Joint Forces Staff College

09/30/2023

Congrats to Hybrid Class 23-1, graduating today from the Joint and Combined Warfighting School!

We were very privileged to have Lt. Gen. John P Healy, Chief of Air Force Reserve, deliver the keynote address during the virtual graduation ceremony. The Joint Forces Staff College Commandant, Maj Gen Thomas Crimmins​, presided over the event.

Congratulations and best wishes to the 69 graduates, who are all now better prepared to lead at the operational level of war!
National Defense University

Graduation Ceremony recording-

JCWS-H Class 23-1 Graduation Ceremony by Joint Forces Staff College on Livestream - Livestream.com

09/24/2023

Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed on the last Sunday in September. Gold Star Mother’s Day recognizes and honors those mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Today is a solemn day…

It is a day to honor the sacrifice our Gold Star Mothers and Families carry with them…and honor the heroes who sacrificed everything to protect our great Nation.

Today is for them…they forever remain in our hearts. Thank you.

09/19/2023

Happiest of birthdays to the United States Air Force and Air National Guard!!

09/11/2023

"As the years go by, it may feel that the world is moving on or even forgetting what happened here on Sept. 11, 2001. But please know this: the men and women of the Department of Defense will always remember." - US Secretary of Defense LLoyd J. Austin III.

September 11 Memorial Observance Ceremony: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/896626/dod-september-11-2023-memorial-observance-ceremony

09/02/2023

Happy (Belated) Birthday to the United States Marine Corps Reserve!

For over a century, the Marine Corps Reserve has stood as a shining example of dedication, commitment, and selfless service. From their humble beginnings in 1916 with just 35 Marines to today's force of around 40,000 strong, their unwavering devotion to duty is truly inspiring. As we honor the Marine Corps Reserve on their birthday, let's recognize the invaluable contributions they make to our nation's security and resilience. Thank you for your sacrifice and service. Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps Reserve!

08/25/2023

JFSC Assoc Professor of Practice Luke Bellocchi just published Part II of the Strategic Importance of Taiwan - Policy Since the Start of the Russia-Ukraine War, in US Army War College's journal, Parameters: https://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters/vol53/iss3/11/

08/13/2023

It's our birthday! Sunday, 13 August marks the 77th Anniversary of the founding of Joint Forces Staff College.

As noted by the National Defense University president, Lt Gen Plehn, at our 75th anniversary recognition ceremony:

“The Armed Forces Staff College was founded on 13 August 1946 as a means to codify the joint lessons learned from the Second World War. General Eisenhower and Admiral Nimitz were acutely aware of the shortfalls in achieving Unified Action in this most costly of conflicts. Their recognition of the need for cooperation vice competition inspired them to develop a school founded on the core principles to “Foster mutual confidence and understanding among the Army, Navy and Air Force” (read today as inclusive of the Marines, Space Force and Coast Guard). Stated simply, the core principles of JFSC remain developing teamwork, trust, and mutual understanding. Everything in the curriculum was then, and remains today, supportive of these outcomes”.

Happy 77th anniversary to you and all of our

08/07/2023

Innovation in Education- Cross Generational Acculturation in JPME

The Joint Force has a deep appreciation for the importance of communication systems—across commands and between people. Leaders, civilians and servicemembers, officers and enlisted, often forget that communication and the ability to communicate is deeply generational.

Dr. Fred Kienle developed the content of this article and oft presented it to new faculty at JFSC. Campaigning asked Dr. Kienle to convert his slides to an article to enable broader sharing and consideration, since communication is a key enabler for so much of what the Joint Force strives for.

Innovation in EducationThe Joint Force has a deep appreciation for the importance of communication systems—across commands and between people. Leaders, civilians and servicemembers, officers and

08/04/2023

On August 4th we celebrate the United States Coast Guard’s 233rd Birthday!

The theme of “Commitment to Service” and motto of Semper Paratus (Always Ready) exemplifies the selfless service of our US Coast Guard professionals. Please join us in wishing Happy Birthday to the US Coast Guard, and to those who have so proudly and faithfully served our nation for 233 years.

07/24/2023

The Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) at National Defense University/JFSC held its convocation for the class of AY23-24 on Friday 21JUL23.

The event was attended by NDU-P Gen Lieutenant General Michael T. Plehn, USAF, by video, CMDT Brigadier General Voris McBurnette, USAR, and by recently appointed Director of JAWS, Colonel Eric Fowler, USA.

