The History and Significance of the U.S. Army War College International Fellows Program
Abstract
LTG DeWitt C. Smith, Jr., the longest serving commandant in the USAWC's 100 year history, is responsible for the International Fellows Program's (IFP) creation in 1977. Despite previously rejected considerations, early in his first term as commandant, he directed a review into integrating foreign officers into the USAWC and fought to develop a program which effectively allayed earlier concerns that their presence would hamper free-flowing idea exchange. The IFP's curriculum enables senior officers destined for high-level leadership positions in their respective armies to improve mutual understanding of national security, operations, and preparedness. Although many IFs and their families are unprepared for the often dramatic lifestyle and culture changes at the USAWC, extensive efforts are made to welcome them into the Carlisle community and prepare them for their year ahead. To more fully understand the strategic importance of the IFP and its relationship within the Security Cooperation framework, especially the International Military Education and Training Program, an examination into the National Security and Military Strategies is warranted. Comprehensive measures of the IFP's success can be viewed through the long-term effects on and the stability of the represented countries. A thorough examination by UCP AOR and regions over twenty-four years is completed to underscore the IFP's significance. While it can be argued that the school did not produce these foreign leaders, selection and completion of the program is in many cases enough to assure their continued success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 28, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391203
Entities
People
- James R. Hickey
Organizations
- United States Army War College