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U.S. Military Academy hosts U.S. Army War College International Fellows visit

By Eric Bartelt Pointer View Managing EditorSeptember 26, 2023

The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
1 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
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The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
2 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
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The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
3 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
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The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
4 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
5 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
6 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
7 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
8 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
9 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
10 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
11 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
12 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
13 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
14 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
15 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
16 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
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The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA...
17 / 17 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 officers from 71 different countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20. Throughout the day during the annual event, the international officers engaged with 89 USMA international cadets during several engagements that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.
(Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV)
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In an ever-evolving global landscape, grappling with complex issues like the conflict in Ukraine or China’s assertive stance toward Taiwan brings about significant political challenges. With that, a question arises: how does the U.S. effectively wield its influence amidst these complex issues? Ultimately, the answer lies in the strategic cultivation of international relationships and alliances. These connections stand poised to yield dividends in times when effective communication and diplomacy prove just as vital as a robust coalition force in deterring aggression.

The fostering of these relationships begins or persists through personal engagements with military professionals as the U.S. Military Academy welcomed 74 international officers from 71 countries from the U.S. Army War College’s International Fellows Program Sept. 20 at West Point.

Throughout the day during the annual visit, the international officers engaged with approximately 90 USMA international and semester exchange cadets during several discussions that focused on irregular warfare capabilities, professional challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and critical infrastructure resilience. It also involved an evening reception in the Haig Room for the international officers, USMA senior leaders, cadet leadership and international cadets to intermingle and develop personal connections.

The International Fellows Program at the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is a shared program of the State and Defense departments. International Fellows are senior officers from allied and partner nations who are invited to study alongside U.S. military officers at the war college as an investment in future collaboration and interoperability. The engagement with West Point allows cadets to generate discussion from a military-to-military perspective and showcase the world’s pre-eminent leader development institution.

Capt. Jonathan Kaicher, Company G-3 tactical officer, facilitated the officer-cadet engagement and discussion. He spoke about how he can impact the daily lives of the 126 cadets he is in charge of and makes sure “they stay physically fit, stay up on their academics, track them militarily and provides character development training for the cadets.”

Kaicher also talked to the group about his international experience as an infantry officer with the 25th Infantry Division in the Indo-Pacific region as he participated in operations during Foal Eagle in South Korea, Balikatan in the Philippines as well as an operation in Thailand. He also commanded a rifle company while on deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On this day, he led small groups to have deep discussions on topics that covered tactical, cultural and current events, leadership and miscellaneous conversations.

“The topic questions will help spur conversation,” Kaicher said. “… and the officers and cadets will come together to facilitate a good conversation.”

The participating officers hailed from various regions among the 71 countries under different U.S. commands. These included El Salvador and Brazil from the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the Philippines, India, and Australia from the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), Kazakhstan and Egypt from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Zambia and Ghana from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Ukraine, Spain, and Kosovo from the U.S. European Command (EUCOM), and Canada and Mexico from the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM).

The coming together of the International Fellows and West Point cadets has happened since at least 2000, minus a couple years due to COVID and academic schedules not meshing to allow the institutions to conduct the visit.

“The first class of International Fellows began in 1977,” said Kevin Bremer, the deputy director of the U.S. Army War College’s International Affairs and chief of the International Student Management Office, with the class graduating in June 1978 from the six closest allies at the time – Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Mexico.

“The program has since grown to over 2,100 graduates in the resident and distance education programs representing more than 140 countries,” Bremer said. “There have been over 90 alumni who have gone on to become Chiefs of State (president or prime minister), Ministers of Defense, Chiefs of Defense or Service Chiefs of Staff. Over 60% of our international alumni make flag rank.”

The program at the USAWC is 12 months from June to June, however, 40 officers arrive in April to attend a 10-week Academic Preparatory Course, which focuses on writing in English at the graduate level. Others arrive as early as December to attend an English Language Training course at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC) at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

“The U.S. Army Chief of Staff extends the invitation to the USAWC programs under the foreign military sales program, the international military education and training program, professional military exchange program and the other programs administered within security assistance training channels,” Bremer said. “The program gives selected senior international army officers an opportunity to broaden their professional qualifications through participation in the USAWC curriculum, making use of available research facilities, forming close associations with the college faculty, fellows and students.

“The program provides opportunities to develop lasting relationships among the senior attendees and participate in firsthand study of the U.S. military and institutions,” he added. “Fellows may study, research and write on subjects of significance to the security interests of their own and allied nations. The officers’ presence will help to broaden the academic environment and promote personal and professional understanding among military leaders of friendly nations.”

Since the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, building partnership capacity and strengthening U.S. relationships with allies and partners have placed a huge emphasis on continuing that growth, especially with the USAWC and the International Fellows Program visit to the academy.

“It was a specific line of effort from the Secretary of Defense to the Army Chief of Staff, and it is why in 2010 there was a decision to double the number of International Fellows at the USAWC from 40 to 80,” Bremer said. “It is about building partner capacity and it is the process of enhancing the capabilities and interoperability of allies and partners, through activities such as training, exercises, education and security assistance. The purpose of army alliances and building partner capacity is to support the U.S. national security strategy, strengthen the joint force, deter adversaries and enable the Army to fight and win with its allies and partners.”

And with the building of camaraderie, the synergy becomes more apparent with the visit to West Point as the International Fellows embrace West Point and its cadets.

“The interaction with cadets was invaluable,” Bremer said. “The International Fellows very much enjoyed the opportunity to hear from international cadets at USMA describe their experiences, their hopes and dreams.”

However, this year, the international officers did not have an opportunity to meet with U.S cadets due to scheduling conflicts, but nevertheless, they did relish the opportunity to interact with cadets from their own countries as well as those from other foreign nations.

An interaction that was exceptionally well-received by the international officers was a discussion session with USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland.

“He engaged with them for nearly an hour, and we appreciate his willingness to take so much time out of his busy day,” Bremer said. “The International Fellows were appreciative of his straightforward answers to the questions they posed. His candid remarks were truly welcomed.”

Overall, it was a positive experience for the officers as “all the presenters offered insight about life at West Point and its academic and military programs.”

“I received comments from several of our folks that they found the visit interesting and helped them understand USMA to a greater extent,” Bremer said.

The visit also included a historical walking tour that provided keen insights into American history. In July, as part of their orientation course, the International Fellows conducted a Valley Forge Staff Ride, and this experience complemented the West Point tour, as both covered similar historical content.

“These officers have heard of the American challenges of standing up, equipping and maintaining a brand-new Army,” Bremer said. “There were several officers who have visited West Point before, although most had not, but most had no idea of the strategic importance that West Point was to the Continental Army. It was truly valuable to provide some insight to our American history to them.”