John Rochford II, Class of 1994

Midshipman Experience

While studying in Annapolis, Col. John Rochford II was a member of both 18th and 29th Companies and was deeply involved in intramural sports prior to commissioning in 1994. 

Career Background

His nearly thirty-year career featured many highlights, such as commanding Marine Security Forces at Guantanamo Bay, the I-I’s Anti-Terrorism Battalion, and the 8th Marine Regiment. In the final stage of a long and prestigious career, he served as Chief of Staff of 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

The History Major

As a midshipman, Col. Rochford studied Ancient and Medieval European history; his senior capstone project was a comparative study of three heuristic techniques for examining Julius Caesar’s motives and strategies during his military campaigns in Britain. Much of his postgraduate work involved similar investigations; Col. Rochford’s master’s thesis focused on how to best develop local security forces across various cultural and historical contexts.

These particular approaches reflect the “engineer’s mindset” midshipmen are encouraged to develop in the Academy’s STEM-heavy curriculum. When paired with analytical methods unique to the History discipline, graduates are able to evaluate system inputs and outcomes with more sophistication. This in turn leads to better decision-making processes. Further, the historian’s emphasis on embracing a large number of primary sources helps military leaders avoid the trap of relying on a single source of information, and helps them become more empathetic in their interactions with other people. 

Sage Advice

"Never stop studying history because it will help you develop a 'thousand-year-old mind' that’s familiar with the myriad perspectives within the grand human experience. More importantly, have fun and study what you want. This is the last time you are going to largely be only in charge of and responsible for yourself.”