Inter-American Defense College makes history

WASHINGTON (June 23, 2015) -- The Inter-American Defense College (IADC) honored 63 students from 14 western hemispheric countries for completing an 11 month graduate program during the IADC Class 54 graduation ceremony held at the Organization of American States (OAS) building.

"This is a particularly significant year due to a historic achievement by the College," said Rear Adm. Martha Herb, IADC director. "Inter-American Defense College Class 54 is the very first IADC class to receive a nationally accredited master's degree."

Located on Fort Lesley J. McNair, the IADC is an international educational institution that is hosted by the United States and operates with support and funding from the OAS, the Inter-American Defense Board and the Host Nation. It is clearly on par with the standards of other senior level colleges by providing an accredited professionally oriented, multidisciplinary, graduate-level course of study. The faculty and the student body are international and the Masters program is simultaneously translated in four languages -- Spanish, Portuguese, French and English

IADC was formally opened on Oct. 9, 1962 when the Honorable Dean Rusk, then U.S. Secretary of State, provided OAS Secretary Gen. Jose Mora access to the College's building and furnishings on behalf of the U.S. Government.

The eleven-month program is designed to provide the students with the ability to analyze, develop, and evaluate defense and security policy at the national-strategic level. The student body, is comprised of military officers, police officials, and civilian government representatives from throughout the Americas and Caribbean nations who will be assigned future senior leadership responsibilities in the western hemisphere, Herb explained.

During their year of study, students travel within the U.S. and Latin America, visiting key institutions where they are given the opportunity to meet with senior officials including cabinet ministers and heads of state. They also participate in several seminars, which provide the opportunity to interact with many of the region's experts and influential decision makers.

"The hard work of our faculty and staff was instrumental in achieving accreditation; the degree they have earned provides our students the skills and knowledge to reach even greater heights in their already promising careers." said Herb.

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