Colonel Fowler is a JAWS graduate and recently left the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command where he served as Chief of the Sustainment Planning Group, Joint Planning Support Element. Before that, he served as Deputy Commander, 704th Military Intelligence Brigade and as Commander, 741st Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Meade, MD. In addition to the JAWS Master’s degree he holds a Ph.D. in International Studies from Old Dominion University and a Master’s of Operational Art & Science from the US Army School of Advanced Military Studies. He also served as a US Army Research Fellow of the Arroyo Center at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA. Please welcome the new Director and AY class of 2023-24.

07/04/2023

Join us in celebrating the signing and passage of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation. America remains a beacon of hope for freedom, democracy, prosperity, and peace. Happy Independence Day!

07/03/2023

If you are planning to watch the waterfront fireworks display (being held at downtown Norfolk) onboard NSA Hampton Roads-Portsmouth Annex on Tuesday, 4 July, please keep in mind of the following:

* This viewing event is for DOD CAC card holders and family members ONLY. This is not open to the public.

* Security checks upon entering the installation will still be in effect, as all motorists and their guests should have the appropriate identification to gain access.

* Motorists can park their vehicles in the main parking garage located off Green Street and Williamson Drive.

* Items prohibited onboard the installation include weapons, pistols, rifles, ammunition, controlled substances, coolers, and alcoholic beverages (open containers).

* Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm.

* At the conclusion of the night, Gate 2 will be open for outbound traffic.

07/01/2023

Please see the below 4th of July holiday hours for the MWR/CYP facilities at our Headquarters, Northwest, and Portsmouth annexes.

06/22/2023

Continuing our recognition of , we share the story of the late Linda Campbell, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Lt Col Campbell’s story isn’t one of battlefield bravery or brilliant military strategy; rather, it is a story of a woman whose beloved partner died, and the arduous work it took to have the two laid to rest in a National Cemetery when the time came.

Lt Col Campbell served with the Air Force, the Oregon National Guard, and then the Air Force Reserve, retiring in 1994 after 25 years of service. Her civilian work focused on housing advocacy, and in time she acquired a position with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It was there that she met Nancy Lynchild, a director of housing programs for the Lane County Housing Authority. They became domestic partners and considered themselves married in 1995. It would be 2010 before they could legally wed.

“We had the kind of marriage that people dream of – young people, old people, gay people, and straight people,” Campbell had said. “We shared hopes and dreams and health care struggles – until death did us part.”

They shared a life together; and together, they fought for the right to be buried together at a National Cemetery like so many Servicemembers and their spouses.

Nancy Lynchild died of cancer in 2012. In 2013 she was granted a burial waiver by Eric Shinseki, and interred at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland Oregon. The Veteran’s Administration extended burial rights to all same-sex couples in 2015 following the Supreme Court decision recognizing same-sex marriage.

In 2018 Lt Col Campbell died. She and Nancy are again together, just two spaces away from Campbell’s Army veteran father and mother at the Willamette National Cemetery.

To learn more about Lt Col Campbell and her fight to secure burial rights for her wife in a National Cemetery, check out Jefferson Public Radio: https://www.ijpr.org/2018-04-23/oregon-veteran-who-fought-for-equality-laid-to-rest

06/13/2023

JFSC locals, please BOLO for this missing 16 year old dependent

, please be on the lookout for missing dependent Carole Arnold who was last reported leaving her residence at Fort Eustis on June 7th, 2023. Anyone with information on Carol Arnold's whereabouts are encouraged to call The Fort Eustis Resident Unit at (757)878-4811 or visit https://www.cid.army.mil/Submit-a-Tip/ with their information.

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command l U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training l Fort Eustis Force Support MWR l McDonald Army Health Center l 7th Transportation Brigade - Expeditionary l 128th Aviation Brigade l Air Combat Command

06/12/2023

We are for a new Dean Of Administration. Apply on USAJobs until 3 July.

National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world.

06/11/2023

On Friday, June 9th, National Defense University, Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) held its 2023 Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) commencement. NDU President Lt Gen Michael T. Phlen, USAF and JFSC Commandant Brigadier General Voris W. McBurnette conferred Masters degrees on 45 students. Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia’s First Congressional District provided the commencement address.

JFSC is one of the five colleges within the National Defense University. JAWS provides joint senior-level education and prepares U.S. and international military officers and U.S. Government civilians to serve in strategic leadership positions and lead the development of theater strategies, campaigns, and operations for the employment of joint forces in support of strategic objectives and policy goals. Through an integrated curriculum with a focused concentration on theater joint warfighting, the school produces historically-informed and strategically-minded skilled joint warfighters. Upon the conclusion of an 11-month, 36-credit hour resident academic program, graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy and credited with completion of Joint Professional Military Education Phase II. JAWS active duty military graduates are assigned to predetermined positions, predominantly in one of the 11 Combatant Commands, following graduation.

