National Defense University, 260 5th Avenue SW, Washington D.C., DC (2026)

09/03/2026

International Alumni Inducted into the Hall of Fame During JFSC 80th Anniversary! 🏛️🌐

On August 14th, the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) and International Study, Missions, and Outreach (ISMO) inducted two outstanding international leaders into both the JFSC Hall of Fame and the NDU International Fellows Hall of Fame (IHOF).

NDU President Vice Admiral Peter Garvin and JFSC Commandant Major General Thomas Crimmins, presided at the ceremony which honored:

🏅 Rear Admiral Philip Polewara (JAWS,2006) Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, for his exemplary executive leadership and commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

🏅 General Tadeusz Buk (JAWS, 2000), former Commander of the Polish Land Forces, who was inducted posthumously in honor of his heroic service and enduring legacy in NATO and international security.

The International Fellows Program is at the heart of the NDU mission, building a global network of strategic leaders that strengthens joint, combined, and multinational operations worldwide that help protect the Nation’s security.

👏 Please join us in honoring Rear Admiral Polewara and the memory of General Buk, as we mark their induction into the Hall of Fame! Leave your congratulations and tribute messages in the comments below! 👇

Joint Forces Staff College | NDU International Fellows Alumni

09/02/2026

The Joint Forces Staff College Celebrates 80 Years! 🏛️⚔️

Eighty years ago, the Armed Forces Staff College was founded in Norfolk to ensure America's military services could plan and execute joint operations seamlessly. Today, as the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC), it remains the gold standard for JPME II education at the operational level of war.

On August 13th, National Defense University President Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin, USN, joined JFSC Commandant Major General Thomas Crimmins, USAF, as well as JFSC students, faculty, staff, distinguished guests, and alumni gathered on JFSC’s campus to mark the anniversary, which included an opening ceremony and a full day of academic discussion and celebrations.

Vice Admiral Garvin delivered the keynote address aligned with this year’s theme: "Rooted in Strength, United in Purpose, Forging the Future." He underscored that: “JFSC prepares its graduates to assess, execute, and innovate at a strategic level…The true measure of JFSC’s success is not simply its history. It is the impact its graduates will have on our joint force, our alliances, and our nation in the years ahead.”

Following the opening ceremony, the campus hosted a Joint Foundations Panel featuring Major General Joseph Reynes, Dr. Rorie Cartier, and Mr. John Parshall. The celebration included the International Hall of Fame (IHOF) Induction Ceremony, honoring two distinguished alumni who reached the highest levels of military leadership: Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, and General Tadeusz Buk, former Commander of the Polish Land Forces (awarded posthumously).

Today’s global security environment requires JFSC to continue its tradition of academic rigor and operational excellence. By preparing warfighters to integrate military power with diplomacy, intelligence, emerging technologies, and international partners, JFSC graduates fulfill NDU’s mission to generate strategic warfighting advantage for the Nation.

🌐 Carrying the Legacy Forward: Join the NDU community in celebrating the Joint Forces Staff College’s 80th Anniversary. If you are a JFSC or JAWS alumnus, share your favorite Norfolk memories or drop a congratulations in the comments below! 👇

Joint Forces Staff College

09/01/2026

NDU Welcomes Israel’s Defense Attaché Vice Admiral Tal Politis 🏛️

On August 18, 2026, National Defense University (NDU) President Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin welcomed Israel’s Defense Attache Vice Admiral Tal Politis to the Fort McNair campus for their first meeting.

During the visit, the leaders discussed the vital role of Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) in preparing agile, strategic leaders capable of navigating increasingly complex, global security challenges. Their discussions highlighted the value of strengthening cooperation in military education, fostering professional relationships among allies and partners, and advancing shared understanding on issues of mutual strategic interest.

Vice Admiral Politis’ visit to NDU underscored the enduring commitment of the United States and Israel to enhancing defense cooperation and investing in the development of future military leaders.

High-level international engagements like these reinforce the University’s status as a premier JPME institution with global reach. These engagements also advance NDU's mission to educate for warfighting advantage—preparing leaders to outthink, out-decide, and outfight across the full spectrum of conflict.

08/31/2026

Running Strong: NDU Holds 5K Fun Run 🏃🏆

On August 21, students, faculty, staff, and supporters from across the National Defense University (NDU) came together for the NDU 5K Competitive Race and Fun Run/Walk, enjoying a day of sunshine, competition, fitness, and strengthening the warrior ethos.

The event highlighted the role that physical fitness, personal well-being, and community play in developing resilient strategic leaders. Whether in the classroom or in the field, maintaining a competitive edge helps our students meet the challenges ahead.

Congratulations to the National War College on earning the team title and to our top individual finishers!

