Established in 1954, the National Security Seminar (NSS) is the final event for the Army War College’s Resident Students before graduation. NSS allows students and selected guests to examine national security issues through presentations by distinguished speakers and the exchange of candid dialogue. The four-day event exposes our students to a diverse cross-section of America, allowing them to better understand the society they serve. NSS guests also gain from the experience, as they share in the exploration of issues and are introduced to future leaders of the American armed forces and government departments, as well as International Fellows and the Army War College’s Faculty.

Program Overview
Approximately 160 guests are invited each year to attend the NSS. Guests come from all over the country. They are representative of the nation’s diversity – in occupations, geographic regions, and other demographic factors. Since this is an outreach program with limited seating available, we intentionally invite guests who do not already have a close association with the military. This approach encourages a free and frank exchange of differing views among the guests and students.

Six or seven NSS guests are assigned to each of the 25 student seminar groups. They are encouraged to actively participate in the discussions, examining ideas and issues creatively and critically. This exchange allows students to gain from the personal experience and perspectives of NSS guests.

Each day features a distinguished speaker who sets the theme for the day’s seminar discussions. The focus for each day will relate to the overall theme of the seminar. Generally, on the first day of NSS Week, a keynote speaker will address current security issues. On subsequent days, speakers may cover topics such as the challenges of civil-military relations, the role of domestic politics in national security, globalization, foreign policy, international security issues and the future role of the United States. Our speakers are widely recognized and accomplished experts in their respective fields. Additionally, noontime lectures are available on a range of topics.

Adding to the distinguished speakers and seminar discussions, NSS guests (and their spouses) also have opportunities for more informal discussions with students and faculty at several social events. These include an Icebreaker social on Sunday evening, Seminar socials on Monday evening, and the Commandant’s Reception held at his personal quarters on Tuesday. NSS guests and their spouses also have the opportunity to take a Gettysburg Battlefield Staff Ride with our experienced historians.

Costs
The NSS is a fully funded Army outreach program. With the exception of NSS guest travel to the Carlisle-Harrisburg area, all other costs for the week — to include food, lodging and daily transportation — are provided by the Army War College. Guests from cities outside of the Carlisle-Harrisburg area stay at a contracted hotel and are transported on coach buses to each day’s events. Spouses are welcome to join NSS guests at their hotel and are invited to attend all evening social events, as well as the Gettysburg Battlefield Staff Ride on Wednesday. They are not allowed to attend daily NSS lectures or seminars.

To learn more about the National Security Seminar, including the nomination process, visit the College’s NSS website.