The Officer Profession: Education

Jackson, Kimberly, et al. (Santa Monica, CA: RAND, 2020).
“This report presents findings to assist the Office of the Secretary of Defense in understanding what professional experiences and other characteristics the general and flag officers in each of the military services tend to share as a result of each service’s approach to personnel management and other related factors, and how these approaches might influence the ways in which general and flag officers lead, manage, and advise."

Cavallaro, Gina. Army 69, no. 1 (January 2019): 22-26.

Bruscino, Thomas. (Carlisle, PA: US Army Heritage and Education Center, Historical Services Division, 2019).
"Military reform efforts, including reform in professional military education, all too often ignore experiences of the past, seeing them as outdated and irrelevant. At the same time, observers revere historical strategic leaders who grew up in these supposedly outdated systems. The great leaders of the past were rarely, if ever, natural strategic geniuses. They had to learn something along the way, which is why professional militaries have a school system in the first place. In order to gain greater clarity on the preparation of strategic leaders, this paper, which features extensive use of the rich USAHEC archives by a member of the US Army War College (USAWC) faculty, takes a closer look at the USAWC in the period between World War I and World War II, with a focus on Dwight D. Eisenhower's tenure as a student in the 1927-1928 school year. "

John C. McKay
Military Review 96, no. 4 (July-August 2016): 102-107.

Richard Lacquement
War Room (August 30, 2017).

Rand L. Brown, II
Marine Corps Gazette 101, no. 4 (April 2017): 76-78.

Lowther, Adam, and Brooke Mitchell.

Colin S. Gray, (Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War College Press, 2017).
“Does history repeat itself? This monograph clearly answers ‘no,’ firmly. However, it does not argue that an absence of repetition in the sense of analogy means that history can have no utility for the soldier today. This monograph argues for a ‘historical parallelism,’ in place of shaky or false analogy. The past, even the distant and ancient past, provides evidence of the potency of lasting virtues of good conduct. This monograph concludes by offering four recommendations: 1) Behave prudently. 2) Remember the concept of the great stream of time. 3) Do not forget that war nearly always is a gamble. 4) War should only be waged with strategic sense.”

Steven Estes, Joel M. Miller, and Marcus D. Majure
(Arlington, VA: Association of the United States Army, 2016).

Justin P. Freeland
The Army Lawyer (September 2015): 5-24.

Andrew Morgado
Military Review 97, no. 1 (January-February 2017): 98-105.

Matthew D. Deffenbaugh
Marine Corps Gazette 100, no. 2 (February 2016): 47-51.

Steven L. Delvaux
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 1 (April 2017): 13-21.

Keith H. Ferguson
Army 67, no. 8 (August 2017): 9-11.

Langston J. Turner
Army 66, no. 7 (July 2016): 57- 59.

John S. Kem, Eugene J. LeBoeuf, and James B. Martin
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 2 (October 2017): 3-10.

Sae Schatz, et al.
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 1 (April 2017): 78-91.

Adam J. Stone
Air & Space Power Journal 31, no. 2 (Summer 2017): 52-67.

Luis R. Perez
Marine Corps Gazette 99, no. 3 (March 2015): 72-77.

Leonard L. Lira and Keith R. Beurskens
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 2 (October 2017): 44-55.

Thomas G. Bradbeer and Scott A. Porter
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 2 (October 2017): 56-68.

Frederick J. Kroesen
Army 67, no. 8 (August 2017): 7-8.

Elvin J. Fortuna
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 1 (April 2017): 52-65.

Tami Davis Biddle
Parameters: U.S. Army War College Quarterly 46, no. 1 (Spring 2016): 7-12.

Rynele M. Mardis
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 2 (October 2017): 11-20.

Liston Bailey and Tammy Bankus
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 1 (April 2017): 66-77.

James M. Davitch and Robert D. Folker, Jr.
Air & Space Power Journal 31, no. 4 (Winter 2017): 62-68.

Michael A. Gavin
Marine Corps Gazette 101, no. 6 (June 2017): 25-28.

David Pierson
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 2 (October 2017): 31-43.

Nicholas Marsella
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 1 (April 2017): 22-30.

Francis J. H. Park
Military Review 96, no. 3 (May-June 2016): 70-77.

