US Army War College panelists addresses ASU student questions

More than 40 students filled the School of Politics and Global Studies conference room late Friday afternoon to hear from the U.S. Army War College panelists.

After a brief introduction, four panelists from the Eisenhower Series College Program at the United States Army War College were asked questions ranging from topics of failed states, national security, privacy and whistle-blowers.

“It’s great to have open dialogue because that’s what makes us better,” said Col. Brian R. Formy-Duval in his closing statement with the students. “We need college students out there challenging the status quo and moving us forward.”

The Eisenhower Series College Program is aimed to encourage dialogue on national security and public policy issues between senior military leaders and the public.

The Army War College speakers shared that the students were knowledgeable about current events and asked engaging questions. They remarked how interested and motivated the students seemed to be to have these types of discussions.

“We were very impressed by the quality of the ASU program,” said Col. Edward Kaplan. “Not only was the room packed, but the students engaged in an insightful and wide-ranging discussion with our officers. I was particularly impressed by the professionalism and cordiality the students showed, even with topics on which there was substantial disagreement.”

Kaplan shared that the panel was able to have takeaways from the event as well. The students’ ideas on certain topics allows the Army War College participants to hear expectations from a different generation.

The panel was able to address the topics proposed by pulling from their personal experience, research or academic study. Having a panel with military or federal government backgrounds allowed the students the opportunity to get answers from those who have firsthand experience and who will continue to assist in advising policy makers.  

To fully utilize their time at ASU, the Army War College panelists also made a visit to a political science class taught by Okechukwu Iheduru. 

“When combined with the warm welcome we received from the staff, we think the engagement went well,” Colonel Kaplan said. “I hope to bring a team back in the future.”