The graduates represent all six U.S. military Services, to include the U.S. Coast Guard; the Defense Intelligence Agency; the Departments of State and Homeland Security; and the Joint Staff; and allies and partners. International Fellows this year represented the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Lebanon, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Previous classes have also included International Fellows from Colombia, Georgia, Indonesia, Serbia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates.

06/09/2023

Kicking off , we share the story of Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD, American pediatrician, serving as the United States’ 17th Assistant Secretary for the Department of Health.

She was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2021. She is an openly transgender four-star officer and is the head of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, one of the eight uniformed services.

After graduating from Harvard College and Tulane University School of Medicine, ADM Levine completed her training in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City. ADM Levine is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, and the Academy for Eating Disorders. She was also the President of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

In addition to her recent posts in medicine and government, ADM Levine is an accomplished speaker and author of numerous publications on the opioid crisis, adolescent medicine, eating disorders, and LGBT medicine. As Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Rachel Levine fights every day to improve the health and well-being of all Americans.

We hope you found this interesting and inspiring.

- The JFSC MultiCultural Committee

06/09/2023

Congrats to Class 23-2, graduating on 2 June from the Joint and Combined Warfighting School!

We were privileged to have General Charles R. Hamilton, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command, deliver the keynote address during the graduation ceremony.

Class 23-2 included 160 students, 3 joint enlisted members and 6 DoD civilians; as well as 4 International Fellows. This class included 2 satellite seminars in support of USCENTCOM and USTRANSCOM. Most of our Combatant Commands were represented. International Fellows represented the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Austria, and Kuwait.

Congratulations and best wishes to the graduates, who are all now prepared to lead planning efforts at the operational level of war!

Graduates- add JCWS completion to your LinkedIn profile under “education”, and follow JFSC at https://www.linkedin.com/school/joint-forces-staff-college-national-defense-university

06/06/2023

Today we reflect on the 79th anniversary of D-Day.

Consider visiting the U.S. Army multimedia site linked in the first comment for historical videos, photos, posters, and descriptions of the units, landing sites, and Medal of Honor recipients.

Graphic credit to U.S. Army Europe and Africa

06/01/2023

Arnel David, a current JFSC/JAWS student, recently wrote this article on theoretical constructs for U.S. strategy formulation at the national level. He weaves in historical examples to highlight instances of when the application of these theories worked and did not work for U.S. civilian and military leadership. JAWS students have deep discussions and debate topics such as this throughout the year.

This article reviews the theoretical constructs of Cohen's unequal dialogue and Clausewitz's theory of war as they apply to U.S. strategy formulation at the national level. It weaves in historical examples to highlight instances of when the application of these theories worked and did not work for U...

05/29/2023

To the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we thank you and remember you!

Today is Memorial Day, and it is a day during which we pay tribute to the brave service members who put their lives on the line in the name of their beliefs and their country. Join us in remembering their sacrifice and honoring their courage.

05/23/2023

Earlier this month, students from JFSC/JCWS met with NSC staff, Senate and House professional staffers, and Congressman Austin. The trip was designed for students to gain a better understanding of how the NSC, HASC, and SSCI fit in the national security enterprise and whole of government response to the changing strategic environment and the impact on military strategic and operational level planning.

05/20/2023

05/20/2023

JFSC Assoc Professor of Practice Luke Bellocchi just published an article on the Taiwan's importance to the US and allies, Part I, in US Army War College's journal, Parameters - please have a look and share: https://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters/vol53/iss2/11/
It follows a simple article in Campaigning journal written last year to explain the US One China Policy: https://jfsc.ndu.edu/Media/Campaigning-Journals/Academic-Journals-View/Article/3026633/the-us-one-china-policy-a-primer-for-professional-military-education-faculty/

05/20/2023

Today we celebrate Armed Forces Day, a day dedicated to honoring and showing appreciation to all our members of the Armed Forces.

05/17/2023

Greetings from DC!

Recently, JCWS International Fellows visited iconic landmarks in the greater D.C area such as the Supreme Court, Congress, Mt. Vernon, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and much more.

