By Ella Prieto, Managing and News Editor
On Wednesday, the Public Policy Department hosted representatives from the Army War College for a panel discussion as a part of their Eisenhower Series College Program. The panel spoke from 2:10 to 3:25 p.m. in CUB 260. The featured panelists included Brigade General Ajai Dabas of the Indian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Will Phillips of the U.S. Army and Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Taylor of the U.S. Air Force.
The panel discussion is a part of the Eisenhower Series College Program, which is a way for military personnel to connect with student civilians around the country. Several students from the Army War College travel to different colleges and give two speeches that they choose. This program begins in the spring of each year, but the Army War College students have come to Gettysburg College for the past three years to test their topics and get feedback from students.
The discussion began with opening remarks by Jack Conmegno ’24 and Jack Thompson ’27, who welcomed students to the event and explained that Chatham House Rules applied to the discussion panel. As defined by Chatham House, this rule means that “…participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.”
Panelists then introduced their areas of focus. The first speaker described their interest in leadership expertise and counter-terrorism. The second focused on National Guard public relations as well as the work as a military-legislative liaison. The final honed in on special operative missions, particularly in the Pacific area.
Audience members were then welcomed to write down questions on notecards that were handed to Thompson and Conmegno, who asked the questions.
One question inquired about the challenges faced by the National Guard. A speaker responded that the Guard is currently dealing with increasing threats, a shrinking budget and a struggle to be the most prepared they can be. These issues, however, are often relieved by legislative liaisons who work with their elected officials to represent the Guard’s interests and communicate what they need.
A different question asked about how the panel viewed Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) blockade of military promotions as an objection to the Pentagon policy that provides funding for service members to obtain abortions. This speaker answered that they blatantly did not like it, as Tuberville disrupted military readiness by not allowing service members to receive their promotions. They also shared that it personally affected them, as they now have to wait an additional year for promotion.
Another question asked what the officers would have done differently from the beginning in the Israel-Hamas conflict. A speaker answered that they would have been more precise and added conditions with Israel to protect our interests. A different officer explained their belief that pulling support from Israel completely would be detrimental to overall goals in the region, most notably protecting democracy, so they agreed with a majority of the decisions made.
One question asked how the officers felt about being in the Army War College. They unanimously agreed that they greatly enjoyed the experience, but some did state how difficult it was for them to go from combat or out in the field to being in an academic setting, away from their squadron.
The following question was about the relationship between the United States and Japan in the fight against China. A speaker answered that they feel that the relationship between the two nations is very strong, even though Japan only has a self-defense force. They shared how soldiers from each work closely together, and that Japanese soldiers who they befriended even attended their Change of Command Ceremony.
After the formal questions were asked, Douds thanked the panel for coming and the audience for attending the event. An informal discussion then occurred, allowing students and faculty to speak with the officers one-on-one.
Editor’s Note: Given the Chatham House Rules, this article contains only paraphrased information given during the discussion. No identities nor affiliations of the speakers, nor that of any other participants, will be mentioned or revealed.
