Army Students, McCourt Host Civilian-Military Leadership Forum

The McCourt School of Public Policy and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Interns held their inaugural Civilian-Military Leadership Forum on February 26th, 2018 at Georgetown University.

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen joined a panel discussion moderated by CNN contributor and McCourt School adjunct professor Paul Begala.

Civ-Mil Relationship

Albright and Mullen discussed various domestic and international policy issues related to civilian-military relations, including mandatory national service, the increasing social divide in society between veterans and the civilian population, size and growth of the military, and the use of force as a tool in diplomacy. The speakers challenged the audience to consider the impacts of public policy and discussed how effective policy must be a combined effort between civilians, the military, and the diplomatic community.

Students in the audience were able to engage the panelists during a question and answer period. Students asked the panelists about the relationship between the Department of Defense and the National Football League, U.S. diplomatic and military actions in Pakistan along the Pakistan/Afghanistan border, the role of retired General and Flag officers serving in politically appointed positions within the Executive Branch, and the growing role of females within the military.

Following the event, students and the guest speakers were able to continue their discussion during a reception sponsored by the Georgetown Public Policy Student Association. This was an excellent opportunity for McCourt students to engage national policy makers while networking with those in attendance.

Future Military Leaders Bridging the Gap

Each year approximately 20 active duty U.S. Army Officers participate in the Joint Chiefs of Staff / Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Internship program. This program affords participating Army Captains to attend pursue a Master’s Degree in Policy Management at the McCourt School of Public Policy with a follow on assignment within the Joint Chiefs of Staff or Office of the Secretary of Defense.

The Civilian-Military Leadership Forum is a means to bridge the gap between the JCS Intern Program and the McCourt School of Public Policy. The skills and focus on public policy within the McCourt School has allowed JCS Interns to understand the importance of working with civilian counterparts to develop effective policy within the Department of Defense.