Senior Course 135 Field Study: Washington

While visiting Washington D.C., Course Members from Senior Course 135 were received by LTG John Jansen, Deputy Commandant for Programs and Services (U.S. Marine Corps) at the Pentagon. He provided personal observations on the current global security environment, explaining how threats to security are linked and present a time of increased danger for the Alliance.

Following his remarks, Course Members discussed U.S. National Security policy, strategy and commitment to NATO with a panel of experts from the Department of State, National Security Council, Joint Staff (Europe/NATO/Russia planners) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. Course Members had an excellent opportunity to engage on a range of topics directly related to the ‘Transatlantic Link’ and the current U.S./NATO relationship.

Course Members completed their day in the Pentagon with two sessions linking back to the curriculum on the risks and opportunities of technological development. The first session focused on U.S. Space policy and long-term strategy to develop a U.S. Space Force. Led by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, Stephen Kitay and Senior Intelligence Community Space Executive, John Parker SC135 received great insight into emerging U.S. space strategy developments. The second session on the theme of the changing character of war was on artificial intelligence (AI). Mr Yll Bajraktari, Executive Director of the U.S. National Security Commission on AI and his team explained the nature of their commission and its implications for the future.

The Washington D.C. portion of the Field Study concluded by examining the dynamics of the U.S. civil-military relationship. Representatives from the Marine Office of Legislative Affairs presented Course Members with a rich depiction of how the U.S. military interacts with the House of Representatives and Senate. Course Members also received unique perspectives into how the military is accountable to its political leaders. Following this discussion, Course Members visited the U.S. Capital Building for a detailed tour and explanation on how U.S. Parliamentarians conduct their activities in support of government priorities and their constituents.

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