NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
NEWSLETTER
FALL/WINTER 2023
N D U F O U N D AT I O N : A F O R C E M U LT I P L I E R
Dear Friends of the National Defense University Foundation, Our world continues to change rapidly, and perhaps it is a near certainty that it will continue to do so quickly, and in some cases unexpectedly. Geopolitical change, technological change, economic change, and more require leaders who understand how to learn, how to collaborate, how to get things done here and around the world, and how to secure our nation’s and our world’s peace and security. The mission of the National Defense University Foundation (NDU Foundation) is to enhance and support the mission and vision of the National Defense University, shared here: MISSION: NDU educates joint warfighters and other national security leaders in critical thinking and the creative application of military power to inform national strategy and globally integrated operations, under conditions of disruptive change, in order to prevail in war, peace, and competition. VISION: NDU will create strategic advantage by developing joint warfighters and other national security leaders and forging relationships through whole-of-nations and whole-of-government educational programs, research, and engagement. The NDU Foundation supports the mission and vision by securing funding, relationships, and resources to support the leadership, faculty, and staff who build the academic and professional development programs for NDU students and families, and to support the students and families here to learn and build strong connections with each other across the whole-of-nation, whole-of-government, and, increasingly, with our worldwide allies, partners, and friends. This newsletter reflects on the work we’ve done recently to support NDU. It also highlights what several of NDU’s leaders focus on for the university. After you read and reflect on what we’ve done, I invite you to think about how you can support, engage, and build with the Foundation and NDU to further enhance all that NDU and the Foundation do. And if you’re willing to take some time with our team, we can build engagement that advances NDU while focusing on your strategic priorities. We know these include, among others, quantum computing, AI and machine learning, advanced manufacturing, data analysis, aerospace, shipbuilding, autonomous systems, and electrification. We don’t yet know all that our national security leaders, and those of our allies, partners, and friends, need to know and understand while building relationships with each other, the Defense Industrial Base, and the National Security Innovation Base. Your support, financial, in-kind, and intellectual – makes a difference. I’m pleased to share our Fall/Winter 2023 Newsletter which highlights recent convenings and initiatives of the National Defense University (NDU) Foundation and National Defense University. We also introduce the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Commandants of the National War College and the Eisenhower School. As we look forward to 2024, thank you for your continued engagement and partnership. I look forward to seeing many of you, our partners and sponsors, in December at the Foundation’s Patriot Dinner. A change in approach this year, we are focused on the revitalization of NATO, the defense of Ukraine, and the many actors across the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and featuring remarks from the Ambassador of Ukraine to the US, Her Excellency Oksana Markarova, CIA Director William Burns, and Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO James Taiclet. Warm regards,
James Schmeling President & CEO
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Countering Subversive Strategic Competition Conference (CSSC) Brings Together Interagency Thought Leaders GENEROUSLY CO-SPONSORED BY:
Center for Strategic Competition
The NDU Foundation co-sponsored the National Defense University’s Countering Subversive Strategic Competition Conference on September 18. The CSSC conference emerged from a phenomenal interagency effort to combat Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing. The conference developed actionable solutions to counter subversive strategic competition using financial tools, regulation, information, and lawfare. The conference will kick off a series of working groups at NDU on these topics. Over 450 senior reps from the public and private sectors signed up to learn about tools, best practices, and innovative ideas for countering predatory and illicit behavior backed by U.S. adversaries. The conference kicked off a series of working groups at NDU on financial crime, lawfare, corruption, cross-sector collaboration, the press as part of the information instrument of national power, and more. Expert speakers included U.S. Representative Garret Graves (R-LA); The Honorable Dr. Kevin Rudd, Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S. and 26th Prime Minister; the former NSC China Director; and senior leaders from State, Commerce, Labor, USAID, DHS, USCG, INDOPACOM, SOCOM, the Organization of American States, NonGovernment Organizations, embassies, private sector law firms, and more. U.S. Representative Michael Gallagher (R-WI), the Co-Chair of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the People’s Republic of China, delivered a keynote address. The conference was co-led by Dr. Jill Goldenziel; CAPT Mike Guldin, the USCG Liaison to SOCOM; and Dave Katz, the Counter-Threat Finance lead in the SOCOM J39. If you want to lead one of these working groups, please contact Dr. Jill Goldenziel.
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Romanian Chief of Defense Staff General Daniel Pertrescu Inducted into the NDU Hall of Fame Last fall, the National Defense University inducted General Daniel Petrescu into the University’s International Fellows Hall of Fame (IHOF) for his service as Chief of Defense Staff of the Romanian Armed Forces. General Petrescu is the first Romanian Chief of Staff to be inducted into the NDU IHOF. Following his education at the National Defense University, General Petrescu served as Chief of Staff of the Operational Command Center, directing all Romanian force participation in NATO and coalition operations. He has served as Commander of H.Q. Multinational Division Southeast and Deputy Chief of Defense Staff.
