Seminar Photo Albums
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The 71st Annual National Security Seminar (NSS) at the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), held June 1-4, 2026, marked the culminating event of the academic year for the resident course. This capstone experience welcomed 158 invited guests from across the United States to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where they engaged directly with the 372 members of the resident class-including 77 international officers representing 73 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 president and commanding general of Army University, Major General Trevor Bredenkamp officially opened the NSS with remarks in Bliss Auditorium. Participants met together in their seminar groups, establishing a foundation for deeper conversations throughout the week. U.S. Army Europe and Africa CG General Christopher Donahue provided a strategic overview on current dynamics of conflict and defense production.
A midday offering of expert lectures featured presentations from USAWC faculty including Dr. John Nagl, Dr. Andrew Hill, Professor Doug Orsi, and CDR Michael Posey and Col. David Zesinger. After these lectures and lunch, U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command CG General Joseph Ryan addressed the NSS, discussing military cooperation in the Americas and its importance in the National Security Strategy, as well as the concept of Continuous Transformation. Participants then returned to their seminar groups to examine these strategic themes. Monday evening concluded at the inaugural NSS Dinner with guests enjoying a lecture on military history and strategy from historian and author Brian McAllister Linn.
Tuesday began with a broad selection of breakout groups, allowing students and guests to align with specific professional interests ranging from African security to space operations.
Lunchtime featured another set of optional lectures from USAWC faculty Dr. Michael Neiberg, Dr. Tom Galvin, Dr. Tom Spahr, and Dr. Brian Carlson. The day concluded with a guided staff ride at the Gettysburg Battlefield, led by USAWC historians providing essential historical and strategic context to NSS guests and their family members.
A “Meet Your Army” event at the Army Heritage and Education Center headlined Wednesday’s program, where NSS participants met local soldiers and NCOs, explored equipment displays, and learned more about today’s Army. In the afternoon, Ambassador (Ret.) Daniel Shields, former U.S. ambassador to Brunei, discussed the art of diplomacy, the United States’ unique approach to foreign relations, and their application in the Indo-Pacific. He fielded questions in an open discussion, which seminar groups continued afterward. The day ended with a social reception at MG Bredenkamp’s residence, fostering further connection among students, faculty, and guests.
The seminar concluded on Thursday with a keynote address by General Ronald Clark, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, who shared remarks emphasizing the significance of relationships to joint and multinational coordination and the importance of values-based mentoring to build effective, ethical teams. His presentation was a lasting capstone for the NSS. In his closing remarks, the Army University President shared his Army story and commended the participants for their active contributions. The event officially closed with capstone remarks from the USAWC Class of 2026 president and the presentation of the class gift to the War College.
Building on the seven-decade tradition of the National Security Seminar, the 2026 NSS successfully brought together civilian and military leaders through a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas. Feedback from guests highlighted the value of the candid dialogues they experienced within seminar groups and their engagement with War College students and faculty. This successful capstone event reflects both the exceptional caliber of the speakers and the professional stature of the participants.