Seminar Video and Photo Albums
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The 70th Annual National Security Seminar (NSS) at the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), held July 21-24, 2025, marked the culminating event for the distance students of the Class of 2025. This capstone experience welcomed 70 invited guests from across the United States to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where they engaged directly with the 390 members of the class—including all military services, active and reserve components, and 6 international officers representing 5 nations. The NSS program provided U.S. students, who represent the next generation of strategic leaders, valuable insights and a chance to better connect to the society they serve. International fellows, many of whom will return home to assume senior leadership positions, had the opportunity to better understand the values and perspectives shaping American policy and public discourse.
The week began with a welcome reception for incoming guests at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center on Sunday evening, July 20th. On Monday, the NSS officially opened with remarks from Commandant Major General David C. Hill in Bliss Hall Auditorium. Dr. Thomas Spahr, De Serio Chair of Theater and Strategic Intelligence, U.S. Army War College provided a lunch-time lecture on the Technological Advances of Military Intelligence. Monday afternoon our keynote speaker, Dr. Hal Brands, Professor of Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, provided the first keynote lecture about the international order. Dr. Brands described the global balance of power shifts over the last century, and he discussed the ongoing adversarial challenges to the U.S. led international system. Dr. Brands fielded questions from students and NSS guests following his lecture offering thoughtful and candid discussion. The renowned geo-political strategic thinker, set the tone for discussions of national security for the entire week under the NSS theme "America's Global Role." Afterwards, guests then joined student seminar groups for small-group dialogue, fostering deeper conversations throughout the week and exploring these themes more fully. Monday evening concluded with seminar-hosted dinners—offering a relaxed setting for continued conversation and connection.
Tuesday's agenda featured a "Meet Your Army" event at the Army Heritage and Education Center, where NSS participants met soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers, viewed a demonstration from the U.S. Army Drill Team, explored equipment displays, and learned more about today's Army. In the afternoon, the students and guests attended an expert panel presentation titled "Great Power Rivals in the Pacific." Professor Bert Tussing, Director of the Homeland Defense and Security Issues Group at the U.S. Army War College's Center for Strategic Leadership, provided students with a lunchtime lecture that discussed the significance of a strategy for national emergencies. The Panel provided three experts, COL Marco Lyon, principal strategic planner for U.S. Army Pacific, Mr. Matthew O'Connor, senior Foreign Service Officer at the Department of State, and Mr. Rick Gunnell, Research Professor of China Military Studies at the AWC's China Landpower Studies Center. COL Lyons provided a perspective about the Army's military approach to the Pacific. Mr. O'Connor provided a discussion on China's assumptions, ambitions, and initiatives in the world. Mr. Gunnell delivered a perspective on China in protracted competition through examples of the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to influence externally through the United Front. The panel answered questions from attendees. Seminar groups continued discussions about these topics in small groups afterwards. The day ended with a social reception at the commandant's residence, offering another opportunity for students, faculty, and guests to connect in an informal setting.
Wednesday's program began with a presentation by distinguished speaker, Dr. Michael Neiberg, Professor of History and Chair of War Studies at the United States Army War College. Dr. Neiberg provided a historical context to view the current nation-state borders in Europe. He offered a historical lens to frame European security concerns and solutions. Dr. Neiberg took a broad range of questions from the audience. Dr. Neiberg's presentation and discussion were complimented by students and NSS guests as interesting, knowledgeable, and candid. Students were provided with a lunchtime lecture from Dr. John Nagl, Director of the Homeland Defense and Security Issues Group at the U.S. Army War College's Center for Strategic Leadership, titled "Preparing for Great Power Conflict." During the afternoon and evening, NSS guests and accompanying spouses attended a guided staff ride at Gettysburg Battlefield led by USAWC historians.
Thursday, the final day of the seminar, began with a presentation and discussion by Dr. Peter W. Singer, Strategist at New America and Professor of Practice at Arizona State University. Dr. Singer offered his talent and intellect by providing a futuristic perspective to the students and guests. He described how new technologies are changing society and future warfare. Additionally, Dr. Singer spoke about the importance of storytelling and how it enables leaders to better connect to the mind and imagination of their audience to describe a vision for the future. Dr. Singer took questions from students and NSS guests. Afterwards, the Commandant awarded badges to the Internation Fellows. Student leaders presented a new Root Hall sign marking the entrance of the Army War College as the class gift. The NSS week concluded with the Commandant's closing remarks and final farewells in the seminar small groups.
Overall, the 2025 NSS offered a stimulating and rewarding experience for guests and students alike. Guests praised the opportunity for open, candid discussions within the seminar format and experiencing how strategic leaders think about the issues of global security. Guests left with a better understanding of Army senior leader education. Students benefited from the civilian expertise, leadership perspectives, and discussion offered by NSS guests on issues of national security. The success of this year's seminar was made possible by the high caliber of the NSS guest participants, the exceptional roster of distinguished speakers, and the new graduates of the Class of 2025.