Yesterday began the first full week of instruction for the resident course at the U.S. Army War College. Introductions are done, orientation is over and another year of Boatyard Wars is in the books. Now students will begin to flex intellectual muscles that they may not have stretched for a few years. The editorial team thought we could help get things rolling with the strategic re-release of a few articles and podcast episodes that highlight the Carlisle Experience, the reasons War Colleges exist, useful tools for thinking, and additional programs available throughout the year.
In this War Room Podcast re-release, “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. They explore why the Army’s performance during the Spanish-American War necessitated the Army War College’s founding, and how it has evolved in the century since.
We can fight well and still not win wars.
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: Android | Email | RSS
Andrew Hill is the former Chair of Strategic Leadership and the first Editor-In-Chief of WAR ROOM at the U.S. Army War College.
Photo Description: Left — Close-up of U.S. Army War College resident class of 1952. Right — Close-up of U.S. Army War College resident class of 2017.
Photo credit: U.S. Army War College
From our podcast above: MG (ret.) Bill Rapp speaking:
“We can fight well and still not win wars.”
Question: Are U.S. Army War College attendees introduced to what a “win” might look like? For example, as described below:
The following three excerpts are from the “Charter of Paris for a New Europe” — which appears to be the Old Cold War “surrender document”/the “peace treaty” that the Soviets signed in November 1990:
“We undertake to build, consolidate and strengthen democracy as the only system of government of our nations.” (See Page 3.)
“Human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthright of all human beings, are inalienable and are guaranteed by law. Their protection and promotion is the first responsibility of government. Respect for them is an essential safeguard against an overmighty State. Their observance and full exercise are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace.” (Also see Page 3.)
“Freedom and political pluralism are necessary elements in our common objective of developing market economies towards sustainable economic growth, prosperity, social justice, expanding employment and efficient use of economic resources.” (See Page 4.)
Follow-on question:
Now, 30-plus years after the end of the Old Cold War — and re: both here at home in the U.S./the West and there abroad elsewhere in places such as Russia — how much of the above still hold sway?