Women’s Division
🥇 Katie Irmer, National War College
🥈 Jean Archer, National War College
🥉 Meghan Daigle, Eisenhower School

Men’s Division
🥇 Kyle Larson, Eisenhower School
🥈 Kevin Burleson, National War College
🥉 Matt Davis, National War College

Thank you to everyone who participated and to the volunteers and partners who made the event possible, including our student volunteers, the Fort McNair Fire Department, BUMED Navy Corpsman, and the National Defense University Foundation.

Join the conversation: How do you stay active and maintain your competitive edge? Share your strategies in the comments below. 👇

08/26/2026

NDU Welcomes Delegation from Vietnam’s National Defense Academy 🏛️🇻🇳🇺🇸

On August 17, NDU President Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin welcomed a senior delegation from Vietnam’s National Defense Academy (NDA) to Fort Lesley McNair. The delegation was led by Lieutenant General Lê Văn Hải, Deputy Political Commissar of the NDA.

As NDU’s academic counterpart in Vietnam, the National Defense Academy educates senior leaders at all career stages. Building on visits in 2023 and 2024, this engagement further strengthened bilateral educational and professional ties.

During their time on campus, the delegation engaged with NDU leadership and faculty across several key areas:

✅ Executive Briefings: Senior-level engagement with NDU President Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin, Senior Vice President Ambassador Roxanne Cabral, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. James L. Lepse, and College of Information and Cyberspace Chancellor Elizabeth Phu.

✅ Research & Wargaming: Strategic research discussions with INSS Director Dr. Denise Natali and wargaming exchanges with National Defense Wargaming Center.

✅ Academic Exchange: A tour of historic Roosevelt Hall and discussions with National War College Commandant Maj. Gen. Jason Q. Morris and NWC faculty.

High-level international engagements reinforce NDU’s status as a premier institution for joint education and support its mission to educate for warfighting advantage to win in competition, crisis, and conflict.

🌐 Global Defense Cooperation: Share your experience working with international defense partners in the comments below. 👇

08/20/2026

NDU Hosts Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine to Kick Off President’s Lecture Series 2026-2027 🏛️⚡

On August 18, the National Defense University was privileged to host Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine who addressed the entire University in the first session of the President’s Lecture Series (PLS) for Academic Year 2026–2027. NDU President Vice Admiral Peter Garvin, Senior Vice President Ambassador Roxanne Cabral, component commandants and chancellors, faculty, staff, and students from across NDU attended in person at Lincoln Hall or online.

General Caine recognized NDU’s 50th anniversary and praised the exceptional schools of the University (CIC, CISA, ES, JFSC, NIC, NWC). He challenged the military officers, interagency leaders, and international fellows of the Class of 2027 to understand and master how to think rather than what to think in the course of their studies. He addressed the evolving character of warfare across domains from the seabed to cislunar space and how senior leaders must navigate a compressed decision timeframe in the current strategic environment.

Key Takeaways from the PLS Session:

✅ Chairman’s Priorities: The current threat picture requires a joint force that is properly armed, globally integrated, and ready.

✅ Leadership: Today’s joint force needs leaders who are entrepreneurial, innovative, proactive, and ready to stare down ambiguity.

As the premier center for joint professional military education, NDU continues to convene senior defense leadership to prepare strategic warfighters to generate strategic warfighting advantage for the Nation.

💡 Join the Discussion: How can national security leaders best balance the adoption of emerging technologies with traditional leadership fundamentals? Drop your perspective in the comments below! 👇

| National War College | Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy | Joint Forces Staff College | The College of International Security Affairs | College of Information and Cyberspace - National Defense University | The Joint Staff | National Defense University Foundation |

08/19/2026

The Countdown to the National Intelligence College Inaugural Convocation is On! 🏛️🌐⚡

On August 24, the National Intelligence College (NIC) will host its inaugural convocation and ribbon cutting. We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2027 to NDU’s sixth college.

Incoming students in the Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence, Master of Science and Technology Intelligence, and Certificate in Intelligence Studies programs are preparing to enter a dynamic academic environment focused on collaboration, technological innovation, and strategic foresight.

The stage is set. Our inaugural cohort is arriving, our faculty is ready, and all are vital to NDU’s mission to generate strategic warfighting advantage for the Nation.

