Dempsey challenges students to take advantage of Army War College experience

By Thomas Zimmerman, Army War CollegeAugust 19, 2011

Dempsey challenges students to take advantage of USAWC experience
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. Martin Dempsey, chief of staff of the Army, talks to Army War College students in Bliss Hall, at Carlisle Barracks, Penn., Aug. 18, 2011. He spoke to the Army War College Class of 2012 about leadership lessons, challenges they will face and ski... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Dempsey challenges students to take advantage of USAWC experience
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CARLISLE BARRACKS, Penn., Aug. 18, 2011 -- Gen. Martin Dempsey, Army chief of staff and the next chairman of the Joint chiefs of staff, spoke to the Army War College Class of 2012 about leadership lessons, challenges they will face and skills they need to develop, here today.

"We are going to have to think our way out of the challenges we face today," said Dempsey about the 368 students and international fellows. "We are giving them an opportunity and we need them to take the time to think about these issues during their time here at the Army War College."

"I can think of no one better qualified to speak to us about this topic," said student Lt. Col. Joe Gleichenhaus. "He brings a wealth of knowledge from his experiences that we can all learn from."

Dempsey discussed the fiscal, organizational and operational challenges the students will face as they continue their careers. Some of the students in the room will one day serve in positions like his, he noted, and must take advantage of time here to "get smart" on how to analyze complex issues.

He advised students to become students of history since many of the challenges that will face them are not new but are "variations on the theme."

Dempsey took time to thank the faculty, with whom he has worked with in his roles at the Training and Doctrine Commander and chief of staff of the Army, and acknowledged the joint and international students who will play a key role in their future.

ARMY WAR COLLEGE BACKGROUND

The Army War College develops, inspires and serves strategic leaders for the wise and effective application of national power in a joint, inter-agency, intergovernmental, and multinational environment, emphasizing development and employment of land power.

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Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey

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