Journeying Through Leadership: The Legacy of the 43rd Chief of Signal

It is not unusual for a military member to be extensively traveled, but to have visited 45 nations?

In numerous respects, the 43rd Chief of Signal and Signal School Commandant, Col. Julia M. Donley, is far from being an ordinary leader. While she can link a significant portion of her travel opportunities to her military career, Donley’s passion for exploration is fundamentally ingrained.

“My entire life has genuinely revolved around traveling, and it essentially commenced when I was around 2 months old,” she expressed.

Formative Years

Born in Louisiana to two professors, Donley relocated to her parents’ native New York shortly after her arrival. As an only child, she cultivated a curiosity about different cultures. That enthusiasm continued to develop well into her adolescent years and onward, largely fueled by the experiences and opportunities that came her way.

At the age of 15, Donley shifted to the Czech Republic with her parents, whose choice to embark on a sabbatical provided her with further cultural exposure. In her senior year of high school, Donley gained acceptance into a program that allowed her to study abroad in Russia, which intensified her zeal for travel and cultural understanding. When the time arrived to choose a path after high school, pursuing higher education was unavoidable. Her professional journey, however, was less certain.

“I had always known I wanted to contribute to the nation in some capacity, but during the early stages of my life, I believed I would end up in the State Department as a diplomat,” Donley stated.

Listening to guidance from her father’s close friend, a Vietnam veteran, she researched various Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs and secured a scholarship to George Washington University (GWU) through Georgetown University’s ROTC.

“I had consistently desired to live in D.C., so it turned out well,” she remarked. “And that is how I enlisted in the Army … I had no inkling of what lay ahead.”

Professional Journey

During her time at GWU, Donley participated in a second study abroad program in Russia and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 2000, achieving a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs (with a focus on Russia and Eastern Europe). She subsequently attained her Master of Arts in Security Studies (concentrating on Russia) from Kansas State University.

“Due to my extensive time spent in the Czech Republic and Russia, I developed a substantial interest in that region and our relations with those nations,” Donley elucidated. “When I visited Russia, I anticipated it to resemble Eastern Europe, yet it truly does not. It is a very challenging place, but I find it deeply intriguing.”

Regarding her choice to join the Signal Corps, she admits it was not her initial preference, but in retrospect, it appears to have been the most prudent.

Donley remembers being introduced to technology at an early age, receiving her first computer at just 4 years old, “which nowadays is common, but back in 1982, was quite unusual,” she reflected. “From the time I was 4 up until last week, I’ve been assisting my parents with computers, so I’ve essentially been their ‘sigo’ for about 42 years,” she said with a touch of humor.

Past, Present, Future

As Chief of Signal and U.S. Army Signal School Commandant, Donley embodies multiple roles; she is (represents) them all. Donley considers herself the steward of the Signal Regiment’s heritage, symbolizing 164 years of tradition.

“I exist to remind everyone of the sacrifices, the innovations we pioneered, and the forefront of communication we occupied … all the remarkable achievements that Signal Corps has accomplished that we should take pride in, alongside the lessons learned,” she stated.

In her current role, Donley oversees all aspects of doctrine and training, guaranteeing that Signaleers are equipped and provided the necessary training to “sustain the unified network of today.” She supervises nearly 600 educators who instruct approximately 11,000 Soldiers each year, a mere fraction of the Regiment’s more than 55,000 Signaleers globally.

With a continuously evolving force, Donley consistently anticipates the future.

“To claim that we’re in a unique period with rapid changes would be somewhat inaccurate because change has always been rapid for the Signal Corps,” she stated. “This merely marks the latest chapter of innovation in the Regiment. We must continue learning and striving to provide the unified network.”

On a more individual note, Donley’s thoughts are never far from the past. Merely 22 years ago, Maj. Gen. Janet E.A. Hicks made history by being the inaugural female Chief of Signal. Donley is only the second, yet she does not regard herself as any more extraordinary than the “next female.” Instead, she draws inspiration from the “females of the future” – those who refuse to relent and persist in breaking barriers.

“I am incredibly proud and honored by the lieutenants today who serve in the infantry, who are part of armor and are not doubting their positions at all – and I would not have ever wanted to be –
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“back in 2000,” Donley remarked. “But they’re carrying it out today … and someday we’ll cease counting, and it won’t be a matter anymore.”

Leadership

Donley’s leadership approach is undoubtedly linked to her extensive, cultural encounters. Having visited approximately 45 nations, some for work and others for leisure, Donley realized early through her journeys that collaboration is paramount to achievement.

“You absolutely must collaborate, especially in the Signal Corps; otherwise, the connection will never be established, as it requires two ends,” she stated.

Even though her role demands that she invests a considerable amount of time in offices and gatherings, Signaleers globally can anticipate encountering her in person eventually. Traveling is more than just a leisure interest for this Chief of Signal. It serves as a means to connect.

“It’s vital to engage in that face-to-face interaction to understand how [Signaleers] are faring as opposed to merely reading reports,” Donley shared. “I prefer personal engagement and experiencing what they are undergoing.”

Regardless of whether Donley communicates in person, via email, or through another means, the message she aims to convey remains unambiguous. It embodies pride and encouragement.

“We have been the Regiment of innovation for 164 years, and it’s crucial to acknowledge the lessons learned from history, yet we keep progressing, and we don’t remain stagnant,” Donley expressed. “I aspire to be someone who illustrates that you can achieve this and that this is a career you wish to pursue … I aim to show individuals that it’s enjoyable, fulfilling, and that they can genuinely have a remarkable experience in the Army, because I’ve had an incredible experience.”

Married Life

Donley encountered her husband, Kevin, while stationed in Germany. As a fellow Signaleer, Kevin is now retired and enjoying life as the cellar master for a winery in Northern Virginia. The pair owns a residence in Virginia that they affectionately call “Distant End Farms,” honoring their Signal heritage. They share their home with two cats and two chickens.

As for when Donley plans to transition to full-time at the winery with her husband, the timeline is still uncertain.

“I was advised to remain until it ceases to be enjoyable, and so here we find ourselves – 24 years later, and it’s still a lot of fun.”