Fourth-Generation Military Service Member
by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Lawrence Davis
September 29, 2022

U.S. Navy Reserve Lt.j.g. Greggory Favre, a 41 year-old native of St. Louis, Missouri, is a fourth-generation military service member. His family’s dedicated service to the Nation spans more than 100 years.

Favre’s father, a former sergeant in the United States Air Force, served overseas in the Philippines during the early 1970s. His grandfathers, from both sides of the family, served during World War II; His mother’s father, a Navy Sailor in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. His father’s dad, a U.S. Army technical sergeant, who received a Purple Heart after being captured by German soldiers and detained for eight months as a prisoner of war (POW). Favre’s great-grandfather was a private first class in the Army who served as an infantryman during World War I.

Until joining the military, himself, in February of 2019, Favre explained he once thought he had missed his chance to serve in the armed forces, as he was already in his mid-30s with a career in the public safety field.

He recalled it was his friend, a retired Navy chief, who convinced him otherwise, and ultimately helped influence his decision to join.

“The Naval Postgraduate School has an advanced education program for senior public safety professionals, which him and I were both attending as students,” said Favre. “During our time there, we had several conversations about the Navy, including its traditions, history and heritage. Given my family history and professional experience, he suggested I consider joining the Navy Reserve.”

Favre submitted an officer package and was selected for direct commission into the Navy’s intelligence community. Currently, he is attached to Navy Reserve Central Command Joint Intelligence Center St. Louis (NR CENTCOM J2 STL).

As an intelligence officer, Favre and his assigned unit are responsible for the collection and analysis of various forms of information to deliver real-time intelligence assessments to high-level decision makers in the interests of national security.

“We know in order to make the best-possible decisions, leaders must have the best-possible information,” said Favre. “That’s paramount. So, my goal as a naval officer is to ensure I have the skills and abilities necessary to serve wherever the Navy needs me.”

Favre, who holds two master’s degrees, recently returned from the United Kingdom, where he attended a Magdalene College program at the University of Cambridge. The annual program, The Cambridge Security Initiative, is sponsored by the Department of War Studies at Kings College London.

“The Cambridge Security Initiative brings together some of the world’s foremost experts in the intelligence space both operationally and academically,” said Favre. “At any level as an intelligence professional, we have an obligation to be life-long learners in the execution of our tradecraft. So, I am both humbled and excited to bring back the knowledge gained to the Navy and our country.”

Favre began his civilian career in public safety in 1998 and has served since in a variety of local, state, and federal roles. He served as the St. Louis Fire Department’s command staff officer for Special Operations and Strategic Planning, the director of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and National Guard, and as the cabinet deputy director of public safety for the state of Missouri. He recently accepted a position working for a federal agency as a civilian intelligence officer.

“The primary lesson they teach your very first week in the fire academy is the importance of taking care of your fellow firefighters. You are responsible for each other’s success.” said Favre. “At base level, that’s what I try to bring to our Navy unit each time we meet. You can be an exceptional intelligence professional, but if you aren’t bringing your team up with you, making sure they have what they need to succeed, then you aren’t doing your job as an officer.”

Favre expressed great pride in having the opportunity to serve, and carry on the tradition set forth by his great-grandfather.

“I believe we all have an obligation to contribute in some way to the safety and security of our country,” said Favre. “Whether you’re on active duty or in the Reserve, it is an honor knowing you play a part in the greater collective effort.”

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