Interview by Caroline West
Ethan Moore commissioned into the U.S. Army in 2023 through Baylor Army ROTC as a Military Intelligence officer. Currently, he is the assistant intelligence officer for the 3rd Squadron 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Vilseck, Germany, a crucial unit in preparing for military operations in the United States European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility. Moore works in the intelligence section (S2) where its mission is to ensure physical and information security is enforced, anticipate and predict adversary movements, then suggest the best way to destroy adversaries using the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). As a key aspect of his job, Moore regularly receives, analyzes and briefs intelligence reports to senior military officials. In February 2024, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment participated in “Saber Strike 24,” a multilateral NATO exercise which demonstrated interoperability across multiple domains. Moore says this experience only broadened his perspective on the world by working closely with foreign military leaders and synchronizing planning despite cultural differences. His job requires critical thinking, writing expertise, and public speaking which Baylor well- prepared Moore for through his Political Science and International Studies courses. Moore says Baylor taught him specially how to think and credits Model UN and Mock Trial for challenging him to learn pertinent material, analyze it, and use it to engage with international relations experts.
Baylor student organizations like Army ROTC leadership opportunities, Model UN, and Mock Trial served as a launch-pad for Moore into his international career in military intelligence. “The grass isn’t greener on the other side, it’s just different,” Moore said, referring to his evolving worldview. Living in Germany and working with foreign military leaders taught Moore the importance of interpersonal skills and respect for a multitude of cultures. He emphasizes traveling and meeting new people as a necessity to change one’s perspective on the world which makes for a holistic leader. At the same time, it is normal to experience “culture shock,” so Moore said, “it is crucial to first trust who you are and where you come from.” Moore believes that building a foundation around friends, family, and community is mandatory to working internationally.
Moore says Baylor is the perfect environment to build this foundation and “take risks” before entering the workforce. He encourages students to ask themselves, “‘what makes me different?’ Everyone wants to give their talents and gifts to the world,” so it is crucial to stand out whether its through clubs, academic interests, or creative projects. “Don’t stop learning, you can always learn more,” Moore said. After graduation it is easy to fall out of a routine of reading and discussing current events, studying new topics, or discovering hobbies. Curiosity is essential to careers in military intelligence because its demand to understand and analyze people’s movements and intentions.
Baylor enabled Moore to become a better “human being” which helps him to succeed as a leader in the U.S. Army. The theme of this discussion with Moore is to invest in your social network by truly getting to know people by showing them you care, especially with people of all backgrounds and cultures. The first step to enacting change in the world is to be mindful but considerate, and to do the right thing, especially when it isn’t the easy thing to do. This is what drives Moore to be a humble and effective U.S. Army Intelligence Officer.
