My Week at the U.S. Army War College National Security Seminar

Little did I know that my overly inquisitive nature, and my love of Social Media, would get me nominated to attend the National Security Seminar at the U.S. Army War College! Long story short leading up to my nomination: our Army National Guard daughter was at AIT (Advanced Individual Training) at Fort Gordon. I met the Colonel of her Brigade, Colonel Stephen Elle, thru the admin of their Facebook page. Besides other similarities, we are both Minnesota Vikings fans! While my husband and I were at Ft Gordon for her graduation we met and chatted with the Colonel in his office. He mentioned the National Security Seminar and I was immediately interested! I honestly felt it was a huge long shot to be selected, but like I keep telling others “If you don’t try, you won’t know.”

I joined approximately 160 other civilians from across the U.S. and some internationally, as New Members of the U.S. Army War College.

We were each assigned a Student Sponsor, and I felt mine was a perfect match! Miriam and I felt we knew each other pretty well from our email conversations prior, but bonded even more during the week. She was one of the few Civilian Students, but she had served in the Army previously, and her next assignment is at the Pentagon.

My Student Sponsor, Miriam and I

Seminar 25 (photo credit: U.S. Army War College)

Seminar 25 – during one of our discussions.

Throughout the week we had Seminar discussions. In total there were 25 Seminar groups, made up of students and civilians. I may be a little biased, but our Seminar 25 group was the best! The dialogue was honest, raw, engaging, and thought provoking. There was also enough humor to make it light when needed. Our Seminar has mostly Colonels, a Coast Guard Commander, Lt Colonels, and 4 International Fellows (also students). They were all very welcoming of us joining their Seminar during their final week, which undoubtedly was very busy with Graduation that Friday, and preparing to move off campus to back home, or to their next assignment.

Seminar 25 with spouses & family, and New Members. (photo credit: Melinda Garcia Photography)

Seminar 25 Students and New Members (photo credit: Melinda Garcia Photography)

Seminar 25 Students (photo credit: Melinda Garcia Photography)

Even with all that they graciously had the New Members join their final BBQ get together that first evening. It was so nice to meet their family members, and to learn more about each of them on a one-to-one basis.

General Barry McCaffrey (Ret) (photo credit: U.S. Army War College)

In the main lecture hall. (photo credit: U.S. Army War College)

In the main lecture hall we heard the Keynote by General Barry McCaffrey (Ret) on The Role of U.S. Power in the World, a Panel Discussion with War College Professors on Geopolitical Challenges, optional Lectures by War College Professors on a variety of topics. I chose Transnational Crime in the Americas, by Dr. Paul Kan. Dr. Kan is very impressive, and gave a great presentation, even with disturbing but important information.  Our final morning we heard from Dr. Peter Singer on Cyber Crimes. I found it very fascinating, but discovered a group of gentleman on the bus were confused by it. It tells me there needs to be more education in the work place regarding this topic. After each session we would go back to our Seminar groups and discuss what we had heard.

We had a field trip to Gettysburg one of the days, and we were deep in the heart of the battlefield, rich with history. I admit I was not the best History student, but to hear the very animated stories as told by our Historian guide, my interest was piqued. We could envision the soldiers he spoke of, and the trials and tribulations so many went thru in a short amount of time.

Commandant’s Reception (photo credit: U.S. Army War College)

Talking with the Commandant, Major General Anthony Cucolo, III (photo credit: U.S. Army War College)

Finishing off the week was a Reception at the Commandant’s Quarters. It was a beautiful evening for it, and the house and grounds were lovely. Miriam introduced me to the Commandant, Major General Anthony Cucolo, III. We had a very nice chat and I was thrilled he is a huge proponent of the War College using Social Media! Pictured with me is MG Cucolo, and Jack Nicklaus, II, who was in my Seminar group.

Jack Nicklaus, II, Major General Anthony Cucolo, III and me, at the Commandants Reception.

During our final discussions in our Seminars the New Members were presented with Certificates and we got “coined”. If you are in the military, or know someone who is, you know this is a great honor. My first words were “My military daughter is going to be so jealous, but also proud!”

This was truly a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m happy to have made connections with many in my Seminar group so we can keep in touch going forward!

The Top 5 things I learned or got reminded of:

• Within every soldier is a citizen, with a fascinating story. Beside them and behind them is a strong unit of family and friends, also needing our support.
• Stay informed about current events; talk to others and ask questions.
• Make sure your questions are understood, and make sure you understand the questions.
• Everyone has an interesting background and/or story to tell. Read my previous blog post Sit With a Stranger on the Bus to read about some of the interesting people I met. What’s your story?
• The class of 2014 found the Army War College curriculum to be rigorous – inside joke for my new friends at the USAWC.

Photo contributions: Thanks to Carol Kerr, USAWC Public Affairs Officer, and Melinda Garcia, Melinda Garcia Photography