National Defense University, NDU International Fellows Alumni

05/17/2023

The Joint Forces Staff College Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) recently completed the first ever JAWS field research trip (FRT) and study program to the Indo-Pacific. The FRT to the Indo-Pacific, taking place near the end of the JAWS curriculum, is designed to enable student synthesis of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the key themes addressed throughout the curriculum. Each aspect of the trip enabled student analysis and evaluation of the critical linkages between current policy, strategy, and campaigns and those of the Second World War. The travel consisted of stops in Hawaii, Guam, and the island of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. During the trip, aside from visits to historically significant locations, students engaged with leaders from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Joint Region Marianas, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

05/17/2023

On this National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Warrior Wednesday we celebrate JFSC Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Russell Cuenca, USAF.

Lt Col Russell “Russ” Cuenca was born to first generation Filipino immigrants and raised in Southern California. His father, formerly in the Philippine Air Force, later served in the U.S. Marine Corps while his mother was a bank teller and a stay-at-home mom. They had many goals for their children but especially wanted them to speak English fluently and graduate from college. Lt Col Cuenca states that it is due to their hard work, disciple, and love that not only him, but his siblings as well, were able to accomplish these goals and so much more.

During his childhood Lt Col Cuenca attended many airshows, but there is one memory that was the catalyst for his interest in pursuing a military career. Kneeling on the roof of his father’s Ford Pinto, the young boy started at the calm skies, in a split second, two fighter jets roared by. Ears deafened, bones rattled, and eyes glued to the aircrafts as they disappeared into the horizon, the young boy was left with a lasting impression. His rich family history of service and a passion for flying inspired him to join the military and has led to a robust and fulfilling career.

Lt Col Cuenca graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2001, earning his commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. A Master Navigator with experience in AC-130H/W Gunship and F-16D Fighting Falcon, his combat and contingency deployments include Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, and clandestine operations in support of national security objectives. He is currently the 23-2 Seminar 10 Team Leader and JCWS instructor at the Joint Forces Staff College.

Lt Col Cuenca is married to Cheryl Sulla Cuenca of Simi Valley, California. He has two sons: Dean 8 years old and Neil 5 years old. His children remind him of himself at that age with the enthusiasm they have for the military. “Now that my career has far less runway ahead than behind, I am preparing to pass the torch to the next generation. I want other Asian and Filipino people who are considering joining or are currently serving in the Air Force to feel the same sense of wonder, accomplishment, and satisfaction that I did.”

Lieutenant Colonel Cuenca’s full story can be found in the book “A Different Shade of Blue” a collection of stories by Asian American and Pacific Islander United States Air Force Airmen. “Ang taong hindi marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinangalingan ay hindi makakarating sa kanyang paroroonan (A person who does not remember where they come from will never reach their destination). - José Rizal, Philippine National Hero
National Defense University

05/15/2023

May 8th - May 12th was Teacher Appreciation Week!

JFSC is grateful for our talented and dedicated faculty. Mrs. Dawn Bofo, new Faculty and Development Specialist, and the leadership team organized a series of faculty appreciation events this week, including a popcorn social, a breakfast bar, and providing an assortment of treats to end the week. Working alongside these ALLSTARS is a true honor!

05/11/2023

On this National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Warrior Wednesday we celebrate Lieutenant Colonel Kamal Kalsi.

LTC Kamal Singh Kalsi is the first Sikh American to receive religious accommodation to the Army’s uniform and grooming standards. He is fourth generation in the service, with his great-grandfather serving in the Royal British Army and his grandfather and father serving in the Indian Air Force and felt called to continue the tradition (one of the core principles of Sikh, which has a warrior belief and is the world’s fifth largest religion, is defending the defenseless).

In 2001, LTC Kalsi was recruited while in medical school and served in many military rotations. However, as he was preparing to begin active duty in 2008, he could not wear a turban and needed to shave. This contradicted what he was told earlier, so he escalated the issue. "The military is a great place of opportunity for so many people and I wanted those doors opened for our community.”

He joined Tejdeep Singh Rattan, Simran Singh Lamba, the Sikh Coalition, the ACLU, and others advocating for a permanent religious accommodation policy change. In 2009 he got his accommodation and in 2017 a policy change was issued: Hijabs, turbans, beards, skullcaps, and other religious articles are now permitted while in uniform.

He states that during his time serving he was supported by fellow servicemembers and being a member of the armed forces allowed him to share with others, “…understand that we are not all that different from one another.” LTC Kalsi remains committed and engaged in bringing more diversity to the armed forces.

