Washington, DC, Ft. Lesley J. McNair, June 19, 2019 – More than 640 Students of the National Defense University graduated last week on June 13th. Graduates will be returning to their positions in the private sector, the defense field, and foreign policy with fresh perspectives and new ideas incorporating the lessons they have learned over the course of their time here at NDU.
CJCS General Dunford gave the keynote speech to graduates, which focused on the dynamic security environment in which they are entering. Additionally, he touched upon developments ranging from the Middle East to Venezuela, tensions between India and Pakistan, and highlighted challenges that this year’s graduates might come to face moving forward.
Gen. Dunford further emphasized preparedness for future conflicts by referring to key lessons of the past- specifically, how military leaders during WWI did not adapt their tactics at the same pace as emerging technologies and how that failure to adapt resulted in catastrophic loss of life.
Gen. Dunford repeatedly urged NDU graduates to not remain complacent and to always be forward thinking; “There will be no substitutes for leaders who recognize the implications of new ideas, new approaches, and new technologies”.
After the keynote speech, the graduates received their degrees and joined their respective college receptions, which gave them the opportunity to celebrate with their families and honor their accomplishments.
The National Defense University Foundation is a non-partisan, philanthropic foundation 501(c)(3) established to support the National Defense University’s mission of joint strategic education and leader development. The Foundation seeks to drive excellence and innovation in the faculty and student body through a rich array of original initiatives, outreach, and financial support.