Don M. Snider
Strategic Studies Institute Strategic Insights (February 23, 2016).

Christopher Gin
Military Review 97, no. 3 (May-June 2017): 99-107.

Matthew T. Archambault
Military Review (June 12, 2018).

Andrew P. Jenkins
Military Review 96, no. 6 (November-December 2016): 99-105.

James Tollefson
Military Review 97, no. 2 (March-April 2017): 89-95.

John Kem and Andrew I. Hotaling
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 1 (April 2017): 5-12.

See USAHEC's Frequently Asked Questions. USAWC patrons can submit new questions here.

"War Room" podcast, MG John Kem and Andrew A. Hill
September 25, 2018, streaming audio, 26:07.
"The 2018 National Defense Strategy includes the following stark assessment of Professional Military Education, or PME: 'PME has stagnated, focused more on the accomplishment of mandatory credit at the expense of lethality and ingenuity.' Externally, PME has been a regular subject of criticism and target of calls for reform for the past decade. But internally, PME institutions have (without much fanfare) been embracing change and innovating their curricula and methodologies to ensure its graduates are prepared to re-enter the joint force with the requisite skills and knowledge. So what continues to be the problem and what barriers still must be overcome. The 51st Commandant of the U.S. Army War College John Kem, who also serves as Deputy Commandant of the Army University, addresses these questions with Andrew A. Hill, WAR ROOM’s Editor-in-Chief."

"War Room" podcast, Rebecca Johnson and Buck Haberichter.
August 3, 2018, streaming audio, 31:01.
"WAR ROOM welcomes Dr. Rebecca Johnson to discuss her perspectives on strategic leadership as Dean of Academics at the Marine Corps University. Having witnessed many officers and civilians graduate from senior service college, Dr. Johnson reflects on the challenges of transitioning to senior leadership in the military. Her discussion includes some pitfalls and common traps, avoiding them, and staying focused on improving their organizations and the people within them. WAR ROOM Social Media Editor Buck Haberichter moderates."

"War Room" podcast, MG William Rapp and Andrew A. Hill.
July 27, 2017, streaming audio, 19:23.
“In the ‘War Room Podcast’, ‘Why War Colleges?’ Andrew A. Hill interviews the 50th Commandant of the U.S. Army College, U.S. Army Major General Bill Rapp to discuss the history, roles, and responsibilities of war colleges to develop future strategic leaders, both military and civilian, and to develop ideas that address current and future needs of the defense enterprise.”

"War Room" podcast, Wayne Eyre and Jacqueline E. Whitt.
October 19, 2018, streaming audio, 24:32.
"A day in the Army where you don’t learn something new is a day wasted. WAR ROOM welcomes Lieutenant General Wayne Eyre of the Canadian Armed Forces to the studio to discuss his perspectives on strategic leadership. He focuses most of his comments toward colonels entering the strategic level and the need for them to show self-awareness, develop their character, be lifelong learners, and lead teams. An excellent presentation for mid-grade officers to learn what it takes to make it as a senior leader. WAR ROOM podcast editor Jacqueline E. Whitt moderates."

Hemmer, Christopher, William Johnsen, and Cynthia A. Watson. War Room (August 28, 2020).

Jennifer Mittelstadt
War Room (June 20, 2018).

"War Room" podcast, Jennifer Mittelstadt and Jacqueline E. Whitt
August 10, 2018, streaming audio, 26:36.
"As a follow-up to her WAR ROOM article on professional military education, former Harold K. Johnson Chair of Military History Dr. Jennifer Mittelstadt reflects on her one-year tour at the U.S. Army War College. As a lifelong civilian with no experience serving in the military, she noted many cultural differences that highlight a growing gap between military members and civilians in their approaches to education, work, and life. Many service members may take for granted the way things are done on and off post, but others may find them very challenging. She is joined by WAR ROOM Podcast Editor Jacqueline E. Whitt, also a military historian who is not a former service member."

