International colleagues at the National War College

Joint Force Quarterly, April, 2006 by Miguel Ricardo Reyes Cordero

Carl von Clausewitz proposed that the study of the nature of war be approached in three parts--the people and their emotions, the militia with its tactical creativity, and the government with its politics. In this article, I use a similar three-part analogy to examine the international fellows program at National Defense University (NDU), and specifically at the National War College (NWC): first, the U.S. civilian and military instructors and students; second, American society as a whole; and third, the international students themselves.

Each of the three elements interacts with the others, generating an interdependency that has yielded important and surprising results during the two decades of international student participation. To gain a better understanding of the great benefits and successes achieved by all the components of this modern strategic triad, it is appropriate to examine each in turn.

The program of international student participation at National Defense University began in 1984. To date, 522 officers from different parts of the world have been trained at the component colleges. About half have studied at NWC. As the college is celebrating 60 years of educating U.S. military and civilian leaders, it should be noted that a third of its life span has included the participation of international military and civilian personnel. These guest students have enjoyed academic exploration with their U.S. colleagues, shared life experiences, and exchanged opinions in the classrooms, all of which have generated brotherhood among all involved.

American Instructors and Students

The first element of the triad, the American instructors and students, is the most important since the curriculum is a basic part of the professional career training of both military officers in each of the Armed Forces and of civilian leaders from various U.S. Government agencies and institutions.

All U.S. participants arrive with extensive and unique experience and knowledge to share with a diversity of people who, from the first day of instruction, will be their colleagues in the classroom, seminars, research tasks, field trips, and other academic, social, athletic, and cultural activities throughout nearly a year of intense work. This combination tests many qualities--such as willingness, patience, leadership, a capability for synthesis, judgment, and many others--that will enable students to emerge as leaders capable of handling the delicate responsibilities demanded by future duties and assignments.

American students and instructors share unity and friendship with their U.S. colleagues and even more with the international students. Arriving in a new environment, the international students, with the help and collaboration of their U.S. peers, are able to advance in their studies and complete them. It has become clear that through the international students program, strong, long-lasting ties of friendship are formed between the U.S. and international students.

The interaction that occurs during seminar sessions, with the contributions of all participants, makes the international students feel like valued members of the group who can share their knowledge and opinions about the various subjects that make up the NWC curriculum.

Many of the friendships U.S. students have cultivated with their international colleagues have facilitated training events, operations, and other undertakings that the U.S. Armed Forces have conducted around the world. The contribution of an international colleague, whether a classmate or a graduate of another class year who has maintained close ties with instructors, is often able to satisfy an American friend's need. Many Ambassadors, technicians, specialists, and other personnel from various government agencies and institutions have had the good fortune to obtain assistance in their duties in another country through the help of an international colleague.

Many U.S. officers and their families have shared pleasant experiences with foreign colleagues and their families, creating friendships that will endure for generations. Visits, lasting correspondence, and other examples of affection and fellowship strengthen ties not only between individuals and families, but also between the respective armed forces and countries.

In parallel, the entire staff of executives, professors, advisors, and personnel who handle NDU's administrative, teaching, and academic tasks deserve gratitude and admiration for their effort, dedication, and impartial devotion to the benefit of all students. Fulltime guidance and assistance make it possible for all participants to advance in the learning process with sufficient clarity and comprehension of the subjects covered daily. The staff and faculty are a fundamental element in the solid structure and prestige earned over many years by NDU in general and NWC in particular.

U.S. Society

Since the international students program emanated from the Department of Defense (DOD), it has enjoyed the collaboration and participation of all the entities under DOD jurisdiction and many other institutions and agencies that are involved in the program to varying degrees.