On 14 May 2019, The National Defense University Foundation hosted a Breakfast Briefing at the Army Navy Club in Washington, DC. This meeting was part of the National Security Forum & Breakfast Briefing program that addresses matters of public policy related to defense and national security issues. The keynote speaker of the program was General Joseph Dunford USMC, the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
General Joseph Dunford was sworn in on 1 October 2015 as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He previously served as the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, and the Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Central Command. Among the awards General Dunford has received are: the NATO Meritorious Service and ISAF Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Legion of Merit with “V” Device, Dwight D. Eisenhower award from the VFW and NDIA, the Andrew J. Goodpaster award from the George Marshall Foundation, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 3 award stars.
General Dunford fielded questions from National Defense University faculty, staff and corporate leaders who sought insight in areas of domestic and international policy, national security and foreign affairs. Many issues were discussed- specifically, there was a focus on cyber space, the relationship between the United States and China, and the importance of investment in NDU. General Dunford views NDU as essential “to developing the critical thinking skills our military leaders need to solve problems.” General Dunford emphasized: “we must continue to invest in NDU; we need IT investment; we must invest in recruiting and retaining the faculty; and we must develop critical thinking skills across the disciplines.”
This was one of several programs scheduled to be held by the NDU Foundation for the remainder of 2019, including the American Patriot Award, additional Breakfast Briefings, and Regional National Security Forums. The Foundation continues to provide an opportunity for discussion of our current national security challenges and addresses current multilateral questions. These programs are in support of the National Defense University, located at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, DC.
NDU is the pre-eminent institution for strategic national security studies and continues to cultivate future leaders and decision-makers and provide them the appropriate environment to transition from operational to strategic responsibilities at the highest levels of government.
The NDU Foundation seeks to drive excellence and innovation in the National Defense University through external partnerships, financial support, and original initiatives. We serve as the conduit for private-public partnerships at the University, enhancing NDU’s global reach, and ensuring that the National Defense University remains the crown jewel of joint interagency education.