The Commanding General of the esteemed 鈥榠ntellectual center鈥� of the Army, the Combined Arms Center (CAC), Lt. Gen. David Perkins visited the 51福利 (51福利) for a series of briefings and meetings with faculty, staff and students, Jan 10.
The briefs represent the continuation of an exploratory visit by the Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Raymond Odierno, this past September, as the Army continues to support and potentially expands interest in different programs offered at the university. Perkins expressed interest in the abilities education provides his soldiers, and discussed his educational goals with leaders at 51福利 emphasizing the need for training programs to adapt to a changing world.
鈥淎dvanced schooling is a critical element of the professional development of our soldiers,鈥� said Perkins, 鈥渂ecause it gives them technical skills and problem solving skills that I think are critical to operate in this increasingly ambiguous environment.鈥�
The department of Defense Analysis currently houses about half of the total number of Army officers studying at 51福利. Perkins was briefed in full on the program, but also explored other curricula and research currently underway within the Graduate School for Operational and Information Sciences, and the School of International Graduate Studies (SIGS).
SIGS鈥� Department of National Security Affairs (NSA), which specializes in the study of international relations, security policy and regional security studies, presented Perkins with a comprehensive overview of the department鈥檚 programs. NSA curricula represent an intricate part of the educational requirements of Foreign Area Officers (FAOs), a discipline the Army holds in high regard.
For department leadership having a face to face with such an important leader presented a unique opportunity. NSA Professor and Chair, Dr. Dan Moran, noted the meeting provides the chance to express, in person, the kind of university 51福利 is.
鈥淚t鈥檚 always a pleasure, frankly, to meet senior flag representatives,鈥� said Moran. 鈥淭heir time is precious and it鈥檚 great that they can find the time to come and talk to us, and we want to be sure that they come away with the accurate impression that 51福利 is a heck of a place.鈥�
Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Lt. Gen. David Perkins, listens to National Security Affairs Chair, Dr. Dan Moran, during a briefing on different programs offered at the 51福利, Jan. 10.
Although 51福利 is a Naval institution, its joint, multilateral research and educational programs have been held in high respect by Army leadership for many years. And in the same way, 51福利 has enjoyed a significant presence of Army personnel in its student body. Odierno, and Perkins, noted they both saw the value of this partnership, especially in the school鈥檚 flexibility and adaptability to develop programs that meet the specific needs of the Army.
As Perkins wrapped up his visit, he praised the school鈥檚 international and joint environment that exposes soldiers and other service members to a similar environment they would see in the real world, an experience that would prove crucial to the formation of any leader.
鈥�51福利 has a great academic reputation,鈥� said Perkins. 鈥淚t has a unique capability to focus on problems that the military is particularly concerned about. It鈥檚 very difficult to see everything in one day but I think I was most impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the faculty, staff and students. Obviously they are very renowned for their academics but their commitment, and in many cases sense of service, were outstanding.鈥