New Fort Meade Commander Settling In

Col. Edward Rothstein has found that it helps to go with the flow.

Since taking over as installation commander at Fort Meade last month, he’s had briefings on everything from traffic concerns to golf courses, and conversations with soldiers’ wives and four-star generals.

And then there were days like Tuesday.

“I went from an elementary school ribbon-cutting, to dealing with an earthquake,” he said. “You’re never going to be prepared for everything that comes your way. But I’ll tell you what: the best advice I’ve ever received from my mentors and my predecessor as well, is ‘go with your instincts.’”

Rothstein has taken over during a time of great change at Fort Meade, as more than 5,000 workers have arrived this year as a result of federally mandated base realignment and closure (BRAC) activities. One of his first public duties was to officially open the new building containing the combined adjudication activities of the military.

Thousands of new workers for the Defense Media Activities and Defense Information Systems Agency are in place, and there is additional growth expected from the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command.

“Transformation is what we’re dealing with and what we’re working toward, with BRAC being a part of it,” he said. “Were not busting at the seams, we are expanding our community. And that’s what’s been getting most of my attention, how to focus on our Fort Meade community.”

From New Jersey to Afghanistan to Maryland

Rothstein grew up in northern New Jersey, the son of a schoolteacher and floor nurse. He enlisted in the Army in 1983 and has served all over the world in intelligence and operations roles.

He was previously based at Fort Meade as a science advisor at NSA, and was a battalion officer and company commander there in the 1990s. He also served on the 1996 Presidential Inaugural Committee and as a staff action officer at the Pentagon.

Right before accepting the post at Fort Meade, Rothstein served in Afghanistan as chief of the Intelligence Operations Division, and also served in Iraq as a part of a joint Special Operations task force.

“My experience in Iraq and Afghanistan allows me to do my job better here,” he said. “I truly believe that we’re in a global war against terrorism, but my role here as commander of Fort Meade is just as important in protecting our community.

Working While Golfing 

One high-profile issue on Rothstein’s plate has been the future of the golf course on base. With NSA expansion threatening to eat up golf course land, officials have been planning for a new course while trying to keep the current course operational for as long as possible.

Rothstein, who golfs every Wednesday at 4 p.m. has taken an interest in the project and is working toward a goal of keeping the current course open through next summer.

News of his Wednesday golf rounds have spread on base, and he has been approached by several high-ranking officers, including Maj. General Kevin R. Wendel, commander of First Army Division, asking if they can join him.

“My wife said ‘he wants to know if you can play. I said ‘what, am I going to say no? Of course,’” Rothstein said.

Approachable and Available

Like his predecessors, Rothstein said he understands the personal touch required to run a military installation. While there are big issues that need attention, he said he gets just as much satisfaction out of addressing individual concerns of soldiers living on base. Since arriving at Fort Meade, Rothstein has attended nearly every public event and has written several columns for the garrison website. He also is a supporter of the garrison’s social media efforts to keep soldiers and their families informed.

“My values are family, faith, discipline and helping others,” he said. “The helping others part is really what this is about. I find a lot of satisfaction out of making myself available.”