Galvin, Thomas P., and Dale E. Watson (eds.) (Carlisle Barracks, PA: US Army War College Press, 2019).
"With a Foreword from MG John Kem, 51st Commandant of the U.S. Army War College. The 4th edition of the Strategic Leadership Primer represents a major change in direction from previous editions. In the past, one could assume most U.S. Army War College students had little prior experience at the strategic level. In 2019, this is no longer the case, as some War College students have already served in enterprise-level assignments or performed duties at the strategic level in operational environments. The new Primer includes chapters on defining strategic leadership; understanding competitive environments both external and internal to the organization, competitive strategy; the evolving roles, competencies, and character required of leaders at the strategic level; and the need for continuous and lifelong development. The Primer is applicable for all senior service college students and graduates--whether military or senior civilian, US or international."

Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 7. February 20, 2020.

“The ADL Initiative bridges across Defense and other Federal agencies to encourage collaboration, facilitate interoperability, and promote best practices for using distributed learning to provide the highest-quality education, training, informal learning, and just-in-time support; tailored to individual needs and delivered cost-effectively, anytime and anywhere, to increase readiness, save resources, and facilitate interorganizational collaboration.”

“The place for business leaders to tackle the most pressing education and workforce issues facing our country. We mobilize the business community to be more engaged partners, challenge the status quo, and move education and workforce initiatives forward to fuel economic success.”

ICEF Monitor (November 13, 2019).

Hillison, Joel. Journal of Military Learning 4, no. 2 (October 2020): 50-65.

Blankshain, Jessica D., and Andrew L. Stigler. Texas National Security Review. 3, no. 3 (Summer 2020).

David Morgan-Owen
War on the Rocks (June 25, 2018).

Robert H. Scales
Army 66, no. 11 (November 2016): 25-28.

Barno, David, and Nora Bensahel. War on the Rocks (September 18, 2019).

Schellenberger, Dominik J. Military Review (August 15, 2018).

Steven L. Delvaux
Army 66, no. 11 (November 2016): 29-31.

Waters, Douglas E., and Craig R. Bullis. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 93 (2nd Quarter 2019): 38-46.

Riggs, Caleb. Journal of Military Learning 4, no. 2 (October 2020): 66-77.

Warren, Jason W. Parameters: U.S. Army War College 45, no. 1 (Spring 2015): 27-38.

Sukman, Daniel. Army 68, no. 3 (March 2018): 8-9.

Juan P. Remy
Journal of Military Learning 1, no. 1 (April 2017): 114-116.

Samaan, Jean-Loup. Parameters: U.S. Army War College Quarterly 48, no. 2 (Summer 2018): 27-37.

Nyemann, Dorthe Bach and Jørgen Staun. Parameters: U.S. Army War College 50, no. 1 (Spring 2020): 91-103.

Schmidt, Todd. Army 70, no. 11 (November 2020): 7-10.

Allen, Charles, and Craig Bullis. War Room (March 6, 2019).

Jacobs, An. Parameters: U.S. Army War College 49, no. 4 (Winter 2019-20): 77-90.

Silverstone, Scott A. Parameters: U.S. Army War College 49, no. 4 (Winter 2019-20): 65-76.

Wigmore, David. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 97 (2nd Quarter 2020): 47-54.

Austin Duncan and Adam Yang
War on the Rocks (July 19, 2018).

Lacey, James. War on the Rocks (May 18, 2020).

Gudmundsson, Bruce. War on the Rocks (October 2, 2018).

Campbell, Peter, and Richard Jordan. Texas National Security Review 3, no. 1 (Winter 2019/2020).

Kamarck, Kristy N. (Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 2016).

Richard Andres
War on the Rocks (August 13, 2018).

Cox, Edward, et al. Military Review (Profession of Arms - Special Edition 2011): 34-42.

Till, Geoffrey. Naval War College Review 72, no. 4 (Autumn 2019): 5-20.

Hennessey, Megan J. War on the Rocks (August 3, 2020).

Kevin McAninch
Military Review 96, no. 5 (September-October 2016): 84-93.

John T. Kuehn
Joint Force Quarterly, no. 83 (4th Quarter 2016): 40-43.

Thang Tran, et al.
War on the Rocks (November 7, 2018).

Mick Ryan
War on the Rocks (July 3, 2018).

Steve Metz
War Room (August 1, 2018).

Allen, Chuck. War Room (August 29, 2019).

Kenneth Pisel
Joint Force Quarterly, no. 82 (3rd Quarter 2016): 128-131.

Fust, George. Military Review 100, no. 1 (January-February 2020): 108-119.

