjoys
jogging, putting on a jersey, watching a pre-game
show, and heading to a sports bar to cheer on his
favorite NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks.
The most exciting part of the Army for Duke is the
team atmosphere and camaraderie.
"We're a nation at war, and we have families making
great sacrifices all the time, but there are
opportunities for fun and we should not feel guilty
for that," Duke said.
"We're soldiers," he said. "I care if you're
competent, and I know I can trust you in a foxhole.
It's the team aspect."
The colonel is excited to be a part of what's on the
cutting-edge of doctrine and organization changes
with OTC.
"OTC is going to be a great fit and I'm very excited
about the opportunities ahead," said Duke.
"It's good to come back recently from Iraq and to
see changes in equipment that OTC has tested."
Duke resides in Belton with his 17-year-old twin
daughters.
As for golfing, he's not opposed to
the idea; however, he'd prefer to play sports like
basketball, ultimate Frisbee, flag football and
softball.
"When my knees are gone and I'm old, I'll pick up
golf," Duke said. "I've got my dad's clubs
from the 1960s and I bought some clubs from a pawn
shop, too."