Through one of our most valued partnerships, AHS sponsored our fifth student delegation to the Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF). Held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, RNDF is the nation’s premier defense policy conference. 15 AHS student leaders from 15 universities participated.
RNDF assembles lawmakers, defense officials, soldiers, scholars, and journalists for a day-long discussion on the urgent and enduring questions of national security. Among this year’s distinguished speakers were Defense Secretary James Mattis, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster. RNDF is an unparalleled opportunity for our students to interact with defense policy leaders and understand the shaping forces of national security. We are thankful to the Reagan Institute for inviting our students to this exclusive gathering.
Students meeting with Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster
Students with Anduril Industries’ Palmer Luckey and Trae Stephens
“AHS gave me access to the ‘Davos of National Security’, where I received the wisdom of policymakers, military officials, businessmen, and academic experts”
The student delegates attended expert panel discussions ranging from the defense industrial base to the role of alliances in the age of great power competition. Listening to thoughtful and open deliberations on such complex dilemmas as deterring Chinese maritime aggrandizement and restricting nuclear proliferation, the students left the conference with broadened awareness of American security strategy. In preparation, the students participated in a seminar with National Defense Strategy Commission member Dr. Thomas Mahnken and his colleague at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment, Dr. Evan Montgomery.
“The opportunity to learn about national security from those who are leading the American defense effort—whether asking General H.R. McMaster his views on future US defense capabilities or hearing Secretary Heather Wilson discuss the state of the US Air Force—was truly unique. ”
Students with Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson
Students discussing foreign service careers with Ambassador Susan McCaw
National defense leaders held personal conversations with our students, including Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, Anduril Industries co-founders Trae Stephens and Palmer Luckey, Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, and former Ambassador to Austria Susan McCaw. Candidly outlining the ambitions and talents which brought them success in public service, these accomplished figures provided our students with uncommon support in establishing their own career goals. Finally, the students were treated to an impromptu discussion with Karl Rove, Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush.
Read some of our students reflections on the state of national defense:
“I learned that while we may spend a lot on defense currently, this is meaningless unless funding is commensurate with objectives. Getting funding for 90% of a weapon means that you cannot develop and deploy that weapon”—Max Seltzer, University of Wisconsin
“The defense community generally needs to be better at communicating to the American public the severity of national security threats, if it is going to build enduring support for more military spending. Experts argue that the U.S. may lose the next war it fights. Those who know that have an obligation to effectively communicate it to politicians and voters.” —Peter Kunze, Johns Hopkins SAIS
“Military strength is the essential base for other statecraft tools such as diplomacy. Parts of the public who condemn increasing the defense budget as unnecessary do so because they claim defense is unconnected from other tools of statecraft. I learned though, that this is seldom the case.”—Suzette Kane, Georgetown University
“The defense community’s priorities have largely shifted from counterterrorism to great power competition. This transition has been pervasive, including industry, policy, and intelligence gathering. Furthermore, I learned that politicians and policymakers need to mobilize and motivate industry leaders to develop new technology” —Nick Danby, Harvard University
“ There is no better opportunity for a national security policy-minded student than to hear from the very individuals driving that policy. I received personalized advice from some of the people that I look up to the most such as H.R. McMaster and Secretary Wilson”
Review the list of distinguished RNDF attendees HERE
View videos from the many different panels at the Forum HERE
The Reagan National Defense Forum’s Mission
RNDF brings together leaders and key stakeholders in the defense community - including members of Congress, civilian officials and military leaders from the Defense Department, industry, and administration officials - to address the health of our national defense and stimulate discussions that promote policies to strengthen the U.S. military. In an era of economic uncertainty where the threats to our national security are increasing in number and complexity, RNDF allows senior leaders from the defense community to come together with viewpoints on how best to deal with these challenges. Though President Reagan left office many years ago, the United States military continues to benefit from his commitment and vision for a strong defense. Recognizing that today’s decisions will affect our military capabilities for years to come, RNDF charges leaders from current and past Administrations and Congress to look beyond the immediate issues facing our armed forces and explore how we can build peace through strength for the future.
Read more about the work of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute HERE
“RNDF was a great opportunity to meet and hear from top officials in the US defense community. The panels were informative, and the informal gatherings AHS provided were an opportunity to develop relationships with professionals.”