🌐 Discover NIC: Explore our programs and campus community at https://www.ndu.edu/NIC/

🗣️ To Our NIU Alumni Family: Help us welcome the very first NIC class! Share your favorite memories, shoutouts, or best pieces of advice for the incoming cohort in the comments below! 👇

08/17/2026

National Defense University Celebrates the 236th Birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard! 🏛️⚓🎉

On August 11, the National Defense University community gathered in historic Roosevelt Hall of the National War College to celebrate the 236th birthday of the United States Coast Guard. NDU Senior Vice President Ambassador Roxanne Cabral and National War College Commandant Major General Jason Morris, USMC, welcomed Admiral Thomas Allan Jr., Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, as guest of honor. They were joined by Eisenhower School Commandant Brigadier General Kirsten Aguilar, USAF, College of Information and Cyberspace Chancellor Elizabeth Phu, College of International Security Affairs Dean of Administration Daniel Bryan, as well as students, faculty, and staff from NDU’s Fort McNair campus.

Admiral Allan addressed those gathered in Roosevelt Hall and praised NDU as "a remarkable institution" whose mission to educate leaders "to win in competition, crisis, and conflict" remains vital to the Nation's security and prosperity. He highlighted the Coast Guard's dual role within the Department of Homeland Security and as an active military service within the Joint Force. Admiral Allan reflected on 236 years of courage and adaptability and emphasized the Coast Guard's legacy of safeguarding maritime borders, securing global commerce, and saving lives, while noting that many senior Coast Guard leaders—including the Service Chief—are proud NDU graduates.

The ceremony included an awe-inspiring performance by the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team and a traditional cake-cutting.

The event underscored the strong, enduring partnership between NDU and the Coast Guard in educating students to provide the warfighting advantage necessary to win in competition, crisis, and conflict.

🎉 Join the Celebration: Help us honor the Coast Guard's legacy and its motto, Semper Paratus! Drop your birthday wishes and messages of appreciation for our Coast Guard family in the comments below! 👇

| U.S. Coast Guard | National War College | The College of International Security Affairs | Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy | College of Information and Cyberspace - National Defense University | National Defense University Foundation |

08/14/2026

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Caine Will Speak at NDU on August 18 🏛️⚡

We are pleased to announce the upcoming August 18 President’s Lecture Series, featuring General Dan Caine, USAF, the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Caine will address the NDU community in Lincoln Hall Auditorium, reaching students, faculty, and staff across the University, from Fort McNair Campus, to the Joint Forces Staff College, National Intelligence College, and Joint Special Operations Master’s Program.

As the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of War, and the National Security Council, General Caine will provide strategic insights for Academic Year 2026–2027, focusing on the evolving character of warfare and the need for effective joint integration.

Events such as the President's Lecture Series prepare our graduates to generate strategic warfighting advantage for the Nation.

🛡️ Maintain your strategic edge. Follow NDU to stay connected with our academic community and learn how we educate to guarantee national security.

| National War College | Joint Forces Staff College | Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy | The College of International Security Affairs | College of Information and Cyberspace - National Defense University | National Defense University Foundation

08/12/2026

New Joint Warfighting Course Begins at National Defense University! 🏛️⚔️

The National Defense University (NDU) has officially launched the Joint and Combined Warfighting Course (JCWC), which educates today’s warfighters on the application of joint planning to develop campaign, contingency, and crisis plans in support of joint warfighting. JCWC is a mandatory course across all curricula in colleges on the Fort McNair campus and will create a University-wide capability at NDU.

On August 5, NDU President Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. James Lepse, and Course Director Dr. Charles Davis addressed faculty from the College of Information and Cyberspace, the College of International Security Affairs, the Eisenhower School, and the National War College who were preparing to teach JCWC. During his remarks, Vice Admiral Garvin highlighted that JCWC is “one of the University’s highest academic priorities,” which “helps ensure students share a common foundation for joint warfighting education.”

JCWC strengthens NDU’s education of senior leaders for joint duty assignments. The course aligns with the knowledge and skills required by combatant commanders: leaders who can think, plan, and fight jointly.

The JCWC curriculum directly supports joint warfighting, readiness, and lethality as emphasized by the Department of War. Key aspects of the course include:

✅ Combatant Command Alignment: The curriculum is shaped by real-world requirements to build joint warfighting and decision-making advantages.

✅ North Campus Faculty Integration: Expert faculty from across NDU collaborate to teach students to meet rigorous standards and lead cross-component seminar discussions.

✅ Operational Imperative: The course translates joint planning concepts into actionable strategic leadership to ensure national security.

✅ Continuous Institutional Adaptation: The program establishes a dynamic framework to learn, adapt, and refine joint warfighting education each year.

JCWC is another example of NDU’s commitment to its mission to generate strategic warfighting advantage for the nation.

🌐 Learn More About NDU Academic Programs: Discover how NDU is shaping the future of joint warfighting education by visiting our website: https://www.ndu.edu

| Joint Forces Staff College | National War College | Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy | The College of International Security Affairs | College of Information and Cyberspace - National Defense University |

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