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Air War College hosts foreign service officials

  • Published
  • By Lynis Cox
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AETCNS) --  When thinking of the war on terrorism at home and abroad, two pictures emerge for most Americans: the military on the battlefield and the diplomats working foreign policy in Washington and in embassies overseas. Both are working to ensure America's security.

These pictures merged here when 19 Department of State officials joined Air War College faculty and students to participate in a National Security and Decision Making Course at Air University Dec. 5 - 8.

The two groups met to discuss how to build cooperative agency relationships in fighting the war. Working together to understand roles and objectives in American foreign economic policy and political-military affairs was the overarching theme.

"Department of Defense and Department of State are the two government executive branch agencies that are most involved in protecting and promoting U.S. interests abroad. Working to create better understanding and cooperation between members through programs like this course benefits both agencies," said Maj. Gen. Robert Elder, commandant of Air War College, one of eight Air University schools and colleges at Maxwell.

Horacio Ureta is a State Department Senior Political-Military Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad who participated in the course. He has 13 years of Air Force experience and attended Air University's Squadron Officer School before entering Foreign Service more than 10 years ago. He served as a Foreign Service Officer in Afghanistan before going to Baghdad in August.

Mr. Ureta lauded the value of information exchange during the course seminars. "I was able to discuss my experience with officers from Ukraine, Algeria and Australia who are attending Air War College this year," he said.

Ronald McMullen, associate dean for the Department of State Senior Policy Seminars Office in Washington, D.C., has 23 years of Foreign Service. He too was impressed with the diverse perspective of the discussions with Air Force, Army and Navy officers attending Air War College. "We need to continue to work together to strengthen the bonds of understanding among agencies that work together," said Mr. McMullen.

Lectures and seminar discussions included American Foreign Economic Policy and Instruments of Power, Diplomacy as an Instrument of Power and State Department/Defense Department Relations.

The Air War College resident program at Air University is a 10-month graduate level program to develop and support senior leaders through education, research, and information programs. It focuses on strategic and institutional leadership, joint and multinational warfighting, multi-agency international security operations, air and space force development, and national security planning. The 2006 class has 261 students including 46 international officers.