Seminar Photo Albums
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The 71st Annual National Security Seminar (NSS) at the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), held June 22-25, 2026, marked the culminating event for the distance students of the Class of 2026. This capstone experience welcomed 78 invited guests from across the United States to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where they engaged directly with the 399 members of the class—including all military services, active and reserve components, and 10 International Fellows representing 7 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, June 21st. On Monday, the NSS officially opened with welcome remarks from Brigadier General Jackie Huber, Army University's Deputy Commanding General – Reserve Affairs, in Bliss Hall Auditorium. Following this, NSS participants met in seminar classrooms for introductions with students from the Army War College's Class of 2026. Later in the morning, students and guests returned to Bliss Auditorium for a presentation by Dr. Doug Douds, Professor and Military Historian, U.S. Army War College, Advanced Strategic Art Program, on Strategic Leadership in History: The Gettysburg Campaign. During lunchtime, Dr. Mark Duckenfield, Professor of International Economics in the Department of National Security and Strategy, U.S. Army War College, spoke on the Future of the World Economy. Our keynote speaker, GEN Xavier Brunson, the Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea, addressed students and NSS guests that afternoon. He provided a strategic leader perspective that framed American Power in the Pacific and discussed strategic vision and imagination, taking time to answer questions in a discussion with the audience. Afterward, 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 informal settings for expanded discussions and professional networking.
On Tuesday, NSS guests, accompanying spouses, and students attended the Gettysburg Battlefield Staff Ride led by USAWC historians. All participants were provided lunch at the Gettysburg College student dining facility and continued the event at several battlefield sites throughout the day with their seminar groups as led by their faculty guides. Guides provided strategic context to the historic military battles and described the relevance of leadership decisions to the outcome of the battles and the strategic military goals. At the conclusion of the Gettysburg Battlefield Staff Ride, NSS Guests returned for a catered meal at the Letort View Conference Center on Carlisle Barracks. During the meal, Dr. Michael Neiberg, Professor of History and Chair of War Studies at the Army War College, gave a dinner presentation, "Whole, Free, and at Peace? Europe Since 1914," where he described the current and future security challenges of Europe through a historic lens.
Wednesday morning through lunch, a "Meet Your Army" event held at the Army Heritage and Education Center allowed NSS participants to meet soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers, explore equipment displays, and learn more about today's Army. Additionally, during lunchtime, Dr. John Nagl, Professor of Warfighting Studies in the Department of Military Strategy, Planning, and Operations at the Army War College, presented "Preparing for Great Power Conflict." Our keynote speaker, Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy, J-5, Joint Staff, addressed NSS guests and students about the National Defense Strategy and discussed strategic leadership and decision-making at the national level. Following this event, students and guests returned to their seminar small groups to explore and discuss these ideas in more depth. On Wednesday evening, Colonel Don Santillo, the Army War College Commandant, hosted an evening social event at Quarters 1, the AU President's residence, where he described some history of the home. Brigadier General Huber also spoke to the guests, followed by an introduction of each musician from an incredibly talented and studied ensemble of musicians from "Pershing's Own" from Fort Myer in Arlington, and graced the event with their program.
Thursday, the final day of the seminar, began with a presentation and discussion by Mr. Michael Barkin, Senior Diplomatic Advisor to the Army War College, where he presented a lecture, "Diplomacy on the World Stage." Mr. Barkin provided an insightful perspective, pulling from his career in service as a diplomat, to describe the process of diplomacy and the diplomatic element of national power. Dr. Barkin took questions from students and NSS guests. Afterward, the Army University's Deputy Commanding General and the Army War College Commandant awarded badges to the International Fellows. Student leaders presented the class gift, an entrance floor tile containing the Army War College marquee for the new Alumni Hall that is currently under construction. The NSS week concluded with Brigadier General Huber's closing remarks and final farewells in the seminar small groups.
Overall, the 2026 NSS offered a stimulating and rewarding educational experience for guests and students alike. Guests praised the opportunity for open, candid discussions within the seminar format and to experience how strategic leaders think about issues of global security. Guests left with a better understanding of Army senior leader education. Students benefited from the civilian expertise, leadership perspectives, and discussions 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 2026.