Seminar Photo Albums
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The 70th Annual National Security Seminar (NSS) at the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), held June 2–5, 2025, marked the culminating event of the academic year for the resident course. This capstone experience welcomed 160 invited guests from across the United States to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where they engaged directly with the 372 members of the resident class—including 79 international officers representing 77 nations. U.S. students, who represent the next generation of strategic leaders, gained valuable insights into 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 1. On Monday, the NSS officially opened with remarks from Commandant Major General David C. Hill in Bliss Hall Auditorium. Guests then joined student seminar groups for small-group dialogue, fostering deeper conversations throughout the week. A midday offering of expert lectures featured presentations from USAWC faculty and scholars, including Dr. John Bonin (professor emeritus), Dr. Michael Neiberg, Andrew Hill, and Dr. Jerad Harper and Professor Al Lord.
That afternoon, a panel of USAWC faculty, including Dr. Allison Abbe and Dr. Craig Bullis from the Department of Command, Leadership, and Management (DCLM); Dr. Brett Weigle, from the Department of Military Strategy, Planning, and Operations (DMSPO); Dr. Tom Spahr, the DeSerio Chair of Intelligence, and COL Michael Ponchak from the Department of National Security and Strategy (DNSS), chaired by Dr. Ronald Granieri (DNSS) offered an overview of senior professional military education and the College's curriculum. Participants then returned to their seminar groups to explore 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 local soldiers and NCOs, explored equipment displays, and learned more about today's Army. In the afternoon, General (Ret.) Vincent Brooks, former commander of U.S. Forces Korea, discussed the dangers of great power competition in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. He emphasized the prevalence of violent conflict below the threshold of war and its impact on deterrence. He fielded questions in an open discussion, which seminar groups continued afterward. 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 keynote presentation from Dr. Mary Elise Sarotte, an award-winning historian, who examined NATO's post-Cold War enlargement and its relevance to current events in Eastern Europe. She offered a nuanced perspective on alliance expansion and engaged participants in thoughtful dialogue. GEN Michael E. Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, followed with remarks on U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East and current regional challenges. His session included lively engagement with attendees. Lunchtime featured another set of optional lectures from Dr. John Nagl, Professor Bert Tussing, Professor Doug Orsi, and a joint presentation by COL Fred Maddox and Dr. Steven Franconeri of Northwestern University. The day concluded with a guided staff ride at Gettysburg Battlefield, led by USAWC historians and attended by NSS guests and spouses.
The seminar wrapped up on Thursday with an address by General (Ret.) Stephen Townsend, former commander of U.S. Africa Command, who shared insights on U.S. engagement with the Global South. Drawing on his extensive field experience, GEN Townsend emphasized values-driven policy, interagency collaboration, and strategic empathy. His candid discussion was well received and set the tone for the Commandant's closing remarks, which thanked participants for their thoughtful contributions and active involvement.
Overall, the 2025 NSS offered a stimulating and rewarding experience. Guests consistently praised the opportunity for open, candid discussions within the seminar format and the insight into how strategic leaders think about the issues of global security. The success of this year's seminar was made possible by the high caliber of the guest participants and the exceptional roster of distinguished speakers.