Bryan, Ian. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 62 (Third Quarter 2011): 32-36.

Wharton, Jason, et al.
War on the Rocks (August 8, 2018).

Lacquement, Richard A., Jr. Parameters: U.S. Army War College 49, no. 4 (Winter 2019-20): 15-26.

Miller, Gregory D. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 94 (3rd Quarter 2019): 36-43.

Joan Johnson-Freese and Kevin P. Kelley
Joint Force Quarterly, no. 84 (1st Quarter 2017): 65-71.

Khachadoorian, Angelle A., Susan L. Steen, and Lauren B. Mackenzie. Journal of Military Learning 4, no. 1 (April 2020): 3-18.

Perez, Celestino, Jr. War on the Rocks (February 22, 2019).

Darren Hartford and David A. Tretler
Joint Force Quarterly, no. 84 (1st Quarter 2017): 54-58.

Janet Breslin-Smith
Joint Force Quarterly, no. 84 (1st Quarter 2017): 59-64.

Jonathan Hebel
Proceedings: United States Naval Institute 142, no. 10 (October 2016): 48-51.

Roennfeldt, Carsten F. Parameters: U.S. Army War College 50, no. 1 (Spring 2020): 79-90.

Collins, Brian J. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 45 (Second Quarter 2007): 104-110.

Oler, Adam. War on the Rocks (June 3, 2020).

Statler, Thomas J. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 94 (3rd Quarter 2019): 26-35.

Charles Allen and Tomas Galvin
Association of the United States Army (June 15, 2015).

Patrick Naughton
Military Review 97, no. 4 (July-August 2017): 84-91.

James Joyner
War on the Rocks (March 15, 2016).

Douglas Orsi
Joint Force Quarterly, no. 86 (3rd Quarter 2017): 41-48.

Allen, Charles D. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 59 (4th Quarter 2010): 94-100.

Megan J. Hennessey
War on the Rocks (March 26, 2019).

Matthew Reed
War on the Rocks (November 19, 2018).

Nicholas Murray
War on the Rocks (February 19, 2016).

Tammy S. Schultz
War on the Rocks (July 30, 2018).

R. Mccreight. Environment Systems & Decisions 33, no. 1 (March 2013): 21-32.

Mark O’Donnell
Army 67, no. 6 (June 2017): 43-45

Joyner, James. War on the Rocks (August 25, 2020).

Miller, Larry D., and Laura A. Wackwitz. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 97 (2nd Quarter 2020): 39-46.

Donald R. Ungerecht, Jr. Army Sustainment 47, no. 2 (March/April 2015): 40-41.

Berg, John R., Allan Buch Sampaio, and Jorge Alberto Benavides Orellana. Air Force Journal of the Americas 1, no. 1 (2019): 140-146.

Hill, Andrew A., and Stephen J. Gerras. Parameters: U.S. Army War College Quarterly 48, no. 2 (Summer 2018): 13-25.

Hooker, Richard D., Jr. Parameters: U.S. Army War College 49, no. 4 (Winter 2019-20): 5-13.

Battle, Tony, et al. Journal of Military Learning 4, no. 2 (October 2020): 97-106.

Riotto, Angela M. Military Review 101, no. 1 (January-February 2021): 89-99.

Paula Thornhill
War on the Rocks (July 20, 2018).

Davis, Charles, and Frederick R. Kienle. Joint Force Quarterly, no. 92 (1st Quarter): 23-29.

Will Shoemate and Benjamin Jensen
Military Review 96, no. 5 (September-October 2016): 102-109.

Cavallaro, Gina. Army 69, no. 1 (January 2019): 22-26.

Rachel Woodward, K. Neil Jenkings, and Alison J. Williams
RUSI Journal 161, no. 1 (February-March 2016): 32-39.

Bryan D. DeCoster, Charles D. Allen, and Douglas Orsi
Army 66, no. 12 (December 2016): 47-49.

Lee, Carrie, and Bill Lewis. War on the Rocks (August 5, 2019).

Czarnecki, Jonathan E. Journal of Military Learning 2, No. 2 (October 2018): 35-46.

Kevin Benson
Military Review (June 15, 2018).

Roennfeldt, Carsten F. Armed Forces & Society 45, no 1 (January 2019): 59–77.