05/04/2023

On 3 May 2023, JFSC hosted the Project on International Peace and Security (PIPS) from the College of William & Mary and W&M's Global Research Institute as they presented topics on emerging security threats to the Joint Combined Warfighting School (JCWS) Class 23-2.

CDR Daniel “Heed” Orchard-Hays, Managing Director of the Military Fellows Program for PIPS and an Assistant Professor with JCWS, moderated the panel.
Anna Glass presented on “The Disruptive Power of Desalination” as a security risk in regions increasingly relying on desalinated water;
Aaraj Vij discussed “Compartmentalization and Community Moderation” as a method to combat disinformation and extremism on social media;
Kevin Bloodworth examined the abuses of Canadian mining firms and how they undermine Western democratic ideals in emerging nations while providing our adversaries, specifically China through the BRI, a competitive advantage; and
Jacqueline Zimmerman discussed “Disillusionment and Dissent” as a rising political movement by Gen Z similar to the 1960s counterculture movement.

05/04/2023

In recognition of National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, today we honor Dr. Eleanor Mariano.

Dr. Eleanor “Connie” Mariano was born on a Navy base in the Philippines. She grew up familiar with the Armed Forces as her family’s service history dates to the 1920s. She was motivated by her father and the many Filipino servicemen like him who were originally limited in the positions they could have served in the Navy (her father was a career Navy enlisted serviceman, with 29 years in the steward branch). To her, the Navy provided freedom from poverty and the opportunity to succeed. She graduated high school as valedictorian, university as cm laude, and commissioned lieutenant upon graduating from Uniformed Services University School of Medicine.

In 1992 she was personally picked by President Bill Clinton, becoming the first military women to be appointed as attending physician to the president. "I am pleased to stand before you today as proof that Filipino-Americans in the Navy no longer must go through the kitchen, the back door or the garage."

Dr. Mariano eventually advanced to Senior White House Physician and then Director of the White House Medical Unit, traveling on more than 130 overseas trips. In 2000, President Clinton promoted her to Rear Admiral, she became the first Filipino American to reach the rank. "Thank you for reminding me daily that I owe my presence here to people like you and my father who paved the way. Thank you for never letting me forget about the qualities of kindness, silent service, loyalty and humility."

She retired in 2001, having worked as the physician for three presidents and 24 years in the service. Dr. Mariano joined the Mayo Clinic consulting for several years before starting her own practice “Center for Executive Medicine”. In 2009, her name was submitted to Barack Obama for the position of Surgeon General of the United States. She continues to appear as a guest speaker at universities, podcasts, and other events. “It [was] important [for me] to be the first, because that can pave the way for others…If you have the education and the ambition, and work hard, you can achieve it.”

05/04/2023

May the 4th be with you!

Whether you want to become a planning “Jedi” or create an Operational Approach to overthrow the empire, you can learn it at JFSC.

05/01/2023

To close out April's Sexual Assault & Prevention Month activities, JFSC's leaders showed solidarity and support for survivors of sexual assault by participating in the awareness campaign.

There is no excuse for sexual assault at JFSC or anywhere else in the Joint Force.

National Defense University

04/18/2023

Finally! Part 3, the conclusion of Dr. Theresa Sabonis-Helf’s presentation on Energy Security and the Strategy of Nations.

The following article is a transcript from a presentation made to Joint Forces Staff College faculty and students. The Editorial Board initially considered publishing the question and answer portion

04/16/2023

The U.S. Congress established the Days of Remembrance as the nation’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust.

The Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) joins the world in honoring the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, as well as the millions of non-Jewish victims of N**i persecution. We also recognize all the valiant individuals who risked their lives, families, and livelihoods to save people fleeing imprisonment and death.

This year, the Holocaust Days of Remembrance week are observed from April 16 - 23. Holocaust Remembrance Day will be Tuesday, April 18.

04/07/2023

Yesterday, JFSC was honored to host General Mark Kelly, USAF, Commander, Air Combat Command, Admiral Daryl Caudle, USN, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and Lieutenant General Brian W. Cavanaugh, USMC, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command.

These senior officers received Commander’s Estimate briefings from Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) students, as the students completed their disaster response exercise.

JAWS regularly invites senior officers to student outbriefs, leveraging their vast experience to improve the quality of feedback, while also providing direct mentorship to the students. We are grateful for their support!

Photo Credit: Mr. David McManaway

04/05/2023

Today is .

Please take a moment to honor all the spouses who pay a living sacrifice for the ultimate price paid by their loved ones defending our freedom.

04/01/2023

JFSC experiments with Artifical Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT instructors as an alternative to live faculty. Read about it here.