This past summer, after a rigorous application process, I was accepted into the War Studies Program hosted by the staff of the Institute for the Study of War in conjunction with the Hertog Foundation. The focus of the program is to examine war and conflict throughout history, closely inspecting the development of the theory and technologies of war.
We did an in-depth examination of Napoleon’s 1805 campaign. We also discussed many of the individual skirmishes of the Battle of Gettysburg, complete with a staff ride of the Gettysburg battlefield, during which we had the opportunity to recreate our own Pickett’s Charge. We also examined the various Levels of War and learned how to view war differently between the Levels. We studied theorists like Clausewitz, Moltke, and Colonel John Boyd. We also had prominent guest speakers throughout the course–General McChrystal, General Petraeus, General Milley, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker. These gentlemen gave unique perspectives and insights based on their experiences; which were immensely valuable.
The classes were set up in a seminar style where much of the discussion was between the students and was based on readings distributed the previous night. Drs. Fred and Kim Kagan, along with Gen. Dubik and Gen Allen, did an excellent job of providing the necessary context and background to round out the readings and monitored and shaped the daily conversations well. The readings were demanding and often delved deeply into the theoretical. However, this was offset with explanations provided by the instructors; which helped everyone gain a better grasp of the concepts.
As someone who has served five years in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman, who has been to Afghanistan, and has been through a fair share of combat, I came away from this course having a much deeper and clearer understanding of war, the politics that drive it, and the theory that surrounds it. I learned a great deal about aspects of war that go far beyond what first-hand experience can provide. The Institute for the Study of War and the Hertog Foundation provide a great breadth of topics that focus on political science and international relations and politics. If you have an interest in any of these areas, then it is likely they would have a program for you.
The first picture is myself and my partner, Ruka Wang, presenting a brief over the Battle of Little Round Top at the Gettysburg Battlefield during the Staff Ride. The second picture is of me talking with Gen. McChrystal and third is a class photo.