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CHAMBER CEO AND CHAIR-ELECT ATTEND ARMY WAR COLLEGE

Gus Rodriguez and Richard Dayoub were invited to attend the 55th Annual National Security Seminar, hosted by the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  The week long program coincides with graduation week for the 336 students participating in the year long masters program in strategic studies.  One hundred fifty-six professionals representing a wide array of disciplines are accepted from a field of nearly 400 applicants from across the United States to participate in lectures and strategy sessions with this year’s class, which includes 42 international students, 33 civilians and representatives from the five military branches.

The Army War College was founded in 1757. Nearly every Army leader that has emerged in recent history has received leadership and strategic planning training at the Army War College.  To learn more about the College, visit their website, www.carlisle.army.mil. 

The highlight of the Day One Lecture Series was a presentation by General Barry McCaffrey (Retired).  After a very long day of classes, Major General Robert Williams, Commandant, and his wife Debbie, hosted the entire class and their spouses for a dinner reception on the back lawn of the commander’s residence. The Army Chorus traveled from Washington, DC to perform for the six hundred guests.  The Army Chorus has performed for numerous US Presidents and foreign dignitaries including the Queen of England.  During the course of the evening, Gus and Richard saw many long time friends who were previously stationed at Ft Bliss.

Classes ended in the early afternoon Wednesday to enable the class to visit the battlefield at Gettysburg.  The seven hour tour was led by historians from the War College faculty. If you have not had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg, I highly recommend taking a couple of days to experience one of the most important battlefields of the Civil War. 

Today, Thursday, the 4th of June, Dr. Susan Herman, the president of the American Civil Liberties Union, was the keynote speaker on the subject of Civil Liberties and Security.  Not surprisingly, she addressed the use of torture by American forces and the Patriot Act, and the far reaching implications of both in our diplomatic challenges in the court of world opinion.  The fundamental message is, “how can we expect and demand humane treatment of American prisoners, if we place ourselves beyond the same standards of conduct?”

The Chief of Staff addressed this year’s Seminar attendees regarding nominations for next year’s program. I found it very interesting that he encouraged us to nominate individuals that have little or no knowledge and familiarity with the military.  Yes, you read correctly.  The philosophy is quite simple.  There is no point to developing programs designed to teach long term strategic planning if the only input you are receiving is from within.  In fact, we are encouraged to consider nominees who are “left of center”.  I am very impressed with the approach that the Army is taking.  It is clear that they have made a commitment to developing their future leaders in a diverse environment encouraging tolerance and open mindedness. 

Friday, June 5th, was the last day of the Seminar Program and culminated with perhaps the most interesting and certainly, most entertaining key note addresses in the week-long speaker series:  Retired Congressman Lee Hamilton of Indiana and Vice-Chair of the 9/11 Commission.  Congressman Hamilton was able to speak openly and candidly about US policies related to the war, insurgency, the recession, the need for leadership and consensus in Congress and several other cogent subjects.  The week has been incredibly enlightening and challenging.  It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.  Gus and I were able to develop friendships that will endure for many years to come.