‘Reflect for Transfer’ #1 and #2

To Professor Emily Workman-Love

From James Thornburg

Date 12 November 2025

Subject Reflect for Transfer 1

I recently was contacted by the Army Executive Communications Division team to possibly become a member of the team and having to provide a biography on my career.

2. When notified of this I was confused because usually I just go where the

Army tells me to go, I never had to write anything to sell myself for an

opportunity like this. I drafted the biography up from what I thought they

wanted to see.

3. I struggled because I did know who the audience would be so certain

verbiage would be required or they were looking for certain key things.

Was also confused because did not know that meant they wanted a

why I would be an asset to the team, or more technical experience

rather than what assignments I have held in my career.

4. Even with all this running through my mind I was able to send drafts to

different senior leaders who may have been in the same situation I am

currently in.

James A. Thornburg

To Professor Emily Workman-Love

From James Thornburg

Date 12 November 2025

Subject Reflect for Transfer 2

I have been in the Army now for 14 years and have attended multiple Military Professional Education courses. Within these courses they teach many things, one of those things being communication both verbal and written. I would excel in these course thinking I was doing great and learning how to communicate.
When I applied to attend Syracuse University they wanted me to do a write-up about why I wanted to attend. I was working with my advisor during this time and he was quick to say my writing was not effective for this audience. The way I learned to write over the last decade was meant for effective military communication not the way my civilian counterparts would write. This was a very eye opening time and forced me to get better at doing what the military expected plus what society expected for me outside of the military.

James A. Thornburg

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