SAVE THE DATE!
THE NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
Patriot Dinner A Confluence of Allies and Industry
An exclusive gathering dedicated to fostering and fortifying the alliance between our the United States, NATO, our international partners, and the national and international defense industrial base, in unwavering support of the defense of democracy and the deterrence of those who challenge liberty and freedom worldwide. IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: the Members of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group and acknowledgment of the Defense Industrial Base – Our Shield of Democracy FEATURING REMARKS BY: Her Excellency Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States The Honorable William Burns, Director, Central Intelligence Agency TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023 Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004 6:00 p.m. - Reception in the Horizon Ballroom | 7:00 p.m. - Dinner and Program in The Rotunda Mark your calendar, and we look forward to welcoming you to this most important convening. For more information: sue.datoc@datocwitten.com or 703.963.3539
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10TH ANNUAL
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Cyber Beacon is the flagship conference of the College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC) at National Defense University (NDU). Cyber Beacon 2023 brought together leaders and experts from across public and private sectors to discuss today’s most pressing national security challenges related to the cyberspace domain. The quickly evolving technology in the digital age significantly impacts modern warfare. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated, and they can devastate critical infrastructure and military operations. Topics explored by expert panelists included advances in artificial intelligence and national security, the Use of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Critical Infrastructure Protection, and the Future of the Cyber Workforce.
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NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION in partnership with
Business Executives for National Security (BENS) PRISM: The Journal of National and International Security The National Defense University Foundation partnered with Business Executives for National Security (BENS) to host the Summit on Corporate National Security Responsibility. Panel topics included the State of Competition within the Defense Industrial Base, Leveraging U.S. Capital Markets to Support the Future Industrial Network, What Should and Does the Future Hold? Why is it Important, and How do we get the Public and Private Sector to Work Together in Ways that Benefit Stakeholders, Shareholders, and National Security.
The Honorable Henry Kissinger and Dr. Eric Schmidt Discuss A.I. at NDU Former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger and former CEO of Google Dr. Eric Schmidt spoke to the NDU Community in August on the “Age of A.I. and Our Human Future.” Two of the world’s most accomplished critical thinkers explored Artificial Intelligence, how it transforms human society, and what this technology means for democracy and peacekeeping.
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New Board Members Appointed: Innovators in Public and Private Sectors
Kirstjen M. Nielsen is an internationally recognized expert and proven leader on security issues critical to our nation’s highest priorities, including enterprise risk, resiliency, cybersecurity, and emerging threats. As an attorney, public servant, successful entrepreneur, subject matter expert, and regular public speaker, she brings over two decades of domestic and international experience in the homeland and national security sectors. In the private sector, Ms. Nielsen has advised government agencies, private sector companies, international organizations, and NGOs on assessing their risk posture and increasing their resiliency, developing crisis communications plans, understanding various policy environments, and identifying and mitigating hazards. Today, as the President and Founder of Lighthouse Strategies, Nielsen advises investors and technology companies—from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies—on new and emerging threats to the homeland, enterprise risk assessments and resiliency, government mission requirements, new technology use cases across the public and private security spectrum, and the mitigation of potential threats or vulnerabilities posed by new technologies.
LIGHTHOUSE STRATEGIES, LLC Kirstjen’s deep experience stands at the crossroads of policy, strategy, and operations, providing her with a unique perspective across complex environments that complements the work of the Foundation. Rob Spring
NDU Foundation Board Chairman
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Barbara Humpton is President and CEO of Siemens Corporation. She is Chairman of the Siemens Corporation Board, the Siemens Foundation, and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA). U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo recently appointed her to the 2022-2024 U.S. Investment Advisory Council (IAC) to advise the Secretary on how policies and programs can attract foreign direct investments to the U.S. Hampton serves on the board of directors of the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region, Triumph Group, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), Economic Club of Washington, D.C., and the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
Barbara’s an innovative leader whose corporate experience and community service directly correlate with the Foundation’s mission to support the professional military education and leadership experiences of national security, national defense, and diplomatic professionals studying at the National Defense University. Rob Spring
NDU Foundation Board Chairman
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The Path Forward General Charles Q. Brown Becomes 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. was sworn in as the 21st Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. Before becoming Chairman on October 1, 2023, Gen. Brown served as the 22nd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Gen. Brown earned his commission in 1984 as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at Texas Tech University. Gen. Brown has served in various positions at the squadron and wing levels, including an assignment to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School as an F-16 Fighting Falcon Instructor. His notable staff tours include Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Director of the Secretary of the Air Force, and Chief of Staff Executive Action Group. Gen. Brown has commanded a fighter squadron, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, two fighter wings, and twice served as a Combined/Joint Air Component Commander with command tours at U.S. Air Forces Central Command and Pacific Air Forces.
