CARLISLE BARRACKS, Pa. -- Jun. 9, 2012--When then-Maj. Dwight D. Eisenhower graduated first in his U.S. Army War College class in 1928, he went on to gain a reputation as a trusted and respected advisor whose counsel was sought by many senior military and civilian leaders of his day.
Eisenhower went on to help shape an Army and a strategy that would lead the Allied powers to victory in World War II.
In recounting the story of Eisenhower, Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, Army Vice Chief of Staff, told graduates of the Army War College class of 2012, "With the knowledge you have gained here, you will make significant contributions. Your time here has prepared you for the challenges you will face in the future."
More than 360 senior U.S. and international military officers and civilian leaders were recognized here today during the graduation ceremony for their academic achievements and professional excellence.
"Now is the time for action and to determine how you will make the rest of your lives count," said Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, commandant of the Army War College. "Continue this investment in yourselves as you leave here."
Graduates who complete course requirements during the 10-month resident education program in a curriculum focused on national defense, military science and responsible command earn a Master's of Strategic Studies degree.
"Your goal as Army War College graduates is to be considered as an invaluable commodity in your units and your organizations," as Austin spoke about how many senior leaders seek counsel and advice from the graduates here.
Among the many things the War College prepared graduates for, Austin, a 1997 Army War College graduate, indicated they now will be counted on to lead organizations, advise senior strategic leaders, and shape the future of our armed forces.
"Your responsibility is to help strategic leaders develop the best courses of action, to think critically, challenge assumptions, and push for better solutions," he said. "Expand your aperture, think strategically, and serve as the bridge between strategic leaders and the operational and tactical world.
"We will look to you to lead our formations through some challenging times," he continued. "During this period of transition, the responsibility to maintain a strong, capable force will rest on your shoulders."
Austin also challenged graduates to retain the lessons learned from the past 10 years of conflict and to maintain the many joint and international friendships they developed here.
"We have taken great care to ensure that many lessons learned are reflected in doctrine, training, and education," he said. "And the relationships you have formed here are important because you will call on them in the future."
This year's class included 67 International Fellows representing 66 different nations. Since the International Fellows program's inception in 1978, more than 1,200 international officers from 115 different countries completed the resident program, with several going on to serve in the highest positions of their nations' armed forces.
But Austin also cautioned graduates to, "Guard against becoming victims of your own experience.
"Do not prepare for the last fight. Prepare for the next one," he said.
And as some graduates prepared for the challenges ahead, they took a moment to reflect on their experience here at the Army War College.
"I'm pretty overwhelmed now," said Marine Corps Reserve Lt. Col. Curtis Mason. "Looking at the long list of graduates I find it hard to believe to be counted among them. I'm looking forward to applying what I have learned here."
Mexican Brig. Iram Moreno-Gutierrez, an international fellow in the class said, "There are a lot of things to reflect on and be proud of. This year has not only been useful for my career, but also from the context of family and personal growth."
Army Lt. Col. George Milton said, "This has absolutely been one of the best experiences of my life. It is a most amazing school to have been a part of, and I consider myself to be very well-prepared to take on my next assignment at EUCOM."
In closing, Austin said, "I challenge you to take what you have learned here and apply it to the benefit of your organization and the nation.
"The decisions you make and the advice you provide to senior leaders will have significant consequences for the long-term security and stability of our nation."
Class of 2012 details
The 368 graduates of the U.S. Army War College Class of 2012 include officers from the Army (166), Navy (15), Air Force (25), Marine Corps (15), Coast Guard (1), Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Reserve and National Guard (54), senior civilians from eight federal agencies (25), and 67 International Fellows representing 66 different nations.
About the Army War College
The U.S. Army War College was established in 1901 "not to promote war, but to preserve peace," by developing, inspiring and serving strategic leaders for the wise and effective application of national power in a joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environment, emphasizing development and employment of land power. The college educates more than 1,000 officers annually in its resident and distance programs and specialty courses for strategists and strategic leaders.
With the graduation of the resident Class of 2012, more than 26,000 students have graduated from the U.S. Army War College. Distinguished graduates include President Eisenhower, Army Generals Pershing, Bradley, Patton, Taylor, Lemnitzer, Ridgway, Gruenther, Clark, Abrams, J. Lawton Collins, Schwartzkopf, Joulwan, Shalikashvili, Sullivan, Reimer, Tilelli, Bramlett, McCaffrey, Crouch, Hartzog, Griffith, Luck, Maddox, Peay, Franks, Odierno, Austin, and Thurman; Air Force Generals Myers, Kenney, McNarney, and Vandenberg; Marine Corps Generals Cates, Hart, Holcomb, and LeJune; Admirals Halsey, Pratt, Hart, Oldendorf, and Dunford; and Ambassadors Davies, Troxel, Underhill, Dickman, Davis, Countryman, and Bullington.
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