U.S. Army War College Eisenhower College Series student group to visit campus March 12-16

Six members of the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) and the Eisenhower Series College Program will visit the Arkansas State University campus, Monday-Friday, March 12-16, and speak to a variety of audiences, including classes at ASU.

A welcome reception will be held Wednesday, March 14, from 4-6 p.m. in the Fowler Center Grand Hall, 201 Olympic Drive. The event is open to the public.

The current Eisenhower Series College Program was established in 1969 and originally named the Current Affairs program. The original college was established in 1901 in Carlisle Barracks, Pa., where it still represents the highest level of education offered by the military services. Now an academic outreach program, the students travel to designated educational institutions to encourage dialogue between colleges and universities and students of the Army’s senior educational institution.

Dr. Dan Howard, interim chancellor stated, “ASU is honored to host the distinguished students visiting from the U.S. Army War College who will engage and interact with campus and community members. ASU appreciates deeply this special opportunity to host these students and extends its warmest welcome to our guests who represent all major branches of the service.”

Students visiting the ASU campus are Col. Michael Marti (U.S. Army), Lt. Col. Curtis Mason (U.S. Marine Corps), Col. Dave Morrissey (U.S. Air Force), Col. Scotty Patton (U.S. Army), Col. Nestor Sadler (U.S. Army) and Capt. Steve Krotow (U.S. Navy-faculty representative).

The members of the USAWC are selected for their experience, interest and knowledge of national security issues.

“It is a privilege to have representatives from the Army War College in Arkansas,” said Dr. Susan Hanrahan, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “We are especially pleased that they chose to visit Arkansas State University in 2012. I had the great fortune to spend a week at the War College last year. What an impressive array of young leaders!”

The group will speak on a variety topics, including the relationship between Iraq and Iran in “Iran’s Strategic Objectives,” by Col. Marti; “Risk vs. Reward of Coalition Ops” about counter threat operations in Iraq by Lt. Col. Mason; “Strategic Shift to Western Pacific: about NATO and Operations in Libya” by Col. Morrissey; “Fighting for America: The Divide Between the Military and Society” by Col. Patton; and Col. Sadler will address U.S. Efforts in Africa with “Strategic Leader Attributes.”

The topics reflect the team’s personal opinions and views and do not reflect those of the War College, the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Government or any agency. Each year USAWC selects a few students to participate in the Eisenhower National Security Series and travel to participate in discussions with other students, academics and the public about national security issues and use of military assets.

“As a graduate of the Army War College and a current AWC Foundation Trustee, I have great respect for this very important senior service school,” said Gen. George Barker (U. S. Army, retired), a 1955 graduate of Arkansas State and a 2010 Distinguished Alum. A graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the U. S. Army War College, he served his country for 35 years, and was twice awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal.

“The students, predominately U.S. Army, are selected based on their individual performance to date and future potential as they progress in their military careers,” continued Gen. Barker, who also serves as chair of the Beck PRIDE Advisory Board at ASU.

“Upon graduation from the AWC, each student is awarded a masters of strategic studies and returns to the active force, including a very long and challenging academic year. Many of these officers are destined to be promoted and will represent the next generation of strategic leaders in their branch of service. The officers coming to our campus are very much part of that special group.”

The visiting students will examine security issues and regional affairs, strategy development, and challenges for national defense.

For more information, visit: http://www.carlisle.army.mil/usawc/dnss/eisenhower/eisenhower.htm or call the ASU College of Nursing and Health Professions at 870-972-3112.

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