Gen. Brown is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours primarily in the F-16, including 130 combat hours, and has flown 20 additional fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Throughout his career, he deployed or directly supported Operation Southern Watch, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Odyssey Dawn, Operation Unified Protector, and Operation Inherent Resolve. In addition to his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas Tech University, Gen. Brown has a master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, a distinguished graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, a graduate of the Air War College, and served as a National Defense Fellow at the Institute for Defense Analyses.
“The National Defense University is the Chairman’s University.”
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NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY
Academic Leadership Transitions
Major General Thomas D. Crimmins, USAF ANG 37th Commandant, Joint Forces Staff College Major General Thomas Crimmins recently took command of the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC). As Commandant of JFSC, he oversees its three schools: Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS), Joint & Combined Warfighting School (JCWS), and Joint Information School (JIS). JFSC offers a graduate-level degree in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy and certifications in joint professional military education to over 1,000 U.S. military officers, civilian government officials, international military officers; and industry partners annually. Major General Crimmins has extensive experience in joint, coalition, and interagency operations to include the White House, Combatant Command, and US Embassy positions. Most recently, he was the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché (SDO/DATT) at US Embassy, Riyadh and the Director CENTCOM Forward Headquarters—Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
NDU President LtGen Michael T. Plehn welcomed aboard Major General William H. Seely III (USMC) as the next Commandant of the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. MajGen Seely served as the 35th Commandant of the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va., from August 2020 to August 2021. He most recently served as the Director of Marine Corps Intelligence. Welcome back to the NDU Community, MajGen Seely!
MajGen Seely assumes command of Eisenhower School.
Lt Gen Plehn also welcomed to the National Defense University community Major General Paul J. Rock, USMC. MajGen Rock is the 33rd Commandant of the prestigious National War College. As the Commandant, MajGen Rock leads the formation of academic policies, curriculum planning and preparation supervision, and enduring excellence in classroom teaching. MajGen Rock becomes 33rd Commandant of the National War College.
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NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
On September 11-15, 2023, the College of International Security Affairs (CISA) delivered a Mobile Education Team (MET) course in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Strategic Competition in the Cognitive Domain: From Analysis to Action, in partnership with the Rakovski National Defence College and the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute. The course convened 60+ military, government, and civil society representatives, creating a community of engagement to find solutions in the country’s fight against disinformation and Russian interference. To assist, the course utilized CISA’s Framework for Analysis and Action, allowing participants to map the problem, dissect it, and craft strategy accordingly. Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Defence, LTG (Ret) Atanas Zaprianov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Irena Dimitrova, and U.S. Chargé d’affaires, Ms. Andrea Brouillette-Rodriguez, kindly provided opening keynote addresses, emphasizing the importance of the topics and the need for action. At the end of the week, the NDU team briefed them, alongside other senior government representatives, on the findings of the event.
“For my country, it’s a great opportunity to exchange experiences. There are some topics that are not so well-discussed in our society as a whole, so it’s really interesting to see and connect it to the realities that are happening now in our country,” shares a CISA alumnus from the Class of 2019. “It’s very interesting, the dynamics, and we get to know each other between the services.” Ninety-two percent of the participants indicated this training significantly or greatly contributed to their ability to advance Bulgaria’s capability to work with and complement U.S. and international engagements in the future. CISA expresses its thanks to the NDU Foundation and its donors for their continued support in expanding its global network of national security practitioners.
“This MET was very needed. Thank you so much for coming and helping Bulgaria because that makes us stronger, together.” CISA Alumnus Colonel Dobril Radoslavov, Class of 2020
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Leading and Sustaining Global Diplomacy The National Defense University recently hosted emerging leaders from across Europe as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). IVLP is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program that helps strengthen U.S. engagement with countries worldwide and cultivate lasting relationships by connecting current and emerging foreign leaders with their American counterparts through short-term visits to the United States. This group had representatives from Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, the European Union, France, Italy, Malta, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and NATO. NDU and the NDU Foundation work at the nexus of global diplomacy and security.
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to our partners and board members who make the work of the NDU Foundation possible.
Research & Publication Publicity
NDU faculty and students are encouraged to share publications, articles, and conference papers for amplification in NDU and NDU Foundation publications and on social media channels.
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