The new challenges and complexities of being a soldier was the message of a speech Friday to the graduating class of the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.

Gen. Richard B. Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to graduates Friday about the struggles they face but also of the preparation they received during their 10-month graduate-level program that focused on war-fighting and leadership skills.

Myers was introduced by Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, commanding general of Fort Leavenworth, as a man who has “lived and shaped our history on all levels.” Myers retired in October 2005 as the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Myers said the biggest challenge facing the military right now was forming a strategy to deal with terrorist attacks. While al-Qaida’s ability to operate in the world has been diminished, he said their enthusiasm has not, meaning an enlarged strategy on an international level was greatly needed.

He said the graduates would be the new leaders fighting the current war and urged them to be innovative.

“There is no cookbook to deal with today’s problems,” he said.

Being flexible is the key to success in a global community, he said, noting that no major issue today can be solved by one country alone and that we need to keep reminding ourselves that we’re “all in this together.”

One graduating soldier who is ready to put Myers’ message into action is Maj. Eric Maxwell.

“It was a good year, but it’s time to get back to work,” Maxwell said of his eagerness to return to active service.