Major General (Ret) Mel Spiese spent 36 years on active duty. An infantry officer, he had extensive experience in formal training and education positions as a senior officer, including colonel assignments as Director of the Combined Arms Training Program, Command of School Of Infantry, and Director of Expeditionary Warfare School. As a flag officer, he commanded Training Command, MAGTF Training Command, and Training and Education Command, as well as the Deputy J-5 at U.S. European Command, and Deputy CG at I Marine Expeditionary Force/CG 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He transitioned to Cubic Defense Systems, and is now independent.